Tribal Council members sworn in

Region

October 6, 2010

Voting took place four months ago

BY SHERI McWHIRTER smcwhirter@record-eagle.com The Record Eagle Wed Oct 06, 2010, 07:01 AM EDT

PESHAWBESTOWN — Desmond Berry wants to overhaul the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians' election system.

Tribal members voted more than four months ago to fill three positions on the Tribal Council, but those elected weren't sworn in until Oct. 1. That came after a 2008 election for the tribal chairman's post that was delayed by more than six months because of disputes and litigation.

Those election struggles point out a need to improve the way the tribe elects its leaders, said Berry, the tribe's Election Board chairman.

"I suggest election training from a qualified provider, and I suggest a lot of work on election regulations," he said. "As chairman, I'm calling for election reform."

The three new Tribal Council members are George Antoine, 57, former Chairman Robert Kewaygoshkum, 59, and Jane Rohl, 55. Those who left office include Rebecca Woods, Sandy Anderson and Cornelia TwoCrow.

The latter three ran for re-election in the April primary, but tribal officials disqualified Woods because some of her paperwork was not in order. Additionally, general-election results were delayed by a dispute over the top vote-getter, Alvin Pedwaydon, who eventually was disqualified, Berry said.

"The tribal judiciary made that disqualification in regards to a conflict of interest," he said.

Pedwaydon sits on the tribe's compensation committee, the group responsible for setting council members' salaries.

Pedwaydon received 198 votes, Antoine received 149, Kewaygoshkum received 142, and Rohl received 140. The other candidates, Thomas Shomin and Steven Feringa, received 139 and 137 votes, respectively.

Pedwaydon, 66, said he intends to ask for judicial reconsideration of his disqualification.

Pedwaydon said he fully supports tribal election upgrades, adding the Grand Traverse Band's system needs "revamping and reforming."

Tribal Chairman Derek Bailey said he also supports tribal election reforms, particularly an effort to create better clarity for both those seeking office and those interpreting election regulations.

"We are a young government, and with young government comes growth, and you have to evolve with it," Bailey said.

Antoine said he's excited for his new position and looks forward to working with other tribal leaders.

"I want to meet the needs of the community and stabilize the tribe's economic status," Antoine said.

He declined to comment about the delayed election certification.

The new Tribal Council will meet today and Thursday for a retreat session with all tribal government departments and program organizers. The two-day session is intended to familiarize all council members with ongoing projects and coming issues, Bailey said.

"I want the council to be as well-versed as possible in making their decisions," Bailey said.

Meanwhile, Berry intends to hold a series of public meetings to collect input from tribal members on their election system and any potential changes that should be considered. The first meeting is set for Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. at the tribal administration building.

Another tribal election is coming in 2012 — including a race for tribal chairman — and Berry said he wants all election reforms finalized by the end of January 2012.