EDITOR'S NOTE: Newsmakers '09 explores the stories that made headlines in northwestern Michigan in 2009. Past articles in this series can be read online at record-eagle.com/newsmakers.
PESHAWBESTOWN -- Derek Bailey made several promises throughout his campaign to lead a local American Indian tribe.
One of them was to work with all levels of government. So far, it appears the youngest tribal chairman of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians has lived up to that pledge.
"Derek has been very open to collaboration with the county," Leelanau County Commissioner David Shiflett said.
Commissioner Richard Schmuckal said Bailey is "the most active" tribal chairman he's worked with since joining the Leelanau County board seven years ago.
"He's here, he's there," Schmuckal said. "He's very energetic."
Bailey, 37, also reached beyond Michigan borders. He's visited Washington D.C. five times since taking over as tribal chairman in December 2008.
"When I go out and travel, I'm living up to the promises I made during my campaign," Bailey said. "My perspective is to develop those relationships. It's important to put a face to a name."
So it's no surprise that one of the "major highlights" from Bailey's first year in office involved a public introduction from President Barack Obama before a presidential speech in July on the American Graduation Initiative. Before he began, Obama introduced Bailey.
"And the chairman of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indian Tribe, Derek Bailey is here. Please give Derek a big round of applause," Obama said.
Bailey said he was flattered by the introduction, more so because it exposed the band to a national audience.
But his first year in office did not come without struggles.
It took a special September 2008 election for Bailey to win the office. Incumbent Robert Kewaygoshkum won the May 2008 election, but the vote was overturned in tribal court.
Bailey took over during a deep economic recession that took its toll on revenues at tribal-owned Grand Traverse Resort & Spa in Acme, and its gambling operations at Turtle Creek Casino in Williamsburg and Leelanau Sands Casino in Peshawbestown.
"People are saving, they're not spending," Bailey said.
Tribal Council members also accepted salary cuts and some government programs were rolled back to close a budget shortfall. Cuts in education and health care drew criticism from some band members.
Some members have criticized Bailey for trying to generate too much public exposure. But Bailey said he welcomes the challenges, in hopes that his leadership will soon lead to increased prosperity for the band.
"I'd rather be a part of the solution," he said.
Tribal Council members did not return calls for comment.
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