Tribal Chairman Rodney Butler of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe of Connecticut would like to keep that title for another three years. Butler is seeking a seventh term on the council, which would place him in the running for a fifth term as chairman.
The election is November 14.
The 1,100-member tribe owns and operates Foxwoods Resort Casino.
Butler has competition: a total of seven candidates (including himself) running for three seats on the council. Incumbents are Butler, Richard E. Sebastian and Daniel Menihan. Challengers include Darnika Eleazer, Heshima Harris Jr., Michele Scott and Mark Thornton.
In a statement Butler said, “It has been a privilege to serve my tribal nation for the last 18 years, with 12 of those as chairman.” He added, “My community has consistently bound together through challenging times over my tenure that has only made us stronger as a people and nation. With the landmark pieces of legislation passed this year, it proves that our ‘Pequot Perseverance’ is alive and well. I couldn’t be more proud of my nation, am excited by what the future will bring, and would be honored to continue on as chairman.”
Most recently, Butler negotiated with the Mohegan Tribe and Governor Ned Lamont to achieve expanded gaming legislation that authorized retail and online sportsbooks in the state.
