The Southern Ute Indian Tribe elected two new council members and a new tribal chairwoman at Friday's runoff election.
Christine Baker-Sage pulled off a narrow election victory against opponent Shane Seibel for the position of tribal chair.
Baker-Sage, who said in her candidate statement that tribal members should be treated with respect and concern, won by 63 votes.
Sage grew up on the Southern Ute Reservation and continues in the footsteps of her father, the late Chairman Christopher Baker, according to a press release from the tribe.
Chairman Sage named Esther Rima as her executive officer. Rima previously worked 11 years with the Southern Ute Permanent Fund Finance Department.
"I am looking forward to working with all officials on a tribal, city, county, state, and national level," Sage said in the statement.
The Southern Ute Indian Tribe also elected two new tribal council members, Cheryl Frost and Cedric Chavez. Both have worked for the tribe and will be serving their first term on the council.
The seat was previously held by Clement Frost, who retired after 27 years in office, according to the Southern Ute Drum, the tribe's newspaper.
Frost and Chavez fill two council seats previously held by Amy Barry and Tyson Thompson.
Frost and Chavez beat opponents Dedra White and incumbent Barry with 240 and 273 votes, respectively.
In his candidate statement, Chavez said he was running because he has been waiting a long time for positive change.
Frost said she did not have a campaign platform and would not follow a timeline to accomplish goals.
The elected chairwoman and councilors will serve three-year terms on the seven-member board. The three were installed during inaugaration ceremonies Monday at Sky Ute Casino Resort.
mrupani@durangoherald.com
