September 4, 2014 — Members of the Passamaquoddy Tribe this week narrowly defeated two incumbent officers and elected new leaders for its reservations at Indian Township and Pleasant Point.
The tribe’s new chiefs-elect immediately said that Passamaquoddy fishing rights will be a high priority for the new administrations.
The tribe has been embroiled in an on-again, off-again dispute with state officials in recent years over fishing rights for elvers — baby eels.
The tribe at Pleasant Point on Tuesday ousted incumbent chief Clayton Cleaves in favor of Fred Moore, who has served in the past as the Passamaquoddy representative to the Maine Legislature.
The tribe at Indian Township on Wednesday replaced incumbent vice chief Clayton Socabasin and also chose a new chief to take the place of Joseph Socobasin, who did not seek re-election.
Moore narrowly defeated Cleaves, 204-171. Vera Francis received 297 votes to handily defeat vice chief Kenneth Poynter, who got 80 votes in his re-election bid.
Billy Nicholas was elected chief at Indian Township and his brother, Leslie, was elected vice chief although both races were close. Billy Nicholas received 201 votes to 178 for Wade Lola, and Leslie Nicholas received 200 votes compared to 175 for incumbent Clayton Socabasin.