Here at Naabik’iyati Committee meeting where Naabi is deep into debate over confirmation of Navajo Oil and Gas Board member.
DELEGATE RUSSELL BEGAYE
Three new board members. Navajo Oil and Gas Board members have expired terms, like Navajo Housing Authority Board. And because of expired terms, President Shelly followed charter to appoint Navajo Oil and Gas Board members. Staff went out and interviewed candidates. Regarding Conflict of Interest, there is none. Mr. Sandoval can explain relationship between Resolute and Navajo Oil and Gas. We need to be careful about making allegations and also that Navajo Oil and Gas manipulated President Shelly so Navajo Oil and Gas CEO cud stack the Board with his supporters.
DELEGATE KATHERINE BENALLY
What you are asking us to do now is what the Resources & Development Committee has been trying to do with Navajo Housing Authority Board. Mr. Sandoval is qualified and I will support his appointment. But I want to go on record that RDC has been asking for similar assistance with NHA Board and I want you all to think about that.
DELEGATE LEONARD TSOSIE
As shareholder, I am concerned that Navajo Oil and Gas CEO and new attorney is pushing false assumption that Navajo Oil and Gas is a privately owned company but Navajo Oil and Gas is owned by Navajo Nation. And Mr. Sandoval works for privately owned company, Resolute. And every vote that Mr. Sandoval takes is a conflict of interest. I think we are jeopardizing Mr. Sandoval’s employment with Resolute
And I agree with Delegate Benally. What Naabi did was hypocracy in dealing with Navajo Housing Authority Board membership that had expired terms.
And to say that we shud ignore NDOJ letter because it’s addressed to NO&G shareholders is ludicrous, crazy. But based on tabling vote, I think Naabi will approve this.
This Company asked to do C stores across rez and they won’t. CEO Robert Joe said he is pushing Pueblo Pintado because he wants to. I’m not going to own C store and owners not relative of mine.
SPEAKER NAIZE INTERUPTS DELEGATE TSOSIE
I think that if not going to allow me to speak then you should not allow delegate to make allegations.
DELEGATE LORENZO BATES
this is why Delegates shouldn’t get involved in enterprises/businesses. This is a lot of hearsay. let’s vote!
DELEGATE LEONARD TSOSIE
This is not hearsay, I was there.
DELEGATE LORENZO BATES
Well I wasn’t there.
DELEGATE TSOSIE
Well, I don’t care if you were there.
And I’m gong to finish and say again that when Mr. Sandoval votes that he’ll be in conflict of interest.
DELEGATE RUSSELL BEGAYE
I didn’t vote against removal, for the record. And Mr. Sandoval will be required to sign all the required documents regarding confidentiality.
DELEGATE CHARLES DAMON
this came up once before and that individual was asked to sign confidentiality docuemtns and recuse herself. So perhaps we shud ask Mr. Sandoval about the conflict of interest questions.
DELEGATE DWIGHT WITHERSPOON
I have same questions for Mr. Sandoval and Mr. Sandoval is the most controversial of three prior candidates for Navajo Oil and Gas Board.
DELEGATE RUSSELL BEGAYE
I believe that if there is conflict of interest that Council delegate recuse themselves.
EDDIE SANDOVAL
There is no conflict of interest. Resolute is not in conflict with Navajo Oil and Gas.
DELEGATE DANNY SIMPSON
iF this legislation passes today, i want to kow if legal?
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL
Board has nine members and five involved in situation so that leaves four and three filled in last session. One more vacant position and that is one to be filled with this resolution. it’s in order, it’s filling a vacant position.
DELEGATE TSOSIE
Point of Order! This not about whether legislation in order. Mr. Sandoval’s claim that Navajo Oil and Gas is private company is wrong. I share Delegate Simpson’s concern.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL FOR EHTICS OFFICE RON HAVEN
Conflict of Interest code/law reads no publoic official or employee shall use their office or duty to reasonably place their interest before public’s interst which they are to serve.
VOTE AT 3 PM, 10 IN FAVOR, 7 OPPOSED
