Recall petitions on FHBC members at standstill until further legal review
Fort Hall Business Council meeting on October 24.
By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — On Tuesday, October 24 the Fort Hall Business Council met with the Tribal Election Board to go over the results of the recall petitions taken out on officials Gaylen V. Edmo and Sammy Matsaw Jr.
FHBC in attendance were Nancy Eschief Murillo, Claudia Washakie, Lee Juan Tyler, Donna Thompson, Sammy Matsaw Jr. and Gaylen Edmo. Ladd Edmo was on travel.
Election Board Chairwoman Audrey Ponzo read the findings, which stated both recalls met the qualifications of at least one-third, or 359 signatures of eligible voters. Edmo’s recall totaled 370 approved signatures. Matsaw’s recall totaled 371 approved signatures.
The Election Board suggested a recall election date of December 1, 2023.
Gaylen Edmo asked for clarification on the 359 signatures, which were based on the prior election and asked how many newly registered voters were added. The Election Board added 95 new registered voters. Edmo said that would mean the 359 was based off of the May election and with the new voters, the number would need to go up to meet the qualifications.
Election Board’s Vivian Wahtomy said it doesn't specify that in the election act, and just says whoever is registered to vote, which is what they went by.
Edmo says he’s bringing it up because he was told by multiple tribal members that there were a lot of newly registered votes for the signatures. He said if you’re going to accept those signatures it should be calculated into the 30 percent.
Edmo said he’s not going to vote on the matter because it’s the people’s decision. He defended his right to speak up for his due process.
He spoke on comments against his character, which called him on being argumentative, he said that’s their job.
“That’s why we’re elected is to represent the people who voted us into office,” he said. Adding if he’s removed from office he will not be broken and will still land on his feet. He said it’s an honor to represent the people and he appreciates that. He will continue to represent the people the best way he can.
Enrollment’s Antoinette Kniffin said they always register new voters before any petition.
The 95 new voters were added between the May election and the time the recall petitions were turned in by the October 11 deadline.
Eschief Murillo said the 359 is really just a guide since they don’t know how many you really need to do a recall. She said this was a good outreach and questioned why those who are being petitioned are trying to refute the decision. She voiced her concern on the issue of Matsaw and his enrollment blood.
“This is only ratifying the decision of the committee. That’s what this is. Then there’ll be a meeting election set up by the council,” she explained referring to what's stated in the constitution.
Chairman Tyler said he can’t act on the decision alone. He wants to make sure things are done right.
Nancy Eschief Murillo made the motions to accept the recall on Edmo and Matsaw, Donna Thompson seconded them. The vote went two in favor, one opposed and two recused.
Washakie said she opposed due to the questions on the number of voter signatures and wants clarification.
Thompson suggested getting clarification from the legal team and made a motion, seconded by Washakie. The motion was passed with three voting in favor and two abstentions.
Thompson said she supports Matsaw and Edmo and will vote. She said what bothers her is how this situation is dividing the community, which includes her family as well. She said if they’re going to vote in a recall election let it be for the right reasons and are they or are they not doing a good job?
Matsaw said he feels similar to Gaylen Edmo’s comments as he’s honored to represent the Shoshone-Bannock people and honored to grow up that way.
“I hope I’ve been an example of that. In my life, with my family, serving this country. All of those things that I’ve done, gone to school. Came back. I listened to our elders and came back. And the thing that’s a theme here is we both came home with our degrees and look what you’re doing to these people. Look at the message you’re sending them. You’re not good enough or you’re too good. We want the standard to be so high. We want these exceptional leaders because we can't get there there’s no hope, so just accept this. When entirely us, as a body has been exceptional,” he said.
He acknowledged the rest of the council for their experience in leadership and added how he and Edmo contributed to them.
Tribal Attorney Bill Bacon was called in to advise the council on the recall course of action. Bacon said the decision would hinge on exactly what they were told when they got the petition and how it ties into the language in the ordinance. Bacon said this was an important issue and said he wanted to study the information before advising.
As of press time no decision was made of when a recall election would take place.
Comments taken from the crowd varied in favor of the recall and in defense of those petitioned.
