Merving Scott, Jr.
Tribal Secretary

The fourth time was a charm for Merving Scott, Jr.

After running for Tribal Council three times and coming close to being elected three times, Scott was voted onto the Tribal Council in the December 6, 2008 elections.

“I wasn’t going to run after running three times and coming close three times, but I was concerned with issues like water and taxation and spending,” he said.

Scott, who works as the Gaming Investigator for the Tribal Gaming Authority, has served CRIT in other capacities over time, including on the Farm Board. But he recently decided to run for Tribal Council because he wanted to see Tribal Government go in a new direction.

“My wife always said, ‘You’re always complaining, so you should run,’ so I decided to run,” he said.

As part of one of the most dramatic turnovers on the Tribal Council in CRIT’s history, Scott said he believes the new council members will be on the same page.

“Our concerns are the same,” he said. “We have a general purpose to improve the quality of life for the Tribe itself, not only for our members but for the community as a whole.”

Scott has a rich work background, including positions in farming, law enforcement, construction and group home work. He is married and has two step children.

He said his priorities include elder care and providing programs for CRIT’s youth as part of efforts to improve law enforcement.

“I worked for 30 years with children in various capacities,” he said. “I know from experience that we don’t have enough programs for our children now.”

He said that other priorities include improving the use of CRIT’s farm land and produce, and focusing on improving CRIT’s financial situation.

“Combined, the new council has a lot of issues of concern that will need to be addressed,” Scott said. “But first and foremost is the financial situation. We need to take a lot of steps, both big and small, to fix it.”

Scott encouraged Tribal members to reach out to the new council and to be a part of the decision making process of Tribal government.

“We need our members to educate themselves on the issues,” he said. “If they don’t feel they know enough about an issue, get some help and do some research so that you can help be a part of the process.”

But Scott said he is optimistic about the future because of the spirit of CRIT members and how they dealt with tough times in the past.

“CRIT has always been known as a group of fighters, but always for the right cause,” he said.