Annual Town Election is scheduled for Monday, May 15, from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. at Hopkinton Middle School’s Brown Gym.

The Hopkinton Independent invited all candidates to answer some basic questions about their background and provide a general statement. We present them here (a few candidates did not submit a response).

Below is a list of all positions, followed by the questions that will appear on the ballot.

School Committee (3 years, vote for 2)
Ashley Fogg, unenrolled
Adam Munroe, Democrat
Susan Stephenson, Democrat

Select Board (3 years, vote for 1)
Amy Ritterbusch, Democrat (incumbent)

Planning Board (5 years, vote for 2)
Michael King, Democrat
Matthew Wronka, Democrat

Planning Board (3 years, vote for 1)
Vikasith Pratty, unenrolled

Planning Board (2 years, vote for 1)
Navdeep Arora, unenrolled

Board of Assessors (3 years, vote for 1)
Adam Munroe, Democrat (incumbent)

Board of Health (3 years, vote for 1)
Nasiba Mannan, Democrat

Housing Authority (1 year, vote for 1)
Ilana Casady, Democrat

Board of Library Trustees (3 years, vote for 2)
Jessica McCaffrey (incumbent)
Warren Carter, Democrat

Parks & Recreation Commission (3 years, vote for 1)
Laura Hanson, Democrat (incumbent)
Ravi Shankar Dasari, Democrat

Commissioners of Trust Funds (3 years, vote for 1)
Mary Duggan, Democrat (incumbent)

Constable (3 years, vote for 1)
John Cardillo, Democrat

BALLOT QUESTIONS

Question 1: Shall the Town of Hopkinton be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to pay for the design, engineering, permitting, and construction of a new sidewalk on Chestnut Street from Wild Road to Smith Road, including any and all costs, fees, and expenses related to the same?

Question 2: Shall the Town of Hopkinton be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to pay for the design, engineering, permitting, and construction of a new sidewalk between EMC Park and Fitch Avenue, connecting to Blueberry Lane, including any and all costs, fees, and expenses related to the same?

Question 3: Shall the Town of Hopkinton be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to pay for the architectural and engineering design for Fire Station 2, including any and all costs, fees, and expenses related to the same?

Question 4: Shall the Town of Hopkinton be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to pay for the Hopkinton Public School HVAC renewal work, including any and all costs, fees, and expenses related to the same?

Question 5: Shall the Town of Hopkinton be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to pay for the Hopkins School Addition project, including any and all costs, fees, and expenses related to the same?

Question 6: Shall the Town of Hopkinton be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to pay for the reconstruction and paving of Pratt Way and the roadways within Evergreen and Mount Auburn Cemeteries, including any and all costs, fees, and expenses related to the same?

CANDIDATES’ SUMMARIES

ASHLEY FOGG

Position being sought: School Committee

Party affiliation: Unenrolled

Occupation: Stay-at-home parent

Education: B.S. in applied legal studies from Suffolk University (2010), elected officer of Suffolk University Paralegal Association, graduated magna cum laude

Years lived in Hopkinton: Grew up in Hopkinton, attended college in Boston, moved back to Hopkinton in 2018 to raise family

Governmental experience: None

Additional volunteer/service experience: Current HPTO executive board member; co-VP for Hopkins School; appreciation co-coordinator for Marathon School; room parent for classrooms at Marathon, Elmwood and Hopkins; basketball coach for Grade 4 boys travel team with the Hopkinton Basketball Association; member at Faith Community Church and volunteer in children’s ministry; discussion leader for Bible Study Fellowship (held at Faith Community Church)

General statement: I grew up in Hopkinton and attended Hopkinton Public Schools. My family moved back in 2018. We have three children, two of whom attend Elmwood and Hopkins, and a 5-year-old who will start kindergarten in the fall. I am very active in the schools and have a relationship with many of the staff members, teachers and principals. My firsthand experience of having children in HPS gives me real insight into the issues, concerns and priorities many parents and community members may have regarding our schools. I hope to take this real-time experience and use it in making informed decisions. Having been raised in Hopkinton gives me a unique perspective that is different to any other candidate. Now with my own children, I have a vested interest in the longevity of the Hopkinton Public Schools’ performance and quality of education.

