Audit report, pandhandling, shabby properties issues on tap

The March 13 regular meeting of the Gallup City Council began with an ordinance seeking criminal penalties for violators of the property maintenance code.

Curtis Hayes, city attorney, said the property maintenance code was to address homeowners who do not maintain their property.

“The purpose of this is twofold,” Hayes said. “One is to make the property maintenance code consistent with the fire code and building code, which already have criminal provisions. More importantly, is to put more teeth in the property maintenance code.”

He noted that issues such as overgrown weeds, trash, abandoned cars and dilapidated...

The primary election filing deadline occurred March13, and as usual there will be no Republican candidates. So, the primary election will determine the final winner in the county races.

The most contested race is for county sheriff where the incumbent, Ron Silversmith will be facing a former sheriff, Felix  T. Begay, as well as four other challengers: Robert C. Mazon, Benjamin L. Benally, Matthew K. Hughbanks, and Kenny A. Carabajal Sr.

Candidates running for other county races as follows:

County Commission District 1 - Billy Moore, Sonlatsa Jim-Martin, Olin Kieyoomia and George H. Tolth.

County Commission District  2- Tommy L. Nelson and Walt Eddy.

County Assessor - Kathleen...

MONUMENT VALLEY, Utah – During a public meeting on March 12, Navajo Nation leadership stood united in opposing House Bill 4532 sponsored by U.S. Rep. John Curtis, R-Dist. 3, of Utah, which seeks the approval of congress to confirm and codify President Trump’s 2017 proclamation that reduced the size of the Bears Ears National Monument by 85-percent and divided it into two smaller monuments. On Dec. 4, 2017, the Navajo Nation filed a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s action.

Speaker LoRenzo Bates, Vice President Jonathan Nez, several members of the Navajo Nation Council, and local chapter presidents voiced their opposition to the bill during a public meeting with Curtis and...