Full Profile · From the Interview Record
Eugene Badonie
B · From the record Summaries are drawn from Cal Nez’s interview. Quotations are not published until checked against the recording. How we verify →
Candidate Snapshot
Background & Why They’re Running
A longtime community figure and former presiding chair of the Workforce Investment Board (the School-to-Work program), Badonie describes himself as a listener and observer who has learned from many people across a long career.
Where Eugene Badonie Stands
Each topic below is drawn from the interview — the question Cal asked, and a short summary of the answer, generated by AI from the interview recording.
Veterans
Cal asked: Whose responsibility are veterans, and what would you do?
Badonie recalls the view that veterans wore the United States' uniform, not the Nation's, so their care is a federal responsibility — but notes his chapter's veterans group receives only $5,000 a year, “a drop in the bucket,” and wants new leadership willing to try something new.
Health Care & the 638 System
Cal asked: Do you support 638 and privatization?
Badonie is open to privatizing but warns that continuing under 638 risks the federal government trying to escape its treaty obligations, so the Nation needs trained lawyers to defend them. He says the Nation isn't currently capable of running a multi-million-dollar health system and should keep federal funding while building capacity.
Customer Choice & Services
Cal asked: How should services be delivered?
Drawing on his Workforce Investment Board experience, Badonie emphasizes “customer choice” in services and would pursue legislation on health care for Navajo citizens, including those living outside the Nation.
Enterprises & Ranch Accountability
Cal asked: How have the Nation's ranches been managed?
He criticizes the management of the Nation's ranches — citing the Flagstaff and Espil ranches — saying money was put in unwisely and the Nation did a poor job, and he wants better accountability.
Education & Responsibility
Cal asked: What's your view on education?
Badonie stresses personal responsibility in education — students who fail do so because they didn't do the work — drawing on his own experience.
Topics in the Interview
- Background & Approach
- Veterans
- Health Care & the 638 System
- Customer Choice & Services
- Enterprises & Ranch Accountability
- Education & Responsibility