Yavapai-Apache Construction Closes Its Doors
An emotional Bianca McGrady confronts Tribal Council
Yavapai-Apache Construction, an enterprise of the Yavapai-Apache Nation, was recently notified by Tribal Council that its doors would be closing on January 31, 2012.
On December 22, Tribal Council, by Resolution voted to rescind the Yavapai-Apache Construction Code (Title 31), dissolve Yavapai-Apache Construction (YAC), and directed that all Yavapai-Apache Construction assets be identified and collected and legitimate Yavapai-Apache Construction obligations be paid.
Tribal Council pointed “to the recent recession and subsequent slow recovery of the economy, Yavapai-Apache Construction has struggled to remain financially and economically viable as a subordinate economic organization of the Yavapai-Apache Nation,” as the reason for the dissolution of Yavapai-Apache Construction as an enterprise of the Nation.
Vice Chairman Robert Jackson, Sr. during the January 19, 2012 Special Council Meeting explained to those in attendance that YAC was created by former administration to be a profit making business.
“It wasn’t supposed to be a department of the Nation. It wasn’t supposed to be supported by the Nation,” remarked Jackson, Sr.
Lorna Hazelwood, YAC General Manager responded to the dissolution with dismay and sadness, “The employees of YAC are great, great and loyal. All of them, even those that have been with us for quite some time and left for other things, they’re all really good workers. They completed everything that was put before them. They never threw-in the towel and never made excuses. They accomplished everything put before them. They helped build this community, both on the civil side and residential side. I respect each and every one of them for their talent, skill, knowledge, and growth. People don’t understand that they didn’t get off easy. They didn’t get health insurance, sick pay, vacation, or holidays. When the Nation was off, they were working and stayed with it. I’m just really proud of them.”
The dissolution angered YAC employees and their families who say they received no advance notice of the loss of their employment.
A very emotional Bianca McGrady, tribal member and spouse of YAC employee Larry McGrady confronted tribal council during the January 19 meeting stating, “Do you care? Do you care that you’re hurting people? Do you care that you’re hurting this tribal member that’s been here?! Do you care that you’re taking from my kids?! Do you have to live week to week, paycheck to paycheck?! Do you see this hurt? Do you care?! It don’t look like you care that you’re hurting your people or that you’re hurting the future generation!”
In tribal council’s defense, Vice Chairman Jackson, Sr. responded, “In August Miller, Allen came in and audited the Nation’s enterprises. They presented a report to us and it did not look good. YAC was losing money, even though you were doing a good job, building things for the Nation. The finances weren’t there. It just wasn’t working.
We had to make a decision. Do we keep supporting YAC?
It was a hard decision. We know you have a house, car payments, need food. These are hard times and we feel bad. There’s only so much the Nation receives from the casino. There’s only so much we can do. We had to make cuts.”
During its operations, YAC successfully completed many projects throughout the Nation including the construction of the Arsenic Treatment Facility, Beauty Street Housing Project, and the renovation of homes throughout the communities.
The Nation will assume responsibility of any construction warranties on projects completed by YAC during its operations.
Datsi Alleges Code of Ethics Violations Against Councilwoman Tanya Moore
In a four page memo to tribal council, YAN tribal member Genevieve Datsi accused Councilwoman Tanya Moore of, “violations of gross neglect of duty or gross misconduct according to the Constitution of the Yavapai-Apache Nation; and in addition, a breach of conflict of interest pursuant to Title 4 Code of Ethics and Conduct for Elected Officials...”
Datsi alleges that Councilwoman Moore and her husband Trapper Moore, a former employee of the Nation’s Public Relations Office, “both have a vested personal, financial, community property and business interest in Farm Bureau Insurance Trapper Moore Agency, aka Farm Bureau Insurance & Financial Services, and Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company,” and, “suggests that such a collaborated partnership may have favored both parties past and presently by Trapper Moore’s capacity within the Nation as a former employee, together with, Councilwoman Moore’s official capacity as an elected official of the Yavapai-Apache Nation in influencing the marketing, business expansion and promotion of a vested business partnership – thus resulting in financial gain.”
Datsi at the January 19, Special Council Meeting stated to tribal council, “I’m letting it be known to you that the appropriate action is to do an investigation.”
Moore denied any wrongdoing stating, “I don’t own any business. I am a citizen of Camp Verde. I can participate in events as a vendor.
As a leader, have I led my People? I believe I have.
The Constitution was passed in 1992, Article 10 specifies and outlines jobs of the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. Ever since 1992 that was never done. When I came into office it was my responsibility to uphold the Constitution, and I did.
I have never gained anything for me, monetarily. I haven’t.
You say I haven’t upheld the Code of Ethics? Yes I have. I have upheld them all the way to the end.”
Tribal council voted for an investigation to be conducted by a third party. In a separate vote, tribal council declared that Moore shall remain seated throughout the duration of the investigation.
A timeframe for the investigation has not been set.
