Elected officials meet from federal, tribal, state, county, and community groups

A group of elected officials met on Wednesday, October 2 in Blanding, including Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Congressman John Curtis.  The group included tribal, federal, state, county, and community leaders.

According to President Nez, the focus of the discussion was “how the entities can come together to overcome some of the challenges related to recent litigation between the county and the Navajo Nation and to build a more positive working relationship.”

Roads were a major topic of discussion, but they also discussed economic development, broadband expansion, rights of way, and more.

The meeting was part of an extended visit to the county by Rep. Curtis.

“I need to better understand the issues here, including public lands and the Bears Ears,” said Curtis while explaining his four-day visit.

The trip included a hike on Cedar Mesa with Clark Tanakhongva, Vice Chairman of the Hopi Tribe. The hike was a visit to the Seven Kiva Ruin and the Citadel.

Curtis rafted the San Juan River between Bluff and Mexican Hat on another day.

Other visits included the White Mesa Uranium Mill, the Latigo Wind Farm, and other local businesses.

Regarding the impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump, Curtis expressed concern that an impeachment would overturn the will of the people expressed in the general election.  

“Elections are the key,” he said, and added that during an impeachment proceeding, “nobody is talking about the other important issues.”