Change in Leadership Looms for White Mountain Apache Tribe
The White Mountain Apache Tribe witnessed a pivotal primary election as a large voter turnout led to the incumbent chairman losing the bid for reelection. The election, which took place on Wednesday, showcased a dynamic shift in leadership preferences among tribe members.
Chairman Kasey Velasquez, competing in a three-candidate race, garnered just over 400 votes. However, his competitors each secured almost four times that number, based on unofficial results shared by the White Mountain Apache Tribe Election Commission.
Orlando Carroll, a seasoned member of the Whiteriver school board, emerged as the frontrunner, surpassing his rivals by more than 50 votes. Carroll is poised to challenge Councilman Gary Alchesay in the upcoming general election set for April.
The election outcomes were first reported by tribal radio station KNNB on Wednesday evening, with official certification following the next morning. Carroll took to social media to express gratitude, stating that the voters “sent a message with your vote for a positive, new direction.”
This electoral event coincided with the tribe’s announcement that a special prosecutor declined to bring criminal charges against Velasquez under tribal statutes. The allegations involved claims of sexual harassment against the tribe’s HR director.
Chairman Velasquez continues to be on paid administrative leave as a civil investigation, conducted by the same special prosecutor, remains underway. Vice-Chairman Jerome Casey III noted that this investigation is “expected to be concluded shortly.”
Additionally, the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Missing and Murdered Unit has forwarded its findings to the U.S. Attorney’s Office as of last month. Velasquez’s defense attorney has yet to comment on the primary election results.
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