August 27, 2008 –
MAYETTA: The Run-Off Election for Tribal Council was held this morning at the Bingo Hall and those winning were Joyce Guerrero for Vice-Chairperson, Chago Hale for Tribal Council Person #2 and Carrie O’Toole for Tribal Council Person #3.
A total of 1,006 votes were cast which will remain unofficial until a three-day protest period passes which will be this coming Tuesday due to the Labor Day holiday observed on Monday.
Joyce Guerrero defeated Jackie Mitchell with Guerrero receiving 490 votes (51.26%) to Mitchell’s 466 (48.74%). Chago Hale beat Peggy Nioce Houston by a vote of 533 (55.12%) toHouston’s 434 (44.88%). The Tribal Council Person Position #3 vote count was 501 votes (53.02%) for Carrie O’Toole and 444 (46.98%) for Vernon Mzhickteno.
Guerrero was the only winner in attendance during the election and said shortly after her win, “I am so grateful and happy and there is so much I want to do while I am in office. I thought my nerves would settle down but then they just skyrocketed after hearing that I had won.”
Approximately 40 people watched the election results. Those assisting with the election were Tim Sanchez of Automated Election Service (AES), Albuquerque, and tribal members Marty Hamlin, who served as Election Judge, and Francis Shopteese, Paula Hopkins, Linda Yazzie, and Joe Mendez who served as clerks. Election board members Voncile Mitchell and June Barber also assisted at the election and Chief of Tribal Police Sam Grant was the official observer during the election.
A Swearing-In Ceremony for the new Council members is scheduled for September 3 at 9 a.m. at the Bingo Hall.
Other members presently on the Tribal Council are Steve Oritz, chairman, Ryan Dyer, treasurer, Junior Wahweotten, and James Potter. Outgoing members are Rey Kitchkumme, vice chairman, Jackie Mitchell and James Wabaunsee.