Tribal primary sets up June election

There will be some changes on the Colville Business Council as two vacated seats will be filled and some incumbents could be in trouble after the May 6 Primary Election absentee votes were totaled.

There will be new business council members in the Inchelium District Position 1, and in the Omak District Position 2 races.

Ricky Gabriel, incumbent in Nespelem District Position 1, faces a real test as Rodney Cawston received over 50 more votes than he did, 164-208. Others running and their vote total in that district were Amelia (Moses) Marchand (130); Anna M. Vargas (120); Brian Quill (36); Cory R. Christman (60).

In the Nespelem District Position 2 race, incumbent Andrew Joseph Jr. had a secure lead with 232 votes while being challenged in the general election, by Charlene E. Bearcub, who garnered 144 votes. Others in that race and their vote totals were Harvey Moses Jr. (102), Jon Batten (39), Mary D. Blue Eyes (10), Vance Cleveland (82) and Winfred “Winnie” Pakootas (115).

In the Inchelium District Position 1 race, Joel Boyd (211) and Allen Hammond (87) made it to the general election. Others and their totals were Doug Seymour (72) and Tobias Finley (86).

In Inchelium District 2, incumbent Elizabeth “Susie” Allen had a healthy lead with 212 votes and will take on Marvin Kheel, who had 117. Others and their votes were Ben Edwards Marchand Sr. (45) and Tig-Julie Phillips (83).

In the Keller District Position 1 race, incumbent Jack W. Ferguson was way out front with 100 votes and will face John F. Stensgar (46) in the general election. Others include Robert W. “Pokey” Tonasket (24) and Toni Seylor (26).

In Omak District Position 1, challenger Norma J. Sanchez got 219 votes to incumbent Richard C. Tonasket’s 130. Others in that race were Bass Williams (55), Karen Condon (88), Kim Belgarde (89), Preston Lee Boyd (56) and Sonny Sellars (55).

In Omak District 2, there was no incumbent. However, Russell W. Boyd (133) and Melissa Louis (111) will meet in the general election. Others and their vote totals were Bernard “Berny” Zacherle (56), Larry O. Smith (53), Richard Lee Allen (69), Anne “Muffin” Marchand (78), Shirley K. Charley (86) and William J. Marchand (94).

The tribal general election is June 24.