From the Petoskey News-Review:
Tribal leadership shifting
Each position has a four-year term.
Harrington said when the results came in Monday, he was elated.
“We were right there at the polls … I did the Tiger Woods pump, and immediately left the room and started making calls,” he said. “I’m just thankful and I feel real humble — it’s been a long road.”
Ettawageshik, who has served on tribal government for 20 years — 14 as chairman — said he is ready to help Harrington make the transition into his position.
“I have congratulated Ken on his win, and I’ll be working on a smooth transition from one administration to the other,” he said.
Harrington said he is ready to get to work, and has different priorities for the tribe than the current administration.
“There’s different agendas that I have that Frank has been implementing, or not implementing,” he said. “(Frank) does so much travel, and his time was spread so thin with so many different committees that it was hard to do what needed to be done here at home.
“I hope to get caught up to speed on things — I want to move in as fast as possible.”
Harrington said he has plans to rent out the old Victories Casino building, and focus on renewable energy.
As for the five seats available on tribal council, each having four-year terms, Julie Shananaquet secured her place with 543 votes, John Bott won a spot with 520 votes, Belinda Bardwell took a position with 439 votes, incumbent Melvin Kiogima secured his seat with 402 votes and Aaron Otto rounded out the group of five with 399 votes.
Harrington said he is pleased to see new people getting a chance on the council.
“The new generation is coming in — we’re the younger people,” he said. “The ‘good old boy’ system is going to change — I think it’s good.”
Ettawageshik said he agrees that having new members on the council is positive for the tribe.
“I just think it’s a very healthy and good thing,” he said. “I’m looking forward to getting our council seated and functioning.”
According to Denise Petoskey, chair of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians’ election board, these results are preliminary, and will be certified July 13, and the swearing in will take place Aug. 23.
Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians 2009 General Election Preliminary Results
Chairman/Vice Chairman Votes
Ken Harrington/Dexter McNamara* 504
Frank Ettawageshik/Bill Denemy 319
Tribal Council (five seats) Votes
Julie Shananaquet* 543
John Bott* 520
Belinda Bardwell* 439
Melvin Kiogima (incumbent)* 402
Aaron Otto* 399
Audrey Perry-Atkinson 345
Alice Yellowbank (incumbent) 345
Christine Shomin 313
Beatrice Law (incumbent) 291
Paul Eames 234
* Denotes winners of election.
— These election results will be certified on July 13. Swearing in will take place Aug. 23.
Christina Rohn
Turtle Talk 