01:00 AM EST on Thursday, February 1, 2007

By Maria Armental

Journal Staff Writer

CHARLESTOWN — The chief of the attorney general’s office criminal division has officially dropped a request for a criminal investigation into 17 alleged “eco-terrorists,” finding no merit to the complaint.

“While your letter makes vague references to eco-terrorists, threats and frivolous complaints, it contains no specifics or facts that would support the referral of your complaint” to the state police, Alan R. Goulart wrote to Councilman James M. Mageau. Mageau had argued the 17 had initiated a campaign of threats, harassment and defamation against him.

“The documents you have provided reflect nothing more than criticism of you or your performance, and fall significantly short of criminal conduct,” Goulart said.

The news spread through town quickly and Council President Katharine H. Waterman, one of the alleged “eco-terrorists,” e-mailed Mageau to share the good news.

“Dear Kate,” Mageau replied. “I have not seen the AG’s letter yet but, according to a newspaper reporter, you may not be interpreting its content exactly right.”

“Notwithstanding that,” he went on, “you may want to discuss your defense of the civil action that I intend to bring against you. History tells us that there are many cases where people have not been charged for a crime or acquitted in a criminal trial but found guilty in a civil trial. I hope this message enhances the ‘good news’ of the day.”

When reached for comment yesterday, Mageau hung up the phone.

Meanwhile, residents fed up with the political pandemonium in town, are circulating two petitions asking for the council to enact a recall provision as an amendment to the Town Charter, and asking for the removal of Mageau from office.

Copies of a petition initiated by Council Vice President Harriet A. Allen are also being circulated, asking residents to join in her complaint to the Rhode Island Affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union accusing Mageau, and fellow Councilmen Bruce W. Picard and John O. Craig Jr. of violating residents’ civil liberties by tabling public comments, preventing councilors from debating issues, and withholding the name and résumé of the person they intended to appoint town solicitor.

“We’ve seen a lack of open government,” said John Goodman, one of the organizers of an assembly last Saturday that filled the meeting room at the Quonochontaug.

“We’ve got a right to be involved in our government. We’ve got a right to know what choices are being made,” he said. “Making policy decisions with no clear rationale is just a way to generate distrust.”

Residents have criticized what they call the “coalition government” – Craig, Picard, and Mageau as the leader – for making unilateral decisions without discussion with the rest of the council, and limiting or denying public input.

“Ironically, we may actually be thanking some of these members of the council for really awakening this sleeping giant and really encouraging more involvement in years to come,” Goodman said.

“Speak out,” Goodman said, urging residents to become involved in town affairs. “Don’t let the SLAPP – strategic lawsuit against public participation – scare tactics scare you.”

But in speaking up, he said, decorum must be kept. Residents have criticized council members for constantly insulting and wrangling with one another.

“When decorum breaks down, it’s contagious,” Goodman said. “We need to set the bar higher.”

“Try to conduct yourselves accordingly, no matter how frustrated you are,” he added. “Your constitutional rights are at risk here.”

Resident Gabriel Warren also urged residents to ask state legislators to eliminate the master lever option, which allows voters to cast a straight-party vote.

Some residents say Picard and Mageau, who garnered the least votes respectively in the last election, were only elected because they appeared on the ballot as Democratic candidates – albeit unendorsed.

“If we all ponied up 10 bucks, we could hire a lawyer to see if we already have cause for removal of these yo-yos,” Warren said, offering his $10.

marmenta@projo.com