Navajo Council Speaker Pro Temp LoRenzo Bates presides over Council as President Ben Shelly and Vice President Rex Lee Jim present the State of Nation address in the Council chambers at Window Rock, Ariz., on July 21, 2014. Photo by Marley Shebala. (Please provide proper photo credit when reusing photo.)
DELEGATE KATHERINE BENALLY
With respect to the Headstart office, Sharon Singer, it was challenging for them. And there is initiative for staff and you have only identified a few staff for bonuses and there shud be more.
Nursing home issue: we need update.
and we ned to sit down with Navajo Housing Authority. the council’s Resources and Development Committee met with NHA but you asked RDC to step back cuz u wud handle administratively and we have not heard back from you.
Delegate Edmund yazzie
Stand against uanium. We cannot let any drilling in our area. It will debastating. It is known in the world that we have the largest uranium spill. I ask you to stand against uranium. There is legislation for uranium. This is not a gripe session.
Delegate George apachito
I’m concerned about division of health. Direct DOH to meet with communities of Alama and Tohajiilee and discuss their priority needs.
Delegate Katherine benally
There are people that are presidential candidates using their own expenses but as a tribal leader you are still in office and you are using Navajo funds to campaign. You have staff assistant out there campaigning for you. They need to step down. I am just cautioning you. I have community people watchful of all presidential candidates.
This is a fact. It’s wrong. You shouldn’t allow it.
Delegate Russell begaye
We have an open door policy that people that want to express their concerns. As a I travel throughout reservation, people come with their concerns. They are very concerned about feral horse roundups. Major concerns are also from my chapter, Shiprock, about feral horse roundup and they passed resolutions opposing it. People say that their livestock, domesticated livestock, have been rounded up. Elders use these livestock to herd sheep and work with their horses.
There are requirements that allow the people the right to have their livestock. Many elders don’t have vehicles so we need to understand that. We also need to listen to them. These people are asking you to meet with them to talk with them directly.
They go to public hearings but yet they are concerned that their recommendations and oppositions are not a part of proposed Rangeland Management Act.
President shelly
Regarding Delegate Russell Begaye’s questions and comments about feral horse roundups. It is in the hands of this council. You passed legislation, this roundup will happen. It’s not me to call off roundups. All you need to do is rescind legislation.
On your Rangeland Improvement Act is the same thing. All I can say is public hearings, public hearings.
If grandma and grandpa not part of this , I will veto. That is what I told elders.
POINT OF ORDER – DELEGATE KATHERINE BENALLY
There is no Rangeland Improvement Act legislation. It’s been recommended by executive branch to Resources and Development Committee.
PRESIDENT SHELLY
I have no comment
