By Roger Phelps
Irvin "Bo" Marks is the new tribal chairman of the Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuks.
Marks, 56, was elected Oct. 29.
As council vice chairman, Marks had helped ailing Chairwoman Margaret Dalton officiate over tribal matters from her home during an extended illness. In light of that experience, Marks said, he feels qualified to extend Daltonian practices at the Rancheria, site of a 1,525-gaming-machine casino, Amador County's largest employer.
"Taking care of the tribal people here, I have quite a bit to do with the casino," Marks said. "Most of the decisions have to run through my office."
Since Dalton's death in May, the tribal chair's seat formally has been vacant.
"When Margaret took ill, I took a major (share of responsibility)," Marks said. "I would ask her advice. Frequently, she said, 'Just do it.' But it's kind of funny now - I've caught myself thinking, 'I'll give her a call.'"
As a recipient of revenues from the Jackson Rancheria Casino and Hotel, the Miwuk band contributes financially to a variety of local charities, nonprofits and public agencies, an activity Marks said would continue under his leadership. He said he's particularly interested in keeping the tribe's drug-rehabilitation program strong.
"It's come a long way in 25 years," Marks said.
In 2002, the tribe built a 10,000-square foot health clinic that serves as many as 100 patients a day from Amador, Mariposa, Calaveras and Tuolumne counties.
Also elected Oct. 29 were Adam Dalton to the office of tribal vice chairman and Dennis Dalton to an at-large seat on the Tribal Council.
The Amador County Chamber of Commerce recognized the Miwuk band's commitment to the community by naming its annual humanitarian award after Margaret Dalton.
Rancheria chief executive officer Rich Hoffman noted that the tribe next year will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its gaming operation.
