Shahidul Mannan’s experiences with both big data and town finances make him an ideal candidate for Select Board.

His position on the Appropriation Committee means he spent years learning and subsequently supporting the fiduciary responsibility of the town, a key need within the Select Board. He tempers that with compassion and understanding. He has a friendly, even disposition, something that is required when dealing with so many diverse groups and needs within the town.

His day job, in charge of data and engineering for a major hospital, reinforces both those traits and proves that others see the value in his unique perspective. It demonstrates his ability to understand complex numbers and how to make hard decisions based on them, but with an understanding that those who are represented by those numbers are real people with real needs.

I am proud to call him a friend and to endorse him for Select Board.

— Lya Batlle-Rafferty, Hopkinton

Editor’s note: The opinions and comments expressed in letters to the editor are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Independent. Submissions should be no more than 400 words and must include the writer’s name and contact information for verification. Letters should be relevant and not primarily for the purpose of promoting an organization or event. Letters may be edited by the Independent staff for space, errors or clarification, and the Independent offers no guarantee that every letter will be published. For a schedule of deadlines for letters and other submissions for the print edition, click here.