DUI led to Foster's demise
Bill Donovan
Diné Bureau
WINDOW ROCK — Larry Foster, who resigned Tuesday as chief executive
officer in the president's office, said he felt he owed an apology
to the Navajo people for letting them down.
"I accept full responsibility for what happened and I will take
appropriate action in both my public and private life to deal with
it," he said Tuesday.
Foster, who served as campaign manager for Kelsey Begaye in 1998,
has suffered a series of ups and downs in his political career, including
being terminated by former Navajo Nation Council Speaker Nelson Gorman
in the early 1990s for problems stemming from alcohol abuse.
At that time, a lot of people in the tribe thought his political career
was over but he managed to come back to become one of the most powerful
if not the most powerful official within the president's office.
Foster admitted that he used poor judgment on Jan. 12 when he combined
alcohol and painkillers while driving a tribal vehicle.
He said he decided to stop alongside the road near Winslow when a
state policeman approached his car and asked if he was having problems.
He said Tuesday that he had had a couple of beers which had reacted
with the painkillers to cause him difficulties in driving.
The stop resulted in his arrest for driving under the influence and
his tribal vehicle was impounded. He said the arrest came after he
was unable to complete the usual field sobriety tests police ask drivers
to perform if they are suspected of having had too much to drink.
There was no blood alcohol tests done.
No trial date has been set, he said, because no complaint has been
filed.
"They have five years to file it and I didn't want this hanging
over my head for that long so I told the president about it and resigned,"
he said. That resignation takes effect on March 31.
The decision by Foster to resign creates a clear void in the president's
office and has resulted in many high-ranking tribal officials wondering
if Begaye can lead the tribe without Foster behind him showing him
the way.
"I've heard that kind of comment before," said Foster, who
said that it wasn't uncommon for him to go to speak to a tribal council
committee or a group and be referred to as "President Foster."
"I get my marching orders from the president as does everyone
else," said Foster, who added that Begaye would just laugh off
remarks that indicated Foster was actually running the tribal government.
This feeling may stem in part, said Foster, from Begaye's unique style
of governing, which is unlike the approach that most other tribal
leaders of the past have taken.
"Maybe it's just his style," Foster said. "He is not
confrontation as other tribal leaders have been. (Begaye's) style
is to bring people together."
While he admits that he and Begaye agree on most issues, he feels
statements that make it look like he is running the government show
that those making those kinds of remarks really don't know how the
president's office operates.
"The president gets input from everyone and then makes a decision,"
Foster said.
But it's no secret that Begaye has depended more on Foster than anyone
else in his administration to get projects under way and moving in
the direction he wanted. In the past, Begaye has given credit to Foster
for his ability to come up with solutions that would be acceptable
to various factions within the tribal council and the tribal government.
"I know some people will be happy to see me leave but I have
no doubts that this administration will succeed after I am gone,"
he said.
"In my mind, we have assembled the most qualified staff in the
history of the nation," he said. "You can't go wrong with
that."
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Begaye's two top advisers quit
Noel named chief of staff
Bill Donovan
Diné Bureau
WINDOW ROCK — Navajo Nation President Kelsey Begaye confirmed
Tuesday that two of his top advisers Larry Foster and Tom Ranger have
resigned.
Both Ranger, who has been Begaye's chief of staff since last February,
and Foster, who has been chief executive officer, will stay on with
the office until March 31. Ranger is taking administrative leave but
is expected to be at work next week.
The two presidential aides both said in their resignation letters
they were resigning for personal reasons.
Ranger took leave Feb. 24 after a domestic dispute with his wife.
Foster's resignation stems from a Jan. 12 incident near Winslow when
he was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol (see separate
story).
Foster said Tuesday he plans to spend the next three
weeks finishing some of his projects and transferring others to Begaye's
staff. He said there are no plans at this time to appoint one person
to handle special projects.
A press release from the president's office said Ranger will also
shift his duties over the next few weeks to the tribe's new chief
of staff, Sharon Noel, and complete projects that had been assigned
to him.
Begaye's statement pointed out that Foster and Ranger played an important
role in the Begaye administration during its first year. Begaye became
president of the Navajo Nation in January 1999.
"It is with sorrow that we have agreed that, due to circumstances
recently brought to my attention, their resignations are in the best
interests of the Navajo Nation and of themselves," Begaye said.
