BILL STERUD - BILL STERUD 548 VOTES (TOP), ROLEEN WILLIAMS HARGROVE - 496 VOTES
During the annual general election June 5, 905 Puyallup Tribal members cast their votes to fill two open seats on the seven-member council.
Each of the four candidates who made it through the primary election in April had experience as tribal leaders.
Tribal members voted to re-elect council veteran Bill Sterud to his 31st year on the council, and bringing back Roleen Hargrove, who served for 15 years during
some of the Tribe’s formative years in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Bill Sterud was the most popular choice with 548 votes. Roleen Hargrove came in second with 496.
Incumbent James Miles, Sr. tallied in at 356, giving up the seat he held for one term. Former Councilmember Henry John took 312 of the votes.
Both Bill Sterud and Roleen Hargrove say they feel humbled to be elected by the membership, and they look forward to the ongoing work ahead.
Each has helped lead the council through immense times of struggle, hardship and growth – such as the Land Claims Settlement in 1988 and infrastructure expansion in the 1990s.
As council approaches its next challenge –
navigating through economic woes and finding solutions for a sound financial future – Bill Sterud and Roleen Hargrove say they
are ready for the challenge.
Bill Sterud noted his goals for his upcoming three-year term are to implement a diversified economic development plan, increase revenues and businesses. He also noted caring for elders, education of members and continuing with successful programs are all priorities.
“We need to keep the ship afloat and going in a good direction, and continue on with all the programs that have been very successful in the past,” he said, which includes the per capita, housing programs and elders care.
Roleen Hargrove noted one of her top priorities is putting tribal members first, above all else.
“Council’s responsibility first and foremost is to the members of our Tribe. I want to make certain that we provide a safe, healthy and prosperous future beneficial to each and every member.
“Tribal Council is but the vehicle and the Tribal Membership is the fuel – high octane, of course – and without the fuel that vehicle goes nowhere.”
