Candidates for Navajo Nation Council seat share vision for progress at forum

HOUCK, Ariz.

Voting members from Houck, Nahat’á Dziil, Wide Ruins, Klagetoh, and Lupton gathered at the Houck Chapter House on Wednesday morning to hear from three candidates vying to represent their communities on the Navajo Nation Council.

Voters from the five chapters are preparing to cast their votes during a special election on Dec. 10. The three candidates laid out distinct visions for how they plan to lead the region into a more prosperous and unified future for the next two years.

The forum focused on economic development, veteran services, and leadership qualities, as the candidates outlined their plans for advancing projects left unfinished after Lomardo Aseret resigned from the position in September to spend more time with his family.

The candidates included former 23rd and 24th Navajo Nation Council member Raymond Smith Jr.; longtime tribal official and current executive director of the Navajo Division of Community Development Arbin Mitchell; and newcomer to Navajo Nation politics Olin C. Begay, who has gained recognition for his work managing feral horses across the Navajo Nation.

Economic development

The candidates acknowledged the unique economic opportunities presented by the chapters’ location along Interstate 40. They shared their plans to use resources like the American Rescue Plan Act funds for community development projects.

Smith, reflecting on his previous experience on the Council, urged the community to push forward with plans for economic development in areas like Lupton.

“When I was a delegate, we worked on bringing a store to Lupton,” he said. “It’s still running, but there’s so much more we can do. The landowner’s asking price is a challenge, but money can come from Arizona or through tourism dollars if we plan carefully.”

Mitchell highlighted his expertise in navigating federal and tribal resources, pointing out that $100 million from ARPA is available, with $4 million already earmarked for bathroom additions and housing within the five chapters.

“We need to work with counties, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and certified chapters like Klagetoh and Wide Ruins to unlock even more opportunities,” Mitchell explained.

Begay emphasized the need for new strategies to capture funding from alternative sources, particularly from Washington, D.C.

“So much money goes past our chapters along I-40,” he said. “We need to establish real economic development plans to bring those resources to our communities. Unless we push for change, we’ll be left behind.”

Veteran services

Veterans’ issues were a central topic, with candidates addressing delays in funding and services.

Mitchell criticized inefficiencies within the controller’s office and the Council’s continuing resolution budget process.

“Our veterans aren’t receiving their money on time, and we need a system that ensures their needs are prioritized,” he said.

Smith echoed the urgency of addressing these delays, stating that veterans deserve immediate action on housing and healthcare.

Begay added that the system needs an overhaul to ensure Navajo veterans are no longer overlooked.

“They’ve served our nation, and now it’s time we serve them,” he said.

Leadership and personal values

The candidates also shared their leadership philosophies, shaped by personal experiences and traditional Navajo values.

Mitchell drew inspiration from his late grandmother, Annie Wauneka, and lessons from his parents.

“My mother taught me not to steal and to take care of myself. Leadership is rooted in values like honesty and accountability,” he said, adding that his 20-plus years working for the Navajo Nation have prepared him to navigate the complexities of the Council.

Begay credited his upbringing, which emphasized discipline and respect, as central to his leadership style.

“My father raised me with tough love, teaching me to wake up early, feed the cattle, and always say thank you, even to those who criticize you,” he said.

Smith invoked the resilience of Navajo ancestors like Manuelito and Barboncito, who led with vision and prayer.

“When you’re a leader, you must have a good attitude and a clear vision,” he said. “Sometimes you have to stay quiet and listen, and other times, you speak up. That’s the kind of leadership I’ll bring to the Council.”

Voting polls at each of the five chapters will open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.

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