I write to you in my support of Shahidul Mannan for reelection to the Hopkinton Select Board. I did not know Shahidul before he was elected to his first term on the Select Board. Since then, I have contacted him many times with my thoughts, concerns and requests regarding Hopkinton’s town government. Every time, I found Shahidul to be available, willing to listen and talk about my thoughts or concerns, and explain to me his thought process on each issue. This transparency was very refreshing.

Shahidul has served the Town of Hopkinton for over 10 years on a wide range of boards and committees. Shahidul has served on the Appropriation Committee, Planning Board, Growth Study Committee, Community Preservation Committee, Elementary School Building Committee and, currently, the Select Board. As a member of the Select Board, Shahidul has been involved in solving our water issues (PFAS/MWRA), creating our first Economic Development Office, advocating for expanded senior tax credits and supporting Hopkinton’s school system.

For me personally, Shahidul’s biggest contribution was his vote to maintain the Hopkinton public safety dispatch. Over a year ago, the idea of Hopkinton joining three area towns in one central dispatch located in Westborough was brought before the Select Board. Shahidul took the time to listen to all the information presented and was one of the three votes to maintain the public safety dispatch in Hopkinton.

Hopkinton will be facing many critical issues in the years to come. The most pressing seem to be public safety, schools, water supply and tax revenue. Shahidul’s education, past experience on boards and committees, and willingness to listen to residents’ concerns make Shahidul the right choice to be elected to our Select Board on May 19.

— Patrick O’Brien, 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 or thanking sponsors or volunteers. 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.