Tribal chairman says dispute is a result of ‘growing pains’    

February 18, 2010

   Joe Kirk, chairman of the Klamath Tribes group that has been the target of a disputed recall, said ongoing efforts to recall him and six other council members are skirting the Tribes’ legal process and are the result of “growing pains.”

   In a statement issued Wednesday, Kirk said a fight at the Tribes’ general council meeting Saturday “is related to an effort by a small group of individual tribal members who tried, once again, to seize control of Tribal government from its elected officials.”

   In his statement, Kirk said the “unfortunate incident stems from an ongoing attempt by this group who’s trying to illegally remove the elected tribal council members. The legal questions regarding this matter are being addressed in our tribal court system, in a case that they themselves have filed.  

   “But it appears that the legal process is not sufficient for some members of this group, and they have resorted to the use of intimidation and unlawful actions to try to have their way — they have even come to the administration offices and set up what people would call a stakeout over the past two days.”

   Kirk noted the Bureau of Indian Affairs regional director said the agency “still recognizes the elected tribal council as the governing body, and is waiting for the legal issues to be sorted out in the tribal court system.”

   Issues acknowledged

   In his statement, Kirk acknowledged the dispute has created problems.

   “It is our responsibility to do what is in the best interest of the over 3,600 members, and not this small self-serving interest group of vocal members.  

   “They also seem to forget that there are very specific and detailed requirements under the Tribes’ Constitution and bylaws for the removal of any tribal council member, and have instead resorted to inventing their own processes that do not respect the rights and expectations of the entire Tribal membership as a whole.”

   Tribal members targeted for recall include Kirk, vice-chairman Joe Hobbs, secretary Torina Case, treasurer Brandi Decker and council members Allen Foreman, Jeff Mitchell and Will Hatcher.  

   Kirk thanked Klamath County Sheriff Tim Evinger and his deputies for “helping to keep the peace,” noting, “No one likes to see the situation devolve into this kind of confrontation, and we are grateful for the efforts of the sheriff’s department to maintain law and order.”