I hope to provide a new outlook on maintaining the excellence of HPS. If I am elected, I hope to engage as a thoughtful contributor and offer a balanced and discerning perspective to problem solving and planning for our school district. I think the School Committee works best when we have different points of view. We should have the willingness to ask the hard questions but also communicate and listen with respect while working toward the common goal of doing what is best for our students and families. I hope to receive your vote, and I promise to do my best to promote and improve the Hopkinton Public Schools.

ADAM MUNROE

Position being sought: School Committee

Party affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Associate Degree Nursing Program chair and director at MassBay Community College

Education: Ph.D. candidate with a focus in nursing education, Walden University; Master’s of Nursing Education, Framingham State University; associate degree in nursing, MassBay Community College; paramedic certification, Northeastern University

Years lived in Hopkinton: I have lived in Hopkinton for the past 13 years. I currently live in the home where my wife, Heather, was raised. In fact, our son Aidan’s bedroom was once hers. This said, our family has lived in Hopkinton and been actively engaged across generations.

Governmental experience: Current member of the Hopkinton Board of Assessors and
running for a second term

Additional volunteer/service experience: I have been a member of the Hopkinton Marathon Committee for over a decade with leadership positions in the Athletes Village, and most recently as a team captain for the professional runners area.

General statement: In the spirit of community service, I ask for the opportunity to serve on our School Committee. While Hopkinton is a great town, we also face many challenges. Diversity, equity and inclusion, data-driven fiscal responsibility, and transparency are core values that inspire my desire to serve on the committee. The residents of Hopkinton should expect and deserve a School Committee that is engaged and responsible and ensures that the core values of Hopkinton residents are represented in the education of students.

My current roles include being department chair of a nursing program at MassBay Community College and a registered nurse in a busy local emergency department. I also have been a visiting lecturer in the Nursing Department at Framingham State University. While you may wonder how this experience relates to becoming a member of the School Committee, let me explain. All of these require fastidious attention to detail, an understanding of a variety of perspectives, an in-depth understanding of analytic data, and ability to apply critical thinking to evolving situations. My responsibilities as the chair of the Nursing Department include evaluating current educational practices for the nursing program and making recommendations for evidence-based changes and modifications to support sound educational practices while also embracing diversity, equity and inclusion from across the community. Additionally, developing budgets, reviewing policies, developing and executing strategic plans, and collaborating with administrators, faculty, staff and students are responsibilities I feel will translate well to the School Committee.

SUSAN M. STEPHENSON

Position being sought: School Committee

Party affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Retired junior high/high school English teacher

Education: B.S. in secondary education, English/communications, Clarion State University (1976); M. Ed. communications media, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (1990); many additional continuing education classes

Years lived in Hopkinton: Nine months

Governmental experience: None

Additional volunteer/service experience: 1983-2010 Seneca Valley Education Association, assorted leadership positions including grievance chair, Negotiating Committee negotiating team, in addition, I held all major leadership positions at one time or another during my tenure; 1983-86 Saint Andrews Catholic Church lector; 1983-86 Saint Andrews Catholic Church bingo caller; beginning May 2023 Hopkinton Senior Center writing instructor; Hopkinton Senior Center event photographer

General statement: Having served as a teacher for 36 years, I am passionate about quality education. I taught in the Seneca Valley School District in Pennsylvania, which was always ranked as one of the top districts in the state. I am aware of the budgetary challenges before the Hopkinton school system. If I am elected to the School Committee, my commitment will be to keep Hopkinton schools top-ranked. It will not be easy to maintain quality education in the face of budgetary constraints, but I am not afraid of tough problems and will always keep the needs of all students my top priority. In my previous school district I served as department chair and also as a union leader. Having worked with School Board members and the superintendent’s office, I have a deep understanding about school needs, about the interests of all the parties, and about how schools are governed. On a personal note, my hobbies are gardening, woodworking, taking art classes and volunteering at the Senior Center. I am owned by my golden retriever, Wallace. I pledge to serve the needs of all students in the best way possible and to stand up for continued top-quality education in Hopkinton. As Ben Franklin said, “An investment in knowledge pays the most interest.” I respectfully ask for your vote on May 15th.

