Copyright © 1999 NLThomas
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Cherokee, NC - The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has a new chief, as of September 2, 1999. Leon D. Jones was elected Principal Chief over the incumbent Joyce C. Dugan, the first woman ever elected Principal Chief EBCI. The Cherokee Indian Reservation has six districts and, 63 year old, Jones won each of them.

The perceived inaccessibility, to Dugan, by some tribal members may have been part of the reason for her loss. "I thought it would be close, but I thought I would do better", she said adding, she was disappointed in not being able to serve for a second four-year term.

Jones said he would try to remain accessible to the members of the tribe and said he would be attending community meetings and that he would respond to phone calls. "I'm one of the people, and I intend to stay one of the people", stated Jones.

The top priority will be to find help the cash flow of the EBCI's hospital and also said there would not be any "sweeping changes" to the tribal government's staff. Jones said, "If there are changes, they will be gradual."

"We're going to evaluate the situation to see where we need to make changes and keep the people who are doing a good job." Jones said that he admired Dugan's efforts to keep tribal finances under control. "I would hope to continue it and improve upon it."

Jones finished second in June's primary out of a field of eight candidates. He said that he and his supporters targeted the voters who had supported Dugan's six other candidates.

Carroll "Pee Wee" Crowe was elected Vice Chief, defeating incumbent Bill Leadford by a wide margin of 2,012 votes to 987. In the elections for the 12 Tribal Council seats, most of the incumbents held onto their seats.

"People were ready for change", Jones said adding, "I want to thank all the people who supported me, not only in votes, but in spirit."

Out of 4,941 registered voters, about 60 percent of the tribe's registered voters cast ballots in Thursday's election. The Principal and Vice Principal Chief's terms run for four years. The Tribal Council members serve for two year terms. The newly elected administrators will take office on October 4, 1999.