Interview Questions & Answers
Zachariah George
Draft — summaries in our own words, pending editor sign-off.
Zachariah George is a former Navajo Nation government worker (Ben Shelley administration) running for council delegate. His interview with Cal Nez was candid — he leans on diplomacy and faith in Navajo people, and was open about needing to research several policy areas further. Below are the questions Cal asked, short summaries of George's answers in our own words, and follow-ups a voter might still want answered.
Watch or read the full interview, and see the scorecard, on Zachariah George’s profile. This page is a nonpartisan summary; the Diné Civic Center does not endorse any candidate.
President-Council Conflict
Cal askedHow would you resolve the conflict between the president and council?
George leaned toward diplomacy and internal process changes to speed up projects and revenue, noting that Title 2 and Title 26 make it hard to move things quickly.
Follow-up questions worth asking
- What internal change would you make first?
- When diplomacy fails, what's your fallback?
Government Reform & 1989
Cal askedThe government's been temporary since 1989 — do you agree, and what about the reform proposal?
George agreed the three-branch government is still temporary and recounted the 1989 history (a chairman with too much power, missing money, the riot), but said he disagrees with the specific constitution and reform proposal currently on the table.
Follow-up questions worth asking
- What reform would you support instead?
- What's your read on the pending measure?
Certified vs. Uncertified Chapters
Cal askedWhat's the difference between certified and uncertified chapters?
From his work under the Ben Shelley administration, George explained certified chapters run their own local government under the five-management system and AFOG, while uncertified chapters operate under Window Rock's policies; he recalled helping chapters that were being sanctioned.
Follow-up questions worth asking
- How would you help an uncertified chapter qualify?
- What did you learn from the sanctioned chapters you worked with?
Committees & Priorities
Cal askedWhich standing committee would you want?
George named Resources & Development or HEHSC, with a particular interest in school boards and education.
Follow-up questions worth asking
- What's the first thing you'd take on in that committee?
- Why those two?
Health Care & 638
Cal askedDo you support the 638s?
George said he was initially not in support but now backs 638 because health care — especially mental health — is critical, while candidly saying he needs to do more research on it.
Follow-up questions worth asking
- What would you need to learn to take a firm 638 position?
- What's your view on 638 oversight?
Economic Development & the NBOA
Cal askedWhat is economic development, and are you familiar with the Navajo Business Opportunity Act?
George framed economic development as Navajo-built rather than importing big-box stores, and praised Navajo creativity and small-business owners as the “backbone.” Asked directly about the NBOA, he candidly said he didn't know it yet and would have the answer by a follow-up interview.
Follow-up questions worth asking
- What's the first NBOA provision you'd study and act on?
- How would you direct dollars to small Navajo businesses?
Questions that didn’t come up
Topics a voter in this district might still want to hear about:
- The Navajo Business Opportunity Act (he said he'd research it).
- A firm position on 638 oversight and reform specifics.
- How he would vote on the Síhasin / Permanent Fund or a contested budget item.
- Specific roads, water, and broadband projects for his chapters.
What a strong answer sounds like
Not a judgment of this candidate — just what a specific, substantive answer includes, so you can weigh any candidate’s response:
Governance Knowledge: Name the Title/section to change and the reform you'd back.
Economic Development: Identify the NBOA provision and the mechanism for small business.
Healthcare: State the 638 oversight structure you'd support.
Accountability: Specify a concrete fund-tracking or reporting step.
This page is a nonpartisan civic-education resource. The Diné Civic Center does not endorse, rank, or recommend any candidate.
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