Navajo Nation Council Congratulates Arizona Leaders at Inauguration Ceremony

Navajo Nation Officials Vice President-Elect Myron Lizer, President-Elect Jonathan Nez, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, Speaker LoRenzo Bates, and Council Delegate Jimmy Yellowhair at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix, Ariz. on Jan. 7, 2019.

Published January 8, 2019

PHOENIX — On behalf of the 23^rd Navajo Nation Council, Speaker LoRenzo Bates (Nenahnezad, Newcomb, San Juan, Tiis Tsoh Sikaad, Tse’Daa’Kaan, Upper Fruitland) and Council Delegate Jimmy Yellowhair (Black Mesa, Forest Lake, Hardrock, Pinon, Whippoorwill) had the honor of congratulating Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and other statewide elected officials during an inauguration ceremony held on Monday at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix.

“On behalf of the Navajo Nation Council, I congratulate Governor Ducey and look forward to seeing his office and the incoming 24^th Navajo Nation Council continuing to build upon the strong working relationship established by the current Council for the benefit of the Navajo Nation and the Great State of Arizona,” said Speaker Bates.

Also in attendance were Navajo Nation President-Elect Jonathan Nez and Vice President-Elect Myron Lizer. Navajo performing artist Jay Begaye and Native American flutist Jonah Littlesunday also performed during the inauguration.

Secretary of State Kathleen Hobbs, State Treasurer Kimberly Yee, Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman, Attorney General Mark Brnovich, and State Mine Inspector Joe Hart also took the oath of office and each was provided time to address the audience.

During his inaugural address, Governor Ducey called for continued increases in the state’s investment in K-12 education, protecting public safety, curbing the trend on the growing number of men in detention and correctional facilities, deterring drug trafficking and human smuggling, and securing Arizona’s water future.

“The Navajo Nation has plenty of issues and matters that require the attention of the Governor, which includes extending and modernizing the current Gaming Compact with the state, water rights, improving educational opportunities, and many others,” Speaker Bates stated.

Gov. Ducey, a member of the Republican party, begins his second four-year term as the 23^rd Governor of Arizona. New and returning members of the Arizona State Legislature will take their oath office on the opening day of the legislative session on January 14, 2019.