A Democratic Fight - Mayor Joy Sul!

December 16, 2019 marked a new low in the RM of St. Andrews. A group of five councilors took it upon themselves to effectively manipulate the RM of St. Andrews, Manitoba Bylaws to remove Mayor Sul's elected powers as mayor. An attack on our mayor, is an attack on the residents of St. Andrews. Those that voted for the mayor, know her to be of exceptional character, honest and forthright. Her lawyer Norm Boudreau has filed a “Judicial Review” with the “Manitoba Court of Queen's Bench.”  This is an unprecedented action by any Council which impacts every Mayor/Reeve in the province.

Many of you are asking, "How could this happen?" The bottom line, is that none of the “Group of Five” has satisfied that question. If there is no judicial challenge, then we allow ourselves to be governed by the “Group of Five” thereby ending democracy. This is something that the province must address. There should not be rubberized legislation which allows any council the authority to oust a serving mayor!

If you are not familiar with St. Andrews politics, the “Group of Five” represent a group of councilors who vote more often than not in a block. They have retaliated in the media and initiated attacks on Mayor Sul’s character which are totally unwarranted. No one has the right to slander the character of a woman who has done nothing wrong but work hard for her residents. The “Group of Five” would have us believe that they have acted in the best interest of residents. Sorry, but Mayor Sul was elected by the people so, only the people have the democratic right to decide what is best for them. If we allow this to happen and did nothing, then we allow the “Group of Five” to do as they see fit for the next three years.

This is Mayor Sul’s second term on Council. A veteran councilor, she ran for Mayor in 2018 because she felt that the residents needed a stronger voice.  She simply wanted to resurrect the people’s interest in the Council Chamber. She initiated a “Question Period” at every Council Meeting.  Council Meetings were also rescheduled to late afternoon so that working residents would have a better opportunity to become involved. Mayor Sul did not deserve to have her duly elected power removed by the manipulation of RM Bylaws. The key here -- is we, the residents, have not been provided with any factual evidence that Mayor Sul has done anything wrong.

The below noted CTV link dated January 3, 2020 provides the background to the legal challenge:

https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/mobile/st-andrews-mayor-launches-legal-action-against-r-m-and-deputy-mayor-1.4752323 

We need your help! There is a reason why we, the people, vote for a "Mayor" and "Councilor" separately.

All funds donated will go directly to Mayor Joy Sul's legal fund. The Judicial review that is pending in the “Court of Queen’s Bench” is key to leveling the equality of the playing field.

Your donations are greatly appreciated! Any surplus funds will remain in St. Andrews, and will be donated to: “Help Save Captain Kennedy House.”