By The Editor - Wednesday, 30 July 2008

Although the Big Apple Circus has been gone for a few weeks, the other circus in Charlestown is still alive and kicking. Or ‘slapping,’ to be more accurate.

The latest three-ring performance comes at the hands of acting council President James M. Mageau. As reported by The Times, the councilor was seen hitting resident Clifford Vanover’s camera while saying “get that thing out of my face.” (After a day of relative silence, Mageau turned himself in to police on July 16 and was arraigned on a count of simple assault. He returns to court on July 31 for a pre-trial conference.)

But the show did not end there. Mageau and councilor Bruce W. Picard proceeded to leave town hall after the scuffle on July 14. Mageau has said he will not attend a meeting if Vanover and former PBS Foundation cameraman Daniel Davidson are in attendance. The councilor has suggested that the town get a restraining order against both cameramen. (It is interesting to note that both Davidson and Vanover were present at the July 21 meeting, as was Mageau.)

Back to July 14, there was no quorum and the extensive agenda was cancelled until the July 21 meeting, along with various important items including Zoning Board appointments and consideration of Charter amendments.

What ensued next was a meandering 30-minute informal meeting. It kicked off with good intentions by discussing whether council meetings will continue to be taped. Although she provided some interesting and noteworthy facts, Marilyn Sheldon, who was filming, turned the focus to her squabbles with Davidson, against whom she has a restraining order.

This circus has got to end. As a result of the scuffle on July 14, cameras were out in force at the July 21 meeting – two television news crews and three residents filmed the proceedings, while three news photographers took still shots.

It’s more of the same in Charlestown and here’s our prediction: the circus will come to a screeching halt this November when Mageau gets tossed out on the curb like a bag of stale popcorn.

The residents of Charlestown won’t stand for any more shenanigans. It’s time to get down to business and elect a completely new council.