Dean Deschampe
A special general election was held in Grand Portage on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 to determine who would fill an unexpired four-year term on the Grand Portage Reservation Tribal Council. The candidates on the ballot were Dean Deschampe and Geraldine Kozlowski who received the most votes in the special primary election in April 2009. Deschampe won the seat, earning 186 votes to Kozlowski’s 158, a margin of only 28 votes.
Of the 1,040 enrolled Grand Portage Band members, 344 voted. At the polls, 153 votes were cast and 177 absentee ballots were received.
Theelection was held in accordance with Minnesota Chippewa Tribe ordinances and was overseen by election Judge Mary Ann Gagnon, Clerk Lisa Dahmen, Teller Mary Conrad, and Alternate Dana Logan.
The election was held to fill the unexpired four-year term of Reservation Tribal Council secretary Gilbert Caribou, who died on January 28, 2009.
Deschampe will serve on the Tribal Council with Norman Deschampe, Chairman; John Morrin, vice-chairman; Lorraine Wipson, councilwoman; and William “Bill” Myers, councilman.
The Grand Portage Reservation Tribal Council is the governing body of the reservation. Theenrolled members of the band elect the tribal council officers. The council oversees health care, social services, education, jobs, housing, public safety, and more.
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