TULALIP – A member of the Tulalip Tribes Board of Directors has resigned, citing “stupid behavior.”
Herman Williams Jr. served on the board for 16 years, including at least one year as board chairman.
The board accepted his resignation on Jan. 5, tribal general manager Shelly Lacey said.
Williams’ resignation came as a surprise, board member Glen Gobin said.
“It was for his own personal reasons, and we respect that,” Gobin said.
Gobin and tribal Chairman Stan Jones each said they would not speak for Williams regarding his reasons for resigning.
Williams, 53, could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
In a letter published in today’s edition of the See-Yaht-Sub tribal newspaper, Williams wrote that he “made a very bad choice in my personal behavior” in recent months. He added that as a board member, it is important that he set an example for other tribal members.
“How could I, as a Board of Director, set and enforce (human resources) policies regarding behavior and performances for tribal staff without following the same rules?” he wrote. “To do so would be a mockery of the true meaning of integrity.”
Williams is still officially the president of the Quil Ceda Village Council, but he has not participated in council meetings, Jones said. The tribal board will decide whether to take action on Williams’ council presidency at a general meeting early next month.
“Hermie served on the board for a long time, even as chairman,” Gobin said. “He’s done a good job. There’s a definite void at the table. “
Under normal circumstances, the board would offer an unexpected vacancy to the runner-up in the election that placed the person who resigned in office, Jones said.
Williams’ term was scheduled to end at an election scheduled for March 24. Jones said the board will wait until the election to fill the position.
Jones’ term also ends in March. He said he plans to run for re-election.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
