HERE AT NAVAJO COUNCIL WHERE DEBATE IS ON AUTHORIZING REFERENDUM FOR PEOPLE TO TAKE BACK THEIR GOVERNMENT

DELEGATE JONATHAN NEZ
The people will be educated about this referendum and there will be no additional cost because this referendum will be part of Navajo elections in November 2015. But Council did approve funds for special election for referendum.

DELEGATE K. BENALLY
This referendum is like signing blank check. The people get weary when language is unclear. We need to look at language and intent of proposed amendment. I am weary from confusion over Red means yes and green means no. So we need to be careful about proposed referendums to people.

SPEAKER NAIZE
Legislation should provide sample of referendum?

SPONSOR, DELEGATE JONATHAN NEZ
There is process in place with election office. Why is this so difficult my colleagues. The language is in front of you and we can interpret to our communities. But now there are all these questions. And so it’s up to you. If you don’t want to empower people then vote no and if you want people to vote on government then vote yes.

DELEGATE KATHERINE BENALLY
POINT OF ORDER
Sponsor had 20 minutes to present legislation.

DELEGATE WALTER PHELPS
Remove Strike Over of Council’s power to supervise all undelegated powers from people.