Uncertainty looms over District 6 as special election nears
MANUELITO, N.M.
Residents of Navajo Nation’s District 6 are grappling with the sudden departure of Council Delegate Seth Damon and the subsequent uncertainty surrounding his replacement. Amid concerns about expiring ARPA funding and a desire for strong representation, the district is preparing for a special election on March 26.
Manuelito Chapter Secretary-Treasurer Percy Anderson, the District 6 Joint Council secretary, emphasizes community involvement as the chapter navigates this transition. He describes efforts to gather residents’ input, with over 160 contacts reached through phone, email, and chapter meetings.
“We do a lot of outreach,” Anderson said, highlighting the commitment to ensuring all voices are heard.
The district council initially recommended veteran Lester Yazzie as interim delegate, but the Navajo Board of Election Supervisors rejected its proposal, requiring individual resolutions from each chapter, along with community input. This procedural hiccup adds to the already tense atmosphere, with residents eager to have their concerns addressed before ARPA funding for bathroom additions expires.
Anderson underscores the community’s desire for in-person interactions, evidenced by the Manuelito Chapter’s recent unanimous vote against virtual meetings. The chapter’s special meeting, filled with the aroma of beef stew and fresh frybread, served as a testament to their preference for face-to-face engagement.
Arlene Brown, a Navajo Election Administration Board member and a resident of Manuelito, provided much-needed clarification about the election process and timeline. Brown explained that chapters have until Feb. 5 to recommend an interim delegate, whom Speaker Crystalyne Curley will then appoint. The special election, scheduled for March 26, will ultimately determine the permanent replacement for Damon.
While uncertainty casts a long shadow, a glimmer of hope shines through in the form of Lester Yazzie’s nomination as interim delegate. He enjoys significant community support, with 16 votes in favor and only five abstentions. Tséyaatoh Chapter has also recommended Yazzie, while Chéch’iltah and Bááhááli chapters have had their meetings, but they did not answer their phones in time for publication.
Rock Springs has a special meeting to make its choice scheduled for Sunday at noon, while Red Rock has its special meeting scheduled for 1 p.m. the same day.
Highway 264,
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