San Carlos, Ariz., Tribal Council Refuses to Honor Judge's Order
Story-Date: 02:33 p.m. PST Tuesday  , August 25, 1998

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San Carlos, Ariz., Tribal Council Refuses to Honor Judge's Order


By Brenda Norrell, Indian Country Today, Rapid City, S.D.
Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

Aug. 24--SAN CARLOS, Ariz.--The San Carlos Tribal Council called a visiting
judge's court order, reinstating Chairman Raymond Stanley to office, a sham
and refused to honor it.

"It is an act of desperation. Council members are violating the judge's
court order and the police are backing them all the way," tribal historian
Dale Miles said after the council passed resolutions rejecting a temporary
restraining order.

Pro tem Judge Kaye Lewis from the White Mountain Apache Tribe granted a
60-day restraining order, filed by Mr. Stanley, Aug. 5 which restrains the
tribal council from interfering with the chairman's duties.

The tribal council, however, then passed a resolution calling Judge Lewis'
court order a "sham order" issued by a person "purporting to be a judge."

The Aug. 9 resolution, passed without Mr. Stanley's knowledge, declares a
state of emergency necessitating an executive order squashing Judge Lewis'
restraining order.

Tribal maintenance unlocked the doors for the chairman the day after Judge
Lewis issued his order and the chairman's staff returned to their offices.
However, once inside, the chairman's supporters anticipated the arrival of
outside security or police to remove them from the building.

Sandra Rambler, spokesperson for the chairman, seated at the entrance to
the executive offices, said the council refused to abide by the court
order.

Judge Lewis ruled that Mr. Stanley is returned to full executive and
administrative duties, including the use of his vehicle, restoration of
his office, cellular phone, back pay and salary. The order states, "No
council meetings shall be held without the chairman presiding and voting
... "

The order further restrains Police Chief Art Jackson from issuing warrants
in lieu of summons for any criminal allegations, including warrants for the
arrest of the judge and counsels.

Ms. Rambler said the tribal council is meeting off tribal land and refuses
to notify the chairman of council meetings, in violation of Judge Lewis'
order. "They are continuing their secret meetings," Ms. Rambler said.

After Mr. Stanley returned to the building, the only council delegate
present in administrative offices was Councilman Rupert Alden. During a
brief visit to his office, he declined comment.

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(c) 1998, Indian Country Today, Rapid City, S.D. Distributed by Knight
Ridder/Tribune Business News.



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