Ak-Chin Indian Community chooses Miguel in historic election
Previously chosen by the council, Robert Miguel (left) became the first elected chairman of Ak-Chin Indian Community under its new bylaws. Gabriel Lopez was elected vice chairman.
Voting members of the Ak-Chin Indian Community elected incumbent chairman Robert Miguel Nov. 19 in what was the first-ever direct election of the position.
The council adopted a new constitution in July that altered the election process to allow for direct voter participation in the selection of the top two positions. In previous years, votes were cast only for council members, who, once elected, chose from their ranks a chairman and vice chairman.
Miguel, whose grandfather was chairman in the 1970s, is proud to have been part of this significant election and is honored to have been democratically chosen to lead his community for the next four years. To him, this direct election not only legitimizes the post, but also exhibits the outstanding democratic traits underpinning the community.
