John "Chance" Houle, the new chairman of the Chippewa Cree Tribe of Montana, is making changes he hopes will bring more accountability.

Since taking office in November, Houle has laid off five staff members to save money, reprimanded or suspended others for tardiness and cut back on travel and utility expenses. He started a newsletter to keep people informed, restructured the budget to pay off debts and is trying to change the attitudes of department heads.

"Our major goal in this first year: When we start off next Oct. 1, all our bills are paid and we have some excess dollars," is how Houle described his plan to The Havre Daily News.

Houle defeated former chairman Alvin Windy Boy Sr. on November 2.

Get the Story:
New tribal chairman is promoting change, accountability (The Havre Daily News 12/2)

Related Stories:
Chippewa Cree Tribe elects new chairman (11/03)