Reporter’s Notebook | Why I’m taking a closer look at Nygren’s presidency

By Robert Bettis
Navajo Times

Editor’s note: For inquiries or story suggestions, please contact our reporter at rbettis@ntpc.biz.

This is the beginning of a multi-part investigative project focused on Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren’s campaign promises and how they hold up against the realities of his administration so far.

Over the coming weeks, I’ll be writing a series of articles that explore what Nygren said he would do – and whether those promises have turned into real progress for our communities.

During his 2022 campaign, Nygren ran on a platform of action, efficiency, and accountability. His message was clear: the Navajo people should no longer have to wait for basic services like water, electricity, and safe roads. He spoke of jobs, housing, support for youth, and a new era of transparency in government. Many voters were drawn to that vision, and Nygren won with the promise that things would be different this time.

Now, more than a year into his term, it’s important to ask: What’s changed? Where has there been movement, and where has progress stalled?

This series will break down major themes from his campaign, such as infrastructure, economic development, housing, education, health care, and cultural preservation. For each topic, I’ll examine what was promised to the public, what progress we’ve seen so far, what remains unfulfilled, and how people in the community feel about it.

But this project is about more than just policies or weekly news segments. It’s about the people. For this conversation, I want to speak directly with community members, especially those who often feel overlooked. I want to hear from voters who supported Nygren in the election and from those who didn’t. How do they feel about the direction of the Nation today? Do they feel heard? Do they see change?

Accountability in journalism is not about criticism for the sake of criticism. It’s about asking hard questions and giving people a platform to express how leadership affects their everyday lives. Holding elected officials to their word is not a personal attack, but it’s part of a healthy, functioning democracy.

When promises go unmet, it’s not just a political issue, but a community issue. It affects families hauling water, students without reliable internet, elders in need of safe housing, and workers seeking jobs. When leaders do deliver, that should be celebrated! Analyzing our successes and failures is the best way to avoid future mistakes, repeat past wins, and chart a new way for future progress.

My hope with this project is to create a thoughtful and respectful space for discussion, reflection, and honest reporting. I believe the people deserve clarity about what’s happening in Window Rock and how decisions made there are (or aren’t) making it back to local communities.

This is just the beginning. In upcoming editions, I’ll dive deeper into key areas of Nygren’s platform, guided by community voices. If you have thoughts or experiences you’d like to share, I invite you to reach out.