Foster, in his resignation letter, agreed it was time for him to leave
the administration, pointing out that Begaye had campaigned on a platform
of accountability and made this a top priority of his administration.
"We have implemented high standards and values and it is now
incumbent upon me to tender my resignation," he said.
In an interview Tuesday, he said that the decision to resign was his
and that he was not being forced out.
"I am leaving on good terms," he said. "I have told
the president and the division directors working for the tribe that
if they need my advice, all they have to do is call and I will do
it free of charge."
He said he plans to spend a couple of months with his family before
going back to work as a consultant.
Before joining the Begaye administration, Foster had operated a consulting
firm in Phoenix called the Foster Group. He said he plans to reactivate
the organization. He added that he has already received some inquiries
about consulting jobs since the reports began circulating earlier
this week that he could be leaving.
With both Foster and Ranger leaving the administration, Begaye's top
adviser now becomes Noel, who had gone from an attorney in the tribe's
Department of Justice to Begaye's legal counsel last May.
"Sharon is very sharp," said Foster. "She'll be very
good (in her new job)."
Noel, who is a native of Shiprock, is half Navajo and half Flathead.
After accepting the position of chief of staff, she said she will
once again "have a chance to advocate on behalf of my Navajo
people.
"Upon coming to the Navajo Nation, my goal was to work for the
Navajo people. The closest I felt I came in meeting this goal was
arguing for the return of Navajo children to Navajo jurisdiction under
the laws established by the Indian Child Welfare Act."
Begaye said he was also pleased to see Noel come on board.
"Sharon Noel is familiar with the operations of the (office)."
he said. "I have great confidence in her ability to step in and
oversee, as chief of staff, the vital work of the Navajo Nation."
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Peace march
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — A group headed for the United Nations
with a message of peace reached the Navajo Nation and soon will move
on into New Mexico.
The group led by Buddhist monk Yusen Yamato wants the United Nations
to understand that indigenous people are being harmed physically and
spiritually by mining and other activities that damage Mother Earth.
The marchers were given a letter from Navajo President Kelsey Begaye
saying the Navajo Nation joins in seeking to unify all people with
one mind and one heart.
Yamato said the group will offer its message at Gallup High School
and Kennedy Middle School in Gallup, and then will head for Santa
Fe with the intent of reaching Taos for Earth Day on April 22.
The basic message is that people have strayed from traditional beliefs
and it's time to return to that lifestyle before something bad happens
to Mother Earth.
The trek began in San Francisco in January. The marchers hope to reach
New York City by October...
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Leagues agree to cooperate
Tanya Brazil
Staff Writer
GALLUP — The Gallup City Council once again heard from local
leagues about a recommended merger with the Little League Baseball
program.
Members of the Gallup Sports Commission, Little League
Baseball, Gallup Amateur Baseball Congress, Gallup Youth Baseball
League and American Amateur Baseball Congress were represented during
a regular city council work session.
Although opposing leagues are not thrilled about a possible consolidation,
the consensus was that they would try to work together in the interest
of the area's children...
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Flyer upsets Grants mother
Mary E. Davis
Staff Writer
GRANTS — A mother of two elementary school children told the
Grants/Cibola County School Board Tuesday night that a drawing of
knives aimed at a female teacher, printed by the school employees'
union on a flyer, was offensive and inappropriate.
The drawing was printed on a flyer advertising the union meeting Feb.
24. Above the picture was printed "Noticing a little stress in
the job?"
The mother, Michelle Staley, asked for an apology and for the school
board to discipline whoever was responsible for the picture "just
as they would do for their students" if they had drawn it...
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Milan incumbents win; rookie wins in
Grants
Tom Purdom
Staff Writer
CIBOLA COUNTY — Establishment candidates in Milan won Tuesday's
trustee election by a big vote. And in Grants, rookie politician Robert
Ulibarri took home a decisive win in the District 1 City Council race
that same day as did District 3 council incumbent Ron Ortiz.
In Milan, 522 of 1,315 registered voters cast ballots in an election
that saw trustees Tom Ortega and Vivian Brumbelow re-elected and former
Mayor Warren Mathers elected to a two-year trustee seat. The seats
of Ortega and Brumbelow are four-year trustee seats.
Ortega, who received 306 votes, was the top vote-getter in a field
of four candidates. Brumbelow captured 296 votes followed by challengers
Rebecca Gomez with 182 votes and Hipolito L. Valdez with 160 votes...
