Tribal Chair Norman Deschampe
The Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa held its 2012 primary election on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 for Reservation Tribal Council chair and committeeman. When the polls closed and the votes had been counted, Tribal Chair Norman Deschampe had once again retained his council seat. However, none of the candidates running for the committeeman seat had a majority of votes, so that race will go to a general election on June 12, 2012. However, the names on the ballot for June have yet to be declared. The contest is very close and a recount has been requested.
Running for the committeeman seat was Rita Evans who received 11 votes; incumbent Committeeman William “Bill” Myers, who received 109 votes; Robert J. Hull who received 110 votes and Marie Spry, who received 132 votes. The two candidates who receive the most votes proceed to the general election, so the initial count shows Hull and Spry moving on to the June election.
However, at press time a recount has been requested because of the narrow margin between William Myers and Robert Hull. Election Judge Gale Carlson said the recount would be held Monday, April 9 at 10 a.m. at the old Log Community Building. The recount is open to members of the Grand Portage Band.
Incumbent Tribal Chair Norman W. Deschampe earned 51 percent of the vote, with 199 votes. Because he garnered over half of the votes, Deschampe is reelected and will not have to be on the ballot for general election in June. Deschampe has served as tribal chair for 20 years.
The other candidates running for tribal chair were Donovan D. Dahmen, who received 8 votes; Lena (Deschampe) Santos, who received 10 votes and Dennis B. Morrison, who received 134 votes. Howard Johnson, who withdrew from the race after ballots had been printed, received 9 votes.
Election Judge Carlson said 173 absentee ballots were received and 180 votes were cast at the polls. Election workers were Carlson; Bill Dahl, clerk; Marcie McIntire, teller; and Mike Keyport, alternate. The election was held in accordance with Minnesota Chippewa Tribe ordinances.
The Grand Portage Reservation Tribal Council is the governing body of the reservation. Current members of the Tribal Council are Chair Norman Deschampe, Vice-Chair John Morrin; Secretary-Treasurer April McCormick; Councilman Arvid Dahl; and Councilman William “Bill” Myers. The council oversees health care, social services, education, jobs, housing, public safety, and more.
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