FY2012 Tribal Government Operations Budget Forces Cuts
Tribal Council on January 19, during a Special Council Meeting approved and adopted a FY2012 Tribal Government Operations Budget. The FY2012 budget reflects a 7.5% reduction over the FY2011 tribal government operations budget.
In response to the reduction, tribal council approved a FY2012 Organizational Chart which eliminated 10 positions from within tribal operations, 6 of which were currently filled by full-time employees. Additionally, 4 full-time positions were converted to part-time.
According to Human Resource Director Laura Jones, personnel were notified Friday, January 20, of the restructure and the organization chart put into effect immediately. Jones went on to say the Nation doesn’t anticipate any more personnel reductions, however, as positions are vacated the Nation will take a look at whether positions are needed or will be eliminated.
Councilwoman Nancy Guzman in the January 19, Special Council Meeting remarked, “The Nation received a 5 Year Plan from Cliff Castle Casino which projected a cut in revenue. The Nation operates on casino revenue. $1.6 million had to be cut from this year’s budget. It was a hard decision, but we had to do it. The revenue that comes over is not the same as it has been in the past.”
YAN Member and Economic Development Director Buddy Rocha, Jr. approached tribal council during the January 26, Special Council Meeting.
“I am here on behalf of those tribal members that were let go, that have no source of income at this point in time to feed their families. That have no benefits for their children at this time; that happened over night. Those that are about to lose their homes, because there was no preparation to even forecast that this was even going to occur.
What did we deserve for this to happen to us? You (tribal council) have a constitutional obligation to our people. In the preamble it says you will protect our people now and into the future. Did you do that?
I stand before you today to ask you to bring a voice up. Because it occurred to me, not only for me and my family, that our tribal families that have young children, you just took food from their mouths, overnight, no benefits. We work hard for those things. I thought the whole purpose for getting into gaming was to become sustainable and be able to provide for ourselves. That’s what we were doing, providing for ourselves.
The hard part about this is that I believed in you as tribal council members, I believed that you would make the right decisions for our people, that you would protect our people. I feel that you have failed.”
Rocha Jr. ended by requesting tribal council to reconsider the passage of the FY2012 budget.
Rocha Jr.’s request was taken under advisement by tribal council.
Bernie the Sundog pays the Montessori Children’s House a Visit
On January 25, 2012, Bernie the Sundog, mascot for the Arizona Sundogs Hockey team paid a visit to the Montessori Children’s House here in Camp Verde. Bernie came to promote the Sundogs and teach the Montessori school children about hockey and how participating in sports like hockey is a great way to stay active. Bernie then gifted the children tickets to one of the Sundogs hockey games, inflatable hockey sticks, and other
South Verde High School Student of the Month Recognized by Local Businesses
The Trapper Moore Agency of Farm Bureau Insurance & Financial Services and La Fonda Mexican Restaurant are pleased to announce the January 2012 Student of the Month for South Verde High School Stanley Schabatka.
The South Verde High School Student of the Month is a new program implemented in 2012 by school administrators and local businesses, working together to recognize community youth for their outstanding academic achievements, community service and dedication to continued education. Both the Trapper Moore Agency of Farm Bureau Insurance and La Fonda Mexican Restaurant are dedicated to supporting community initiatives and youth and are honored to work with South Verde High School in honoring students.
Evans Reclaims Tribal Council Seat After Special Election
Linda Evans proudly claimed victory today, when she was sworn-in as a council member, effectively reclaiming the seat from which she was removed in July of 2011.
Evans was sworn-in by Election Board Chief Judge Suzette Dawdy in the tribal council chambers in front of a packed audience.
After being sworn-in, Evans addressed the crowd stating, “It’s a pleasure to see all of you here. I’m grateful to each of you that took time out to be here this morning. I appreciate each and every one of you for showing up to give your support. Like I said before on the website, I’m grateful for all the voters that came out and support all the candidates that ran, and I also think that it’s good for our tribal members to take action instead of going on the website and doing all that other stuff. Come and show your actions by voting. Voting is very important to our tribal government. If you want the tribal government to work well you need to get up and take action by voting. I would like to thank each and every one that supported me to put me back as a tribal council member.”
Evans was immediately thrust into her role as a council member when a Special Council Meeting was convened upon the conclusion of the swearing-in ceremony, forcing Evans to quickly assume her role as a legislative decision maker for the Nation.
Evan’s term is set to expire September 2012.
Montijo Files Complaint Against YAN Election Board
Former prospective candidate Leimomi Montijo filed a Civil Complaint against the Nation’s Election Board on Friday, January 13, alleging, “The Election Board has developed and displayed a pattern of inconsistencies and bias in the selection process of qualified tribal members to become seated in their own government, thus severely obstructing the eligible candidate pool, shaping the council prior to the election process which limits the selection and voting rights of the tribal members.”
