Navajo Nation President Begaye Responds To <br>Arizona’s Redistricting Proposal

Window Rock, Navajo Nation (Arizona) – On Friday, May 29, 2001, I and other representatives from the Navajo Nation met with officials from the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission (Commission). The Commission is charged with studying voting districts and proposing an effort that will drastically affect Navajo citizens and voters within the State of Arizona.

Though our meeting with the Commission was cordial, I feel it is best to report our interests to the Navajo Nation public. On June 7, 2001, the Commission issued a proposal that would make significant changes to the current Arizona voting districts. I am not pleased with the June 7th proposal that the Commission is moving forth with. For many reasons, the proposed redistricting plan compromises the true representation of Navajo citizens and the Navajo Nation as a formidable voting bloc in northeastern Arizona.

The Commission’s proposal is inadequate. The Navajo Nation’s interests, obviously, should be to remain as a strong, viable political power. Because of its unique political status as a tribal government, the Navajo Nation must look after the best interests of its citizens. In this regard, it means we are protecting fundamental values to build, sustain and oversee strong, valid community interests.

The Navajo Nation would like to remain in one district (congressional and legislative), so that the interests of Navajo Nation communities remain cohesive. The Navajo Nation, as a government and a political entity (that looks after its constituents), cannot consent to having its representation split among Arizona districts. The Commission’s proposal is completely inconsiderate of the needs of the collection of citizens, both Navajo and non-Navajo alike, that reside on the Navajo Nation. Our position is that the Navajo Nation needs a district that can comprehensively address its concerns. I feel that a comprehensive approach is best when you consider the needs and concerns of Navajo communities.

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