Robert Hull
Robert “Rob” Hull won the election for a vacant Grand Portage Reservation Tribal Council (RTC) seat in the primary election held Tuesday, March 30, 2010. Because Hull received over 50% of the vote, he immediately wins the vacant RTC councilman seat. He will not have to run again in the general election on June 8.
Hull will be assuming a four-year term, currently held by councilwoman Lorraine Wipson, who has decided not to run again.
The primary election for the position formerly held by Wipson was necessary because four Grand Portage citizens had applied to run for election—Donna J. Anderson, Darlene LeGarde, and Antonio “Tony” Swader, as well as Hull. Anderson received 5.97% of the vote; LeGarde received 11.94% and Swader was the next closest candidate with 18.41% of the vote. Hull won the majority with 63.68% of the vote.
Of the approximately 1,040 enrolled Grand Portage Band members, 201 voted, the majority casting their vote at the polls. Only 50 absentee ballots were received.
Overseeing the election was Election Judge Mary Ann Gagnon, Teller Mary C. Conrad, Clerk Lisa Dahmen and Alternate Dana Logan.
Although Hull will not have to run in the general election, voters will still have a choice to make. Incumbent councilman John Morrin is being challenged by Earl Johnson.
Enrolled band members unable to make it to the polls on June 8, but wishing to vote may do so by sending a signed request for an absentee ballot to: Grand Portage Election Judge, PO Box 343, Grand Portage MN 55605.
Currently serving on the Tribal Council is Norman Deschampe, Chairman; John Morrin, vice-chairman; William “Bill” Myers, councilman; and retiring councilwoman Lorraine Wipson.
The Grand Portage Reservation Tribal Council is the governing body of the reservation. The enrolled 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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