My name is Jon DeRoo, and I am a resident of Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

I never expected to be in a position where I would need to ask my community for help, but here I am. I am raising funds to cover legal expenses related to my termination from employment with the City of Sault Ste. Marie DDA and the process surrounding that decision. This is not about politics or personal gain. This is about due process, open government, and fairness.

Why I’m Seeking Help

I had an employment contract with the City. Without any prior employment concerns, I was notified late in the afternoon on October 8th, 2025 that a special meeting would be held the following evening on October 9th, 2025 to consider my termination. While I was notified by email that the meeting was happening, I was not informed of the specific allegations or charges beforehand, nor was I given meaningful time to prepare a response or defense.

Further, through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, I have obtained records that raise serious concerns regarding:

1. Compliance with Michigan’s Open Meetings Act

2. Whether proper procedures were followed

3. Whether decisions were made outside of public view

4. Whether statements relied upon in the termination decision were accurate, verified, or contradicted by information later obtained.

Multiple attorneys have reviewed the facts and documentation and have told me the same thing:

this is a strong case involving due process rights and open government laws

Unfortunately, because I did not earn a high salary and recently lost my job, I have been unable to secure full legal representation on a contingency basis. While the merits of the case are strong, litigation against a municipality is expensive, and access to justice should not depend on personal wealth.

Why This Matters

A termination for cause carries long-term consequences. Professional reputation matters, especially in public service and economic development. Due process exists to ensure that decisions affecting someone’s livelihood are made fairly, transparently, and based on proper procedure.

What the Funds Will Be Used For

I currently have an attorney preparing a formal complaint to be filed in federal court. This filing is necessary to:

1. Protect statutory deadlines

2. Preserve claims related to due process and open government

3. Allow time to secure long-term legal counsel

The initial cost is approximately $2,000, with additional legal expenses expected as the case proceeds. My fundraising goal is $20,000, and all funds will be used exclusively for:

1. Legal fees

2. Court filing costs

3. Case-related expenses

No funds will be used for personal expenses.

Why This Matters Beyond Me

Open government laws and due process protections exist to ensure fairness and accountability. They only work if individuals are able to enforce them. If access to justice depends solely on who can afford it, those protections lose their meaning.

Transparency & Updates

I will provide periodic updates as the case progresses, while remaining mindful of legal limitations. If you are unable to donate, sharing this campaign is also a meaningful way to help.

Thank you for supporting fairness, accountability, and the principle that justice should not depend on the size of someone’s bank account.

— Jon