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All of the incumbents running for reelection to the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Council survived Saturday’s primary election, but some could face stiff competition in the general election.
In the L’Anse District, incumbent Edward M. Edwards was the top vote-getter, with 95 votes. Newcomer Austin Ayres garnered 79 votes, Incumbent Gary Loonsfoot, Jr. received 50 votes, and newcomer Joanne (Swartz) Clement finished with 48. They will advance to the general election. Haven Curtis (36 votes) and Paul D. Smith (16 votes) finished out of the running.
In the hotly contested Baraga District, newcomer Everett Ekhdahl, Jr., led the field with 118 votes, and former council president Warren C. Swartz, Jr. finished with 98. Incumbents Rodney Loonsfoot and Don Messer, Jr., collected 76 and 54 votes respectively to fill out the general election ballot. Tashina Emery (44 votes), Tina (Connor) Murray (39 votes), Robert A Rajacic (39 votes), Martin C. Curtis (38 votes), Corey R. Pietila (18 votes) and Zena (Pittsley) Huhta (15 votes) were the also-rans.
Of the four candidates who advanced in each district, two will be selected by voters in the December general election.
Results were posted by the KBIC, and are considered unofficial until ratified by Tribal Government.
