At the Helm

1994. It’s hard to imagine, but despite being a matriarchal society, that was the first year Shinnecock Nation women were permitted to vote on tribal matters. And it wasn’t until 2013 that the nation had its first female on the Council of Trustees.

So it was great to witness the momentous milestone on April 2, when Lisa Goree was elected the new chair of the Shinnecock Nation Council of Trustees. She joins Bianca Collins, who continues serving as trustee, and Linda Franklin, who, as sunksqua, has an important nonvoting advisory role.

It’s encouraging to see the nation vote Goree into such a key position, given the substantial amount of municipal experience she will bring to this new role. For more than two decades, Goree has worked for the Town of Southampton, and for the last 12 of those years she has served as the town assessor. In that time, she has built vital community connections that we feel will certainly serve her well.

Granted, the responsibilities of tribal chairwoman will no doubt be very different from her Town Hall duties, but the skill set required for the leadership position is not. The ability to set goals, build bridges, foster alliances and communicate ideas effectively are tantamount, both in town government and for the Shinnecock Nation.

There is a lot facing nation members right now — both in terms of great challenges and amazing opportunities. From economic development projects like kelp farming, cannabis and shellfishing, to a travel plaza gas station, to, eventually, a proposed gaming facility, resort and spa, abundant opportunities are on the horizon. These are economic opportunities that the nation has long sought to pursue but has frequently been thwarted.

It feels as if the Shinnecock Nation is at a crossroads, and the next chapter in its long history is coming into focus. As the new chairwoman of the Council of Trustees, Goree will replace Bryan Polite, who has decided to step down a year early from his transformative term in office. Goree made the decision to run for this position with the understanding that the one-year term would give her an opportunity to get her feet wet, and to determine if the job is right for her — and she is right for the job.

It was a wise decision. She’s got a lot on her plate, and as she leads the nation forward through the processes and procedures that will be required for advancing these projects, she will certainly find herself working closely with both New York State and the Town of Southampton. Her understanding of the inner workings of government and her dedication to the people she is now serving should be an asset to the entire community. We wish her well.