Jessica Webb
editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com
You could call it a landslide. In the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians General Election Sept. 7, voters overwhelmingly favored the return of former Principal Chief Michell Hicks. He received more than 65 percent of the votes compared to incumbent Richie Sneed and will come back for a fourth term.
For Vice Chief, voters expressed content with the status quo. Alan B. Ensley received more than 70 percent of the votes against Teresa McCoy and will serve a second term.
EBCI voters changed things up for the Tribal Council as well, with several incumbents voted out, according to the unofficial results released on Thursday evening.
Hicks responded to the win with the following statement he posted to Facebook:
“We are presented with the invaluable opportunity to steer our tribal government’s focus back to our community, our membership and create a brighter future. Your voices are not just important; they are essential to ensure the successes of our tribe. Your concerns are valid and significant. Access to your leadership through an open door is a cornerstone of responsive governance. Our tribe cannot afford to continue the path of financial distress that we are headed. We must work together in order to succeed and secure a stable government for the next generations.”
Sneed posted as well, stating his time as Chief has been “the honor of a lifetime.”
Referendums pass
Voters also echoed the desire for change in approving two referendums on the ballots.
The first referendum approves mixed beverage permits on tribal lands (beyond the casino), opening the door for potential economic growth for restaurants, hotels and other establishments.
The second referendum approves recreational use on the boundary for people aged 21 and up. It also includes a requirement for EBCI Tribal Council to develop legislation to regulate the market.
The election results are unofficial at this time and will not become official until Oct. 2, when the new members will be sworn into office according to the EBCI Board of Elections Office.