KAYENTA, AZ – The Navajo Nation Presidential Candidates will be presenting their final perspectives before voters head to the primary poll elections on August 03, 2010 at their respective Chapters and other designated voting sites throughout the Navajo reservation.  The Kayenta Presidential Forum and Debate will be held at the Kayenta Recreation Center beginning at 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.    Local business owner, Nina Heflin said, “We have tried to work with various administrations once they were in office, but our participation in the business site leasing process has been futile all these years.  Nothing has changed, as far as I’m concerned.”

So, one of the main focus and questions, at the Navajo Nation Presidential Forum, will be on obtaining small business site leasing through a 99-year lease, thus giving value to the Navajo land base.  Most Navajo Nation business owners agree and argue that a 99-year lease would make it easier to obtain small business loans to provide build on equity for their businesses.  Right now, the Navajo Nation can only provide what is called a “25+25+25″ 75-year business lease where a business site lease is subject to review and renewal every 25 years.  Most banks look at such a business site lease as temporary and holds no value for them as collateral. 

Local business owners have argued for years that the “25+25+25″ Year Lease is just another huge barrier; and Nina Hefilin who took an interview over the phone during her break,  helps run the Kayenta Hampton Inn and Burger King, says the business site leasing process is  ”set forth by bureaucrats who know nothing about running and owning a small business.” She and many others believe this has caused nothing but undue ignorance about business ownership to this day on Navajo lands.  “We need to be there to ask important questions before they even get into office,” Nina says.  The local business association is meeting and preparing questions about the possibility of doing away with the Labor Relations office and advocating for a flat rate lease for long term businesses.   The local Veterans organization and community members are also developing questions for the forum.   

Most likely, the Hotel Occupancy Tax will be a major topic, as well as legalizing alcohol for sale in local restaurant establishments.  As the community of Kayenta is awaiting a major growth spurt, many issues are beginning to be raised regarding community development, water rights, a green economy and even the eventual closure of the Peabody Mine.  The Peabody Western Coal Company at one time provided at least $40 million dolllars to the operations of the Navajo Nation Government. 

According to the Navajo Nation Election Administration website, these are the candidates for Navajo Nation President at this time:  Rex Lee Jim, Donald Benally, Ben Shelly, Daniel Peaches, D. Harrison Tsosie, Linda M. Lovejoy, Sharon Clahchischilliage, Dale E. Tsosie, Jerry Todacheenie, Arbin Mitchell, Anthony Begay, and George Herrera (Write-in Candidate). 

The candidates for the Navajo Nation Council for the Chilchinbeto/Kayenta/Dennehotso area are Stanley Clitso, Katherine Benally, Albert Page Tinhorn, Mary Keahy, and Albert Page Tinhorn.  The doors at the Kayenta Recreation Center will open at 4:00 pm for the Candidates to share their ideas, campaign platform, and be available to answer questions.  The Forum will promptly begin at 4:30 pm and several moderators will select from a pool of questions submitted by the public.     

For more information, you can call Malcolm Benally, Community Development Coordinator at (928) 697-8451.

The Navajo Nation Division of Social Services is offering a training on “Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse” to all the local schools in our service area.  This training would include topics on identifying signs of neglect/ abuse (including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse), reporting procedures, suicide, and NDSS policies as they relate to your school.

 This training is highly recommended for teachers, counselors, school social workers, administrators, and all other staff who work directly with children. The Division feels that training in these areas would benefit both your staff and Social Services, as a better understanding of NNDSS polices and your school’s needs/ concerns would be established.

School Administrators can contact me, Leandrew Sixkiller, at (928) 697-5643/ 5530, to schedule a training session. All trainings are free of charge. Thank you…and wishing you all another successful school year!!

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The Intergovernmental Relations Committee passed legislation today affirming the Navajo Nation’s request for involvement of new air flight standards over the Grand Canyon National Park, including adjacent lands belonging to the Navajo Nation.

Passage of the legislation (Legislation No. 0423-10), sponsored by Jack Colorado (Bodaway-Gap/Cameron/Coppermine), allows the Navajo Nation to issue its position statement to Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, the National Park Service and the Federal Aviation Administration.

George Arthur (T’iistoh Bikaad/San Juan/Nenanezad), chairman for the Resources Committee, said the establishment of new air flight standards is significant for developing the former Bennett Freeze area, environmentally and economically.

“If we do not take a position, the National Park Service along with the Federal Aviation Administration will close the doors on us,” he said. “There will be an expansion of no flight zones, including the Navajo Nation’s own airspace. If we do not have a position statement or response, we will have missed opportunities for development.”

