November 01, 2018

Reps. Gallego and O’Halleran Call for Investigation into Alleged Misconduct of AZ Parks Director Sue Black

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Reps. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) and Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) wrote a letter to Arizona Governor Doug Ducey calling for an immediate and thorough investigation into whistleblower reports that Arizona State Parks and Trails Director Sue Black recklessly disregarded procedures designed to minimize damage to lands identified as containing protected cultural and historical sites.

The Congressmen also encouraged Gov. Ducey to request Black's immediate resignation so as to avoid further damage to Arizona and Native American antiquities.

The full letter can be found here.

"Director Black's indifference to indigenous rights and history-preserving laws has no place in our State's government," said Rep. Ruben Gallego, ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee's Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs. "We cannot allow state officials to jeopardize our shared Native American and Arizonan history."

"The allegations of systemic disregard by Arizona State Parks leadership for state and federal laws that govern and protect our most sensitive and treasured lands are concerning for all Arizonans," said Rep. Tom O'Halleran. "Retaliation and abuse of power have no place in any public office, and I join Ranking Member Gallego in urging Governor Ducey to conduct a robust investigation into all allegations. Our appointed officials are entrusted by the public to uphold laws, not skirt them at the behest of private special interests."

"On behalf of the Member Tribes of the Inter Tribal Association of Arizona, we are concerned that sacred and protected sites may have been disturbed. We are alarmed at the information that is being brought forward and await responses from authorities in the State of Arizona and the affected Tribes as to how this will be investigated and handled according to the law. As the indigenous people of Arizona, cultural protection is at the forefront of our concerns. We stand ready to assist as needed, but we ask that state authorities take action immediately to investigate the state agencies that are involved and to find a pathway toward preventing any possible wrongdoings from reoccurring in the future.

###