Ak-Chin elects two new councilmen

With a record 60 percent voter turnout, the largest in recent memory, Ak-Chin members went to the poll to decide on two Council seats held by Chairman Delia Carlyle and Councilman Terry Enos.

Twelve minutes after the election board arrived, Chairman Johnny Lopez announced the results to approximately 100 individuals in attendance at the annual barbeque. William Antone and Anthony Narcia, Sr, are the newly elected Councilmen, having received 139 votes and 124 votes respectively.

With seven candidates vying for the two seats, the vote was spread out. Antone won with just 23.88 percent of the vote, while Narcia received 21.31 percent of the total votes cast. Coming in third was Delia Carlyle with 112 votes or 19.24 percent of the vote. The remaining votes were as follows: Terry O. Enos-74 votes, Erno Lopez-64 votes, Angelina Soliz-54 votes and Richard Carlyle with 15 votes.

The Service Center poll opened to waiting members at 6a.m. When it closed at 2 p.m., over 302 of the 501 eligible voters had cast their ballots. The community vato, the waila band Nativille, provided music while the barbeque began for those waiting to hear the results. Although at 17 she was unable to vote, Miss Ak-Chin, Reyna Miguel, made an appearance in support of the election process.

Both William Antone and Anthony Narcia, Sr, focused on equality for all members during their campaigns for office. They are former veterans and have worked for the community in various capacities. While this is Narcia’s first time running for office, Antone will be returning for a second time; he was the Council’s chairman in the 90s.

Neither candidate was available at the barbeque; Antone was called away due to a family illness, while Narcia was in a moment of prayer. Each received cell phone messages informing them of their successful candidacy.

Since Election Day both men have been preparing for their new roles. Each has expressed gratitude to those individuals who nominated and supported them. William Antone credits Elaine Peters for the nomination and his family and relatives for encouraging and supporting him, in particular his older brother Martin. He also gave “thanks to Ak-Chin for giving him another chance to be a Councilman,” saying he will do his very best.

Anthony Narcia, Sr, offered his thanks to the Community as well. He stated, “We have all made mistakes; the past shapes us, but it’s what we do with the future that defines us. I am extremely grateful.” His individual thanks went out to Celia Soto, Irene Arredondo and family.

Maricopa City Court Judge Scott Sulley administered the oath of office to both new councilmen this morning during the Community meeting.

Photos by Robert Miguel and KD Morago