Dramatic finish in primary

By James Budd

The primary election in Graham County ended with a little drama or at least some confusion.
Although the situation wasn’t like Al Gore vs. George W. Bush in the "hanging chads" recount of the 2000 presidential election bid which ended up before the Supreme Court, there was enough confusion at the local election board last Tuesday night to create some drama.
There were three seats open in the GOP Primary for commission with eight candidates.
Veteran Commissioner Raymond Williams placed third for the third seat, garnering 402 votes. Incumbent Chairman Lynn Cody got 486 votes and former middle school principal Bruce E. Snyder got 473 votes.
Incumbent Commissioner Gene Trull place fourth in the three-way race, garnering 369 votes and losing his seat to Williams.
However, Graham election officials concluded Tuesday night Williams failed by two votes to get enough to put him over the 40 percent threshold for an undisputed victory.
Election Secretary Steve Odom, who is the de facto Republican chief on the board, and Election Board Chair Juanita Colvard, who is the de facto Democratic chief on the board, agreed on the math as the clock edged toward midnight at the board office in Robbinsville last Tuesday night. The night dragged on as the board went ahead and counted the provisional ballots. These are ballots that are cast, which are disputed.
A person might have moved from his or her precinct and voted in the wrong ward. A ruling would have to be made on whether the vote would count.
There were nine provisional ballots counted Tuesday. Nothing was resolved because Trull got two votes and Williams got two votes.
After all was said and done Tuesday night, Odom concluded Trull could be eligible for a runoff.
Colvard agreed on the math, but wasn’t sure about whether a runoff would be needed.
Both agreed to contact the North Carolina Board of Elections the next day.
"We will have to wait on a ruling from the state," Odom said at the time. "I couldn’t make the call."
The following day, Johnnie McLean, the deputy director of the North Carolina Board of Elections, cited North Carolina election law 163-111, section 1 and 2, and determined Williams had won a plurality of the vote.
As it turned out, the top four candidates all exceeded the 40 percent threshold and Williams was declared the winner.
Section 2 of the state election law clarified the situation: "the substantial plurality shall be ascertained by dividing the total vote cast for all aspirants by the number of positions filled, and by multiplying the result by 40 percent. Any excess of the sum so ascertained shall be a substantial plurality, and the aspirants shall be declared nominees. If more candidates obtain a substantial plurality than there are positions to be filled, those having the highest vote shall be declared nominees."
Bottom line: Williams won.
James Budd is publisher and editor of The Graham Star. He can be reached at editor@grahamstar.com.

James Budd is publisher and editor of The Graham Star. He can be reached by e-mail at editor@grahamstar.com

Letters to the editor

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians say there are plenty of medical services available at Snowbird

Dear editor,
In response to the article by Ms. Zelerie Rose entitled, "Cherokees in Snowbird want their Own Tribal Representative" in the April 17 issue, I would like to rebut a statement by Onita Bush, employee of Cherokee Community Health, concerning health services in the Snowbird Community. Ms. Bush stated, "We used to have diabetes clinics, dental clinics, and other doctors to meet the needs of this community. Now we have nothing." This statement is not accurate as the tribe has a host of health programs available in Snowbird.
Furthermore, The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has a long standing history of providing health care services in the Snowbird community and those services have steadily increased over time.
Health care services provided by the Health and Medical Division are reviewed on an annual basis and coincide with the budget planning process to determine changes needed based on the growth of the community or health priorities.
The services currently provided in Snowbird by the Health and Medical Division includes diabetes care, diabetes education and nutrition therapy, wound care, behavioral health services to adults in the community and child services in the school system to enrolled children. Both adult and child dental services are provided as well as ancillary services such as children’s braces, dentures and hearing aids.
Community Health, which has a permanent office in Snowbird with 1 Registered Nurse, two certified nursing assistants and two community health representatives provide home visits, health screens, injury prevention assistance, assistance with car seat clinics, health education to the community, light housekeeping, socialization services, emotional support, CAP services, personal care, respite care, medication compliance, and medication delivery. They also assist with health fairs and health screens in the community.
Not only are clinical services available, Health and Medical programs also provide preventative programs and travel to Snowbird on a regular basis to provide car seat clinics, youth education on health issues. Family movie nights and youth dances are held on a regular basis as a drug prevention activity. Support services are also offered to Snowbird residents with issues such as disability claims, and alternate resources through the Supplemental Health Insurance Program.
Anyone needing an appointment, referral or just information for the services provided by Health and Medical need only contact HMD at 828-497-7460 for information regarding the appropriate program. We would also welcome any requests from the Snowbird Community Club for presentations regarding services provided by HMD.
The Cherokee Indian Hospital has a permanent clinic located in the Snowbird community that provides general medical care to the residents. Health care in the hospital clinic is provided by a Physicians Assistant, and a Registered Nurse. That clinic can be contacted by calling 828-479-6330. If anyone has questions concerning health services in the community, I invite you to contact me at 828-497-7450.
Susan Leading Fox
Deputy Health Officer,
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

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