To the people of Kahwenoke:

To the people of Kahwenoke:

Nov. 9, 2009

Appeals once again! Why? Once again you, the community, have been denied a fair election process. The By-election that took place on November 7, 2009 was a sham. The Kahwenoke people have been taken for a ride, again! Why an appeal? In a nutshell, it is because the Court decision made on October 6th 2009 called for a By-election and Kahwenoke “Chiefs” remained in office when the Election Law clearly stated they must resign to be eligible to run again and not one minute, one hour or one day before the By-election. They were to resign prior to the date of nominations which in effect was the date of the Mohawk Court decision on October 6,2009. That is the law. Why did they remain in “office” when the Election Law clearly stated they must resign? Cha-ching, may be one answer, the others must be asked by you, the community if you want fair, accountable, honest representation.

I contend they have been illegal “Chiefs” since the June election as they didn’t stay out of office until the whole appeal process and the Mohawk Court decision was made. That has always been adhered to (ask previous council members) until now. Why? Is there someone that has directed this blatant disregard for a community law? As the saying goes, “it will all come out in the wash”. It is time for a major laundering of our whole election system and the corruption that has bled into the fabric of having a fair and accountable election process for the community.

This can be good news. It can be a new beginning. A true community-minded government that communicates all the time with all the people is not unrealistic. It can happen! Once again the community can reclaim its authority as shown by the organizational chart on the Mohawk Council website (see departmental structure, under MCA sidebar).

First this election mess needs to be cleaned up! Stay tuned it will be interesting!

Nona Benedict