The Penticton Indian Band (PIB) has elected a new leader which means after eight years Jonathan Kruger will no longer serve as the band’s chief.
“I’m feeling disappointed and let down but the people have spoken and I have to accept that,” Kruger told Global News on Thursday.
There were three candidates in the running and on Wednesday, Chad Eneas was voted into the position after garnering 179 votes.
Kruger had 124 votes and Joe Jack had 27 votes.
“I put my blood, sweat and tears and my commitment and my dedication into making real change, not just talk, but real change you can feel,” Kruger said.
“I believe our community deserves the best and that’s what I was striving for for our families.”
Kruger, who also served eight years on council, said it’s clear members of the band wanted change; he feels he’s leaving his role as its leader on a high note.
“I’m leaving knowing that I did a clean, respectful campaign and I’m leaving the band in the best position its been in financially in the history of the PIB,” Kruger said.
Eneas, who has previously served on PIB council, will assume his duties immediately and sit at the table for the next regularly scheduled chief and council meeting on November 1.
The election process isn’t over as nominations for council are taking place on October 26.
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