Being Mischaracterized as Malicious is Itself Malicious

On April 25, 2017 I submitted a letter to the Exeter Town Council concerning the implementation of Exeter’s Town Charter requirements such that my letter was included on the May 1, 2017 Exeter Town Council meeting agenda.

Specifically I requested that the Exeter Town Council administer our Town Charter with respect to Frank Maher’s continued and lengthy absence from Town Council meetings. While it is unfortunate that Mr. Maher’s continuing health issues have prevented him from participating in any Council meetings and or performing his elected duties, Mr. Maher’s lack of attendance continues to leave our Council shorthanded. Additionally, compounding this situation is the fact that unlike other municipalities, Exeter does not employ a Town Manager whose administrative duties are divided among and fulfilled by each member of our Council.

Understanding that our Council addressed Mr. Maher’s absence at the two month Charter limit and unanimously excused his absence, Mr. Maher’s continued Council absence is now past 5 months and the time has come for Mr. Maher to respect our Town Charter and forfeit his office on the Council.

Unfortunately for the Town of Exeter and me personally that request was not received, by some, in the sympathetic spirit it was intended. As I entered the May 1 council meeting, North Kingstown Town Council member Doreen Costa pointed her finger at me and in an incriminating tone and stated “and there he is”. As several other attending republican attendees presented their commentary it became clear to me that Councilor Costa was the first speaker in an organized effort to vilify me under the pretense that I was hitting a man when he was down. Their intent was an organized and malicious republican attempt to characterize my letter as a malicious attack on Mr. Maher. That was not my intent and they knew it! The truth be told I had e-mailed Frank to express my support and sincere wish for a speedy recovery back in December when I first learned that he was hospitalized. In my opinion, they were using Mr. Maher’s illness and vilifying me as cover for their true intent to keep that seat on the Council empty opposed to filling the seat with the next highest vote recipient who in accordance with the Charter, would fill it and make the Council whole again.

Frank DiGregorio