The Seminole Tribe of Florida fired Chairman James Billie for “various issues with policies and procedures,” following a recall petition and a vote by the tribal council on September 28. On October 31, Marcellus W. Osceola Jr. was elected chairman with 319 votes versus 297 for Billie, who ran for re-election.
However, Osceola’s win is being challenged and the tribal council is considering voiding the election because Seminole rules require office-holders to reside on one of the tribe’s reservations. Osceola owns a home on the Hollywood reservation, but he has been living elsewhere while it undergoes repairs for mold damage. In a statement, the tribal council said it will “further consider the situation” and provide more public information “as it becomes available.”
The past election for chairman was Billie’s third. He served as chairman from 1979-2001, but was impeached after being charged with financial mismanagement and sexual harassment. He was re-elected as chairman in 2011 and again in May 2015 when he defeated Osceola by 45 percent to 39 percent; three other challengers split the other votes.
