Spicer's Election Upheld by Indian Court
The re-election of Paul Spicer as chief of the Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma was upheld Friday by the Court of Indian Offenses in Miami , Okla. Spicer won the June 2 tribal election by a more than 2-to-1 margin in a record turnout of tribal voters.
“Our tribal members have spoken with a strong and clear voice in support of the direction we have led the tribe over the last two years,” said Spicer. “I am gratified by their support and pledge to continue to move the tribe forward in ways that benefit all members and their families.”
Spicer’s re-election was challenged in court by a small group of supporters of former Chief Leroy Howard, whom Spicer defeated in this election. On Friday, July 27, the court ruled it does not have jurisdiction over tribal election disputes and allowed the unanimous confirmation of the tribe’s election committee to stand.
During his first two-year term as chief, Spicer made a number of changes, including implementing professional management of the tribe’s enterprises. “With the explosive growth of our gaming and tobacco businesses, we are now the equivalent of a mid-sized corporation,” Spicer stated. “The tribe can be proud to have perhaps the best management and systems of any tribe our size to ensure that the tribe’s assets are protected and the benefits from our businesses are maximized for all tribal members.
Change is difficult, and there will always be those who oppose it,” continued Spicer. “However, with this overwhelming show of support by tribal members of the direction we are moving, I am confident we can now all come together to benefit from the exciting opportunities in front of the tribe.”
Spicer sees construction of the new Grand Lake Casino and Resort on the shores of Grand Lake in Grove as the greatest of those opportunities. The tribe announced in May that it will be building a new 100,000-square-foot casino, including a five-story hotel and three restaurants.
“This will be the premier casino and hotel complex in northeastern Oklahoma . It will create 450 new jobs and bring numerous benefits to the Grove community,” he said.
The Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma has 4,400 members and currently employs 330 people in its gaming, tobacco, and tribal operations in Ottawa and Delaware counties. The tribe also distributes more than $3 million annually in medical, housing, and other assistance to area families and individuals.
“Our tribal members have spoken with a strong and clear voice in support of the direction we have led the tribe over the last two years,” said Spicer. “I am gratified by their support and pledge to continue to move the tribe forward in ways that benefit all members and their families.”
Spicer’s re-election was challenged in court by a small group of supporters of former Chief Leroy Howard, whom Spicer defeated in this election. On Friday, July 27, the court ruled it does not have jurisdiction over tribal election disputes and allowed the unanimous confirmation of the tribe’s election committee to stand.
During his first two-year term as chief, Spicer made a number of changes, including implementing professional management of the tribe’s enterprises. “With the explosive growth of our gaming and tobacco businesses, we are now the equivalent of a mid-sized corporation,” Spicer stated. “The tribe can be proud to have perhaps the best management and systems of any tribe our size to ensure that the tribe’s assets are protected and the benefits from our businesses are maximized for all tribal members.
Change is difficult, and there will always be those who oppose it,” continued Spicer. “However, with this overwhelming show of support by tribal members of the direction we are moving, I am confident we can now all come together to benefit from the exciting opportunities in front of the tribe.”
Spicer sees construction of the new Grand Lake Casino and Resort on the shores of Grand Lake in Grove as the greatest of those opportunities. The tribe announced in May that it will be building a new 100,000-square-foot casino, including a five-story hotel and three restaurants.
“This will be the premier casino and hotel complex in northeastern Oklahoma . It will create 450 new jobs and bring numerous benefits to the Grove community,” he said.
The Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma has 4,400 members and currently employs 330 people in its gaming, tobacco, and tribal operations in Ottawa and Delaware counties. The tribe also distributes more than $3 million annually in medical, housing, and other assistance to area families and individuals.
Labels: Indian Tribes
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