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SEPTEMBER 29, 2000

A petition calling for the recall of Sara Misquez, president of the Mescalero Apache Tribe of New Mexico, has been turned in by activists who are worried about the tribe's financial health.

The tribe did not issue per capital payments as it usually does at the beginning of the school year. Misquez said the only source of income right now for the tribe is Casino Apache, which has been the focus of an investigation by the National Indian Gaming Commission.

However, tribal members wonder why there isn't money coming in from other tribal businesses, which include a hatchery, a timber mill, and a cattle grazing enterprise. The tribal court has been asked to make the tribe provide a financial report but Rufina Laws, one of the activists who turned in the petition, said the court hasn't responded to the request.

If the petition contains at least 25 percent of eligible voters, the tribal council has to schedule a recall election within 25 to 40 days. The activist say it contains more than enough signatures.

Get the Story:
Mescaleros Demand Recall Election for President (The Albuquerque Journal 9/29)

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