I write to offer my support for Shahidul Mannan, who is running for reelection to the Hopkinton Select Board. Since taking office, I have met many new friends and worked with many wonderful people in Hopkinton from all different perspectives, so I don’t typically endorse in local municipal campaigns. However, Shahidul (and his wife Nasiba) opened their home to me at a time when I knew only a few people in Hopkinton, and our partnership and friendship has continued to grow from our very first meeting.

When we first met, I immediately appreciated Shahidul’s forward-looking perspective. While problem-solving the challenge of the moment is part of the work of any public official, Shahidul is always looking ahead to Hopkinton’s future. One of our first discussions centered around his thoughts and ideas around the need for more economic development. Building on that discussion, we explored how it might unfold. Working with Shahidul, Hopkinton leaders and the legislature, I was able to secure state funding to help jump-start a town position and program that Shahidul had envisioned. With so much potential value to the town in expanding Hopkinton’s tax base, and by working with the Hopkinton Chamber and others, that position is now evolving into full-time. We are all concerned about rising costs; for our communities to thrive we need to encourage appropriate growth of the business sector.

Shahidul is very mindful of the world we live in: the importance of clean water for our health and his creation of PFAS and water task force; his stalwart support of quality education for the next generation at Hopkinton’s excellent schools, advocating for senior citizens and embracing all the things that make Hopkinton a wonderful community.

It is an honor to serve the town of Hopkinton in the Legislature, and I look forward to working with all Hopkinton town leaders in the years ahead. In some ways, the decisions made at the local level, by our local public officials and community leaders, have more impact on our daily lives than many of the debates at the state and national level. The town would do well to return Shahidul Mannan to the Hopkinton Select Board so he can continue his work on the board and collaboration with the community. I encourage all Hopkinton voters to participate in the Town Election on May 19.

— James Arena-DeRosa, state representative

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