Incumbents survive tribal primary

All the incumbents running in the Colville Tribes’ primary election last week made it into the general election June 13.

Only one incumbent received fewer votes than the person challenging him.

When the votes were all in, Allen Hammond, incumbent in the Inchelium Position 2 race who got 108 votes, was surpassed by challenger Elizabeth L. “Susie” Allen, who received 138 votes. Also receiving votes in that race were Doug Seymour, with 57; and Brian S. Seymour, with 34.

In the Nespelem Position 1 race, a number of challengers received significant vote totals. Incumbent Ricky Gabriel received 155 votes and will be challenged in the general election by former council member Brian J. Nissen, who got 125 votes.

Others receiving votes were Harvey Moses, Jr., 115; Deb Louie, 114; Marietta “Etta” Grunlose, 61; and Jon W. Batten, 54.

Incumbent Andrew C. Joseph, Jr., led all others in the Nespelem Position 2 race with 266 votes. He will face challenger Sheila Cleveland in the general election. She received 161 votes. Others receiving votes were Charlene Bearcub, 147 and Zekkethal “Val” Vargas Thomas 42.

In the Keller District race, incumbent Jack W. Ferguson received 109 votes and will face John F. Stensgar in the general election. Stensgar had 47 votes and Connie M. Davisson had 20 votes.

In Omak District Position 1, incumbent Richard C. Tonasket had 214 votes and will face Karen Condon, who had 95. Others in that race were Kimberly M. Belgarde, with 87, and Shirley K. Charley, with 75.

In Omak District Position 2, incumbent Mel Tonasket had 253 votes and will face challenger Cherie Moomaw, who had 145 votes. Also in that race was Mandy L. Carson, who received 71 votes.

There wasn’t a primary election in Inchelium District Position 1 race since only two people filed for that position. Incumbent Stevie Seymour will face Bessie Nugent in that race.

The Colville Business Council is made up of 14 council positions, seven of which are up each year.

The general election is June 13.