In light of the discussion during the Hopkinton Select Board’s May 27th meeting, I am writing to highlight what appears to be a concerning shift in how we define “new leadership.” The phrase was used repeatedly — and tellingly — as a synonym for youth, suggesting that experience might now be a disqualifier rather than a strength.
Remarks from Mr. Brian Herr and Mr. Matt Kizner implied that leadership should come from a “new generation,” and Mr. Kizner cited “the number one piece of feedback” from the community as a desire for younger voices. In doing so, they effectively passed over candidates such as Mr. Shahidul Mannan (age 54) and Ms. Amy Ritterbusch (age 52) for chair in favor of someone 15 years younger. It should be noted that Shahidul Mannan was reelected by the same electorate Mr. Kizner refers to.
Ironically, this philosophy emerged just moments after Mr. Herr proudly touted what he considered a very successful year leading the board. In fact, just last year, Mr. Herr remarked, “I would suggest my years of experience and my demeanor can help the community move forward together again.” If leadership capacity has suddenly developed an expiration date, one might reasonably ask why Mr. Herr relinquished only the chair role — and not his seat on the board.
Mr. Herr also floated the idea that leadership should be reserved for those with school-aged children. That would disqualify single residents, those without children, or parents whose children have graduated. At least he avoided borrowing the “childless cat ladies” label made infamous by JD Vance.
If an age-based framework for leadership is taking root, it should be subjected to public discussion. Many residents who currently serve — and aspire to serve — in town government deserve to know whether they’re considered too old to lead, despite being elected or appointed. Are we really prepared to elevate private conversations and anecdotes over the results of democratic elections?
The implications are serious. If age is now a disqualifying factor, should that rule apply to all town boards and committees?
Perhaps we should update the town motto to reflect this shift: “Hopkinton, established 1715 — where 40 is the new 65.”
If the new policy excludes those 40 and over from civic leadership, then I’d like to suggest early senior tax exemptions. If we’re too old to serve, we at least qualify for a discount.
— Sravan Krishna, Hopkinton
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Excellent points. While the town benefits from a mix of representatives, that should ideally mean not one group on the SB (ex. parents of younger children, who may not fully consider implications for older residents), not cutting out people who want to serve who happen to be older.
I agree. Thank you for your feedback.
Also, when a less experienced, less knowledgeable white man who still needs to learn how to run a meeting is chosen over a more experienced, more knowledgeable, more qualified man of color and over a more experienced, more knowledgeable, more qualified woman, it doesn’t look good to me. Even if there was no ill intent and no racial / gender bias intended, it still sends a bad message.
I agree. Personally, I’m struggling to extend the benefit of the doubt—because isn’t that how discrimination quietly remains the norm?
Completely agree.
There are many excuses that can be made for racism to make it sound palatable. That’s why it’s so insidious. In this case, even if it weren’t racism, it is ageism which is also considered discrimination.
A quote directly from the U.S. Equal Opportunity
Commission:
“Age discrimination involves treating an applicant or employee less favorably because of his or her age.
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) forbids age discrimination against people who are age 40 or older.”
So, we are hitting shades of both racial and age related biases. It is frustrating that it has now happened two years in a row to a thoughtful, measured, well-educated man such as Shahidul and now to Amy, who was one of the founders of eHop and who also takes a careful data-driven approach to leadership.
Great points! I too think that Shahidul and Amy are more qualified than Joe by a country mile. I do not want to see any kind of discrimination and this is clearly one. This is an embarrassment for the town.
Posting defamatory comments about public officials is not only unkind and divisive but could also potentially be considered libel. I would encourage those who are unhappy with someone else’s choice or opinion to express their beliefs in a more constructive manner rather than making derogatory statements that potentially damage the character of town volunteers. I believe our town is only interested in positivity and unity moving forward.
What happened to this when you all were attacking the previous Select Board and divided the town? Acting like you are some poor victims now. LOL. Why are you hiding? Why don’t you say what you want to say with your real identity? Only people who are guilty hide. Thanks for confirming my message for the readers. Also, thanks for the laughs. Don’t forget to sue me for libel. Love ya!
For this past year Joe was the Select Board’s liasion to the Open Space Preservation Commission. I found him to be an excellent provider of useful and thoughtful guidance.
I also appreciate his quiet way of participatory leadership.
I am glad you like Joe. Good for you! I am intrigued by this quiet way of participatory leadership. How does that work? You just go and sit somewhere quietly? How do you participate when you are quiet? Do you do head nods? How do you be quiet and also be an excellent provider of useful and thoughtful guidance? Is that done telepathically?
