Letters | Painted Desert support

Painted Desert support

Editor,

When Painted Desert Power was first brought before the Cameron Chapter, I was not a supporter. As chapter president at the time, my responsibility was to listen carefully, ask hard questions and protect the interests of our community. I did exactly that.

I did not come into this project convinced. I came in skeptical.

Over time, I attended meetings, reviewed the documents, listened to grazing permittees and asked Navajo Nation agencies direct questions about process, land use and environmental protection. I paid close attention because this project would affect our community for decades.

As I learned more, the facts mattered.

The project followed Navajo Nation law. It went through the land withdrawal and leasing process, obtained required chapter resolutions, secured grazing consent through the official Bureau of Indian Affairs list verified by the local grazing official, and was reviewed and approved by multiple Navajo Nation agencies, including the Department of Justice. This was not a rushed or backroom deal.

I also listened closely to concerns about uranium contamination. Those concerns are real in Cameron. The project site was intentionally selected on previously disturbed land, avoids abandoned uranium mines, and includes safety plans, monitoring and cultural oversight during construction. Those protections were important to me and to the community.

Another concern I heard was about grazing. I made sure permittees were heard. The project was designed to allow continued grazing in and around the solar panels. This was not about taking land away from families who depend on it.
There has been misinformation suggesting forged signatures, improper approvals or ignored objections. I did not see that. What I saw was a multi-year process that involved chapters, permittees and Navajo Nation agencies. Disagreement existed, as it often does, but the process was followed.

As chapter president, I ultimately voted in favor of the Painted Desert Power. That vote mattered. It reflected not pressure, but careful consideration of the facts and the long-term interests of the Cameron community. In a close decision, it became the deciding vote.

I am no longer chapter president, and I do not speak for the chapter today. I speak only for myself.

I support Painted Desert Power because I believe it represents responsible development – development that respects Navajo Nation law, protects grazing and cultural resources, and brings long-term benefits to our people. Clean energy projects on our land should be done carefully and transparently. In this case, that is what happened.

Changing your mind is not weakness. It is what leadership requires when the facts lead you there.

I stand by my decision then, and I stand by it now.

Charlie Smith
Former president of Cameron Chapter
Cameron, Ariz.

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Asking for help

Editor,

My name is Edward Silversmith of Red Lake and Navajo area, District 18, Red Lake Chapter House.

My mom’s name is Mary A. Begay, 99 yrs old, and has a heart problem. Also, her house is falling apart, roof is leaking. Her flooring, tile, walls and ceiling are falling apart. Her restroom and shower are falling apart. We need a new wood stove. The one we have is too small and falling apart. I, Edward Silversmith, use to be an airborne ranger stationed in Fort Bragg, N.C., in 1969-1970. I served in Vietnam and Korea. I was hurt jumping in Korea overseas. I had a broken thigh bone and was operated on in the 121st Evacuation Hospital in Korea.

Somebody burned down my double wide mobile home. A witness said that man was an arsonist. Police don’t investigate. I had no insurance.

I told Red Lake officials, Navajo Nation officials, Navajo Veterans Housing. I put in applications and no results. Where did all the millions and billions go? We all thought and were told all the billions of dollars are for the elders, seniors, veterans. But we sure did not get money come our way. We need help. For over 5 years we did not get any help or assistance from the tribe and the government. We are in dire need for help. Did you burn all the millions and billions of dollars at the casinos? Thanks for nothing and God bless you all.

Ed Silversmith
Red Lake/Navajo, N.M.

 

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