Snoqualmie Tribe elects leadership
October 10, 2012
By Michele Mihalovich
New Tribal Council assumes power in ‘orderly transition’
The Snoqualmie Tribe, which hasn’t held an election since 2010 because of an enrollment dispute, now has a newly elected Tribal Council.
“It’s no secret that there had been some internal political controversies,” Matt Mattson, the tribal administrator, said. “But, the Aug. 25 election was an orderly transition of power.”
The Tribal Council has many new faces because three members were not re-elected and three chose to not run again.
Jake Repin, the only incumbent to keep his seat, received 70 votes, the most of anyone running for the council.
About 120 of the 650 Snoqualmie Tribe members cast votes in the election, Mattson said.
New to the Tribal Council are Lois Sweet Dorman, Sunny Elaine Clear and Alisa Marie Culp Burley. They and Repin were elected to four-year terms.
Also new are Rhonda Neufang, Robert de los Angeles, Steve de los Angeles and Melynda Davis, who all were elected to serve three-year terms.
The sitting members of the council include Tribal Chairwoman Shelley Burch, and Councilwoman Nina Repin, whose terms expire in 2014.
Margaret A. Mullen and Melissa Lynn Strand were elected as alternates.
Pat Barker and Andy de Los Angeles remain chiefs of the tribe. Chiefs are not elected positions, Mattson said.
After the election, a two-day transition meeting was held at Suncadia near Cle Elum in September, where the outgoing and incoming councilmembers met.
“Tribal staff explained and summarized existing programs and incoming councilmembers were able to ask staff and outgoing council questions,” he said.
Mattson said the election was a smooth and orderly transition, which he sees as “good for the tribe.”
The new council assumed power Sept. 25, and meets three times a month.
Michele Mihalovich: 392-6434, ext. 246, or editor@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
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