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Cibola inmate may face more battery charges
Mary E. Davis
Staff Writer
GRANTS — A 36-year-old inmate accused of hitting a correctional
officer at the Cibola County Correctional Facility in Milan on Dec.
27 could face additional charges of battery of a peace officer after
reportedly injuring two other guards at the prison Monday morning.
One of the injured correctional officers, Eloy Gallegos, 42, of San
Rafael suffered a cut above his right eye. The second guard, Ben Thorne,
69, of Milan reportedly suffered from a broken right leg and lacerations
on his face, head and arm.
The inmate, Jerome Johnson, has been charged with one
count of aggravated battery on a peace officer, a third-degree felony.
He could possibly face a second count of simple battery of a peace
officer, a fourth-degree felony. If convicted, Johnson could be sentenced
to three years on the aggravated battery charge and 18 months for
the simple battery offense...
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Chapters keep voice in delegates' pay
Jim Maniaci
Diné Bureau
WINDOW ROCK — The attempt by council delegates to change tribal
law so they can set their own salary has failed. More chapters voted
to reject the change than did those that favored it.
The final tally by the Office of Legislative Services showed 23 chapters
opposed, 17 in favor and four with invalid resolutions because not
enough members voted. Even if all 40 valid resolutions had supported
the change, the total fell far short of the 74 required for approval.
In October, the council approved the change that would have removed
the requirement for chapters to ratify salary increases for delegates.
President Kelsey Begaye vetoed the council action and the council
subsequently overrode the veto...
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Growth spurt tightens UNM-Gallup's budget
Zarana Sanghani
Staff Writer
GALLUP — Unexpected expenses for new buildings will tighten the
University of New Mexico-Gallup's budget for the next three years,
said Robert Carlson, the college's executive director.
The university issued a bond two years ago to generate
about $8 million for one new building and additions to two existing
buildings on the Gallup campus and a new building in Zuni. The projects
are now costing almost $9 million, Carlson said.
Additions to the Calvin Science building are not funded from the bond,
but from the school's budget. That project has exceeded its estimated
cost by less than $60,000...
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Vets want more power
Nancy Watson
Diné Bureau
GALLUP — Navajo veterans, feeling their needs have been ignored
in the past, believe the closer they get to the tribal president,
the better off they will be.
That's why they are now pushing to have the veteran's office become
a program within the Navajo president's office.
Veterans' programs are currently under the Division of Human Resources
and many vets think that is too far from the president's office...
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Deaths
Jimmy Pinto Jr.
HOUCK, Ariz. — Services for Jimmy Pinto Jr., 62, will be held
at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 9, at the Houck Catholic Church. Father
Cormac Antram, O.F.M., will officiate. Burial will follow at the Houck
Community Cemetery.
Pinto died March 3 in Gallup. He was born July 25, 1938, in Fort Defiance,
Ariz., into the One Who Walks Around People Clan for the Black Sheep
People Clan.
Pinto attended school in Sanders, Ariz. He held various jobs as carpenter,
laborer and road construction for 25 years. He served in the U.S.
Army for four years. His hobbies include playing volleyball, fishing,
leathercraft, painting and billiards.
Survivors include his wife, Bernice Pinto (Tom) of Houck, Ariz.; sons,
Michael Charles Tom of Houck and Benjamin Tom of Canoncito; daughters,
Marie Morgan of Gallup, Betty Rohrer of Albuquerque, Nancy Martin
of Tohatchi and Christine Tom and Darlene Tom, both of Albuquerque;
sister, Bessie Pinto of Houck; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Pinto was preceded in death by his daughter, Sylvia Tom; parents,
James Pinto Sr. and Mary Goldtooth; brothers, Marty Pinto and Pat
Pinto; sister, Mary Jane Pinto; and a grandson.
Pallbearers will be Benjamin Tom, Pat Pinto, Joe Henderson, Mark Tom
and Ron Martin.
The family will receive friends and family after the burial services
at the Houck Chapter House.
Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Ted Lee
CHICHILTAH — Graveside services for Ted Lee, 27, will be held
at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 9, on family land in Manuelito Canyon.
Sister Ida Begay will officiate.
Lee died March 4 in Phoenix. He was born June 19, 1972, in Gallup
into the Sleeping Rock People Clan for the Red Running into the Water
People Clan.
Lee attended schools in Jones Ranch, Fort Wingate and Tahequah, Okla.