Additionally, the position statement requests for a Navajo Exception on the new air flight rules, which would be similar to the Hualapai tribe’s exception of air flight rules for the west end of the Grand Canyon. It also authorizes the vice president of the Navajo Nation to execute any and all documents “necessary to effectuate the intent and purpose” of the resolution.

Colorado’s piece of legislation goes to President Shirley’s desk for concurrence. The legislation passed the final standing committee with two amendments, 8-0. On July 22, the Resources Committee passed the legislation, 7-0.

In other news, the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement legislation (Legislation No. 0422-10), also sponsored by Arthur, was tabled with a vote of 9-0.

Honorable Ervin Keeswood (Tse Daa Kaan) said there was not enough information for the committee to make a decision, as the sponsor and agents to the legislation summarized the 108 page document.

“I do not feel as though we have enough information at this time,” Keeswood said. “This committee has yet to thoroughly go through the document. We need to do that.”

The water agreement legislation would settle Navajo Nation water rights claims in the lower basin of the Colorado River and Little Colorado River system. On July 22, the Resources Committee unanimously approved this legislation.

As a result of the tabling motion, a committee work session regarding this legislation is tentatively scheduled in the next few weeks before going to the full Council.

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley, Jr., today vetoed the proposed “Western Navajo Agency Decentralization Pilot Project” because it is unknown to the People, would duplicate existing services, would drain financial resources from other agencies, and would foster a separatist approach to governing.
 
“It is irrefutable that this resolution fosters a separatist approach to governing and acquiring governmental services that are already provided for under the current system,” President Shirley wrote in his veto message to Navajo Nation Council Speaker Lawrence T. Morgan.

“Separatist movements are most often launched because of emotional resentment, resistance, the desire to gain politically from intergroup conflict, and a desire to destabilize and fragment an existing government,” he said. “It is not unreasonable to see these motivations at work through legislation recently considered and/or passed by the Council because of the government reform initiatives passed by the People.”

The President said the legislation lacks sufficient information about the impacts it would have on the entire Navajo Nation.  

“This legislation is completely unknown to the people it would directly affect,” he said. “This is legislation that the people of the Western Agency have not sought, know nothing about, and do not need.”

He said that other than a presentation at a Western Agency Council meeting, there have been no public hearings or meetings to introduce this concept to the people.

“Even a simple Google search of ‘Western Navajo Agency Decentralization Pilot Project’ produces no news stories, no analysis, no newspaper letters to the editor, nor anything that would indicate that the public is vaguely aware of this legislation other than Legislative Branch press releases,” he said.

He said the huge costs associated with replicating whole divisions, departments and services that are already provided is unknown, have had no review or analysis by the Office of Management and Budget, and could potentially jeopardize existing federal grant agreements.

Most of the programs identified in the pilot project are federally-funded and administered by the respective Executive Branch division directors, he said.

However, nowhere in the agreements executed by the Navajo Nation and the federal agency is it recognized that oversight of such programs would be by an elected Western Agency manager as this legislation proposes.

He said the resolution lacks information about the relationship the decentralization project would have with existing governmental operations of the three branches of government, and makes no attempt to address the fiscal impact it would have on the services provided in the other Navajo agencies.  

He said that rather than assist chapters gain local governance certification, the legislation would undermine the purpose of the Local Governance Act and would shift critical resources from other agencies.

“Most certainly it would decrease funding to those agencies and, consequently, the services now provided in the other agencies in order to subsidize the significant costs of duplicating departments and services now being provided in the Western Agency,” he said.

If this resolution and subsequent plan is implemented, it would divide the Navajo Nation, he said.

“It would cause damage to the sovereignty of the Navajo Nation government, create funding uncertainties, and result in serious conflicts with existing Executive and Judicial Branch service providers,” the President said.

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The Council of Governance-Certified Chapters will meet July 28 at the Navajo Nation Museum regarding the reorganization efforts of government certified chapters.

The meeting, which starts at 10 a.m., will begin with presentations discussing the histories of both the Navajo tribal government and Council of Governance Certified Chapters (CGCC). Presentations conducted by the Office of Navajo Government Development, Navajo Division of Community Development and the Office of the Speaker are to follow.

Members of the CGCC will also discuss and consider four options for reorganization. The four options include: 
 
1. Amending the Office of Navajo Government Development to include Government Certified Chapters as a sub-entity
2. Establish a new office for Governance Certified Chapters under the Navajo Division of Community Development
3. Converting the Office of Navajo Government Development into the Office of Governance Certified Chapters
4. Establish a new independent Office of Governance Certified Chapters
 
After presentations, the 11 government certified chapters will have the opportunity to provide comment on which option is the best possible solution or recommendation for reorganization.

Once an option is chosen, the Office of Legislative Counsel will then provide feedback on moving forward with the selected option. 

For more information, please visit www.navajonationcouncil.org for the proposed agenda.

