Leecy Reelected Bois Forte Tribal Chair

NETT LAKE, MN -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 04/04/08 -- Bois Forte Band of Chippewa voters reelected Kevin Leecy as Tribal Chair in their April 1, 2008 Primary.

Usually the top two vote-getters in the Primary face one another in the Tribe's June 10 General Election. However, Leecy won more than 52 percent of the vote, winning him the seat outright.

Leecy easily outdistanced three other opponents: former Chairman Gary Donald (26%); who was running to regain the seat Leecy won from him in 2004; Cook Hospital employee Donna Hoffer Barto of Orr (15%); and Tribal Government employee Dawn Benner (6%).

Leecy said, "I'm grateful to the voters. It's gratifying to have them endorse our plan for steady economic diversity and job creation that we've been working so hard to build at Bois Forte." Leecy went on to say, "We've got a lot of work to do to continue creating jobs, improving housing, expanding education opportunities and our cultural preservation programs. The campaign is over and I'm eager to resume working immediately for the people of Bois Forte."

To hear additional commentary on today's news in a brief sound bite from Leecy, visit http://providentpartners.net/boisforte/leecy.

Voters in Nett Lake chose newcomer Cathy Chavers over incumbent Ray Villebrun as District I Representative. Villebrun, who has served two and a half terms on the Tribal Council, received 41% of the vote. Chavers, who works as the Contract Health Coordinator for the Tribes Health Services, earned 58% of the vote in her first campaign for public office.

Voter turnout was up over 9% compared to the last Primary election. Secretary Treasurer David Morrison cited an increase in the population and the candidates reaching out to engage new young voters.

The vote totals must be certified by the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. Leecy and Chavers will then be sworn in during a traditional ceremony to be held in early summer.

Contact: Terri Hill 218-780-4388 thill@boisforte-ns.com

2008-04-04 15:46:19 0328637 MARKETWIRE