Delegate passes on run for state rep
Begay wants to see Many Farms reap the profits of harvesting more corn

By John Christian Hopkins
Dine Bureau

MANY FARMS — Delegate Kee Allen Begay Jr. (Many Farms/Round Rock) was considering a run for a spot as an Arizona state representative, but said he's been deluged by requests from constituents to stay with the Navajo Nation Council.

"I thought maybe I could do something to help (the tribe) at a larger level," Begay said. But if so many want him to remain for another term on council, he said he has to strongly consider that. "If I'm not getting the support from my immediate family, I can't go anywhere."

He's picked up candidacy papers, but has not yet turned them in to the Navajo Election Administration.

If he does run for re-election, he wants to remain a member of the Judiciary Committee, where, he said, so much work has begun and someone needs to shepherd it through to completion.

"If someone else replaced me, I'd hope they'd keep going with what we've begun," he said.

Fighting for additional funding is only part of it. The judicial branch is trying to get newer facilities and, Begay said, he believes the branch needs a public information officer to get its message out. He also wants to see a new Supreme Court built.

"We're getting there," Begay said. Though, he admits to some frustration. Another reason he is leaning toward remaining a delegate is his desire to see farming restored to his community.

"It's called Many Farms for a reason there used to be many farms in the area," he said. Although he managed to secure a $1 million grant for an irrigation project, the council has done nothing to help out, he said. "I want to see farming activity again."

For two years he has tried to get council to appropriate money for farming equipment, Begay said. The community is tired of waiting in vain, and two weeks ago the chapter passed a resolution to use $17,000 for equipment, Begay said.

Begay said he has sought assistance from Water Management, Agriculture and Natural Resources.

"I'm banging on their doors constantly," he said.

He longs to see rows of corn growing once again.

"Any Navajo will tell you, that's our culture, that's our history," Begay said. "Corn is of central importance, it is used in all our traditional ceremonies. If the Navajo council is really trying to hold onto tradition, why aren't they helping the farmers?"

He's told by other delegates that they can't give Many Farms money for farm equipment without doing the same for all 110 chapters, Begay said. But that logic is faulty, he said.

"Not all the chapters have farmland," Begay said.

So Begay the second youngest delegate is pretty certain he will seek a second term on council.

"Hopefully, I can finish the job I started," he said.

— (John Christian Hopkins can be reached at 1-505-371-5443, or by email at Hopkins1960@hotmail.com.)