The Texas Alabama-Coushatta Tribe has elected a new tribal council, led by new chairman Rick Sylestine. Sylestine is beginning his fourth year on the council and will serve one year as chairman.
He stated, “Our highest priority right now is the health and safety of our people. Covid has wreaked havoc over our small community and we want to make sure we have the capabilities to combat the virus.”
Other members include:
- Vice Chairwoman Nita Battise
- Secretary Yolando Poncho
- Treasurer Ronnie Thomas
- Council Member David Battise
- Council Member Melanie Battise
- Council Member Roland Poncho
Another priority is the stability of Naskila Gaming, the electronic bingo facility on the reservation. The Class II facility is under constant threat by the state of Texas, which wants to close it down. The tribe is hoping a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on a related case will put an end to the dispute.
“We want to get past the issues with the state and we are at a good point concerning that, legislatively and litigation-wise,” said Chairman Sylestine. “This would be a big victory.”
Naskila Gaming is the second largest employer in Polk County with a current workforce of 700. Thousands of Texans have written letters to Governor Greg Abbott and U.S. Senator John Cornyn, asking them to support the tribe’s right to operate the facility.
“We want to get past the issues with the state and we are at a good point concerning that, legislatively and litigation-wise,” said Chairman Sylestine. “This would be a big victory.”
