New tribal clerk will be elected to 1-year term this June

At Saturday morning’s monthly tribal meeting at the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, a community member addressed a recent announcement made by Council. With the resignation of Tribal Clerk Patricia Thomas (due the health reasons), her deputy clerk, Corleen Jacco, was appointed to take on the tribal clerk duties until Thomas’ term runs out in June of 2009.

Tribal member Randy Hart said Council showed a lack of respect for its membership when they appointed a new tribal clerk, rather than holding an election. Hart added that voting for a tribal clerk is just as important as voting for a chief.

Tribal members vote on a total of seven positions: Three chiefs, three sub-chiefs and one tribal clerk.

“It’s never a bad idea to let the people decide,” Hart added.

Hart and other community members also pointed out that their issue was not in any way an attack on Jacco, but on the process that took place.

As a result of the discussion, a motion was made that tribal members elect a new tribal clerk this June, and he or she will serve out the remainder of Thomas’ term. In June of 2009 voters will again elect someone to the position, for a regular three-year term.

The motion was passed on the floor and Council agreed with the outcome.

This June, voters will elect a new tribal clerk and will also be voting on the positions of Chief #2 and Sub-Chief #2. The seats are currently held by Lorraine White and Donald Thompson, respectively.