Enrolling more tribal members, creating job opportunities, improving health care and addressing the opioid crisis are among some of the top priorities the candidates running for three seats in the Swinomish Senate plan to pursue if they receive the voters’ blessing.

The general elections for seats 3, 4 and 5 are scheduled for Feb. 15, with polls open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Senate Chamber, according to the Senate’s Facebook account.

Running unopposed for Senate Seat 3 is incumbent Brian Porter. In his candidate statement on qyuuqs News, the Tribe’s official publication, he emphasized the importance of addressing aging infrastructure and developing housing to keep up with community needs.

Incumbent Greg Edwards is defending his Senate Seat 4 from Kevin Paul.

Edwards, who is proudly recovering from alcoholism, said he is committed to fighting the opioid epidemic.

His other priorities include maintaining open communication with tribal members about what the government is up to, expanding the tribe’s economic development to generate more revenue to support programs, upgrading tribal infrastructure and promoting housing growth, encouraging the employment, training and advancement of tribal members, and supporting senior programs.

Edwards is also the coach of the boy’s basketball team at La Conner Middle School.

Paul, an artist, wrote in his statement that, if elected, he would work to improve health care for tribal members by, for example, supporting the addition of a chiropractor in the tribal community.

Other improvements he’d like to see include the addition of a grocery store in the reservation, creating a department to monitor development surrounding tribal lands, and enrolling more tribal members — with more housing to support that growth. Like Edwards, he would like to support education programs to create a stronger workforce.

Following the primary elections on Jan. 17, the competition for Senate Seat 5 has come down to Lena Joe and incumbent Tandy Wilbur, who respectively received 71 and 99 votes.

In his statement, Wilbur wrote he is committed to “defending treaty rights, protecting salmon habitats and continuing the climate-resilience work necessary to safeguard first foods, beaches and future generations.”

He also called for the tribe to pursue self-sustainability through food sovereignty, economic growth and responsible development.

He intends to continue focusing on accountability, as well as on expanding programs for mental health, addiction and cultural wellness.

Joe, who has a degree in tribal governance and business management and is pursuing a master’s in business administration, has served on various tribal commissions and boards and said she is committed to transparency, accountability and open-mindedness.

Luisa Loi is a general assignment reporter for La Conner Community News.