Colville Indians Vote Out Of Office Two Members Of Tribal Council

Two councilmen of the Colville Confederated Tribes were turned out of office in last Saturday’s tribal general election.

Former council Chairman Mathew Dick Jr. was ousted by challenger Joanne Leith, who had a resounding 161 vote advantage. Challenger Lannie Boyd upset incumbent Richard Swan by 42 votes.

Incumbent Councilman Harvey Moses Jr. had already been eliminated in the May 3 primary. Gene Joseph went on to defeat Kathy Womer in the general election, and now will claim Moses’ seat.

There will be one other new face on the 14-member council because of the recent death of Councilman Dale Kohler. Dale “wayepi” Clark will replace Kohler.

Here are the election results, including absentee votes:

Keller District, Position 1 - Incumbent Walter F. Arnold, 115; John F. Stensgar, 100.

Inchelium District, Position 1 - Swan, 256; Boyd, 298.

Inchelium District, Position 2 - Incumbent Joseph A. Pakootas, 270; Kevin J. Rosenbaum, 256.

Nespelem District, Position 1 - Dick, 206; Leith, 367.

Nespelem District, Position 2 - Joseph, 260; Womer, 318.

Omak District, Position 1 - Clark, 316; Margie Condon Hutchinson, 276.

Omak District, Position 2 - Incumbent Louella Anderson, 314; John E. Sirois, 287.