WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – Navajo Nation Vice President Ben Shelly called for a closer working relationship among the Navajo Nation’s three-branch government during a Navajo Nation Council Intergovernmental Relations Committee here meeting on Monday.
 
“Restoring working relationships among the three branches is an important task I’m committed and willing to work on,” Vice President Shelly said. “There is too much at stake. Through more effective communication and collaboration, we can move our Nation forward.”
  
During the IGR meeting, Vice President Shelly, with Navajo Nation Council Speaker Lawrence Morgan, shared a one-year plan for economic and infrastructure development.
 
“Navajo Nation chapters are asking us to move economic and infrastructure development forward,” the Vice President said. “Amending existing laws that streamline the procurement process is one solution that will help our people in the long-term. By doing this, senior centers and youth centers can be built within months, rather than years.”
  
Additional proposals, such as funding an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Office, amending existing Navajo Nation energy development laws and policies, new casino construction, and addressing upcoming budget shortfalls, were also highlighted.
  
“There are many challenges before our government,” Vice President Shelly said. “Working together, we can address many areas on the short-term and long-term, especially in areas of economic development.  Together, we can demonstrate that we are serious about our future.”
 
Vice President Shelly’s report passed the IGR committee by a vote of 8-1.