2 replacements elected to Ute business panel

Fort Duchesne, UINTAH COUNTY — After the controversial ouster of two members of the Ute Tribe Business Committee, two replacements have been elected this week in close races.

The election was held Wednesday to replace two committee members who were ousted after accusing their colleagues of misconduct.

Uintah band members elected Fabian Jenks by just one vote over former committee member Irene Cuch, 61 votes to 60 votes. Jenks, who replaces Ron Wopsock on the Business Committee, is the brother of current Business Committee member Richard Jenks.

In the Whiteriver band, Ridley Eagle Chief garnered 50 votes to claim victory over Frances Poowegup who had 48 votes. Poowegup is a former Business Committee member. Eagle Chief will replace Luke Duncan.

Wopsock and Duncan were removed from office in October by their fellow Business Committee members on grounds of "neglect and gross misconduct" after they filed a lawsuit against the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

In their lawsuit, the two men alleged that the BIA failed to exercise their trust responsibility when it comes to the tribe's financial interests by neglecting to oversee the spending of tribal funds by tribal financial adviser, John Jurrius.

Wopsock and Duncan and three other plaintiffs allege tribal coffers are being "raided in broad daylight," through a financial plan developed by Jurrius. Attorneys for Duncan and Wopsock are appealing their ousters. Tribal Court Judge Daniel Sam last month ruled that tribal court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter. The Ute Tribe Constitution does not allow sitting members of the tribe's governing body to be sued in tribal court.

Jurrius supporters maintain his investments of tribal money and other financial decisions are putting the tribe on a path economic security and stability.

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