Redistricting Law Suit Hopes to Divide San Juan County

Dear Mr. Grofman and Judge Shelby,

Introduction:  I welcome the chance given to share my concerns via e-mail, as appointments interfered with attending today.  We moved to San Juan County 47 years ago. I was a high school teacher for 15 years and my husband a social worker for over 30 years.  We have had more interaction with both Ute and Navajo people than most. As a teacher at San Juan High, about 50% of my students were Native American.  During those years I used a strategy called Student/Team learning.   This strategy promoted important social and academic interaction and cooperation.  I also had either Navajo or Ute students compete in Washington DC at the National History Fair 8 different years. I encouraged, and promoted cultural awareness, and historical research on topics relevant to their culture and history. I taught them skills needed for college and jobs, so they did not have to ever take the role of a victim, but rather as a capable, educated, competent American.  We need the Navajo Tribe help make our reservation schools better, not suck much needed tax money from an already very poor county via frivolous law suits. 

Concerns before addressing the realignment:

1)      I find it ironic that such little advance notice was given about these meetings, especially if you hoped to involve Native Americans within our county.  This county is bigger than many states, and it takes several weeks to let people know about meetings.  This was not done

2)     Secondly, the time allocated for the two meetings was scheduled during the working day.  That too affects every employed person in the county, Native and Anglo alike. 

3)     Thirdly, I find it ironic that even though Blanding is the largest community in the county and is the one with the largest Native population, it was not selected as a site for the hearing. That seemed especially disrespectful, as it is also the target town being dissected and sacrificed on a political altar in the name of equality. 

My Opinion concerning realignment:

n  Any option that splits up Blanding is unacceptable. Unitedly, we have forged a community that has emphasized education, jobs, safe water, and medical services for over 100 years.  In the past 30 years, these goals have moved significantly to the forefront and been strongly supported by both Anglo and Native American’s alike.  With a college in our community, we are providing higher education for students throughout the whole county. Our medical facilities have continued to expand and provide both wonderful services and good jobs for all within the county. To me that is much more important role  than creating a divisive law suit that only represents a few people who do not speak for this larger population including Hispanics, Navajos, Anglos, and Utes.  

n  There has been a general feeling in the county, among Navajo associates, that the Navajo Tribe in general, cares little about the Utah Navajos. They provide little law enforcement, few paved roads, nor do they promote businesses for employment.  As a result, many local Navajos see themselves as orphans of the tribe.

n  To claim that voting rights were hindered by turning to a mail in ballot is not correct.  From everything I’ve read, the voter turnout was the best it’s ever been, both on reservation and off.  It saves both time and money traveling to a voting place.  

Those are my main concerns.  I hope you will take them seriously, and view this situation in a broader perspective.  We do not see San Juan County as “them” vs. “us”, but WE.  And We propose to keep moving forward promoting those things which are of lasting worth for the well-being of all who live here.

Sincerely,

Janet Wilcox