You have totally debunked the proven age old theories on experience and leadership! Thank you for your thoughtful guidance, Sir!
You are most welcome! Glad to help.
So gracious of you. Would you also be following the same method and relinquishing your chair position for someone under 40?
Jack Weinberg said it best! 😁
OSPC will be meeting in the Town Hall basement ‘Ball Room’. I encourage your attendance, interest, contributions, and suggestions!
Ah, deflection at its finest. Seems like the rules change depending on the person. Got it. Appreciate the non-answer! You all are motivating me now. Please continue.
Hi Stavana! Do I presume that your curiosity did not lead you to read the Jack Weinberg quote that I referenced? That might help explain my position! And, not to overlook the Hopkinton Independent’s excellent coverage of the last Open Space Preservation Commissiong Meeting!
And, bless the New York Times! This article is from this morning:
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/06/05/us/politics/congress-age.html?smid=nytcore-android-share
And, again, I extend the invitation to please attend our meeting tonight. This is a periodic special meeting, featuring a birthday cake, (Tho not the traditional one) and my Irish Soda Bread.
I hope that you can attend. 7:00 in the Town Hall Basement ‘Ball Room’.
OOO birthday cake. I love a good birthday cake. Actually, I love all cakes except if they are too chocolatey. I have not acquired the taste for dark chocolate. I can’t choose a favorite between any type of cakes. Cheesecake, Carrot, Tiramisu, Italian creme, German chocolate, Pineapple, Strawberry cream, Ice-cream cakes. I love all of them.
Speaking of breads, I can’t eat too much of Irish Soda bread even though I like the taste, I used to shop at these grocery store where they had 25 different varieties of breads. Cranberry-Almond, Raisin-Walnut, Dates, Olives, Jalapeno-Cheese(spicy), Apricot-White chocolate, Chocolate-nut, etc. So many of them. The best part was they would let you sample it and pick what you like. Amazing stuff.
Bummer, sorry you didn’t make the meeting! It was a raspberry cake from Yummy Mummy in Westborough. Scrumptious!
Carrot is our usual cake, but circumstances got in the way. And, we’ve something in common! I don’t like chocolate! No chocolate cakes!
And, since we now have something in common, how about a coffee chat?
Insulting others doesn’t reflect well upon you and it certainly doesn’t encourage others to listen to your viewpoint. Perhaps you should be mindful of posting so many hateful comments with your name attached. Imagine what your neighbors, friends, employer, etcetera will think! I recommend taking a more classy approach or perhaps anger management classes. Best of luck!
I am sorry, did I hurt your feelings? Please don’t cry. You are good the way you are and you are loved. If you are scared to use your name in the public, that is ok. Not everyone can be brave. Perhaps I can give you bravery classes. Thanks for your concern about me. That is so nice of you. What would I do without anonymous trolls being concerned about me. Love ya!
This is called freedom of speech. 1st amendment right correct? My guess is Sravana’s friends, neighbors, and job know he speaks openly, honestly, and rightfully so. I see nothing in his letter that could be counted as liable. Talk about trashy… how about the folks who tried to get the police chief fired because he disagreed with them. We lovingly refer to these folks as the ‘pitchfork people.’ Don’t be a pitchfork person.
My hypothesis is that “new leadership” has nothing to do with age and has to do with “not being involved with the Tim Brennan issue”, which disqualifies Amy and Shahidul. Just my observation.
OK. I disagree with you because Shahidul just got reelected. That aside, why are you not confident enough to put your name on what you believe in?
I’d like to point out that this election was not a washout and was pretty close. Also, the voter turnout was extremely low. While you keep hanging your hat on the fact Shahidul was the-elected, this wasn’t a clean sweep, thus making it clear that he should be assumed as the chair. Many people appear to believe that his experience did not serve him (same goes for Amy) during the Tim Brennan trial. It’s a big part of recent and current town politics- whether you agree or not.
Your perspective lost. Select Board did not say anything you are rambling about. Brian Herr and Joe Clark did nothing different about Tim Brennan situation. Brian Herr would also be “new” as per your definition. You are being illogical. The simplest explanation might be the right reason. Are you hiding to not to be associated with discrimination? That is the only thing that makes sense. Thanks for your help.
Sravana, you’re making a fool of yourself on here, just an FYI.
Jake, You are looking like a genius. Would you like to cry harder? LOL.
OMG, now I am really feeling stood up! It’s been 8 days of being ignored. Sravana, you can’t imagine the pain!