District 1 field narrowed to 20 candidates

Observer Staff

11/5/2003 12:00:00 AM

Incumbent Diana Quigno-Grundahl garnered the most votes during the District 1 primary election on Oct. 14 with 213.

The primary drew ballots from 439 Saginaw Chippewa members-including five absentee ballots-according to Caucus Committee Chairperson Joe Sowmick. Eleven ballots were deemed spoiled. Challenges to the election results can be filed until 5 p.m. on Oct. 21, according to Tribal Clerk Darryl Jackson.

Eligible voters had 56 individuals to choose from and could cast up to 20 votes. Although two candidates' names-Kimberly Sue Sawmick and Jacqueline Wemigwans-appeared on the ballot, they were considered withdrawn from the election.

"This information was not only posted at the voting place, but in the voting booths," stated Sowmick before the ballots were tallied.

Chief Maynard Kahgegab Jr. notched 173 votes, along with incumbents Gerald Slater, 161; Timothy Davis, 154; Milton Pelcher, 142; and Delores Jackson, 140. Sub-Chief Robert Pego Sr. and Representative Steve Pego failed to make the top 20.

Saginaw Chippewa members had until Oct. 3 to become registered for the Nov. 4 general election. There are 663 registered voters in District 1, 38 in District 2 and 1,081 for District 3, according to information provided by the Tribal Clerk's Office. Polls will be open at the Saginaw Chippewa Public Safety Building and the Saganing Outreach Center from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

District 2 candidates include incumbent Connie Freiburger, as well as LeEtta Hansen. District 3 general election candidates are Greg Falsetta, Jean Lang and Michele Stanley.