Sneed, incumbents roll in Tribal elections

    Cherokee – Members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians made a strong statement Thursday that they are happy with their leadership.
    Incumbents dominated the tribal elections, including the re-election of Principal Chief Richard Sneed and Snowbird/Cherokee County council members Adam Wachacha and Bucky Brown.
    Sneed had fewer votes in the primary than challenger Teresa McCoy, but he won the general election by 395 votes, gaining much of the support that went to other primary candidates. He thanked his family and supporters on Facebook immediately after the election.
    “We have already begun to experience tremendous growth as a tribe as well as a stabilization of our government. Your confidence in my leadership empowers the EBCI to continue along this path and ensure the security of our future,” Sneed said.
    “I am grateful to the employees who work hard every day to move our goals forward and provide a better way of life for our community and tribe. I view this as a vote of confidence in our accomplishments.”
    McCoy traveled to many communities during the campaign. She thanked her many supporters for welcoming her into their homes and sharing time with her, as well as for their support on Election Day.
    “I will not forget several of the issues important to all of you, bless you all,” she said Friday. “I will always defend your right to vote, and your health and welfare will always be important to me. We are Cherokee, we must unite.”
    Sneed thanked McCoy for her role in bringing tribal issues to light.
    “To my opponent, thank you for continuing to bring important issues to the forefront and being willing to pursue the immense responsibility of leadership,” Sneed said. “Dialog, discussion and even civil disagreement is important for a strong, stable government.”
    Wachacha was elected to his sixth term on tribal council.
    “I am truly humbled by the wonderful people I’ve been able to meet through the years while in office and the friendships that have been made while serving as your representative,” Wachacha said on Facebook after winning again. “I wanted to let my family know how much I love and appreciate them for all their hard work and dedication. You all are truly amazing!
    “Thanks to each candidate for your willingness to serve and your wonderful ideas that have been presented to our communities during this election.”
    Brown is back for a second term representing the westernmost district of tribal lands.
    “I want to say thank you to everyone who supported me today in Snowbird and Cherokee County,” Brown said. “I appreciate the trust you have put in me, and I look forward to serving you for the next two years!”
    Alan B. Ensley was easily re-elected vice chief over challenger Jim Owle.