Yurok election heads to run-off

October 23, 2009

After the voters of the Yurok Tribe cast their ballots, two candidates for chairperson survive, as do two of those seeking the position of vice chairperson.

Thomas P. O'Rourke, Sr. and Dr. Michael Ward will face off for the top seat, and Marjorie Donahue Buckskin and Bonnie (Hoddy) Bacon Green will compete for vice chair.

The run-off election will be held Nov. 12.

In the race for the seat representing the Orick district, incumbent Larry Hendrix won 58 percent of the vote, and therefore retained his seat outright. His opponent, Allen McCloskey, received 41 percent of the vote.

In the race for chair, David L. Gensaw Sr. received 193 votes, 18.5 percent of the total; Ruby M. Grubbs took 26 votes, or 2.49 percent; Frank McCovey received 46, or 4.41 percent of the vote; Thomas O'Rourke, Sr. received 376 votes, and 36.05 percent; Maria Tripp, the incumbent, took 155 votes, or 14.86 percent of the vote; and Dr. Michael Ward, received 247 votes, or 23.68 percent of the vote.

In the race for vice chair, Marjorie Donahue Buckskin took 241 votes, or 23.31 percent of the vote; Bonnie (Hoddie) Bacon Green, the incumbent, took 224, or 21.66 percent; Robert Hunsucker, Sr. took 78 votes, or 7.54 percent; Allyson R. McCovey 209, 20.21 percent; Linda D. Roberts 202, or 19.54 percent; and Kim Yost 80, or 7.74 percent.

The installation Ceremony for Larry Hendrix will be held at the next regularly scheduled Tribal Council meeting on Oct. 28 in Klamath at 11 a.m.