One incumbent survives tribal election

One lone incumbent, Colville Business Council Chairman Michael O. Finley, kept his seat after polling results Saturday. Six others either lost their seats in the primary election or trailed by a significant vote after Saturday’s polling.

In Nespelem District, William “Billy” Nicholson, who ran on giving half of a $193 million settlement with the federal government directly to tribal members, outpolled incumbent Harvey Moses, Jr., 134-97 for Pos. 1. And challenger Nancy C. Johnson is leading incumbent Ricky Gabriel, 126-106 for Pos. 2.

In Omak District’s Pos. 1 race, Nancy “Lynn” Palmanteer-Holder has a significant lead over incumbent Aaron “Scarbo” Marchand, 226-96.

While polling results are official, absentee ballots could still change final results. They will be counted on Thursday and official results announced then. Successful candidates will be sworn in July 12.

Sylvia Tatshama Peasley in the Keller District and Ernie A, Williams in the Omak District both lost out in the May primary.

If Saturday’s numbers hold up, they will be replaced by Joseph L. Somday at Keller, who had 41 votes to Jack W. Ferguson’s 34; and John Sirois, who polled 194-129 against Ben E. Marchand in Omak Pos. 2.

Finley outpolled his opponent, Lou Stone, 121 to 74, in Inchelium District Pos. 2; and Jim Boyd outpolled incumbent Doug Seymour, 114-89 for Pos. 1.

The Star will post results online as soon as they are available Thursday.