At 33, Nez no stranger to politics
Runs for Navajo County Board of Supervisor, District 1

Copyright © 2008
Gallup Independent
By Kathy Helms
Diné Bureau

SHONTO — First-term Council Delegate Jonathan Nez, 33, is looking to take another step in his political career. Nez is seeking the seat as Navajo County Board of Supervisor, District 1, on the Sept. 2 Democratic primary ballot.

District 1 includes Black Mesa, Chilchinbeto, Forest Lake, Hard Rock, Kayenta, Low Mountain, Pinon, Shonto, Tachee/Blue Gap and Whippoorwill.

He decided to run after “people throughout the district shared their views and felt there needed to be someone with the capacity and knowledge to go outside the box,” Nez explained.

“I was fortunate to be able to bring to the table an array of resources to the Nation. I would only build on the knowledge I learned through university studies and the wisdom from the many people throughout the Navajo Nation,” Nez said.

He believes the combination of knowledge and wisdom will yield positive progress toward community and economic empowerment.

“With the guidance and prayers of people throughout Northern Navajo County I was honored to accept their support,” Nez added.

Though a first-term delegate, Nez is no stranger to politics. He has nearly 10 years of experience in government, serving in many roles including chairman of the Shonto Planning Committee, a member on the Navajo Government Development Commission, the Commission for Native Americans of Northern Arizona University, a lobbyist for the Navajo Nation, adjunct faculty for Diné College, and vice president of the Shonto Chapter.
As a doctoral candidate in political science, his most recent research has been on local empowerment and mobilizing local communities of the Navajo Nation to reinstate their inherent local way of governance. This research reduces the dependence on the central tribal government to uphold and enhance the local inherent sovereignty of the chapter areas. Nez earned a B.A. in political science and a masters in public administration from Northern Arizona University.

“As I visited people throughout the district, their No. 1 issue is our dilapidated roads,” Nez said. He said he envisions a more deliberative relationship with local communities, the county, the state, non-profit and other organizations to accomplish many of the goals of the district.

“I would like to share the ideas of the beautiful people in District 1 with southern Navajo County. I believe that working with all people throughout the state will be beneficial for the entire county,” Nez said. “I have the experience and qualifications to facilitate the positive change for our local communities.”

Arizona State Rep. Albert Tom, Dist. 2, said Nez has “ ... the right qualifications — all the way from the state Legislature’s institutional knowledge to the county processes within northern Arizona. The constituency should be so lucky and honored to be served by him.”
According to Tom, Nez has been very instrumental in Shonto’s progress in its infrastructure development. Nez said he would continue to be the Shonto Council Delegate for the Navajo Nation. Holding both political offices would be beneficial for the communities of District 1.

If elected, Nez said he hopes to model himself after retiring Coconino County Supervisor Louise Yellowman.

“The new park (named for Yellowman) is a very good example of the county working well with the local community,” Nez said.

“I would hope that this collaboration type will be a model for other counties in the state in deliberating with Native American communities.” Yellowman should be remembered for her public service and laying the foundation for aspiring young Navajo leaders to follow in her footsteps, Nez said. “Her positive work ethic reminds me of our strong Native people of the past,” he added.

Nez said, “I enjoy interacting with people and finding ways to motivate or challenge them to reach their full potential.” He grew up on the reservation and after high school was fortunate enough to pursue degrees in politics and public administration.

“I like to joke that I was the youngest person in chapter meetings growing up and, at 33, I am still the youngest to be in attendance for public meetings,” Nez explained. “We constantly hear about young people not getting an opportunity to serve the Nation, but I say we still can make a change by voting on September 2 for a candidate who can listen to everyone, not just one group. Electing bright and resourceful individuals can bring the needed change to our communities. I am confident that as your Navajo County Board of Supervisor I will do my very best to empower the people of District 1.”

Nez can be reached at nez4supervisor@yahoo.com.