Hopis will vote Sept. 14 to narrow the race for tribal chairman and vice chairman.
Four candidates are vying for the chairman’s seat including incumbent Herman Honanie and current vice chairman Alfred Lomahquahu Jr. The other two candidates running for chairman are David Talayumptewa and Timothy Nuvangyaoma. Candidates on the vice chairman ballot are Arthur Batala, Clark Tenakhongva and Lamar Keevama.
Whoever is chosen will lead the small northern Arizona tribe in a challenging time of negotiations over water rights and projected revenue losses. The Hopi, as well as the Navajo, have relied on the coal industry for jobs. As Salt River Project closes the Navajo Generating Station in two years, the coal mine that feeds the plant also faces closure.
The general election will be held Nov. 9.
