Tribe swears in Chief Mark Garrow

The tribal community welcomed a new representative to Council on Wednesday afternoon as Mark Garrow was sworn in as chief, filling the seat held by Barbara Lazore for the past six years.

Garrow won the tribal election on June 6.

The tribe also swore in re-elected sub-chief Stacy Adams who will serve her second three-year term, and tribal clerk Corleen Jacco, who will serve her first official 3-year term after being elected to a one-year interim term last year.

Tribal Court Judge PJ Herne swore all three into office before a crowd of tribal employees and community members. Every year the tribe holds an outdoor inauguration ceremony and luncheon at the tribal community building.

In his first official speech, Chief Garrow quickly won over the audience with his charisma and sense of humor, as well as his articulation in discussing the importance of his position.

“I pledge my commitment to serve you with honor and integrity,” Garrow said.

Garrow’s fellow chiefs James Ransom and Monica Jacobs gave him words of welcome as well.

“Mark is a welcome addition to tribal council,” said Chief Ransom. “I look forward to working with him. (He) comes from a family long active in tribal politics.”

Chief Ransom reminded those in attendance that Chief Garrow has been elected during a difficult period and that the border crisis (since June 1) has had a growing economic impact on tribal enterprises as well as on the economies of surrounding communities. However, he expressed his optimism as well.

“I have no doubt that we will get through these trying times,” he said.

Chief Garrow and Sub-Chief Adams join a tribal council that also consists of chiefs Ransom and Jacobs and sub-Chiefs Pamela Brown and Ronald LaFrance Jr.