PALM SPRINGS, Calif., April 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians announces the results of recent Tribal Elections. Vice Chairman Barbara Gonzales Lyons was re-elected to a two-year term. Also re-elected to a two-year term was Tribal Secretary Moraino J. Patencio.

Jeannette Prieto-Dodd was re-elected as a Member, and Virginia Siva was also elected as a Member. Both will serve one-year terms. Tribal Council Chairman Richard M. Milanovich was not up for re-election this year; his term expires in 2004. He has served as Council Chairman since 1984.

The new Council was sworn into office on April 1.

The Tribe's Constitution and By-laws outline the two-tiered democratic Tribal government structure: the Tribal membership and the elected Tribal Council. The Tribal Council consists of five council members: Chairman, Vice- Chairman, Secretary/Treasurer and two Members. The Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Secretary/Treasurer serve two-year terms and Members serve a one-year term.

The Tribal Council sets policy, governs Tribal activities, makes laws and implements the direction voted upon by Tribal Membership. The Council is responsible for protecting and preserving Tribal property including wildlife and natural resources. They oversee the repair and maintenance of facilities on Tribal lands; working with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior regarding various Federal/Tribal matters; representing the Tribe before Federal, State and local governments; and cultivating Tribal arts and culture.

Source: Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians