Calls for change motivate tribe candidates

BY BILL O'BRIEN
bobrien@record-eagle.com

April 07, 2008 04:00 am

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PESHAWBESTOWN -- Danielle Hard's biggest worry heading into this week's tribal primary election isn't the success of the Grand Traverse Band's new casino in Williamsburg or the millions spent to upgrade its resort in Acme.

She's more concerned about her family's safety in the tribal housing complex at the band's reservation in Leelanau County.

"To me, it's most important to have safety in the housing," Hard said. "Safety for my children is my number one priority."

The band's explosive growth over the past two decades, much of it fueled by casino gambling money, has evolved into a bit of a two-edged sword for those who run the tribe. The $57 million tribal government operation and an economic development arm that generates around $116 million in annual revenue consume much of tribal leaders' time and effort, leaving some band members to question whether their needs are ignored.

"I'd like to see them address the membership's concerns a little more," band member Laurie Baker said. "They don't always follow through with what their plans are."

There's no shortage of hopefuls looking to fill a leadership role in the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Twenty candidates are vying for three available seats on the band's Tribal Council, while two challengers are looking to unseat the band's incumbent chairman.

A primary election is set for Wednesday to determine which six council candidates, and two chairman hopefuls, will square off in the regular election on May 21. All the seats are for four-year terms.

There appears to be plenty of interest in the upcoming elections, and council candidate Freddy Raphael said he knows why.

"If we didn't need that change, you wouldn't see so many people running," Raphael said while stuffing campaign envelopes at his small art workshop next to his Peshawbestown home.

Raphael considers himself "somewhat happy" with the tribe's operations, but wants to see a greater emphasis on preserving the tribe's language and culture, and more involvement with its young people.

"The (issues) stay the same, they don't change. That's why people are running," Raphael said.

Council seats up for grabs presently are held by David Arroyo and Sandra Witherspoon, both of whom seek re-election. The third is held by Derek Bailey, who's running for tribal chairman.

Other candidates for the chairman post include two-term incumbent Robert Kewaygoshkum and former council member Thurlow "Sam" McClellan.

Bailey, a licensed social worker and adjunct professor with Grand Valley State University, said a priority for him as chairman would be to improve communication within the membership and outside the band.

"I definitely saw a need for a leadership style that is proactive and progressive," Bailey said. "My priority in this campaign is the membership ... a key campaign goal as a tribal chairman would be to increase communication into our members' respective homes."

Kewaygoshkum, a two-term incumbent who's had success with a low-key management style, said he's helped bring tribal government costs under control in his eight-year tenure and put the band on sound financial footing.

But challenges remain as the state's weak economy threatens the band's lucrative casinos, making it important to continue diversifying the band's business interests.

"I think the tribe's in a healthy financial position, but we still need to watch very closely where we spend our money," Kewaygoshkum said.

McClellan could not be reached for comment.

Tribal officials hope for a smoother election process than two years ago, when two top, post-primary candidates were removed from the race following accusations of improper campaigning. It led to a dispute in Tribal Court and delays in two rescheduled elections, resulting in several rule changes for the 2008 campaign.

Other council challengers are Wilmer Alberts, Sandra Anderson, Desmond Berry, Loi Chambers, Joyce Duford, Steven Feringa, Shocko Hall Sr., Gerald Harter, Suzanne McSawby, Brian Napont, Thomas Peters, Frank Shinos, Clifford "Jack" Swanson, David Wonegeshik Jr., Sandra Yannott, Donald Yannett and Sonya Zotigh.

Council incumbents include Vice Chairwoman Cornelia "Connie" TwoCrow, Councilor Rebecca Woods and Treasurer Joseph C. "Buddy" Raphael, a former tribal chairman.

Annual salaries on the Tribal Council range from $65,000 to $69,000 for officers, to $60,000 to $65,000 for councilors. The chairman's salary is determined by the rest of the council.

Tribal election official Sam Evans said the band has 700 to 800 registered voters among about 1,600 band members who reside within a six-county service area that includes Leelanau, Grand Traverse, Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, and Manistee counties.

The registration deadline to participate in the regular election is May 14. Election winners will be sworn into office at a public ceremony on May 29 at 2 p.m. at the Leelanau Sands Showroom in Peshawbestown.

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