We are writing to express our support for Shahidul Mannan for Select Board in Hopkinton.

Hopkinton deserves to have elected leaders who are focused on the best interest of all of its citizens. These leaders should be able to assess the challenges presented and the diverse interests of all stakeholders in town and make decisions they believe will best serve the town. In our experience, the best leaders to make these decisions combine dedication, experience and curiosity.

Getting to know Shahidul and watching his work on town boards, we’re confident that he displays all of these. Serving on the Planning Board for seven years, he helped manage the town’s budget, balancing the needs of a growing town with being responsible to taxpayers. He has continued to expand his work in Hopkinton, moving to the Planning Board and serving on other volunteer committees. This work has not only shown his dedication to make Hopkinton a better place but also has prepared him with the necessary experience for the Select Board.

Shahidul genuinely also wants to understand all aspects of an issue before making a decision. In any conversation about town issues he seeks the input of people who have different experience than he does. This critical quality also shows that he puts the town’s needs ahead of his own individual viewpoint. He is truly interested in serving the best interest’s of Hopkinton, which is why we believe he will be an excellent member of the Select Board.

We hope you will join us in voting for Shahidul Mannan for Select Board on May 16.

— Jon and Erin Graziano

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