3/27/08

Leaders re-elected to Tulalip tribal council

by Beckye Randall

Forget slick commercials, staged speeches and sound bites. Members of the Tulalip Tribes chose new leaders for the Board of Directors on Saturday, March 22, following spirited and up-close campaign efforts that involved backyard rallies and roadside sign-waving.

With 918 voters casting ballots, incumbents Melvin Sheldon Jr., Chuck James and Glen Gobin were returned to the tribe’s governing body.

Following the announcement of election results, officers of the Board were also chosen. Once again, members decided to maintain the status quo. Mel Sheldon will continue to serve as chairman, with Marie Zackuse returning as vice chair, Chuck James as treasurer and Marlin Fryberg Jr. as secretary.

The tribes’ Board of Directors, also known as its Tribal Council, is comprised of seven members, each of whom serves a 3-year term. Board memberships are full-time, paid positions.

The challengers included a slate of political newcomers along with Board veterans. Herman Williams Jr. resigned from the Board last year after a drug test indicated “minimal” marijuana use, and celebrated a year of sobriety with another run at a seat on the Council.

Other candidates, their names and slogans adorning handmade signs and banners along Marine Drive, included Dawn Simpson, Jared Parks, Harold Joseph Jr. and Cal Taylor. Brent Cleveland, Helene Contraro and David Fryberg Jr. were also named as candidates, but their campaigns seemed to be less conspicuous than the incumbents and the other five challengers.

“This year we had a larger turnout at the polls,” said Chairman Mel Sheldon. “Clearly, we are seeing more involvement in government as the Tribe works to address the tough long-term issues of treaty rights, economic development, housing, infrastructure development, health care and education for its members.”

In addition to filling seats on the Board of Directors, tribal members also approved several new policies.

The Future Generations Land Protection Act would impose a tax on tribal land developed for sale to non-natives.

To encourage native job-seekers, the Tribal Member First Employment Act guarantees that any qualified tribal member will be hired for Tulalip positions over non-Indians. This would replace the current tribal-preferred point system.

The next General Council meeting for the Tulalip Tribes will be held in October.