Haller, Leno re-elected, Atanacio clinches third seat

By Danielle Harrison

Smoke Signals editor

Incumbents Lisa Leno and Matthew Haller, as well as third-time Tribal Council candidate Valeria Atanacio, won victories in the Tribal Council election Saturday, Sept. 12.

Leno garnered more than 21% of the vote, Atanacio received 20.25% and Haller received 20.23%.

The total number of votes were 752 for Leno, 721 for Atanacio and 720 for Haller.

The other candidates, former Tribal Council member Denise Harvey, Christopher Bailey and Pamala Warren-Chase, received 557 votes, 498 votes and 311 votes, respectively.

“I want to thank our membership for believing in and trusting me to continue representing our Tribe,” Haller said. “I will do my very best to represent our Tribe and all of our membership in a good way. I will continue to make the best decisions I can, even when those decisions are difficult. I will never let politics get in the way of doing what I believe is right for our Tribe and our people. My door is always open. I truly believe that I answer to you, the membership. I also want to thank and recognize all of the candidates who stepped forward and ran great campaigns. Putting yourself out there and being willing to serve our people takes courage and commitment. Let’s stay positive and remember we are one big family….What matters most is that we continue to respect one another, care for one another and remember that at the end of the day, we are all the Tribe.”

Atanacio reflected on the close of election season and what it meant to her personally.

“As this election season comes to a close, I am simply grateful. Masi for allowing me the opportunity to show up, listen, learn, share my vision and have meaningful conversations about where we are and where we can go together as a Tribe. One of the greatest gifts of this campaign has been the connections I have made and strengthened with so many Tribal members. I have heard your stories, your concerns, your hopes and your ideas for our future. Your voices will continue to be a priority for me in every space I have the opportunity to serve our people. I am proud of the campaign I ran because it reflected how I want to show up in leadership: rooted in relationships, willing to have real conversations about policy and change, committed to listening and always thinking about the generations who will come after us. It has been an honor to run for Grand Ronde Tribal Council. We are the future ancestors.”

Leno said her heart was “full of gratitude.”

“I want to sincerely thank all of the candidates and the Tribal membership who participated in this important process,” she said. “Your involvement reflects the strength and commitment of our community. I am deeply grateful for the love, kindness, encouragement and support I received. It means more to me than words can express. I am humbled and thankful for the opportunity to continue serving our people.”

Harvey said she was disappointed in the results but OK.

“I decided to run this year at the request of people and employees,” she said. “I believe my experience and knowledge could have been beneficial to the Tribe and our people. Hayu masi to all my constituents.”

Bailey said that although the results were not what he had hoped for, he will continue his advocacy work.

“I’d like to thank everyone who supported me,” he said. “Don’t be discouraged and keep using your voice to help guide our leadership. Congratulations to our new council members. I wish you strength and wisdom as you begin this next term. hayu masi.”

Leno, 57, will serve her fourth term on Tribal Council.

Atanacio, 36, will serve her first term on Tribal Council.

Haller, 43, will serve his second term on Tribal Council.

This year marked the 12th 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 27.18% with 1,298 ballots cast out of 4,775 eligible adult Tribal members.

Winners will be sworn into office at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, in the Governance Center Atrium.

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