Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians Announces Results of Election for Tribal Council Mandated by Settlement Agreement Between Tribal Factions

CORNING, Calif., Sept. 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Following a record election turnout, with over 92 percent of all adult Tribal members participating, the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians announced today the results of its Tribal Council election.

The members of the Tribe overwhelmingly elected four members of the Tribal Council which include: Latisha Miller – Vice-Chairperson, Andrew Alejandre – Secretary, Ambrosia Rico – Treasurer, and Natasha Magana – Member-at-large. The Chairman of the Tribe, Andrew Freeman, who is recognized by both groups who participated in the election, holds a term that ends in September 2016. The election ends the leadership of Leslie Lohse and her family's control over the Rolling Hills Casino and other tribal assets. The certified results of the election were: 138 votes for the winning slate, and 61 votes for the slate led by Lohse.

"I'm so pleased that the Nomlaki People had such strong voter turnout and exercised true democracy by electing its Tribal leadership," said Chairman Andrew Freeman, who was supported by both groups running for Tribal Council.  "This is a new era of Tribal leadership that promises financial integrity in its governance and financial transparency to all Tribal members to ensure all can share in the benefits of the various Tribal Enterprises."

The election represents the final step in the mediated agreement approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and National Indian Gaming Commission to resolve the leadership dispute that has plagued the Tribe over the last few months. Resolutions approving the election and supporting the election process were passed by both Tribal Councils claiming to be the rightful governing body of the Tribe.

The election was overseen by a third party election monitor that administered and tallied the votes to ensure the integrity of the process. The election monitor was previously suggested by Lohse and all Tribal members agreed to abide by the results. With the election complete and the results certified, the election is the unequivocal democratic expression of who is the Tribe's lawful governing body.

"The Tribal Members are excited and relieved that any questions regarding Tribal Leadership have been resolved," said Tracy Britton, a member of the Tribe that participated in the election. "We wish to thank all of our Tribal leadership for putting a process in place that gave the Nomlaki people their voice back. This is the fair election that the Tribal members have always wanted."

Chairman Andrew Freeman, who has served on the Tribal Council since 1998, swore in the newly-elected Tribal Council leaders as soon as the election results were announced.

Chairman Freeman stated following the certification of election results, "I want to extend my gratitude on behalf of the Tribe to the Rosette Law Firm for its unwavering support over the past few months. Its attorneys always put the best interests of the Tribe first and provided guidance during a critical time for the Tribe."

The Federal Court Restraining Order disallowing the Lohse and Pata families from disrupting operation at the Rolling Hills Casino will continue to stay in effect at least until October 2, 2014, at which time the Tribe will appear before Judge Kimberly J. Mueller again.  The Casino is operating very peacefully and there is absolutely no disruption to operations.

For more information on the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians and other Tribal news go to www.paskenta-nsn.gov or like us on facebook at www.facebook.com/paskentabandofnomlakiindians.

Media Contact
Richard Verri, Esq.
(480) 241-6049

SOURCE Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians