NV: Arlan Melendez, Native American, Chairman of Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, endorses Clinton

[Alamom]

http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096415411

Nevada and Reno-Sparks leader Melendez endorses Clinton
Posted: July 13, 2007
by: Jerry Reynolds / Indian Country Today


Indian Country Today Exclusive

WASHINGTON - A Native leader with a national profile has endorsed Hillary Clinton for president, providing her campaign with an edge in the key early primary state of Nevada - sparsely populated and closely contested enough that the Indian vote could make the difference.

As for Clinton herself, Melendez said no other candidate is as qualified to unite the nation while advancing diverse cultures, including the Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian cultures. She headed up a Democratic forum on Native issues in 2004, and Melendez expects the experience will stand her in good stead. "She knows the issues already, and she'll hit the ground running."

Melendez will press a Clinton presidency for reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, stymied for six years going on eight during the George W. Bush presidency. Between the diabetes epidemic and the methamphetamine plague, "To our tribes that's the most important thing."

As quoted in a media release he added, "She has demonstrated her commitment to addressing the types of health care challenges facing our Native communities."



http://www.usccr.gov/cos/bio/melendez.htm
Arlan D. Melendez

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid appointed Arlan D. Melendez to the Commission in September 2005. Mr. Melendez is Chairman of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, a Federally recognized Tribal Government representing 840 Paiute, Washoe, and Shoshone tribal members. As such, he oversees a Tribal Government employing approximately 300 people. Mr. Melendez was elected Chairman of the nine-member Tribal Council in 1991.
He is the second American Indian to serve on the U.S. Commission of Civil Rights.

Mr. Melendez also is Vice President of the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada, representing the twenty-seven tribes in the state of Nevada; he is a Board member of the National Indian Business Association. In addition, Mr. Melendez serves as the Western regional vice president of the National Congress of American Indians, and Co-chair of its Taxation Sub-committee. He is a strong advocate for a strong tribal tax base, which has enabled the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony to build a viable tribal economy.

An Armed Forces Veteran, Mr. Melendez served in the United States Marine Corp during the Vietnam era and is a Selective Service local board member.



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[LadyJD]

1. The Clinton Coalition

Ya gotta admit, Hillary knows how to make a team out of people from diverse communities. The way to win an election is to make a connection to as many groups and communities as possible.