Shirley: Jobs are top priority

Copyright © 2009
Gallup Independent
By Karen Francis
Diné Bureau

FLAGSTAFF — Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. told Coconino County Supervisors and city of Flagstaff officials that the Nation’s top priority is now putting people to work.

Shirley met Thursday with Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Ryan, District 3; Vice Chairwoman Liz Archuleta, District 2; Supervisors Carl Taylor, District 1; Lena Fowler, District 5; and Flagstaff City Manager Kevin Burke.

Ryan told Shirley that the county and the Navajo Nation share a concern about the possibility of renewed uranium mining near the Grand Canyon and the fate of ‘downwinders,’ the president’s office said.

Archuleta said that the county is also concerned about the delayed construction of new facilities for Tuba City boarding school and the lack of jail space on the Navajo Nation.

The supervisors offered to advocate on those issues in Washington, the president’s communications director George Hardeen said.

Shirley in turn said he would send word to the Navajo Nation Washington Office to assist them at the Capitol.

The proposed North Central Arizona Water Supply Pipeline that would potentially run from Lake Powell to Flagstaff is another common issue. The president’s office reported that an appraisal level study has been completed.

Shirley was an Apache County supervisor for 18 years before becoming president of the Navajo Nation. He said that by working together, the Navajo Nation and Coconino County will complement each other for the benefit of residents.

There are 12 chapters in Coconino County, according to the president’s office.