Former Grand Traverse chair quits tribal politics

Thursday, February 8, 2007  

George E. Bennett, a former chairman of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians of Michigan, says he's out of tribal politics for good.

Bennett served on the council for 14 years, including four as chairman and another four as vice chairman. But he lost his re-election bid last month amid a dispute over how the elections have been conducted.

"Why, after 25 years of conducting elections successfully did we suddenly have all these election disputes?" Bennett told The Leelenau News. "This most recent election sent up a red flag, and maybe we should take a look at it."

Bennett accused two rivals of violating the tribe's campaign rules. The two candidates had received the most votes in a primary but were taken off the ballot in last month's election.

Get the Story:
Proud Bennett won't run again (The Leelenau News 2/8)

Relevant Links:
Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians - http://www.gtb.nsn.us

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