PORT ANGELES — Lower Elwha Klallam Vice Chairman Russell N. “Razz” Hepfer and Councilman Joseph A. Turrey retained their seats on the Tribal Council in Saturday’s election, results showed Sunday.
Hepfer was the top vote-getter with 89 votes. The top two earn spots on the council.
Turrey edged former Vice Chairman Phil L. “Skipper” Charles Jr. by two votes — 66 to 64 — to retain his seat on the council. Charles Jr. is a retired Marine and Bureau of Indian Affairs officer and skipper of the Lightning canoe.
“It was a close election,” said Brenda Francis, Lower Elwha tribal spokeswoman.
Rounding out the top five was Contract Health Services Director Lorinda Robideau, who had 49 votes, and tribal artist Linda Wiechman with 30 votes.
A total of 357 votes were cast. Thirteen tribal members received at least one vote.
Polls were open from noon to 8 p.m. at the Lower Elwha Tribal Center. Mail-in ballots were due by April 29.
With the exception of the chair, council members serve three-year terms.
The five-member council is comprised or a chair, vice chair, secretary/treasurer and two at-large positions.
The council will select a new vice chair and secretary/treasurer in June, Francis said.
The tribal chair is voted by election every year.
That election will be held May 28.
The current chairwoman is Frances Charles, whose name will be in the election along with the four other Tribal Council members’ names.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladaily news.com.