AMY RITTERBUSCH

Position being sought: Select Board

Party affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Software and web analyst, Wellesley Public Schools

Education: B.A. from UMass Amherst

Years lived in Hopkinton: 18

Governmental experience: Select Board (3 years), Planning Board (3 years), Historic District Commission (9 years), Hopkins School Council (2 years), Elmwood School Council (2 years)

Additional volunteer/service experience: eHop founding member and current board member (16 years), Boy Scout Troop 1, Girl Scout Troop 65040, Cub Scout Pack 26, HPTA

General statement: My name is Amy Ritterbusch and I am running for a second term on the Hopkinton Select Board. I am a hard worker, I do my research, and I have a long history of involvement with the town and schools. This is a critical time for Hopkinton due to the rapid growth and development we continue to experience and the resulting budget challenges. I don’t have all the answers, but I am working hard to keep the public informed after each meeting by recording Actions Taken videos with HCAM and publishing written Actions Taken on eHop. During the campaign process I am reaching out to residents from all parts of town, lifelong residents and newcomers.

My husband, Tim, and I have lived in Hopkinton for 19 years. We own a modest, 140-year-old home in the center of Hopkinton and enjoy walking in the downtown area as well as on the trails. We have three children, one high schooler (Grade 12) who walks to school, as well as two HHS graduates (2018 and 2020). I have a B.A. from UMass Amherst and currently work as a software and web analyst for the Wellesley Public School district. I have held many volunteer roles in town over the years. At the moment I am serving as chair of the Select Board and as a member of the Hopkinton Center Historic District Commission. I have previously served on the Planning Board, the Growth Study Committee and the Design Review Board. I am a founding member of eHop and have served as an eHop board member since 2007. I also volunteer with Girl Scout Troop 65040, although this will be my last year, as my daughter is graduating.

It is important to have Select Board members who are knowledgeable, informed and actively engaged with the issues and the residents. My communications background and technical and research skills are a good complement to the skill sets of the other board members. I work hard to stay on top of the issues in town, and I bring that knowledge to the Select Board. I respectfully ask for your vote on Monday, May 15.

NAVDEEP ARORA

Position being sought: Planning Board

Party affiliation: Unenrolled

Occupation: Real estate investor

Education: B.S. in electrical engineering from University of Wisconsin, MBA from San Jose State University

Years lived in Hopkinton: 4

Governmental experience: None

Additional volunteer/service experience: Volunteer in school and at temple

General statement: Hopkinton is a wonderful town with lots to offer for all ages and is known for four major pillars: education, the Boston Marathon, safety and Hopkinton State Park. I would like to propose adding other elements to the town’s portfolio. Ideas are centered around the intersection of green technologies, commercial growth, technology development and entrepreneurship. There has also been a huge growth of young families with varying ethnicities, and I would like to propose projects to meet the growth and needs for those families.

NASIBA MANNAN

Position being sought: Board of Health

Party affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Manager, quality and accreditation

Education: M.S. in public health, M.S. in nutrition, MBA (enrolled), B.S. in nutrition

Years lived in Hopkinton: 11

Governmental experience: Current member of Hopkinton Veterans Celebration Committee, former member of Hopkinton Board of Health, former member of Hopkinton Cultural Council, commissioner of MetroWest Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women

Additional volunteer/service experience: Member and publicity chair for Hopkinton Women’s Club, board member for Massachusetts National Organization of Women (NOW), member of Hopkinton Center for the Arts Diversity and Equity Board, board member for Boston International Women’s Day Leadership Committee

