Position being sought: Select Board (candidate for re-election)

Party affiliation: Republican

Occupation: Realtor, builder

Education: College of Engineering, University of Bridgeport

Years lived in Hopkinton: 21

Governmental experience: Six years on Select Board (one year as chair, three years as vice chair), four years on Planning Board (two years as vice chair), 12 years on Zoning Advisory Committee (nine years chair, three years vice chair), special liaison to the Boston Athletic Association/Boston Marathon, liaison to Hopkinton Fire Department, liaison to Hopkinton Police Department, liaison to Parks & Recreation, liaison to Board of Health, liaison to Board of Appeals, liaison to Planning Board, liaison to MetroWest Regional Transit Authority, liaison to Irvine-Todaro Properties Advisory Group, liaison to Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce 2030 Group, Upper Charles Trails Committee, Marathon Fund Committee

Additional volunteer/service experience: St. John’s the Evangelist Church lector, John Warren Masonic Lodge, Knights Of Columbus, Aleppo Shriners, Congregation B’nai Shalom, Chabad House (Milford), Hopkinton Sportsmen’s Association, Marlboro Fish and Game, Lake Maspenock Preservation Association

General statement: Over the last many years, residents of Hopkinton, through their elected representatives, have worked together to build our amazing community. Past and present members of all our elected and appointed committees have volunteered countless hours to make Hopkinton the special place it is today.

Our schools are second to none. We must protect them!

Our town is the safest community to live and work in Massachusetts. We must protect our public safety departments!

Our municipal finances are in excellent shape. We must protect our taxpayers during these unprecedented times!

I’m seeking my third term on the Select Board to maintain this stability using my vast experience as we weather the current storm together. The financial crisis caused by the COVID-19 shutdown necessitates strong leadership able to make critical budget decisions based on solid municipal finance experience. We must keep teachers in front of our children, and police, fire and DPW personnel on the streets without overburdening the taxpayers.

My municipal experience began in 2008 on ZAC, then voted onto the Planning Board. Elected to the Select Board in 2014 and re-elected in 2017. Working with colleagues across the community I’ve actively participated and led efforts to balance six budgets during my tenure on the board.

This new fiscal challenge is enormous. Sound municipal finance experience on the Select Board is critical to protect all that’s been achieved!

Now via mail-in or on June 29 at the polls, please vote John Coutinho for Select Board.