On Monday, July 14th I went to Charlestown Town Hall to attend and participate in the monthly Town Council Meeting. What happened that evening leading up to the meeting being canceled was yet another example of acting Town Council President James Mageau's disregard for the standards and high ideals of public service. His failure to enter Council chambers and conduct the Town's business as required in the Town's Charter, and instructing Councilman Bruce Picard to follow his actions is an absolute disgrace. There is no excuse for failing to carry out your elected duties Mr. Mageau. Like others in attendance I was shocked to find out Mr. Mageau left Town Hall because he had a personal dislike for the cameraman filming the meeting. Once again Mr. Mageau's unprofessional behavior shows disrespect to the citizens of Charlestown. But Mr. Mageau's disgraceful performance that evening was not yet complete. Before he vacated Town Hall in a fit of anger he assaulted a Charlestown citizen who was also a cameraman and damaged his equipment. Since Monday, Mr. Mageau's assault of the citizen, which was captured on tape, has been shown on the news of local TV stations, and Mr. Mageau has been arrested and charged with assault.

Since his election in November 2006, Mr. Mageau's continued unacceptable behavior, poor performance, numerous Town Charter violations, and frivolous lawsuits and complaints against Charlestown citizens (all of which were dismissed for lack of evidence) have been chronicled again and again. It's about time that Mr. Mageau is held accountable for his latest disgraceful and unlawful actions. The citizens of Charlestown deserve better representation and should not have to wait until November to vote Mr Mageau out of office. There is too much important town business that needs to be conducted in a timely basis that is being delayed. We as citizens have no way of knowing if Mr. Mageau will continue his irresponsible and irrational behavior by boycotting town meetings and failing to fulfill his elected duties. I would hope that the other Council Members in conjunction with the Town Attorney consider a formal sanction against Mr. Mageau that could lead to his removal from office in accordance with the current Town Charter. The current situation is an absolute mess and something needs to be done to correct it so we can move forward and conduct the Town's business.

Daniel Slattery, President, Charlestown Citizens Alliance