Swett resigning as Lumbee Tribe leader

Friday, May 13, 2011

By Jaclyn Shambaugh, Staff writer
Fayetteville Observer

Lumbee Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett confirmed Friday that he is resigning, citing health issues as the reason for leaving office early.

Swett, 77, filed paperwork with tribal administration Monday, but his resignation will not be final until May 23. He still had about a year and a half left on his term.

“I’ve resigned for health reasons on the strong advice of my doctor,” Swett said Friday in a telephone interview with The Fayetteville Observer.

Swett’s announcement comes in the same week that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development issued a report finding the Lumbee Tribe to be out of compliance on several issues, including consultant and employee contracts and travel expenses.

Swett quits chairmanship

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.

Lumbee handbook contract raises questions in HUD review

Friday, May 13, 2011

By Jaclyn Shambaugh, Staff writer
Fayetteville Observer

The handbook for the Lumbee Tribe Boys and Girls Club is a 10-page stapled booklet given to every child between ages 6 and 18 who signs up for membership.

It includes information about club hours, membership requirements, rules and activities and a club calendar.

It also is riddled with grammatical errors, typos and omitted words.

And according to a March review of tribal spending by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, it cost the tribe more than $30,000.

More calling for Swett to resign

Thursday, May 12, 2011

by Bob Shiles, Staff Writer
The Robesonian

PEMBROKE — Rep. Mike McIntyre says that the recent HUD audit alleging financial mismanagement by the Lumbee tribal government is an obstacle that will have to be overcome if the tribe is to receive federal recognition. His comments comes as the speaker of the tribe is saying publicly that Chairman Purnell Swett should resign, and that a recall effort is likely.

Turmoil at The Turtle

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

— Lord Acton

We will have plenty to say about an audit of the finances of the Lumbee tribal government when more is known, but that won’t stop us from commenting on what is already plain. Some — not all — of the members of the tribal government have more interest in enriching themselves — or their cronies — than using the housing money for what it was intended, bettering the plight of Lumbee Indians who are living in distressful conditions.

The audit that we reported on yesterday and today is incomplete, but our belief is that as the onion is peeled, the odor will get more foul. That is almost always the case. Right now, HUD says the tribal government owes this nation’s taxpayers about $114,000 — a figure we are convinced will rise.

Swett: No plans to resign

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

by Bob Shiles, Staff Writer
The Robesonian

PEMBROKE — In the wake of a HUD audit that alleges financial mismanagement with the Lumbee tribal government, several council members have told The Robesonian that Chairman Purnell Swett should resign.

But Swett said, “I have no plans at this time to resign. The people elected me to do a job and I intend to do it.”

HUD audit smacks tribe; Must reimburse $114,000

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

by Bob Shiles, Staff Writer
The Robesonian

PEMBROKE — The Lumbee Tribe has been ordered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to pay the federal government back more than $114, 500 in housing money that the agency says was not used in accordance with HUD regulations.

The order was issued as a result 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, signed by Kevin Fitzgibbons, administrator of the Woodlands Office, the audit was made after a series of complaints and concerns were raised from about financial management.

HUD says Lumbees’ spending excessive, out of compliance

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

By Jaclyn Shambaugh
Staff writer

The Lumbee Tribal Council is not in compliance with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, according to a report presented Monday night to the to the council.

The report stated that in a review of complaints conducted March 29 and 30, HUD found issues with the tribe’s employee and consultant contracts, excessive and inappropriate spending, and travel expenses.

As a result of the violations, the tribe will be required to repay upwards of $115,000 of its grant money.

Slip sliding away?

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett in recent weeks has waved the Lumbee Tribe’s constitution when trying to swat away allegations that he overstepped his boundaries while crafting a contract for longtime buddy Rose Marie Lowry-Townsend to serve as tribal administrator.

But that defense was overturned on Friday when the four justices on the tribe’s Supreme Court ruled against Swett — and in favor of the Tribal Council — saying there were problems with Lowry-Townsend’s contract, specifically its salary range and a clause that gave Swett unilateral power to extend its length. Swett took the news in stride, saying he would abide by the ruling and enjoy this weekend’s powwow. Friday was supposed to be Lowry-Townsend’s last day as administrator, but this saga has had no shortage of interesting turns so we will see.

Lumbee Supreme Court: Chairman overstepped bounds with administrator contract

By Drew Brooks
Staff writer
Fayetteville Observer

PEMBROKE – The Lumbee Supreme Court has ruled that Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett overstepped his bounds when negotiating a contract for the tribe’s chief administrator.

In a ruling issued Friday morning, the four-member court unanimously sided with the Tribal Council, which argued that Swett negotiated beyond what was authorized.

Lumbee Tribal Council fires tribe’s chief administrator

Friday, March 25, 2011

By Jaclyn Shambaugh
Staff writer
Fayetteville Observer

The chief administrator for the Lumbee Tribe was fired Thursday night following a year-long feud.

The Lumbee Tribal Council voted unanimously to terminate the contract for Rose Marie Lowry-Townsend, who was hired about a year ago by Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett.

The council and chairman have been at odds over her contract and other administration activities. Swett has refused for months to share with the Tribal Council details of tribal consulting contracts and some employment agreements.

Congress adjourns without taking action on Lumbee recognition

Congress Adjourns Without Taking Action on the Lumbee Bill

December 23, 2010
by Mike Hixenbaugh, Staff Writer

The 111th Congress adjourned Wednesday without passing legislation granting full federal recognition to the Lumbee tribe.

Tribal leaders had been holding out hope that lawmakers would consider their recognition bill during the short lame-duck session. Instead, the Senate wrapped up business ahead of the Christmas holiday without bringing the bill to a floor vote.

An Open Letter from Arlinda Locklear, Esq., About the Lumbee Recognition Act

Editor’s note: this letter represents the views of Arlinda Locklear. The ratification of the Lewin contract by the tribal council effectively fired her as tribal attorney and lobbyist, along with Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Indian Law Unit, which the tribe had utilized for 30+ years.

December 18, 2010

Three years ago, I discovered that former Lumbee Chairman Jimmy Goins and his Tribal Administrator Leon Jacobs were having secret meetings with folks in the Indian gaming industry, scheming to amend the pending Lumbee recognition bill to allow the Tribe to have a casino. These meetings took place after the Tribal Council had unanimously agreed to a gaming prohibition on the bill. And these meetings took place without knowledge of the Tribal Council or me. I promised the Chairman and Tribal Administrator then that, if their scheming damaged our bill, I’d make sure the Lumbee people knew what had happened. I’m keeping that promise now.

Poll: Does the Lewin Controversy Affect Your Vote in the Lumbee Tribal Council Elections?

New Poll: Did you vote in today’s Lumbee Tribal Council Elections?