George re-elected, Wakeland and McClary clinch other two seats

 

By Danielle Harrison

Smoke Signals editor

Incumbent Kathleen George, past Tribal Council member Toby McClary and first time Tribal Council candidate Pete Wakeland won victories in the Tribal Council election Saturday, Sept. 6.

McClary garnered more than 18% of the vote, Wakeland received 14.4% and George received 14.2%

McClary received 681 votes, Wakeland received 537 votes and George received 528 votes.

"This election was like one I've never seen before,” McClary said. “With only 15 votes separating second and sixth place, it literally came down to Saturday's walk-in voters. Perhaps that's a testament to the fact that candidates need to work hard right to the very end. This election cycle seemed very clean and each candidate seemed very respectful of one another. That's something each of us should be proud of, and I hope that can be an example for future elections.”

George said she was grateful for the support of fellow Tribal members and that she knows the Tribe can come together to continue nation building.

“As I look to the work ahead, three priorities rise to the top for me: Keeping our Tribe’s ability to provide services to our people strong and sustainable by carefully evaluating and managing growth…, communicating openly with our Tribal members about important decisions or changes that affect the way our Tribal government works and creat(ing) an independent Ethics Commission that can help us uphold good process and accountability. When Tribal members raise concerns, this would provide an independent commission that could investigate the request and determine appropriate steps.”  

Tribal Council incumbent Denise Harvey was not reelected. She came in at 523 votes, slightly more than 14%.

“It's been an honor to serve as a Tribal leader for the Tribe, community and nationally,” she said. “I truly appreciate all the years of support from our membership.”

Tribal member Valeria Atanacio also received 523 votes, resulting in a tie for fourth place.

“To those of you who placed your trust in me with your vote – hayu masi,” Atanacio said. “I am truly humbled by your support and the trust you carried in my leadership. While this is not the outcome we hoped for, please know my commitment to our people, our sovereignty and our future remains.”

Tribal Elder Lisa Archuleta received 522 votes, approximately 14% and just one less than the fourth-place finishers.

Tribal member Peter Grout received 251 votes, approximately 6.8% and Tribal Elder Pamala Warren-Chase received 153 votes, approximately 4.1%.

George, 54, will serve her fourth term on Tribal Council.

Wakeland, 63, will serve his first term on Tribal Council.

McClary, 47, was the Tribe’s Procurement Department supervisor. He resigned that position to serve on Tribal Council. He previously served on council from 2009-15.

This year marked the 11th consecutive year of single-digit candidates running for Tribal Council. The last time 10 or more candidates threw their proverbial hats in the ring was in 2013.

Turnout was 29% with 1,329 ballots cast out of 4,586 eligible adult Tribal members.

Winners were sworn into office at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, in the Governance Center Atrium.

Also on the ballot were two advisory votes. The results were:

• Should the Tribe evaluate opportunities to pursue or invest in a Tribally operated farm? 794 yes and 355 no.
• Should the Tribe create an online store where Tribal members can buy Tribal logo clothing, blankets, etc.? 902 yes and 248 no.

This is story will be updated online with candidate statements if they provide those.