Tribe election hopefuls announce early candidacy

With the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe’s annual election caucus approaching in just over a month, two Akwesasne hopefuls have already announced their plans to seek nominations for the two tribal council positions up for re-election this year. The tribe’s three chiefs and three sub-chiefs serve staggered terms – one chief and one sub-chief is elected every June to a 3-year term.

Ron LaFrance Jr. will seek the position of chief, currently held by Monica Jacobs. LaFrance, who served two three-year terms as Tribal Sub-Chief from 2004-2010, ran for the position of Chief in the 2010 election and lost by a narrow margin to Randy Hart. He announced his new plans to seek election this year via a public Facebook announcement.

Michael Conners, who currently works in finance within the SRMT, will seek the position of sub-chief this year.

“It’s always been a long-term goal of mine,” Conners said. “Missy (my wife) has always known that and we talk about it every year when elections come up…I’m ready to take the next step and serve the community.”

Conners said he feels his financial background and education will be an asset to the community should he be elected.

Pamela Brown is the sitting sub-chief whose term is up for re-election this year. She has not yet announced her intentions for the 2011 election.

The remaining Tribal Council seats are held by Chief Mark Garrow and Sub-Chief Stacy Skidders (whose terms ends in 2012), and Chief Randy Hart and Sub-Chief Shelley Jacobs (whose terms ends in 2013).

The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe holds their annual caucus on the first Saturday of May and the election is held on the first Saturday of June. While they have not officially published the dates, the caucus is expected to be held on May 7 and the election on June 4. All candidates must receive a first and second nomination at the caucus to become an official candidate. Contact the SRMT for complete candidate requirements.