NEAH BAY — Blanchard Matte has been re-elected to the Makah Tribal Council following an election Monday.
There were 376 ballots cast, with Matte receiving 161 votes to win against challengers Leah Neuneker, Gary Ray, Dotti Chamblin and Ted Noel.
“I’m happy to serve another three years in this position,” Matte said, “and I thank the people for supporting me.”
Neuneker received the second largest amount of votes with 98, trailed by Ray with 63, Chamblin with 30 and Noel with 16.
Makah Tribal Chairman Ben Johnson Jr. said the remaining eight votes were from seven ballots that were disqualified and one that was blank.
Projects continue
Johnson said Matte being re-elected is a positive thing because the council will be able to keep up the pace of ongoing projects, such as the revamping of the reservation’s water system.
“With the same council we don’t stop,” Johnson said.
“We just keep right on doing what we’re doing.”