Ex-CEO elected to tribal council

PLUMMER, Idaho – David Matheson has been elected to a three-year term on the Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s governing council.

Matheson, 55, was fired a year ago as chief executive officer of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel. He was later sued by the tribe for breach of fiduciary responsibility over a $684,000 severance package paid to another casino executive who resigned over undocumented casino credit card expenses, according to tribal court documents.

Matheson, who contends that his firing and the lawsuit were politically motivated, said Monday that he felt vindicated by the election results. He said he received a majority of votes cast, although tribal officials did not return phone calls Monday with the election’s official results.

Charlotte Nilson was also elected to the tribal council. She could not be reached for comment Monday afternoon.

Matheson and Nilson will replace Francis SiJohn, who did not seek re-election, and Norma Peone, who was not re-elected.

After the new council members were sworn in, the seven-member council re-elected Chief Allan as chairman.

Allan did not return phone calls Monday for comment.

Matheson said he does not know how his election to the council will affect the pending lawsuit against him.

“We haven’t talked about it,” he said.

Matheson filed a countersuit in tribal court for wrongful termination, which was dismissed earlier this year on grounds of the tribal government’s immunity. Matheson said he plans to appeal.