Incumbents Struggle in KBIC Primary

Incumbents did not fare well in the KBIC Tribal Council primary election held Saturday.

A recount will be required in the Baraga District. Challenger Doreen Blaker led the field with 127 votes. Incumbent Robert “R-D” Curtis placed second with 112. Former Council member Elizabeth “Popcorn” Mayo was third, with 106 votes. Her father, former Council President Fred Dakota, placed fourth, with 97 votes. The top four vote-getters advance to the general election next month. However, incumbent Carole LaPointe tallied 94 votes… just three shy of Dakota. Tribal law requires a recount when the margin is that close. Alden Connor Jr., Thomas Chosa Jr., and Bruce LaPointe failed to qualify.

In the L’Anse District, challenger Randy Haataja led all contenders with 88 votes. Former council member Toni Minton was close behind with 85. Incumbents Elizabeth “Chiz” Matthews and Jean Jokinen finished well behind, with 59 and 52 votes respectively. All four will appear on the general election ballot in December. Gary Loonsfoot, Jr., Lyndon Ekdahl and Gerald Jondreau did not make the cut.

Results are unofficial until the recount is completed, and votes are certified. Here are the complete vote tallies:

L’Anse District…
Randy Haataja – 88
Toni Minton – 85
Elizabeth “Chiz” Matthews (I) – 59
Jean Jokinen (I) – 52
Gary Loonsfoot, Jr. – 37
Lyndon Ekdahl – 22
Gerald Jondreau -17

Baraga District…
Doreen Blaker – 127
Robert D. “RD” Curtis(I) – 112
Elizabeth “Popcorn” Mayo – 106
Fred Dakota – 97
Carole LaPointe (I) – 94
Sarah Maki – 43
Alden “Audie” Conner, Jr. – 36
Thomas Chosa, Jr. – 23
Bruce LaPointe – 19