The litany of examples of Mageau’s unprofessional behavior are now known, unfortunately, far and wide; the most recent example being his infantile attack on Dan Slattery in his January 24th letter which deserves no further comment. But the more disturbing issues involve his misguided tactics and actions which could have had a significant detrimental impact on this beautiful town. While this list is far too long to restate here, I am confident that most residents completely understand the enormity of the problem we have faced since the inadvertent election of Mageau in November, 2006. It is apparent and disquieting from Ms. Carney’s letter on January 14th that she draws no distinction regarding behavior or tactics between Mageau and the other Charlestown Town Council members. And that is something I’m confident will resonate with citizens when they enter the voting booth next November. As I have stated previously, I have no intention of voting for any candidate – regardless of party affiliations - who supports or enables Mageau (a concept Mageau apparently fails to even understand based on the rants in his letter on January 14th) or who does not have the courage to denounce the tactics and behavior of Mageau.

Although I will never agree with the way he was “appointed” by Mageau, I am grateful that Mr. Craven did not yield to the considerable pressure I am sure he was receiving from Mageau in rendering his opinion on the legality of an elected planning commission. Mageau made it abundantly clear that he wanted to take away citizens rights to vote in this regard and, for that matter, was the only person to voice this stand. Despite the conciliatory remarks between Mageau and Mr. Craven at the last Town Council meeting when Mr. Craven presented his opinion, it is apparent who Mr. Craven was referring to when he quoted John F. Kennedy in his ruling saying “courage is doing what a man rightfully should do despite personal consequences”. It is unfortunate that Ms. Hogan couldn’t see what was apparently so clear to Mr. Craven - the “unmistakable conclusion that the current practice of electing planning commission members is not in violation of Rhode Island law”. If Ms. Hogan was equally astute in the law, Charlestown residents may not have had to suffer the turmoil of yet another disturbing, potentially costly to defend, and emotionally draining episode this year.

Joan Lawlor