General statement: I am an experienced healthcare oversight professional currently overseeing a department of a healthcare organization, developing quality and compliance strategy ensuring continuous improvement of delivery and services. With Hopkinton’s rapid growth and increasing diversity, we must be proactive in identifying and addressing the evolving needs and challenges faced by our residents, particularly our most vulnerable. I aim to bring my healthcare administrative, policymaking and data interpretation experience to the current Board of Health. My priorities include completing the board’s strategic plan, adopting digital technologies and prioritizing mental health initiatives. My family has called Hopkinton home for more than a decade now. Our kids, Ryann and Rayna, grew up here. It has been wonderful to raise our family here and to enjoy a very active and engaged community. Between my husband, Shahidul, and I, we have been involved with Hopkinton town government for many years now, and I sincerely hope that we have served — and if given the opportunity will continue to serve — Hopkinton respectfully and honorably. As someone with significant healthcare expertise and experience, I am confident that I am the ideal candidate for the Hopkinton Board of Health. I respectfully ask for your support and your vote on Monday, May 15th.

ILANA CASADY

Position being sought: Housing Authority

Party affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Occupational therapist

Education: B.S. in wildlife and fisheries biology from UMass Amherst; M.S. in occupational therapy from Tufts University

Years lived in Hopkinton: 14

Governmental experience: Current chair of Hopkinton Cultural Council

Additional volunteer/service experience: Member of Hopkinton Running Club; race director of Hopkinton Center for the Arts’ Wicked 5K; former Treblemakers member

General statement: My name is Ilana Casady, and I am a candidate for Hopkinton Housing Authority Board. I have been a resident of Hopkinton since 2009 and love being involved in our community. I chose to run for Hopkinton Housing Authority as a way to contribute more to Hopkinton. I have five children (three daughters and two stepdaughters) who currently attend or have graduated from Hopkinton Public Schools.

I currently work as an occupational therapist, using horses as a treatment tool for children with special needs. From 2002-10, I worked in early intervention serving Mattapan/Dorchester/Roxbury with a large population of families in public housing through the Boston Housing Authority or trying to get into BHA. I became an advocate for these families and was able to see the benefits as well as the challenges of supported housing. I am proud of helping to obtain a wheelchair accessible unit for a family whose daughter was non-ambulatory and of pushing to eradicate a rat infestation.

I currently manage two properties outside Hopkinton. As an OT, I am conscientious of senior safety and fall reductions by prioritizing even walkways, railings where helpful, and visual contrast for curbs/edges, as well as ensuring ADA compliance.

If elected, I hope to advocate for seniors and those with disabilities and be a positive bridge between residents and executives to cost-effectively optimize residents’ experiences.

C. WARREN CARTER

Position being sought: Board of Library Trustees

Party affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Retired

Education: B.S. in English from Centre College of Kentucky

Years lived in Hopkinton: 6

Governmental experience: Deputy assistant secretary, U.S. Treasury, 1982-84

Additional volunteer/service experience: Library trustee, Norfolk Library (Norfolk, Connecticut), 2003-09, Scoville Memorial Library (Salisbury, Connecticut), 2009-16

General statement: Since moving to Hopkinton in 2017, I have continually been impressed with the community effort to bring culture and education to its citizenry. When I learned last fall that a trustee’s position at the library was open, I quickly applied for the unexpired term. I had served as a trustee and treasurer for two Connecticut libraries in the early 2000s, and I learned how important libraries are to a town’s culture and intellectual freedom. Our library is another special comforting place for all citizens.

JESSICA McCAFFREY

Position being sought: Board of Library Trustees

Party affiliation: Republican

Occupation: Attorney

Education: Suffolk Law School, Villanova University

Years lived in Hopkinton: 3

Governmental experience: Currently finishing three-year term as library trustee

Additional volunteer/service experience: N/A

General statement: Public libraries have played an essential role in my life, from providing endless books, a quiet space to study or meet with others, library passes for cultural enrichment, and so on. Our public library continuously offers so much to our community and has become an important cultural center for our town residents and those in the surrounding communities. It has been a pleasure to serve as trustee these past three years and helping the library continue to implement its mission of being a welcome place for everyone.

