Robert Chicks was formally removed from his position as president of the Stockbridge-Munsee Community by unanimous vote of the Tribal Council this week.
The council action Tuesday came two weeks after a tribal court overturned an April recall election that ousted Chicks by a vote of 224-128.
The court ruled that Chicks wasn’t given proper notice of the recall effort and called on the Election Board to set a new recall election.
The Election Board subsequently appealed, however, and asked for a stay on the Tribal Court decision, which was granted.
Doug Huck, tribal treasurer and council member, said there were several reasons why he brought the issue to the council Tuesday.
In addition to legal problems Chicks is facing, Huck alleged that Chicks had made personal threats against him.
Chicks is facing several charges in Langlade County. He was charged with a misdemeanor count of obstructing an officer after allegedly giving a false name when pulled over by police in Antigo on Jan. 10. Chicks also is charged with misdemeanor theft for allegedly using a tribal credit card to post his bond, and a misdemeanor count of bail jumping for missing a Feb. 18 court appearance.
Chicks is scheduled for a status conference on the charges on Oct. 7 in Langlade County Circuit Court and a jury trial on the obstruction charge Oct. 23.
The Tribal Council’s 5-0 vote for removal means Chicks will not be eligible to run for office for four years, according to the Tribal Constitution.
“The action was done because the issue was too disruptive to the community,” said Acting President Wally Miller, who will continue in his present position until the election in October.
“Tribal Council will strive to work together as a whole body,” he said. “There will always be bumps in the road, but collectively we have been getting the work done and we will continue to work together for the betterment of our community.”
Categories
