Legislative staff finished reading Council agenda.
DELEGATE DWIGHT WITHERSPOON
Move item O to D, Second by Delegate Damon.
REMEMBER THAT ITEM 0 IS THE LEGISLATION FOR COUNCIL TO APPOINT A NEW SPEAKER
VOTE AT 11:44 AM is 15 in favor, 5 opposed
DELEGATE LORENZO BATES
Legislation to amend Navajo Oil and Gas plan of operation. Originally stamped to go to Resources & Development Committee in 2013 and that if they Tabled that there would be work session, which scheduled for March 2014. I wasn’t notified. After that I made motion at RDC to add to agenda and it was last item on agenda. And then when arrived at Naabik’iyati Committee, the quorum was lost. I followed the process but now it has become controversial. And Council is final authority. So all asking is consideration. But due to delays involving no quorum, as sponsor, I can’t take thru process. If you deny then I’ll ask Council to add to agenda.
POINT OF ORDER DELEGATE KATHERINE BENALLY
If this allowed, this legislation will be given presedence by bypassing Committee which is normal process, therefore you have to rule out of order.
SPEAKER NAIZE
I believe Mel Begay was Speaker Pro Temp when your legislation went before Naabi so since Naabi took no action, it remains with Naabi. You said you made motion to add to agenda but process is for it to go to Naabi.
DELEGATE BATES
I respect but there was motion and second at Naabi but when Delegates just walk out and perhaps to delay legislation, which started legislative process started more than 90 days ago. And if rule out of order, then I will challenge your decision, Mr. Speaker.
SPEAKER NAIZE
Is there second to Delegate Bates’ challenge? Delegate Charles Damon II.
DELEGATE LEONARD TSOSIE
I respectfully disagree. There were 2 times when Delegates Bates pushed thru. RDC wanted work session and it was not controversial. What happened at Naabi was not about controversy. Our legislation often meets the same problem of Naabi losing a quorum. Controversy over Navajo Oil and Gas charter/plan of operation is made by NOG. And by Bates pushing this thru, it is making it controversial.
