Navajo Council Delegate Simpson: Put Speaker Naize on administrative leave

Navajo Council Delegate Danny Simpson suggests that Speaker Naize should be placed on administrative leave during Council debate to removal Naize as speaker on April 4, 2014. On Simpson's right side are Delegates Roscoe Smith and David Tom. Photo by Marley Shebala

Navajo Council Delegate Danny Simpson suggests that Speaker Naize should be placed on administrative leave during Council debate to removal Naize as speaker on April 4, 2014. On Simpson’s right side are Delegates Roscoe Smith and David Tom. Photo by Marley Shebala

NAVAJO COUNCIL DEBATES LEGISLATION 0069-14, REMOVAL OF DELEGATE JOHNNY NAIZE AS SPEAKER, DURING SPECIAL SESSION IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER IN WINDOW ROCK, ARIZ., ON APRIL 4, 2014. DURING THE DEBATE, DELEGATE DANNY SIMPSON SUGGESTS THAT THE COUNCIL PLACE NAIZE ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE, INSTEAD OF REMOVING HIM AS SPEAKER.

DELEGATE MEL BEGAY
I think that we shud take the advice of samuel pete on how to restructure the navajo government. that shud be our priority.

DELEGATE DWIGHT WITHERSPOON
i certainly have concerns and principles. one principle for why i decided to run for council was council responsiblity and that is what this legislation is about. I thank Delegate Shepherd for sponsoring this legislation 0069-14, which is based on principle. at my chapter we have housing discretionary fund and it allows community people to get help with up to $500 a year. some chapters require a two year wait before getting a second assistance for housing.

and the financial assistance fund also had same requirement. there were some delegates that followed the $300 limit and one time assistance requirements but other didn’t. the guideline also prohibited assistance to family member but that happened.

there actually was a culture/behavior among previous council and i heard some of my colleagues describe it as being out of control. and that culture/behavior certainly made our people decide to reduce the council, which was also becuz of this acculturation of being out of control. being here as a member of the 22nd Council, things have changed extremely. we are much more accountable and i appreciate such.

this legislation 0069-14 has to do with accountability. if u can’t hold yourself accountable, it fosters a lack of self accountability. And I’ve seen this in law enforcement and federal government, where federal government cannot hold itself accountable. this has to do with our leader and i will vote on what is best for navajo nation.

DELEGATE DANNY SIMPSON
during 12 years as delegate we talk Ke’ and that is our fundamental law for respect. i respect Delegate Shepherd. and ke’ is all about working together. we talk about respecting court system and letting the criminal charges against Naize go through the proper system. speaker has heard from us. and we have recommended that the speaker be put on administrative leave which will allow him time to address his legal problems and during his absence, we’ll have a speaker pro temp.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *