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By Rose Hooper
Cheorkee Tribal Vice Chief Carroll Crowe, 50, faces the tribe's
financial officer, 38-year-old Michell Hicks, in today's (Thursday)
race for principal chief.
Both candidates are running on a platform stressing unification
of a tribe facing dissention over impeachment of its two top leaders.
Chief Leon Jones and former Tribal Council Chairman Bob Blankenship
are charged with violating the tribe's confidentiality policy
and using the 13,000-enrolled-member list for political gain.
Although investigator Bill Jones found no criminal wrongdoings,
tribal council plans to resume impeachment proceedings following
today's election. Chief Jones, defeated in the June primary, is
not eligible for re-election; Blankenship is seeking to retain
his Yellow Hill council seat.
Both Hicks and Crowe agree the impeachment is not the focus of
the election and should not affect its outcome.
Hicks is asking voters, "Who is best qualified to lead our
tribe into the uncertainties and challenges of the future? Who
can best bring people together in consensus and unify us for the
common good of all tribal members?"
Meanwhile in his campaign, Crowe is stressing, "Coming together
is a beginning; keeping together is progress; and working together
is success."
Both candidates also possess similar ideas for economic growth
on the reservation. Crowe supports downtown revitalization, with
an emphasis on a pedestrian-friendly environment. Instead of a
theme park like Dollywood, as suggested in the tribe's master
plan, Crowe would like to create an attraction like Disney's Animal
Kingdom, featuring a wildlife habitat and perhaps an arboretum.
Hicks' idea is to concentrate on "natural resources and wholesome
family fun," as evidenced by last month's Talking Trees Children's
Trout Fishing Derby. As people seek respite from city life, tourism
in Cherokee should focus on "our abundance of the most sought-after
natural resources anywhere," according to Hicks.
Married with three children, Hicks said he would focus on a long-term
strategic plan for the tribe if elected chief. Crowe, married
with three sons and several grandchildren, said sovereignty would
be a focus for his administration.
Both agree accountability is importing, considering the tribe
controls 50 percent of the Harrah's Cherokee Casino gaming income,
about $150 million annually.
Hicks attended Cherokee schools and received his bachelor's degree
from Western Carolina University in business management. For six
years he worked for the top accounting firm of Mahoney, Cohen
and Co. and has worked for the tribe for 16 years, the last eight
as its financial officer.
Crowe also attended Cherokee schools and following graduation
went to work at the Cherokee Boys Club. He attended Southwestern
Community College and has worked for 20 years for Indian Health
Service, where he was responsible for the hospital's mulit-million
dollar budget.
For all their similarities, the two candidates point out one difference
– age. Hicks, relying on his youthful energy and stamina,
said he will bring a fresh vision for the future. Crowe, son of
the former principal chief, the late John Crowe, admits he is
old-fashioned and his vision is in keeping with long-held beliefs.
Voters will also select a vice chief, council members and school
board members in today's election.
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