The Tribal Election Ballot has it’s first candidate.
John Morales Jr. filed to run for Tribal Chairman, and so far he is the only person to file.
Morales has served as the Tribal Chairman before and was the second Chairman in tribal history to be removed from office by a vote of the Tribal Executive Board in 2003 for failure to carry out council action. He was re-elected again and his term was marked with constant scandal including many firing of tribal employees and a felony domestic violence trial.
Though never re-elected Tribal Chairman, Morales has filed every two years to be on the ballot as Tribal Chairman.
In addition to his previous terms as Chairman, Morales also served as a tribal councilman.
Costs for running for office have risen in recent years. All elected officials are paid half of a half of a percent, but the average TEB member earns $70,000 a year plus the benefits.
Tribal Executive Board and Sgt.-At-Arms candidacy is $401.96.
Potential Vice Chairman candidate fees are $426.19.
Fees to run for Tribal Chairman are $450.42.
The largest increase in fees are with Tribal Judge candidates.
Chief Judge candidates will now pay $499.10, and Associate Judge fees are $443.46.
A three percent cost of living increase was approved by the Tribes in response to inflation (a rise in prices due to the decline of purchasing power over time).
Anyone who meets the qualifications can file. To run for office, call Tribal Operations Manager Megan Gourneau at 406-768-2300 or visit the Tribes website.
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