From the Record-Eagle:
PESHAWBESTOWN — The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians settled the last in a long string of election disputes, clearing the way for Derek Bailey to assume the post of tribal chairman.
Bailey is slated to take over a four-year position held by two-term Chairman Robert Kewaygoshkum, pending certification of the September election.
“I am very happy that this process is over, and I definitely look forward to being sworn in as the next tribal chairman,” Bailey said.
Kewaygoshkum, 57, defeated Bailey, 36, in the original May election, but that was overturned and Bailey won a special September election.
A tribal court ordered the redo after ruling the band’s election board improperly censured Bailey just before the original vote. The board held an emergency meeting two days before the May election and sent an e-mail censuring him for allegedly using his tribal computer to visit his campaign Web site.
Several tribal members filed challenges to the September special election, but the band’s election board dismissed the disputes.
Others filed motions in court, and those also were rejected.
It’s been a frustrating struggle for Bailey, but he said he’s ready to work with the tribal membership and council members — including Sandra Witherspoon, who fought in court to put off certification of Bailey’s special election victory.
“It also has definitely given me further strength to go forward and make needed changes and provide the direction for the tribe,” Bailey said.
The tribal judiciary in November denied requests from Kewaygoshkum and Witherspoon to postpone certification of the special election results.
Their allegations and arguments focused on events the court already ruled on for the case that resulted in the special election, Chief Judge Wilson Brott wrote in his opinion.
Witherspoon appealed that decision, but it was denied on Thursday. She did not return phone calls for comment.
Kewaygoshkum did not file an appeal, but said problems remain with the band’s election procedures. He wouldn’t provide details.
It’ll be tough to unite tribal members after the long ordeal, but overall, the tribe has a “good, solid base,” he said last month.
“I think we’re in good shape,” he said. “We’ll have to move forward and put this behind us.”
Turtle Talk 