Only in a “Mageau” reality can he compare his own abysmal record and behavior, which to no one’s surprise now includes an assault conviction, to a procedural error for a $125 bill for landscaping improvements made by a citizen committee volunteer who ultimately resigned rather than continuing to take the abuse at the hands of Mageau’s “puppet”, Town Administrator Ed Barrett (Letter Dated 10/4/08). Let no one be confused by his specious rhetoric and slogans. Mageau represents only his own interests, although, he will exploit any issue if he feels it promulgates his empty campaign promise of “fighting for you”. Just whose interests were you protecting, Mr. Mageau, when you conspired to force the town’s Indian Affairs attorney to quit or voted to not file a petition with the US Supreme Court which is our best hope in ensuring that a casino would not be built in our beautiful town? Just whose interests were you “fighting for” when you backed a $1.6 million ill conceived East Beach pavilion?

Mageau lives in a delusional reality that is only his own and where there is only one side to every issue – the way he sees it. As town prosecutor Sullivan told the judge during his recent assault trial, “His contempt for people that disagree with him just bleeds out of his skin”. No doubt he will try to get the residents of Charlestown to pay for the costs of his defense attorney in his assault trial - a sum sure to exceed $125. His hypocrisy has no limits.

On November 4th, send a message to Mageau and the other Democratic candidates that have aligned with him for a position on the Town Council, that Charlestown will no longer endure the pain and embarrassment that has permeated his tenure. Charlestown residents should not look favorably on Democratic town representatives and Mageau "allies", such as Rep. Donna Walsh, who just stood by the sidelines and did nothing to help this town out of the Mageau quagmire. And who could dispute that Ms. Walsh’s candidacy was no doubt propelled by the 17 letters that Mageau penned on her behalf in 2006 unfairly criticizing her opponent, Matt McHugh, with the same erroneous arguments and facts for which he has now become known?

Both Mageau and Walsh are counting on you using the single party lever on Election Day that most likely unwittingly ushered Mageau into office two years ago and could do the same for both of them this year. Visit the CCA website (www.charlestowncitizens.org) and find out more about a number of candidates who are more deserving of your support. The site provides a wealth of information about Charlestown, including information on polling places and how to get a ride to the polls if you need assistance. Don’t miss one of the numerous scheduled candidate “meet and greets” where you can meet the candidates and question them about their positions on issues that are important to you. Attend a CCA event and determine for yourself whether these ordinary citizens are the “ruthless mob” as Mageau often describes or a group of dedicated, thoughtful and concerned citizens who have given up much of their own time to ensure that Charlestown’s “nightmare” soon comes to an end. I think that y ou will be pleasantly surprised. Join the CCA email list which now reaches more people than actually voted for the Town Council in Charlestown in the last election and make informed and deliberate decisions about the leaders you will entrust with the future of your town.

Joan Lawlor