Tribal Court calls for new election

The Mille Lacs Band Tribal Court of Appeals last week invalidated the results of the Dec. 16 special election won by Marge Anderson.

In a four-part decision dated March 17, the court also ruled that a new election should be held, that former Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin should be allowed on the ballot, and that Marge Anderson should continue to serve as chief until a new election is held.

The decision resulted from a lawsuit by Benjamin, who was not allowed on the ballot for the special election after the Band Assembly voted to remove her from office following allegations of misuse of Band funds.

Solicitor General Rjay Brunkow said additional appeals may be filed in the case, and the Court of Appeals ruling does not affect any potential criminal cases against Benjamin.

For more on this story, see www.millelacsmessenger.com and next week's Messenger.