The Farmington Daily Times interviews Navajo Nation presidential candidates Linda Lovejoy and incumbent Joe Shirley Jr. about their campaigns and views. The two face off on the November 7 ballot.

Shirley touts his achievements during his first four years. He cites a major water rights settlement, an agreement with the Hopi Tribe to end a land-use dispute and the establishment of a gaming enterprise.

"I think that is very important. I'd hate to see these projects just come to a halt," Shirley tells the paper.

Lovejoy is running on new leadership and accountability. She doesn't outright oppose gaming but says the social costs -- such as crime and addiction -- aren't being addressed by the Shirley administration.

"The Navajo Nation receives at least 53 percent of the money from the federal government in grants. We are just so dependent. In other words, our government operates just year to year," Lovejoy says.

Get the Story:
Lynda Lovejoy Q&A (The Farmington Daily Times 10/29)
Joe Shirley Q&A (The Farmington Daily Times 10/29) $ad1 Relevant Links:
Joe Shirley Jr - http://www.reelectjoeshirleyjr.com
Lynda Lovejoy - http://www.lyndalovejoy.com
Navajo Nation - http://www.navajo.org

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