VP talks of rift with Shirley
Dayish says he decided to run for president after working with Shirley

By Natasha Kaye Johnson
Diné Bureau

GALLUP — In a public event, Vice President Frank Dayish Jr. answered a question still on the minds of Navajo voters: What happened between him and the president?

As a keynote speaker at the Native American Day and Veterans Day event at GIMC, Dayish touched upon the disgruntled relationship after talking briefly about the work his office has carried out with veterans and veteran programs.

A hushed crowd of about 70 people listened attentively as Dayish briefly explained in Navajo the reason for their "break-up."

In Navajo, Dayish said he "became aware of him (President Joe Shirley, Jr.)" when they began working together

Dayish used the term "ba'oh hw ni z" translating literally to "because I'm sitting right by him, I found out what kind of person he is." The term can also mean that he became aware of his work, and leadership. For this reason, Dayish further stated in Navajo, he and his staff decided to make a bid for the Office of the President.

During the primary election, many voters said that they found it disrespectful for Dayish to run against Shirley, especially since they are supposed to be working together.

Dayish said in Navajo that he ran because he didn't want Shirley to ask him to be his running mate once again.

After talking briefly about veterans issues, Dayish said, in Navajo, that the incumbent leadership pleaded for veteran votes during the campaign, and that it would serve them well to stand on their word.

"Regardless of the politics, we want to help our veterans," added Dayish at the end of the brief explanation.

The hushed crowd then applauded enthusiastically after Dayish finished speaking.

The vice president's staff members stated recently that because of restrictions placed on their office by Shirley, they have not been able to carry out their initiatives or assist veterans who are seeking their help. In one instance, Dayish's staff members explained how Marla Billie, staff assistant, was abruptly discontinued from picking up issued checks, some of which were issued for veterans. The staff said that Shirley then canceled the checks that were supposed to be given to veterans, or their families.

Maxine Etter, staff assistant, said the same brief explanation was given at four recent events, including a Veteran's Day event in Tsaile, Sanostee Chapter, Shiprock Chapter, and Smith Lake Chapter.

Etter said because people kept asking what happened between Dayish and Shirley and because the office was not able to offer assistance to its full ability, due to restrictions from the President's Office, they wanted to give the people an explanation.

When asked additional questions on the disgruntled relationship, Dayish said he did not want to comment or elaborate further.