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – A crude oil agreement between the Navajo Nation and Navajo Oil and Gas Company was approved by the Resources Committee of the 21st Navajo Nation Council during a special meeting held on July 22.

Passage of the legislation means that the Navajo Nation will sell barrels of its oil to the Navajo Oil and Gas Company.

George Arthur (T’iistoh Bikaad/San Juan/Nenanezad), chairman for the committee, sponsored legislation for the crude oil agreement.

“Our oil is a market driven product,” Arthur said. “Navajo Oil and Gas bided on this particular product like any other competing industry.”

The negotiation of the agreement is “pretty much negotiated out” and both parties are “in agreement with the contract,” he added.

Arthur’s piece of legislation goes to President Joe Shirley’s desk for final execution of the agreement. The committee passed the legislation with a vote of 6-0.

ADOT looking for help creating goals, objectives for long-range plan

PHOENIX — Twenty-five years ago, it was 1985 and Back to the Future was a hit at the box office. A flying DeLorean transported time-travelers back in time, and then into the grand future – to 2015. While we don’t have flying cars just yet, that future is near, and it’s time to begin looking out another 25 years to envision the transportation system Arizona will need and want.

This is the start of the state’s long-range transportation plan – also called What Moves You Arizona – to bring together all residents, visitors, drivers and anyone else who will need to get around, to create a vision for the future of transportation, be it by car, bus, bike path or sidewalk. This isn’t just a vision: it’s a process to estimate needs and available funding, and create a framework for making decisions in the years ahead.

The Arizona Department of Transportation’s long-range plan has three phases. We are at the first phase, creating goals and objectives for the state transportation system in 25 years. A time-traveling car might not be in the mix, but these ultimate goals will help to guide how Arizona’s limited transportation funds are allocated.

 Preliminary goals include:

• Enhance safety and security
• Link transportation and land use
• Preserve and maintain the existing transportation system
• Protect the environment and natural resources
• Support economic development
• Improve mobility and accessibility

Within each of the goal areas, more specific objectives have been developed to define what the intent and vision is for the future. What do those goals mean to you? To your neighbors? Here’s how you can help:

Arizonans are invited to participate in the development of these goals and objectives by completing an online survey through Aug. 31. The short series of questions will help ADOT focus our shared vision. The obligation for this plan is huge: we are creating a legacy for the future, but it requires participation today. The survey is available here: http://www.kwiksurveys.com/online-survey.php?surveyID=KMDJGO_441e854b&UID=2300253325.

In Back to the Future, Doc Brown – and later, President Ronald Reagan – famously said, “Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.” Is that what the future of transportation holds for Arizona? Your input, and time, will help to write that next chapter.

More information on the long-range transportation planning process is available at www.WhatMovesYouArizona.gov. There, you will find information from community input meetings during the Building a Quality Arizona process, an offer to order a free “meeting in a box,” and ways to invite a member of the project team to your next community meeting to talk about the process and to collect input. To leave a comment, or pose a question, call 1-888-974-7526.

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The 21st Navajo Nation Council passed historical legislation today authorizing the Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation, Inc., Utah Navajo Health Systems, Inc. and Winslow Indian Health Care Center, Inc., to participate in Title V Self-Governance. The Council also passed equally important pieces of legislation: the Judicial Elections Referendum Act of 2010 and the Tobacco Products and Licensing Act Amendments of 2010.

Honorable Thomas Walker (Birdsprings/Leupp/Tolani Lake) sponsored legislation (Legislation No. 0371-10) permitting existing and qualifying Title 1, Indian Self-Determination contractors to enter into Title 5, Self-Governance status pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination Act or P.L. 93-638. The Council passed Walker’s piece of legislation, which included four amendments, with a unanimous vote of 67-0.

Sally Pete, chief executive officer for Winslow Indian Health Care Center, Inc., informed the Council that passage of this legislation has historical significance. “You will pave a new trail to improve the health of our Navajo people,” she said.

Under Title 5 status, specialty health care services such as cardiology, trauma and cancer care will be offered by the three non-profit hospitals, providing better overall health care to the Navajo people. “There is no reason to leave home, these services can grow here and prosper,” added Joe Engelken, chief executive officer for Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation.

The three non-profit hospitals are required to maintain third party payments under Medicare and Medicaid, operate programs under and report to the Health and Social Services Committee, comply with Navajo Nation law, consult with the Navajo Division of Health (NDOH) on public health, establish an MOU with NDOH and Navajo Department of Emergency Services for the use of the Nation’s healthcare facilities and provide direct patient care to all Native American eligible users among other stipulations written in the legislation.

