What does it take for us to feel that a candidate for Select Board will represent the community well?

I ask because we have a candidate on the ballot who has served on a multitude of town boards over seven years — Appropriation Committee and Planning Board are two with much responsibility — shows up for all community events with his family, be it the 20th anniversary of 9/11 or Holiday Stroll or Marathon Day, opens his home and hearth for civic discussions and celebrations, has consistently been engaged on varied community matters, listens intently and raises thoughtful questions in a respectful manner, is even-keeled and well-accomplished in his professional life, and has expressed a deep desire to serve on the Select Board. If this is not the voice and candidate we want to see on the Select Board, I must ask why?

Please join me in voting for the very wise, accomplished member of our community with a proven track record of service, Shahidul Mannan.

— Meena Bharath, Hopkinton

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