Meskwaki leadership dispute won't affect payroll

FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 2003

Employees of the Meskwaki Tribe of Iowa will receive their paychecks despite an ongoing leadership dispute that includes charges that the elected chairman sought kickbacks from a tribal lobbyist.

Banks weren't sure who do deal with: Alex Walker Jr. and the elected council or Homer Bear Jr. and the appointed council. For now, the banks will cover the payroll checks, the Associated Press reports.

The Cedar Falls Courier reported that Walker asked for 40 percent of the lobbyist's salary in a "private" deal. Walker denies the charges.

Get the Story:
Troubled tribe gets Iowa banks to cash checks (AP 4/18)
Arrangements Made to Cover Paychecks for Casino Workers (AP 4/17)
Tribal chairman denies asking for 'kickbacks (The Cedar Falls Courier 4/17)