On March 4th, the day of the Presidential Primary, I volunteered to help the Charlestown Citizens Alliance (CCA) collect e-mail addresses to begin the process of establishing an electronic community in Charlestown. CCA sends out messages alerting the list members to important Town Council meetings, links to newspaper articles, updates on the casino proposal and much more. I believe strongly that good government requires an informed electorate.

Sadly, some are afraid of a connected and well-informed population. Early in the afternoon on Primary Day, Town Councilor James Mageau made complaints against us to the election officials and then to Robert Craven, our Town’s solicitor. The Board of Elections (BOE) said we were doing nothing wrong, but Mr. Craven said we were breaking a law, so we politely left. The election law it seems was so obscure that even the BOE was unaware of it. Even the Americans for Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) believes we had the right to collect e-mail addresses and they are now asking Mr. Craven to explain why we were denied the right to free speech.

Over 1000 voters went to the polls after the CCA volunteers were forced to leave. Those 1000 voters were denied a chance to join the free e-mail list and get connected with their neighbors and with their town government.

They will have another chance. CCA is holding their annual meeting on Saturday, April 26, at 9:30 AM at the Quonnie Grange, 5662 Post Road. Anyone interested in learning more about CCA should attend this meeting. For directions or any other questions send an e-mail to mail@charlestowncitizens.org

Ruth Platner