Friday, May 13, 2011
by Bob Shiles, Staff writer
The Robesonian
PEMBROKE — In the wake of a recent HUD report alleging financial mismanagement of federal housing money by the Lumbee tribal government, tribal Chairman Purnell Swett has resigned, citing health reasons.
In a statement delivered to The Robesonian, Swett said that his resignation is effective at noon on May 23. His resignation comes after calls for it from the Tribal Council’s speaker, and as at least one group was organizing to petition for a recall election.
“Having spent much of my adult life serving the people of this area, especially my people, the Lumbee, I believe it is time for me to step aside and allow others to assume a leadership role. I knew when I ran for tribal chairman that the road ahead would be difficult,” Swett said in his brief resignation letter. “At the time, I was not fully aware of my true health status. Presently, the stress of my current position is becoming overwhelming. In the best interest of myself, my family, the tribe and all the people of this region I shall resign my position as tribal chairman of the Lumbee Indian Tribe of North Carolina as of noon, Monday, May 23, 2011.
The letter did not address the HUD allegations.
“At this time I will have no further comments on the challenges confronting the Lumbee Tribe,” the chairman said. “I am confident that matters will be worked out to the benefit of the Lumbee people. I thank everyone for their support and vote of confidence. I wish the Lumbee Tribe the very best under new leadership.”
This is the second time Swett has resigned from a high profile public office amid allegations of financial mismanagement. In 1997, after serving four years as superintendent of the Public Schools of Robeson County, he entered an Alford plea on a misdemeanor charge of misprision.
The resignation comes as the Tribal Council is facing a 30-day deadline to respond to findings of an unannounced on-site review of tribal finances conducted March 29 and March 30 by the Eastern Woodlands Office of Native American Programs. According to the report, the audit was made after a series of complaints and concerns were raised about financial management and use of HUD housing money.
When Swett’s resignation becomes effective next week, the day-by-day administration of Lumbee government will become the responsibility of Sharon Hunt, the tribe’s vice chairman. Hunt will hold the leadership position until a special election is held later this year to elect Swett’s successor.
Steve Sampson, the speaker of the Tribal Council, said that he hopes people’s perception of Swett’s character is not determined by the results of the recent HUD investigation.
“I still have a lot of respect for Purnell Swett. He has done a lot of great things for the Lumbee people and the county as a whole,” Sampson said. “I respect his decision to step aside and allow the tribe to try to rebuild some of the perceived damages done through this last audit. I wish him the best in his retirement.”
Councilwoman Pearlean Revels said she believes that Swett’s decision to resign is in the best interest of the Lumbee people.
“I feel he has made the best decision with his letter of resignation,” Revels said. “Now we can move forward and help our people with various programs. It is in the best interest of the Lumbee Council and the Lumbee Nation that we can put this behind us and make this a better government for the people.”
Swett’s resignation stops the efforts of some members planning to launch an organized recall drive against the chairman in June. A meeting was to have been held on June 2 to address issues including the constitutional right of tribal members to initiate a recall election, and the right of tribal members to put forth referendums to tribal law that are designed to protect the rights of tribal members and tribal assets.
— Staff writer Bob Shiles can be reached at (910) 272-6117 or bshiles@heartlandpublications.com.
