In a unanimous vote, the 12-member tribal council of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina approved term limits for members of the two boards that oversee tribal gaming operations—the Tribal Gaming Commission and Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise. The legislation was submitted by Birdtown Representative Boyd Owle, who said, “I think we need to spread it out for other people to serve on these boards. They’re great boards. There are a lot of bright minds here in Cherokee, so let’s give them an opportunity. To be honest, I’d like to see it for all boards.”
The three-member TGC sets rules governing games and gaming equipment at the tribe’s casinos in Cherokee and Murphy. The five-member TCGE oversees policies and financial decisions as outlined in the tribe’s management contract with Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. Board members are appointed by the principal chief with tribal council approval. TGC members serve three-year terms and TCGE members serve five-year terms.
Birdtown Representative Albert Rose said Owle’s legislation is “long overdue.” He said some people serving on the boards bring a “sense of entitlement” to their position.
Tribal Council Chairman Adam Wachacha suggested changing the limit from two terms to two consecutive terms to allow experienced board members to be considered for reappointment after taking time off. “It’s really hard to replace experienced people on some of these commissions and boards, but I too stand with the majority of council in making sure we’re looking outside of a specific pool and considering everybody,” he said. The motion to amend the legislation ultimately was rejected.
Principal Chief Richard Sneed questioned the necessity of term limits, since the council can reject any proposed appointments. “I can understand wanting to codify term limits in it, but to your same point, this body says no. At the end of the day, this body has the authority to say yes or no, and I’m interested to see the process that will be coming. That’s something we’ve talked about in here for about two and a half years now, because every time appointments come up, we have a debate like this.”
Sneed will have 30 days from the date of passage to ratify or veto the term-limit legislation.
