Rob Cote is a regular at City Council meetings especially for the portion of the meeting when the public can address the council. But, the self appointed critic of city officials and Fire Department watchdog  was absent on Monday when members of the Warwick Taxpayers Association charged council members of failing to defend the constitution and his rights to freedom of speech after being escorted out of council chambers at the July 17 meeting.

Ten people signed up to speak during the half hour session that is usually held at the opening of the meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. The meeting convened on time, however, President Steve McAllister returned to committee hearings before turning the podium over to the public. By then some members of the public had been waiting more than four hours. Two of the ten planning to speak had left.

Cindy Wilson was to first to weigh in, saying she loves the city but hates the way it is run. She said the city “is a joke” and the “laughing stock of the state” on talk radio.

“Not one of you had the guts to stand up for the constitution,” she said of Cote’s eviction after displaying a copy of the Providence Journal and a front page story about Ward 6 Councilwoman Donna Travis and her claim to an adjoining piece of property she asserts to have legitimately acquired from the Oakland Beach Real Estate Association. Cote congratulated Travis on getting Warwick news on the front page of the daily paper. But before he could say anything more Travis would, as president pro tempe filling in for Council President Steve McAllister, say Cote was out of order for bringing up a personal matter and directed police to escort him from the room.

Outraged, Cote sad his constitutional rights had been trampled on and that he would bring suit against Travis and the council. The Rhode Island American Civil Liberties sent a letter chastising the council for the episode. They are also weighing whether to bring suit on behalf of Cote.

Speakers said Travis should be admonished by her peers. Chris Barker said elected officials should be held accountable for their actions.

Barry Cook, president of the Warwick Taxpayers Association, called Travis’ behavior “boorish and uncalled for.”   He accused her of using the police to remove the people she doesn’t like and McAllister of using the police presence to intimidate the audience. “They are now being asked to be bouncers,” he said.

Cook said he admires Ward 5 Councilman Ed Ladouceur and Ward 2 Councilman Jeremy Rix, but chastised them for standing up to defend Cote’s right to speak.

Joanne Miller, also a member of the taxpayers, directed her comments to Travis.

“I have nothing personal against you,” she said while advising her not to misuse her position and to publicly apologize to Cotes.

As stated at the opening of the public comment portion of the meeting, the council is not to respond to questions or engage in discussion with those speaking.