Survivors include his parents, Ruth Smith of Vanderwagen and Phillip
Lee of Breadsprings; brothers, T.J. Willie and Murphy Coleman of Vanderwagen;
and grandparents, Mary John and Willie John, both of Vanderwagen.
Lee was preceded in death by his grandparents, John
Lee and Effie Lee.
Pallbearers will be Wilber Harry, Andy Smith, Jeffrey Jim, Sherman
Yazzie and Tim Yazzie.
Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
George R. Burnside
GANADO, Ariz. — Services for George R. Burnside, 67, will be
held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 10, at the Ganado Presbyterian Church.
The Rev. Paul Stone will officiate. Burial will follow on private
family land at the Ba La Kai Flats, Ariz.
Viewing and visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday,
Mar. 10 at Ganado Presbyterian Church.
Burnside died March 6 in Tucson, Ariz. He was born March 18, 1932,
in Fort Defiance, Ariz., into the Bitterwater People Clan for the
Bigwater People Clan.
Burside was a certified construction painter by trade, a business
man, a livestock rancher and a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was known
as one of the first Navajo business owners and thus the name, "Burnside
Junction."
Survivors include his wife, Mary E. (Bluehouse) Burnside of Ganado;
son, Michael Burnside of Ganado; daughters, Theresa Atakai and Georgia
Kirk, both of Ganado; brothers, Fred Burnside of Navajo, N.M., and
Milton Burside Sr. of St. Michaels, Ariz.; and five grandchildren.
Burnside was preceded in death by a daughter, Joann Burnside, and
parents, John and Yanelthbah Burnside.
Pallbearers will be Olin Bluehouse, Philmer Bluehouse, Randall Bluehouse,
Frank Burnside Jr., Virgil Burnside, Darrell Monroe and Lee Allen
Tom.
Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Effie D. Lee
BREADSPRINGS — Services for Effie D. Lee, 88, will be at 10 a.m.
Wednesday, March 8, at the Pinehaven Bible Church. Burial will follow
at the Pinehaven Cemetery.
Lee died March 3 in Grants. She was born Nov. 2, 1911, in Coyote Canyon
into the Red House People Clan for the Bitter Water People Clan.
Lee was a rug weaver, rancher and herbalist.
Survivors include her son, Phillip Lee of Breadsprings; daughters,
Etta Bowman, Bessie Lee and Helen Shay, all of Breadsprings; brothers,
Miles Martinez of Santa Fe, John Martinez and David Martinez, both
of Breadsprings; sister, Alice Begay of Breadsprings; 21 grandchildren;
and 27 great-grandchildren.
Lee was preceded in death by her husband, John Lee, and sons, Harry
Lee and Benson Francis Lee.
Pallbearers will be Jameson Bennett, Jasper Lee, Kenneth Lee, Kee
Joe Pat, Robert Begay and Bobby Willie.
The family will receive friends and family after the burial services
at the Breadsprings Chapter House.
Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Elizabeth C. Chino
McCARTYS — Services for Elizabeth C. Chino, 72, will be held
at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 8 at the Santa Maria Catholic Church
in McCartys. Father Sean Murnan, O.F.M. will officiate. Burial will
follow at the Mount of Peace Cemetery in McCartys.
Chino died March 7 at the Vencor Hospital in Albuquerque. She was
born June 8, 1927 in Acomita to Estevan Chino and Lupe Zieu Chino.
Survivors include her sons, Mark Chino of Santa Ana, Chuck Chino of
Kentucky and Daniel Chino of McCartys; daughter, Irene Chino of McCartys;
11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Elsie Carter
MILAN — Graveside services for Elsie Carter, 89, will be held
at 2 p.m., Thursday, March 9 at the Family Cemetery in El Morro.
Carter died March 6 in Milan. She was born Aug. 27, 1910 in Hamilton,
Texas to Christopher Carter and Bertha Powers Carter.
Carter had moved to the Milan area in 1930. She was an early pioneer
school teacher, teaching in several of the regional one room school
houses. She also farmed and ranched.
Survivor include her sister, Winnie Mae Wilcox of Milan.
Tom Yazzie
VANDERWAGEN — Services for Tom Yazzie, 84, will be announced
at a later date.
Yazzie died March 6 at the Gallup Indian Medical Center. He was born
April 20, 1916, in Breadsprings.
Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
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