Tribal Candidates Express Views During Forum
The Poplar Community Organization invited all candidates to a Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board candidates forum on Tuesday, Oct. 19. The event received an outstanding turnout and attracted the majority of candidates.
Chairman candidate Kris Fourstar said the reason he’s running is because the council needs a vision. He said all 15 board members need to work “hand in hand” and build on accomplishments made by the previous administration.
Fourstar said he wants to focus on economic development and bringing new jobs to the Fort Peck Reservation.
He wants the 500 tribal employees to switch to a four-day work week because studies show people are more productive in that work schedule. Another benefit is that employees can spend more time with their families.
Chairman candidate Jestin Dupree said the next chairman has some big shoes to fill. He noted that it’s a great tribe that deserves fair leadership and transparency.
Dupree said there’s a big need for communication and the chairman must be professional. He noted the need for directors’ meetings should be held weekly and that employees should be honored for their hard work.
“The bottom line is we need change,” Dupree said.
Chairman candidates Floyd Azure and John Morales did not attend the forum.
Vice chairman candidate Michael “Mike” Youngman Sr., 82, said he is seeking the position to advocate for elders and veterans. “I want to make sure they get the services they need,” he said.
Youngman said the council needs new leadership and needs changes.
Vice chairman candidate Lance FourStar said he decided to run for the spot because he has a lifetime of service experience working for people. His work experience includes serving under the late U.S. Sen. John McCain.
FourStar is confident that he can run meetings on days when the chairman is absent.
Vice chairman candidates Charles “Charlie” Headdress and Juanita Cantrell (Azure) did not attend the candidates’ forum.
Sgt. at arms’ candidates Bruce “Cubby” Damon, who served five years in the military including two deployments, said the council did a good job during the pandemic. He encouraged people to reach out if they are missing some service.
Sgt. at arms’ candidate Leslie Menz didn’t attend the meeting.
Tribal Executive Board candidates speaking at the forum included Peter “Tonto” Dupree, Wayne Martell, Rick Kirn, Robert “Bobby” Welch, Charles “Chug” Knowlton, Francine Boxer, Darren Long Hair, Louella Douglas-Contreras, Vernette “Susie” Perry, Wayne Two Bulls, Lawrence Hamilton, Garrett Big Leggins, Orin Cantrell, Leslie Long Hair, Frances Weeks, Mary Follette, Shannon Dionne- Martell, Tristan Joy Miller, Bryce Kirk, Thomas Brown Jr., Marva Chapman, Frank Smith, Elizabeth “Cory” DeCoteau Lingle, Melody Red Eagle, Carrie Manning, Grant Stafne, Mary Lu Azure, Ona Windchief, Kaci Wallette, Carolyn Bighorn Brugh, Patt Iron Cloud Runs Through, Justin Gray Hawk, Frank L. Gourneau, Emerson Young, Melvin Terry Rattling Thunder and Alex Smith.
Topics covered drug abuse, the appearance of the reservation, housing, education and public safety.
Tristan Joy Miller made emotional comments regarding losing people because of substance abuse. He noted how meth and other drug use keeps increasing. “What are we going to do if we don’t even have alcohol under control,” she said. Ona Windchief noted that 17 babies have been born with meth addictions.
Election day is Saturday, Oct. 30.
