After attending the Charlestown Town Council meeting on Oct. 9, I found myself feeling a bit angry, embarrassed, and unsafe by the behavior of a certain Town Council member.
When the people of Charlestown elected the present Town Council at the last election, I am certain they made a great mistake by electing Mr. Mageau . I am comforted by the fact that my vote did not help Mr. Mageau get elected.
Mr. Mageau ’s verbal attack, uncontrolled anger, use of profanity, and threatening acts of leaning over the table in rage and pointing at residents voicing their opinions about matters affecting the town is extremely unprofessional and should not be tolerated. Kate Waterman, the council president, had every right to call a recess because of Mr. Mageau ’s behavior. In fact, she should have insisted on Mr. Mageau ’s removal from the meeting by the town sergeant. The town sergeant is present at council meetings to ensure that the meetings are civil and run according to the town charter. In my opinion, the town sergeant has the right and responsibility to approach any member of the council or resident in the audience if they are behaving in a threatening way.
Sitting on the Town Council does not put an individual above all others. Mr. Mageau should have been removed from the meeting and not allowed to return.
The last time I checked, our town government was based on the principles of a democracy not a dictatorship. Mr. Mageau , town decisions should be made by all council members with input from town residents and those volunteers sitting on committees and commissions, not from your “bully pulpit.” As soon as someone does not agree with your viewpoint, you disrespectfully attack them and consistently interrupt them while they have the floor. Mr. Mageau , I think you should take a good look at yourself and reflect on the type of role model you are for our young citizens. “Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.”
Being involved with a local Boy Scout troop and knowing that one of the requirements for earning the Citizenship in Community Merit badge is for the boys to attend a local town meeting. It is unfortunate that these boys cannot attend the Charlestown Town Council meetings because of the behavior of those who sit on the council.
Mr. Mageau , it is about time that fellow councilors and residents are beginning to stand up to your bullying tactics.
Mr. Craig, I and many other Charlestown citizens applaud you for doing what is right.

Ann Marie Louzon