Tribal chairman won’t seek re-election

MASHPEE, Mass. - The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe is on the verge of getting new leadership.

Tribal members told the Cape Cod Times that Chairman Shawn Hendricks did not submit papers to run for re-election by Monday’s night’s deadline.

Vice Chairman David Pocknett is not seeking re-election either, meaning the tribe will vote for new leadership team at the Feb. 8 election.

Hendricks is a protege of former Chairman Glenn Marshall, who is facing federal corruption and fraud charges. Hendricks has been placed on administrative leave by the tribal council, which is investigating whether he and Secretary Desire Hendricks Moreno had knowledge of Marshall’s alleged crimes.

Tribal leadership is paramount as the Mashpee Wampanoags attempt to build a resort casino in Middleborough.