Panel backs Lockett as gaming director

By John Christian Hopkins
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — Only one hurdle remains for Edward Lockett Jr., as he moves closer to becoming the new executive director of the Navajo Gaming Regulatory Office.

On Friday, the Ethics and Rule Committee approved Lockett's bid, sending the final legislation to the Navajo Nation Council, which will meet in special session Monday and Tuesday.

The legislation was sponsored by ethics Chairman LoRenzo C. Bates. Delegate Omer Begay, of the Human Services Committee, co-sponsored the bill.

President Joe Shirley Jr. supports Lockett for the position, for which he would be paid $100,000 annually.

Lockett currently serves as executive director of gaming for the Ak-Chin casino in Maricopa, Ariz. Prior to that he worked for the White Mountain Apaches' casino.

"I can tell you, he comes with very strong credentials," Bates said. "He is aggressive, with integrity and he has a vision."

Lockett said he has learned the casino business from the ground floor up. He said if you aspire to move up in an industry, you need to learn as much as you can about it.

A self-described military brat his father served 30 years in the Air Force Lockett has lived in Europe and the Middle East.

"I have a sense and understanding of various people. Each brings something unique, something different," Lockett said. "Somebody asked me what clan I am from, I tell people I am from the cosmopolitan clan. I have an understanding of people, a love for people and a love for culture."

It takes the same set of skills to be successful in business or n life, Lockett said.

"You need intelligence, strong morals, honesty and integrity," he said. "Those values aren't always appreciated in today's society."

But those were the values his parents instilled in him, he said.

As a manager, he encourages different viewpoints and ideas, he said. He also values a willingness to learn new things.

"There's no disgrace in saying you don't know; there's no such thing as a silly question," Lockett said.

Lockett said he envisions bringing the same type of success he had at Ak-Chin to the Navajos.

"You need someone there who will be Keeper of the Watch," Lockett said. "It would be my honor and my pleasure to be able to work for the (Navajo) Nation."

The Government Affairs Committee previously tabled the legislation, citing lack of a background check, Bates said. That issue is "about 85 percent complete" now, he added.

"The Nation has a right to know his background," said ethics member Curran D. Hannon. Hannon asked Lockett why, on his application, he asked that his current employer not be contacted.

Lockett said he wanted a chance to speak with the Navajo first, and also wanted to avoid showing any disrespect toward the Ak-Chin.

"I knew they'd be upset at losing me," Lockett said.

Board member Harry Williams Sr. asked if the background check would be done by Monday's council session.

The most important segments extensive criminal, financial and motor vehicle checks are completed, said Bernadette Begay Benally human resources director.

"Mr. Lockett had no problem passing those checks," she said.

Committee member Duane Tsinigine voiced concern that the background check was not complete. He also asked if tribal policy involving Navajo preference was followed.

"There were no qualified Navajo applicants," said Michelle Dotson, legal counsel from the president's office.

Lockett is African American.

"I think all the questions have been answered," said board member Joe M. Lee.

The committee supported Lockett by a 6-1 margin.

— John Christian Hopkins can be reached at 1-505-371-5443, or by email at kingauthor24@frontiernet.net.