Fort Peck election brings change in leadership

Monday, October 29, 2007  

Voters of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of Montana ousted their chairman, vice chairman and several council members in an election on Saturday.

A.T. "Rusty" Stafne, a former council member, defeated John Morales Jr. for the chairman's post. Morales' tenure has been controversial and, most recently, he pleaded not guilty for a domestic violence incident.

Stafne ran under a ticked called "People for Responsible Leaders in Support of Our Constitution." Six new council members from the group were elected, along with three independents. Only two incumbents won re-election.

"People wanted to see the council cleaned up and more responsible," Stafne told The Great Falls Tribune. "I think the first thing we need to do is restore confidence in our tribal workers."

Get the Story:
Stafne defeats Morales for chair (The Great Falls Tribune 10/29)

Relevant Links:
Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes - http://www.fortpecktribes.org