Grand Traverse Band chairman survives recall vote tied to casino project

Monday, April 9, 2018  

The leader of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians narrowly survived a recall vote that was linked to his opposition to a new casino in Michigan.

According to news reports, Chairman Thurlow “Sam” McClellan secured 249 votes to stay on office. Some 229 wanted him out.

“To me a win is a win and I’ll take it,” McClellan told The Traverse City Record-Eagle after the April 3 vote. “I’ve found I have a lot of supporters out there.”

McClellan has questioned plans for a $60 million casino, saying the tribe's existing facilities aren't doing as well as expected. He told the paper that he will seek an independent cost analysis of the project.

Read More on the Story:
Chairman survives recall effort (The Traverse City Record-Eagle April 7, 2018)
Tribal chairman fends off recall attempt (Interlochen Public Radio April 6, 2018)

Grand Traverse chairman faces recall after opposing new casino (March 27, 2018)