In other action, the Council passed the Judicial Elections Referendum Act of 2010 (Legislation No. 0359-10), which was sponsored by Walker, with a vote of 60-15. The passage of the Judicial Elections Referendum Act refers a referendum measure to the Nov. 2 general election asking the Navajo voters whether to amend Titles 2, 7 and 11 of the Navajo Nation Code for the election of Navajo Nation District Court Judges and Supreme Court Justices.

“People requested this legislation and we will put it out in the general election that is coming up,” Walker said. “Even though as a Council we are empowered to make laws, the people are empowered to as well.”

The Tobacco Products Tax and Licensing Act Amendments of 2010, sponsored by Orlanda Smith Hodge (Cornfields/Greasewood Springs/Klagetoh/Wide Ruins), also passed the Council floor, 49-14. Passage of this new tax act amends Title 24 of the Navajo Nation Code and allows the Navajo Nation Tax Commission to regulate and adjust the tobacco tax rate in the best interest of the Navajo Nation.

“This statute will set the parameter of the new tax rate and be regulated by the Navajo Tax Commission like the other six taxes,” said Smith Hodge.

The new tax rate is expected to generate $345,000 to $525,000 annually and funneled to the Navajo Nation General Fund.  Under the act, the new rate for one cigarette changes from two cents to five cents; thus, a package of 20 cigarettes would provide a dollar to the general fund. Distributors and retailers licensed by the state of Arizona, New Mexico or Utah will be required to provide a copy of their state license to the commission.

The Council also passed legislation, sponsored by Raymond Joe (Tachee/Blue Gap/Whippoorwill), urging the Flagstaff City Council and Flagstaff Water Commission to disapprove a proposed contract to sell potable water to Arizona Snowbowl for snowmaking on the sacred San Francisco Peaks (Dook’o'oslííd) with a vote of 61-1.

Joe’s piece of legislation reaffirms the Navajo Nation’s opposition to the expansion of the Arizona Snowbowl and opposition to further desecrate Dook’o'oslííd.

The Navajo Nation Election Consolidation Act of 2010, which failed to pass the Council floor yesterday, was recalled after some Council delegates expressed technical difficulty and violations of rules of order as factors contributing to the voting result. In the recall vote, the Council reaffirmed its stance as the legislation failed passage again with a vote of 24-45.

KAYENTA, AZ – A Navajo Educator, poet, actor, author, Navajo Nation Council Member, current Chairperson of the Navajo Nation Public Safety Committee, and Navajo Nation Presidential Candidate Rex Lee Jim of Rock Point, Arizona will be at the Kayenta Town Hall on Sunday, July 25 at 6:00 pm to give a platform speech.  The candidate has also advocated at the United Nations level and helped draft the United Nations Indgenist Declaration on Human  Rights.

As of Thursday afternoon, the Kayenta Today had fielded several calls to local candidates and Presidential Candidates to extend an invitation, however no other candidate has formally made any commitments yet.  According to the Navajo Nation Election Administration website, these are the candidates for Navajo Nation President at this time:  Donald Benally, Ben Shelly, Daniel Peaches, D. Harrison Tsosie, Linda M. Lovejoy, Sharon Clahchischilliage, Dale E. Tsosie, Jerry Todacheenie, Arbin Mitchell, Anthony Begay, and George Herrera (Write-in Candidate). 

The candidates for the Navajo Nation Council for the Chilchinbeto/Kayenta/Dennehotso area are Stanley Clitso, Katherine Benally, Albert Page Tinhorn, Mary Keahy, and Albert Page Tinhorn.  The doors at the Kayenta Townhall will open at 4:30 pm for other Candidates to share their ideas, campaign platform, and be available to answer questions.   

For more information, you can call Malcolm Benally, Community Development Coordinator at (928) 697-8451.

KAYENTA, AZ – The Kayenta Unified School District wants you to come join us in Kayenta for the 2010-2011 School Year.  Took kick things off, student enrollment for Kindergarten to the Second Grade begins on Monday, July 26, 2010.   Important dates printed on its enrollment flyer is public information that was released to Kayenta Today on Monday July 19, 2010.  “Come Join Us in Kayenta,” the flyer reads, “Enroll your children in a school system that has a winning tradition in extracurricular as well as academic activities.  Give Kayenta Unified School District the chance to provide your children with the best opportunity to learn and be successful.”

IMPORTANT DATES

Primary (K-2) School Enrollment Begins ………….      Monday, July 26th.
Intermediate (3-5) School Enrollment Beegins ….      Monday, July 26th.
Middle (6-8) School Enrollment Begins ……………      Monday, July 19th.
High School (0-12) Enrollment Begins ……………..     Monday, July 26th.
First Day of School ……………………………………….     August 09th.
First Parent/Teacher Conferences …………………..     September 22nd and 23rd.