Mashantucket Pequots reelect two tribal councilors
Nov. 6—MASHANTUCKET — Two Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council members were reelected Sunday in voting among tribal members, the tribe announced.
Latoya Cluff, the council vice chairwoman, and Matthew Pearson, the secretary, both won a third three-year term on the seven-member council.
In a separate vote held after the general election, Cluff won reelection as council vice chairwoman.
The other candidates in the general election were Jonathan Valledares, Heshima D. Harris Jr. and Darnika Eleazer. Cluff was the only candidate for vice chairwoman.
According to Lori Potter, the tribe's public affairs director, 333 tribal members participated in the balloting that took place in the tribe's community center. The turnout represents 39% of the 848 tribal members eligible to vote. Voters must be at least 18 years of age.
"Latoya and Matthew are excellent servants to our tribal nation, and we thank them for their willingness to once again serve in these critical roles," Rodney Butler, the council chairman, said in a statement. "We congratulate them and look forward to ongoing work together in service to Mashantucket."
Cluff chairs the tribe's Community Planning and Housing committees. A graduate of the University of New Haven, she holds a master's degree in labor relations with a concentration in human resources management, and a bachelor's degree in business management from Johnson and Wales University.
Pearson chairs the tribe's Administrative Support and Judicial committees. He has bachelor's degree in media and communications from Muhlenberg College and a certificate in publishing from the University of Denver's Publishing Institute.
The tribal council oversees tribal government as well as management of several tribe-owned enterprises, including Foxwoods Resort Casino, the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, Pequot Health Care, Lake of Isles golf club and the Spa at Norwich Inn.
In addition to Butler, the other council members whose terms were not up include Merrill Reels, treasurer; and Crystal Whipple, Daniel Menihan and Michele Scott.
New council terms will begin in January 2024.
