Close finishes prompts Yurok runoff election

The Times-Standard

October 12, 2007

A run-off election will be held Nov. 7 for tribal council seats representing the Yurok Tribe's East and South districts, based on the unofficial results of Wednesday's election.

In the East District, challenger and former tribal chair Susan Masten of Hoopa received 108 votes, seven more than incumbent Lyle L. McKinnon, also of Hoopa, who tallied 101 or 33.33 percent of the vote. Another Hoopa resident, Howard “Louie” McConnell -- also a former tribal chair -- finished third with 94 votes or 31.02 percent. McKinnon and Masten will face off Nov. 7.

A total of 303 votes were cast in the East District race; the inland district stretches from near Miranda north to the Grants Pass , Ore. area.

Four candidates vied for the South District seat, after the former council member, Bonnie Green, was selected as vice chair of the tribe, according to a tribal spokesperson.

Dale Ann Frye Sherman of Eureka maintained a significant lead with 138 of the 324 votes cast. Just two votes separated the second- and third-place finishers. Christopher H. Peters of Arcata had 67 votes, or 20.68 percent, Charles “Mike” Sorrell of McKinleyville, had 65, or 20.06 percent. Stephanie McQuillen of McKinleyville received 54 votes, or 16.67 percent. Sherman and Peters will be on the Nov. 7 ballot.

The South District, the most populous of the tribe's six districts, ranges roughly from slightly north of McKinleyville to south of Miranda, with an inland stretch running nearly to Orick.

Pecwan District representative Richard Myers, the incumbent, ran unopposed.

The Yurok Tribe Election Board is scheduled to meet Monday to certify the election results, according to the tribe's announcement.