Safety, public service, seniors highlight State of Nation

Posted by Terry Bowman | Jul 21, 2016 | Politics |

WINDOW ROCK

Russell Begaye

After four hours of hearing concerns and opinions, Navajo President Russell Begaye and Vice President Jonathan Nez addressed a handful of problems in their State of the Nation address.

Jonathan Nez

The Summer Session of the 23rd Navajo Council opened with recognitions and concerns from the from council delegates at the Navajo Nation Council Chambers in Window Rock, Ariz. on Monday, July 18 ahead of the State of the Nation Address by the Begaye and Nez Administration.

One of the concerns Begaye had was the funding for police officers and public safety after the recent acts of violence toward police officers across the U.S. in recent months. “We need more officers in our communities to keep us safe,” said Begaye to the 23rd Council. The council recommended around $10 million to assist in police services and the hiring of more police officers around the Navajo Nation.

“I believe we need more police services as well as emergency medical services throughout the nation for our people,” said Council Delegate Jonathan Perry in a statement to the Begaye and Nez Administration during the four-hour State of the Nation.

Begaye suggested that the money also go towards funding for a new police academy in the Chinle area, to help bring in more recruits and police officers for the tribe in a timely manner. “We have those monies available; we need to use to it,” said Begaye.