GREAT FALLS — Blackfeet voters apparently fed up with the division among their tribal council members have ousted three of four incumbents in this week’s primary elections.
Tribal chairman Willie Sharp Jr., along with council members Leon Vielle and Allen “Shane” Goss were defeated in Tuesday’s primary.
The other council member on the ballot, Paul McEvers, finished second in the primary in his district.
The division among council members has continued for about two years and 11 people claim seats on the nine-member council. Tribal employees and vendors have had payments delayed.
In total, 81 candidates filed to fill five positions on the council up for election. The top two candidates in each of the five districts advance to the June 24 general election.