I don’t know why I’m surprised that in her April 24, 2008 letter (“What Has Joan Lawlor Ever Done?”) Ms. Walsh borrows from the Mageau “playbook” of belittling any citizen who dares to criticize their actions or inactions in the hope of silencing them and discouraging others. I was one of the first to have the courage to speak out against the antics and tactics of Mageau since that first disturbing Charlestown Town Council meeting in January, 2007. You profess that you and Ms. Carney are concerned about the environment. When Mageau attempted to use open space funding to build a $1.6 million ill-conceived beach pavilion, I spoke out. You were silent. When Mageau attempted to fire Joe Larisa and not fund the $20,000 required to file a petition with the US Supreme Court which was our best hope in ensuring that a casino would not be built in our beautiful town, I spoke out. You were silent. When Ms. Hogan, as a member of the Charter Revision Committee, attempted to push forward some self serving changes in the Charter which would have increased the chances of an application before the Planning Commission being approved by default, I spoke out. You were silent. When Mageau began his quest to have a restraining order placed on DEM’s septic system regulations that went into effect on January 1st, I spoke out. You were silent.

So forgive me if I’m not impressed by your and Deb Carney’s past accomplishments. When voters go to the polls next November, they will be looking for a candidate who has the courage of their “so called” convictions. Charlestown residents will not look favorably on town representatives who just stood by the sidelines and did nothing to help this town out of the Mageau quagmire.

Joan Lawlor