Tribal governor, other officials elected by Passamaquoddys

PLEASANT POINT – He may be the Passamaquoddy Tribe’s newest governor, but he’s been down that path before.

Former governor Rick Doyle is again wearing the chief’s hat. He was first appointed to the office in 1997 and later ran for the tribe’s top job in 1998, winning the four-year seat.

On Tuesday, Doyle beat tribal state Rep. Fred Moore 207 to 197.

Of a total 696 prospective voters, 410 people went to the polls Tuesday.

Doyle replaces Gov. Melvin Francis who died in an automobile accident on Route 9 last year.

The reservation also has a newly elected lieutenant governor. Thomas Lewey walked away with the second top job, beating Dale Mitchell 210 to 182.

Twelve people ran for the three seats on the council and the top three vote-getters were: Fred Frances with 158, Dorothy “Dottie” Barnes with 142, and former Lt. Gov. Edward Bassett with 122. One of the runners-up was incumbent tribal councilor Philip Farrell Jr. who received 97 votes. Candidate Marla Farrell received 64 votes. Former state tribal Rep. Madonna Soctomah garnered 87 votes.

Francis Fitzsimmons received 49 votes, and Viola Francis walked away with 56.

Mary George Sappier received 25 votes, while Linda Lingley got 29.

Kani Malson and Philip Stanley each received 38 and 35 votes respectively.

Write-in candidates Vera Francis and Pam Francis each walked away with 68 and 70 votes respectively.

Former tribal state Rep. Donald Soctomah, who is running unopposed for the state tribal representative job, received 389 votes.

Eddie Joe Nicholas and Carol Sprague each won seats on the school board. They received 272 and 336 votes respectively.