My skills as an attorney and passion for the success of the library have been instrumental in my current role as a trustee. I believe in service to one’s community and I look forward to the opportunity of continuing to serve Hopkinton in another term with the Hopkinton Public Library’s Board of Trustees.

RAVI DASARI

Position being sought: Parks & Recreation Commission

Party affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Software engineer

Education: MBA

Years lived in Hopkinton: 8

Governmental experience: None

Additional volunteer/service experience: Founder/organizer of Hopkinton Cricket Club, organizer of Diwali event, volunteer at Hopkinton Senior Center, volunteer for Jimmy Fund Walk, volunteer at Greater Boston Food Bank, volunteer at Pine Street Inn homeless shelter in Boston

General statement: I would like to improve and add infrastructure to provide a facility for every popular and budding sport such as cricket, badminton and volleyball in Hopkinton. I will do my best to make better usage of underutilized fields in town. Also, I am committed to support the future development of community programs and ongoing operations and promote the mission of the Hopkinton Parks and Recreation Department.

LAURA HANSON

Position being sought: Parks & Recreation Commission

Party affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Homemaker

Education: B.A. from Colgate University

Years lived in Hopkinton: 24

Governmental experience: Parks & Recreation Commission since 2015

Additional volunteer/service experience: Certified instructor of CPR and first aid; Scouts (Cub, Boy and Girl) for 14 years; committee for Scouting for Food for 14 years

General statement: I am running for re-election to continue to work on the projects we have going on, and to hopefully see Center School come into play. I would like to continue to bring diverse music to the Town Common during the Summer Free Concert Series, and I would like to finish the improvements at Sandy Beach and the dog park.

MARY DUGGAN

Position being sought: Commissioners of Trust Funds

Party affiliation: Democratic

Occupation: Retired

Education: B.S. in education, Boston State College

Years lived in Hopkinton: 37

Governmental experience: Commissioner of Trust Funds since June 2020

Additional volunteer/service experience: 13-year volunteer at Project Just Because; previously served as volunteer for Boston Marathon and Last Hope K9 Rescue

General statement: I was elected to a three-year term as a Commissioner of Trust Funds in June 2020. I have served as secretary and, for the past year, as chair of the committee. As a member of the committee, I review each request for fund distribution to ensure that it complies with the terms of the trust. I bring to the position strong analytical skills developed over 36 years of experience in business. If elected, I look forward to continuing my service to the town as a member of the Commissioners of Trust Funds. I respectfully ask for your vote on Monday, May 15.

JOHN CARDILLO

Position being sought: Constable

Party affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Retired after 30 years in high tech

Education: University of Massachusetts, pre-law

Years lived in Hopkinton: 26

Governmental experience: See statement below

Additional volunteer/service experience: See statement below

General statement: My name is John Cardillo, and I’m running for town constable. I‘ve lived in Hopkinton for the past 26 years. I’m involved in several committees in town: the Cultural Council, the Veterans Celebration Committee and the Woodville Historic District Commission. For 4 1/2 years, I’ve been the lead photographer for the Hopkinton Independent, an experience I’ve enjoyed immensely!

My children have benefited from their education here in Hopkinton. Jason went to the University of Vermont. Kimberly went to the University of South Carolina. Jason received a degree in mechanical engineering, as did Kimberly, who also earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. My wife and I loved raising our children in Hopkinton because of the opportunities it afforded them — the multitude of activities provided by the town, which kept them involved and engaged.

I decided to retire after 30 years in high tech shortly after the passing of my wife, Cindy, to cancer, in 2017. At that time, I might have chosen to leave Hopkinton, but I decided to stay! Hopkinton is an inviting, vibrant community that continues to grow in population and opportunity! Allow me the opportunity to give back to our community as your constable.