PEMBROKE — The overwhelming vote denying Chairman Paul Brooks another two years as leader of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is a sign that a majority of Lumbee tribal members want their government to become more responsive to the needs of the people, several tribal members have told The Robesonian.

“We got our government back,”said Pearlean Revels, a former speaker of the tribe’s 21-member council and a strong supporter of Harvey Godwin Jr., the victor in Tuesday’s five-way race for tribal chairman. “This is good for all of the people of the tribe.”

Godwin, a prominent businessman who owns Two Hawk Employment Service in Lumberton, credits his 729-vote victory over Brooks and three others to a campaign that reached out to all Lumbees.

“The end result was that we had a great strategic plan from which we never faltered,” Godwin said. “We reached out to all the people. We had a great campaign that was designed to re-empower the people. What we believe in was embraced by the people, and God had a major part in that.”

Brooks was almost denied the opportunity to seek re-election based on a provision in the Lumbee Constitution that prohibits an elected official from serving more than two consecutive terms. He has served as chairman since 2011 when he finished out a remaining year on former Chairman Purnell Swett’s term and then was elected to a three-year term in 2012.

The Lumbee Supreme Court ultimately ruled that Brooks could seek another term, but limited it to two years if he won re-election.

From the beginning of his time in office, Brooks took a confrontational stance when dealing with the Tribal Council. It has often been alleged that he and his administration violate the Lumbee Constitution and misuse federal HUD dollars allocated to the tribe for providing housing for tribal members.

Actions by Brooks and his administration have also often been cited as a major cause of disunity among tribal members.

“I think there is going to be a lot of change now that there will be a new chairman,” said Louise Mitchell, a former member of the Tribal Council and considered an expert on the Lumbee constitution. “I hope there will be change because of the confusion and controversies that have existed.”

Mitchell said that she believes Godwin will abide by the “core values” that he touted during his campaign, including accountability, integrity, transparency, adherence to the constitution, and communication with all tribal members.

“With the new chairman people won’t be afraid to express themselves,” she said. “There will be no oppressed feeling among people that they will be removed from their jobs or housing.”

Godwin told The Robesonian that he wants the Lumbee tribal government to work for the “good of the Lumbee people to better their lives.” He also said that the government should work toward the benefit of all people, not just Lumbees.

“We have different cultures and races,” Godwin said. “We want the government to transcend the interests of just the tribe. We want the government to function for all people.”

Robin Branch, a community activist and organizer of Lumbee Reform, said that the “spoke loud and clear” that a leader with new ideas is needed to lead the tribe into the future.

“They are ready to embrace new leadership,” Branch said. “The people have hope again that there is finally a chance for the tribe to move forward and progress like we always had done in the past.”

Lesaundri Hunt, the Tribal Council’s current speaker, believes tribal members want to see positive changes in the way their government operates.

“I think they are looking for continuity, not just from the administration but from all three branches of government,” Hunt said.

Most who spoke with The Robesonian said that they are looking to the new chairman to bring unity and harmony back to the tribe. To do that, some say, will require Godwin to immediately reorganize the tribal administration and get the right people in the right jobs.

“Harvey has three years to prove himself, ” said Eric Locklear, a self-proclaimed community activist who was very vocal in criticism of Brooks. “He will still need to build houses. He needs to show HUD that he is using federal money properly. After he has proven himself he can go to the federal government seeking tribal recognition and pursue more federal money for things like education and health.”

Godwin said he does not plan to announce specifically what his first actions as chairman will be until he is officially sworn-in as the new tribal chairman sometime in early January.

“Paul Brooks is still the chairman until Dec. 31, and I respect that,” he said. “I will make more of my plans known on Inauguration Day.”

Harvey Godwin Jr.
https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_Harvey-Godwin-Jr_cmyk2.jpgHarvey Godwin Jr.

Louise Mitchell
https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_louise-mitchell_cmyk.jpgLouise Mitchell

Eric Locklear
https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_eric-locklear1_cmyk.jpgEric Locklear

Robin Branch
https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_robin_branch_cmyk.jpgRobin Branch

By Bob Shiles

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Bob Shiles can be reached at 910-416-5165.