Thomas Jefferson on the subject of Good Government 
"To preserve the peace of our fellow citizens, promote their prosperity and happiness, reunite opinion, cultivate a spirit of candor, moderation, charity and forbearance toward one another, are objects calling for the efforts and sacrifices of every good man and patriot. Our religion enjoins it; our happiness demands it; and no sacrifice is requisite but of passions hostile to both." --Thomas Jefferson: to Rhode Island Assembly, on the subject of Good Government, 1801.
The Recent Past
Sometimes we need to lose good government in order to discover again what it is. The 2006 election brought chaos to our Town Council and danger to our town.
The political process in Charlestown Rhode Island has historically represented a participatory process between citizens and the elected Town Council to create public policy and pass budget decisions that reflect the will of the people. For decades Charlestown politicians and citizens have worked together to preserve the environment, natural beauty, charm, and low tax rate of this resort town. The town has benefited financially from the income from tourists and part-time residents and non-resident homeowners whose tax dollars help support the Charlestown budget and its programs. Fiscally conservative, Charlestown has been well run thanks to the efforts of the Budget Commission, the administration, and with the cooperation of the staff have provided a sound financial climate.
The November 2006 election results in Charlestown reflected a change from the usual participatory style of government to a dysfunctional Town Council. The actions of Mr. Mageau and his allies we believe repeatedly broke State Laws and violated the Town Charter. They worked to pursue Mr. Mageau’s personal agenda against the will of the citizens of Charlestown. Through what appears to be their willful misconduct, lack of ethics, and total disregard for the principles of public service they gave citizens cause for their removal from public office. Unfortunately, until the 2008 election and the changes to the Home Rule Charter, the Town of Charlestown did not have a useful mechanism for recall.
The Present
When the 2008 election came, citizens paid attention to the quality of candidates who were running for office. The new Town Council will have to undo the damage caused by the last government and restore citizen trust and faith and reintroduce Good Government and appreciation for citizen participation in Charlestown.
We will continue to need responsible citizens to step up to the plate every two years and run for Charlestown Town Council, as well as volunteer to Commissions and apply to fill important positions at Town Hall.
CCA is committed to good government in Charlestown. We are determined to see a good outcome with each election. We are working for a Charlestown where public service is encouraged and where government works for the interest of all the citizens and not just the few.
CCA will lobby the RI Legislature to eliminate the one party lever on election ballots. The ability to vote for a party without even knowing who the local candidates are, was largely responsible for the disastrous election results for Town Council in 2006.
