Dry Creek Pomos' election results

<p>A long-delayed vote for the five-member board of directors of the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo ended over the weekend with the election of three incumbents winning and two new members.</p><p>Harvey Hopkins, chairman of the board, retained his role as head of the governing body in the Saturday vote, according to results provided by the tribe.</p><p>Incumbent Gus Pena was elected vice chairman and Gabe Nevarez was re-elected as a member at large.</p><p>The new members are Selvina Norris as secretary-treasurer and Marina Price-Nojima as a member at large.</p><p>The tribe, which owns the only Indian casino in Sonoma County, River Rock, postponed the election originally scheduled for December after the legitimacy of some of the more than 30 candidates was challenged.</p><p>An investigation resulted in two candidates being removed from the ballot.</p><p>More than 340 of the tribe’s 530 members came to the tribe’s headquarters Saturday to cast ballots, according to a statement released by the tribe.</p><p>Board members serve for two years as the governing body of the tribe, which employs about 800 people in Sonoma County.</p><p>“We have a good mix to help the tribe develop economically and continue positive relationships with our neighbors while preserving our culture,” Hopkins said in a statement. “The board has a lot of challenges ahead to create new economic opportunities and a better life for tribal members.”</p>