Tribal Chairman Azure Responds To Suspension
Fort Peck Tribal Chairman Floyd Azure responded Nov. 9 to allegations by the Tribal Executive Board leading to his recent suspension without pay. Azure faces a suspension hearing Dec. 3.
The TEB suspended Azure Nov. 5. He was escorted from council chambers by Tribal police. TEB alleges Azure violated the code of ethics with claims involving a construction company and by failing to work with board members dating back to August 4. A Nov. 5 press release states that Azure acted “in a manner prejudicial to the Tribes” and exhibited a “broad failure to ensure that Departments are complying with federal programs.”
In a statement release Nov. 9, Azure responded by saying that the TEB has violated the Tribes constitution. “The Tribal Constitution specifically states [...] a board member or officer of the board may be removed from office after having been given twenty days notice in writing by the Secretary, and a chance to be heard.” He identified failure to attend regular meetings as another cause for suspension listed in the constitution, but added, “I don’t believe that I have even missed three board meetings in all the time that I have been on the Council.”
The statement of charges issued by TEB also claims Azure advocated on behalf of BP Construction, “to receive upfront payments outside of the standard fiscal procedures.” It also states that he did not pursue “remedies for the Tribes to be reimbursed for expended funds exceeding $260,000” and alleges that he continued to inappropriately involve himself in BP matters after the Tribes filed litigation against the company for breach of contract.
Azure responded to the charge of inappropriate dealings: “I did not hire BP Construction,” said Azure. “I wasn’t at the meeting between the CFO and BP Construction so I don’t know what the money was for.”
ToreadAzure’sfullresponse, visit facebook.com/D.Azure/ posts/10158977804657417. Vice-Chairman Charlie Headdress will act as chair until the conclusion of the removal hearing.
