Members are exercising recall right
Letters to the Editor
As many in the Colville Tribe and surrounding communities are aware of, there is currently a Tribal Council Recall effort under way. It is within the constitutional rights of the membership to initiate such an action when there has been a breach in the leadership amongst Council representatives.
This letter is not to provide evidence of what those breaches are, but to provide support and documentation of this legal effort amongst tribal members.
While all members do not share the viewpoint that there has been any wrongdoing within the tribal governing body, there are an equal amount who do believe this and they have the right to proceed with their Recall Effort as is stated in the Colville Tribal Constitution per Amendment IV, Section 3: “Upon receipt of a petition signed by one-third (1/3) of the eligible voters in any district calling for the recall of any member of the council representing said district, it shall be the duty of the council to call an election on such recall petition. No members may be recalled in any such election unless at least 40% of the legal voters of the district shall vote in such an election.”
The constitution clearly states the recall process, which at this time is being followed by Colville tribal members on and off the reservation. This amendment also states clearly that it is not at the discretion of council to decide whether or not to accept the petition, but to call an election on it. It is my understanding that this Amendment supersedes the original Article.
It is my hope, and the hope of many members involved in this effort, that Tribal Council will follow procedures outlined in the Constitution allowing the members a voice and a choice, without prejudice, and without further retaliatory actions against members exercising this right.
Michelle Covington