Saturday, March 10, 2012

Unelected Chukchansi Council PAYING for votes: $1,000 travel allowance

Marc Benjamin of the Fresno Bee has the story of today election for Chukchansi Tribal Council.  This special election came after the tribe's incompetent election committee ruled Harold Hammond was ineligible to be council member AFTER he won his election.

Today's Chukchansi tribal council election is unlikely to end the controversy dividing two battling factions.



The faction led by Reggie Lewis, which controls the tribal treasury, has riled the opposition by offering cash to entice members from across California to vote and also attend a general council meeting.


Morris Reid, who leads the rival faction, said the enticements are unusual. Besides, he disputes whether today's election is valid and wonders if members of his group who were duly elected in a contested December election can even get sworn in because of penalties issued against them by the Lewis-led council.


What's at stake is control of the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians tribal council and the future of many tribal members now facing disenrollment. If the faction led by Reid -- who was elected in December but then barred from attending meetings at the tribal government complex -- can gain a majority on the council, disenrollments of "qualified Chukchansi" will be halted, Reid said.

OP:   That doesn't mean they will bring back the 600 tribal people the terminated from the tribe. Must mean they only believe in disenrollment when it suits them.

12 comments:

for ALL nations...for ALL chukchansi people said...

the illegal "election" is being held on the fourth floor of the parking garage...

and, YES, the lewis council is PAYING each voter $1000 dollars to cast it (this has NEVER been policy at picayune, although rumored that some candidates in the past have indeed payed other individuals for their vote under the table)

undoubtedly, this "election" WILL be challenged, and SHOULD be determined to be invalid by the bureau of indian affairs...FAITH, anyone???????????

as i stated to the picayune tribal council during my families dismemberment hearing, october 2006....i will fight FOREVER for the restoration of my people...lets hope others are NOW willing to do the same!!!!!!!!!!!!!

White Buffalo said...

I am still here Mr. For ALL Nations...", I have not given up the fight as some might believe. I wil stand with you.

smokeybear said...

"And I!" For the "Truth" is supposed to set us "Free!" For "Truth, Integerty,and Justice" in a "World of Injustice" can be measured by the $$$ that have been stolen by these "Corrupt and Criminal Tribal Leaders" for their own self interest, and the "Lineal Decendents" of these "Tribes," have to "Endure," these "Treasonous Acts" for nothing more then their "In-sash-able Greed," and "Birthright and Heritage" being lost because of this "Illegal Quest" for the "Almighty $$$!" "Stand your Ground," for "Failure is not an Option." We can prove who we are, and it is about time we "Make Them Listen!" Lewis lost the election, but refuses to go away. What makes you think, if he loses this time, he will honor it? What kind of foolishness is that? That couldn't happen in the "Real World," (where "Justice and Fair Play makes for an "Even Playing Field" so that everyone is treated fairly for the good of all), so why is the B.I.A. allowing this "Injustice" to continue? I question their "Motives," for they back every "Illegal Endevour" that these "Criminals" put for, "Without Question!" Could it be that they are "Paid to look the other way?" And the "Inaction," for the good of "All" "Native Americans," seems to bare witness, to the fact, that their inability to act responsibly is "Exactly" where they want to be. The "Casino Indians have all the $$$, and the "Oppressed Indians" don't...."So You Do The Math!"

Anonymous said...

Chukchansi vote to fill tribal council vacancy goes to REGGIE LEWIS.

Fresnobee; sat Mar 10,2012

for ALL nations...for ALL chukchansi people said...

all my relations...

unlawful council chair reggie lewis has declared himself winner by a landslide of his illegally staged parking garage election of purchased votes and deceptive "general council" trickery at picayune...ANYONE ACTUALLY SURPRISED?!?! (thought not...)

Anonymous said...

Not to mention that he collected the thousand dollars himself.
He also didnt even attend the meeting.

Anonymous said...

Not to mention that he collected the thousand dollars himself.
He also didnt even attend the meeting.

Kenneth Hansen said...

I've been saying that I thought this was all about politics and power. How wrong I am! It really is about the f***ing money. So sad. People voted to disenroll themselves and their descendants for a lousy grand. Have we learned nothing since the transaction that exchanged New York for $26 and some jewelry?

White Buffalo said...

It is a sad state when we learn those lessons a little too late. When we were going through the process of being disenrolled from Pechanga, I personally did not believe that it was real until I got that last letter of decision. A lesson for those who are still members of their tribe, be wise in deciding who will lead you, the path we walk is not wide and there are many tricksters out there that will lead you away to a place you will not recognize.

smokeybear said...

30 pieces of silver.

smokeybear said...

"Lewis, you worthless S.O.B. You set the stage for this "Travisty Of Justice!" Your $1000 payout for...."TRAVEL," was nothing more then paying for "Votes." And you "Damn Well Know It!" A "Clear case of Conflict Of Interest!" And you watch that "Lame A.. B.I.A" refuse to step in and say so. That first election was honest and fair, but no, "Lewis" had another agenda in the works. That's why he refused to step down. I would like to know what the B.I.A. got for this "Blatant Indescretion?" Now we all know how he(Lewis) pulled this off: "He Bought It!"...Question: "Where did that $1000 come out of, the Tribes General Fund?" And the other "Legal Election" is "Null and Void?" "Criminal Action" with the B.I.A. right in the middle of this "Illegal Move" by a "Corrupt Tribal Leader," and backing his "Treasonous Acts" without question. The B.I.A. is nothing more then a "Joke," and a bad one at that. "Chickenhawk,"..."You Worthless Spineless Jellyfish." Where is the "Justice" for the Indians you have sworn to protect? On the "Outside Looking In," because you refuse to act responsibly for the good of all "Native Americans" in your "Care!" So, now, what will come of "Morris and His Followers?"

Anonymous said...

Did the voters get their $1,000 BEFore they voted?

Was it a voucher, a check or cash?

Will the election be less valid if the members don't get PAID for voting?