By Carleen Wild
Moody County Enterprise
Flandreau Santee Sioux tribal members will head to the polls Saturday for an election that will bring a significant change in leadership.
For the first time in 16 years, the tribe will elect a new president. Current President Tony Reider, who has served in the role since 2010, did not seek another term.
Either longtime Tribal Treasurer Ryan Kills-A-Hundred or current Trustee David Ross will succeed Reider. Kills-A-Hundred led the June primary with 120 votes, followed by Ross with 77.
Reider is instead running for the Trustee III seat against Kenneth D. Weston. Weston led that primary race with 94 votes, followed by Reider with 69.
Campaign signs supporting candidates in each of the contested races have appeared throughout the community in recent weeks, including signs for tribal president — something residents have not seen in many years.
As with most elections, there has been considerable discussion among tribal members about leadership, accountability and the tribe’s direction moving forward. Saturday’s vote will give members the opportunity to decide who they believe is best prepared to lead and represent them.
Angeline A. Eastman and Francis Wakeman III are running for tribal secretary. Jessica C. Hovland and Kristi Bietz are seeking the Trustee I seat.
Voting will take place from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Eastman Hall. Absentee voting continues through Friday, July 31.