Montijo says she learned she was ineligible to run as a candidate during the January 7, Special Election when she went to the polls and discovered she was not listed as a candidate. Montijo says that she was not notified by the Election Board that she was ineligible to run and had assumed that her name would be on the ballot.
According to Montijo she approached YAN Election Board Chief Judge Suzette Dawdy on the day of the election and was informed that she did not meet the filing deadline. Montijo informed Dawdy that all paperwork was received in accordance with the Election Ordinance.
Montijo was then informed by Election Board Member Rebecca Jackson that she was deemed unqualified to run as a candidate due to a Dog At Large conviction in 2006, and a letter mailed to her notifying her of the decision. Montijo denies ever having received a letter from the Election Board.
Montijo argues that if in fact she was deemed unqualified to run as a candidate due to the Dog At Large conviction, the Election Board violated its own ordinance requiring candidates to have, “no misdemeanor convictions within the last five (5) years or felony convictions within the last fifteen (15) years,” when she was allowed to be placed on the ballot during the 2008 and 2009 Yavapai-Apache Nation General Election.
“I’m not contesting the results of the Special Election. I’m contesting the practices of the Election Board. The Election Board needs to be consistent and fair,” says Montijo.
In response to the filing, the Election Board’s attorney, Shiloh Hoggard filed a Motion to Dismiss on the basis that Montijo’s filing, “fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. As a secondary basis, the Election Board moves to dismiss this matter on the grounds of laches.
As the Complaint lacks any specific allegations of wrongdoing against Petitioner and, similarly, lacks any demand for relief that requires action by this Court, the case should be dismissed pursuant to Rule 12(b)(6).”
A hearing on the matter has been set for Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. before Chief Judge Joe Butner.
A Dream Turns Into Reality
By Richard Juan, PR Assistant
6 year old Chandler Plante had a dream. That dream was for the Town of Camp Verde to celebrate the life and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a kind man who believed in equality for all mankind “judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
On Monday, January 16, Plante’s dream came true as the Town of Camp Verde, the Yavapai-Apache Nation Royalty, South Verde High School Native American Club, and KC’s Family Tae Kwon Do joined Plante in honoring Dr. King with a march down Main Street. Marchers carried signs bearing images and quotes of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“It was fantastic to see a little guy recognize Martin Luther King, Jr.. It’s crazy to see someone that young do what he did,” remarked Thaddeus Lewis, a march participant.
Dr. King’s methods of civil disobedience changed the landscape of racial tolerance forever, most notably when he delivered his “I Have A Dream” speech, during a live telecast from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on August 28, 1963, recognizing the wrong that had been done to African Americans, as well as wrongs done to other minorities throughout the U.S.
Plante is not the typical 6 year old. He’s what many would term an “old soul,” mature for his age, wise beyond his years, likes to wear a suit and tie, enjoys reading biographies and aspires to be the President of the United States someday. Keep up this pace and he just may succeed in that endeavor.
This isn’t Plante’s first time at organizing a large-scale event. Plante’s organized can food drives, fundraising events, organized a Get Well card making event for Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, and written the first black woman to attend public schools, Ruby Bridges requesting her to make a presentation to the Camp Verde Elementary. Plante also plans to volunteer his time each week serving food to the needy at the Bread Of Life Mission in Camp Verde.
Nation Makes a Toy and Monetary Donation to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
By: Fran Chavez, PR Manager
Tribal Council on Thursday, December 15, presented Marine Corps Toys for Tots Organizer Krys Vogler with approximately 50 toys and checks totaling $4,900, from the Nation and its enterprises.
The mission of the Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children within the community in which the campaign is conducted.
“Marine Corps Toys for Tots is extremely grateful to the caring of the Yavapai-Apache Nation and other enterprises owned by the Yavapai-Apache Nation who gave generous donations. Thank you for helping us with our desire to make Christmas special for as many disadvantaged children as possible.
Although last year we were able to reach out to many in the Verde Valley, there remain many children who did not receive a toy. This program may provide the only Christmas gift received because of various circumstances or situations.
We do not know what this year has in store for us, our Nation, or our own lives, but we do know that there are thousands of deserving children who need our help. We know from the smiles on children's faces and from the grateful appreciation of the parents that the simple gift of a shiny, new toy, something that many take for granted, can make a tremendous difference in the life of a child. Hope is the key and hope is what the Marine Corps Toys for Tots is giving to our children through this program.
Your generous contribution has gone a long way in making this effort successful,” stated Vogler.
“For the past two months, Nation employees have generously donated new, unwrapped toys to be donated to the Toys for Tots Foundation,” says Fran Chavez, Public Relations Manager. “We’re very fortunate to be employed at a time when so many have become victims of the recession. This in itself motivated many of the Nation’s employees to reach out and assist others who were in need this Christmas season. We are proud to have made a difference in many children’s lives this Christmas.”
The annual Christmas Marine Corps Toys for Tots Christmas Party was hosted by Cliff Castle Casino December 19, where more than 500 children received gifts.
