Saugeen First Nation Chief Randall Kahgee has been re-elected.
He won yesterday’s election with 361 votes, beating former chief Vernon Roote who had 142 votes, and Michael Solomon who received 15.
Kahgee tells Bayshore Broadcasting News he’s excited about the re-election, and also excited about the good turnout by voters.
As for band council, seven of the nine members of the previous council were re-elected.
They include Randy Roote, Lester Anoquot, Clinton Root, Theresa Root, Emerson Bryan Johnson, Anthony Kahgee and Lorne Mandawoub.
Two new faces at band council will be Vernon Roote and Ken Roote.
They replace Allan Mason and James Ritchie, who did not win re-election.
Kahgee says having so many councillors back will be helpful, as they are familiar with the issues.
And he thinks it means the community has been pleased with the work the previous council had been doing.
Kahgee says there are a lot of things they need to work on with federal and provincial governments.
He believes we have one of the most aggressive governments he’s seen, and he says the lack of consultation between the feds and First Nations needs to be addressed.
On a local level, he’d like to build a stronger relationship with County officials.
Kahgee says he’s excited about working again on a municipal level with Saugeen Shores Mayor Mike Smith.
