Some Ariz. Republicans unhappy with Piestewa plans

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2003

An Arizona Republican says Democratic Governor Janet Napolitano is setting a "Clintonesque" tone for her administration by pushing to rename a mountain and highway for Lori Piestewa, the Hopi woman killed in action in Iraq.

Napolitano wants Squaw Peak and Squaw Peak Freeway changed. Of the push, state Representative John Allen told the Associated Press: "It's going to be a very Clintonesque style in the sense where you take advantage, no matter whose grief it is."

Meanwhile, The Arizona Republic reports that Napolitano's proposal will come before the Arizona State Board on Geographic and Historic Names. The board is meeting today and will take public comments on the name change. The Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the Hualapai Nation and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe have submitted letters of support.

Napolitano, narrowly elected last year, has made an effort to reach out to tribes. The state signed onto an amicus brief in support of tribal rights in last month's Inyo County v. Bishop Paiute Tribe case, the first time state governments have sided with tribes at the Supreme Court.

Get the Story:
Tribes, family join governor in Piestewa plea (The Arizona Republic 4/17)
Piestewa family favors renaming Squaw Peak (The Arizona Daily Star 4/17)
Proposal to Rename Mountain for G.I. Runs Afoul of Politics (AP 4/17)
State board to take up question of Piestewa Peak on Thursday (Capitol Media Services 4/16)
Gov seeks 'waiver' in naming of peak for Piestewa (The Gallup Independent 4/16)
Republic Message Board: Should we call it Piestewa Peak? (The Arizona Republic)

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Column: Let's wait before honoring Lori Piestewa (4/16)
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Editorial: Stop making excuses for Squaw Peak (4/14)
Navajo lawmakers cite poor timing for name change (4/14)
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Piestewa story extends beyond Indian Country (4/10)
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How to Donate to Lori Piestewa Memorial Fund (4/9)
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Letters of Support Lori Piestewa and Family(4/4)
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Vigil held in Ariz. for missing Hopi soldier (3/27)
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