Thoughts for the Future

Further to the survey questions presented to the families, I have thoughts of what I think would be valuable information that could be offered at the beneficiaries meeting.

The STS has been operated as a trust since its inception. Some have questioned whether this is best way. Others firmly believe that this is the best way.

The lawsuit was begun as a result of what many beneficiaries believe to be mismanagement of the trust-- poor business dealing in oil and gas assets, somewhat frivolous spending by the trustees, lack of accountability by trustees and lack of responsible control of the assets. It seems certain that change will occur, whether it is in the trustee or just the way the trustee manages or even the organizational structure.

It is essential that the beneficiaries find a way to join together and set up the criteria of what is demanded of trust management whomever it may be. The asset belongs to us and we need to govern the way it is managed. We as beneficaries of a trust do not participate beyond that in its affairs. To do this we need to prepare detailed plans to present to prospective trustees. The plan should define

1. Objective of STS

2. Organization – management and operations

3. Operations – Oil and Gas leasing and royalty management

4. Reporting-- government reports, communications with beneficiaries, with business partners and prospective

5. Fees and incentives

6. Parameters, limits, and prohibitions on the above

7. Safety of assets, records and funds

8. Accounting and Distributions

9. Administration of beneficiary’s shares- records, sales, offers, buys

10. Durability and longevity of the organization

My suggestion is to present the above criteria to prospective management organizations and ask if they would want to address these issues at our beneficiaries meeting.

I believe we would be hearing both good ideas and presentations from companies about their services and professionalism.