At a brief reorganizational meeting Tuesday, the Select Board voted unanimously to elect Joe Clark as its chair and Shahidul Mannan as its vice chair.
Clark received initial support from former chair Brian Herr and newly elected member Matthew Kizner, who each emphasized the need for younger voices in town government. Member Amy Ritterbusch nominated Mannan, who was reelected to his second term May 19.
When Mannan realized he did not have the majority of votes, he and Ritterbusch opted to vote for Clark, giving Clark a unanimous victory as he begins his second year on the board. Herr nominated Mannan for vice chair, and no one ran in opposition.
“I’m humbled to be nominated,” said Clark before the vote. “I think the big thing is I’m very excited about this board working together this year.”
He added that the board had been “productive” over the past year. He expected the same momentum this time around.
“I think it is time definitely for others to step forward,” said Herr. He pointed out that the board “had a really good year” under his leadership and accomplished a lot without incurring new debt.
Herr, who served several terms prior to his election last year, took the helm after the town faced a tumultuous and divisive era.
He added that a “new generation of leadership” needed to be involved in local government. To him, that meant a person who has been “engaged in the community” and who has school-aged kids. Clark exemplified those qualities for him.
Kizner echoed Herr’s remarks, speaking about the “generational passing of the baton.”
“While I was campaigning and out during the recent election, that was probably the number one thing that I got from people,” he said. “People were really looking to hear what the next generation of leadership in Hopkinton sounded like and looked like and to see them taking a bit of a more active role.”
Added Kizner: “I was not comfortable taking on a challenge like this in the first year. I didn’t think it was appropriate.”
Mannan, after highlighting his experience, said he could “continue on that path and do more.” While he stressed that he enjoyed working with Clark and Herr last year, he noted that he is not part of “a lost generation.”
“I am only 55,” he said. “I don’t think that should discount me because of my age. I have proudly served this town for 12 years. That shouldn’t be discounted as too much experience either. I think the town needs that.”
During the last year, Mannan pushed for the creation of the Water & Sewer Advisory Board and the Economic Development Advisory Board, ideas he raised during the previous year.
Stressing a desire for teamwork, Mannan said he would go with the majority. Ritterbusch likewise voted for Clark.
Clark seconded Mannan’s nomination for vice chair before the unanimous vote.
During the public comment period at the start of the meeting, resident Sravana Krishna and School Committee member Kyla McSweeney had endorsed Mannan for chair. Both spoke of his experience, commitment to listening to residents and his ability to explain his reasoning when making decisions.
“In addition, I believe he brings patience and intelligence to the Select Board,” McSweeney said.
Monetary gift to library accepted
In the only other vote, the board unanimously approved the acceptance of a gift of $13,110 from the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation to the Hopkinton Public Library to fund activities for the library’s Children & Youth Services and Reference & Circulation divisions.
So, Shahidul has too much experience now? It is ridiculous to think you can fool the town by just saying we need to jump from a 60 something old guy to a 30 something guy because we need a “new generation of leadership”. Brian Herr was just a year younger last year. The way Math works, he would still be in his 60s. Last year was a different reason to keep Shahidul out. It seems like people keep coming up with reasons to keep Shahidul out of that position. Why is that? It is definitely not his qualifications or experience. What could it be? I wonder.
I am disappointed to see the implication that Shahidul Mannan was not appointed Chair due to racism from the above poster. These are serious accusations and should not be made lightly or without evidence. It’s deeply irresponsible to invoke racism as a reason when the issues at hand are clearly more nuanced and rooted in leadership decisions and past actions—not race.
The reality is that Mr. Mannan has been a controversial figure for many in our town due to his positions on several key issues, including the Tim Brennan matter, which drew significant community backlash. When Mr. Mannan was Vice Chair, the town experienced considerable division and frustration. These facts matter.
This recent leadership change is more about moving away from the highly partisan dynamics driven by the HDTC and certain individuals who have contributed to the town’s instability. It’s not about anyone’s age, race, or years of experience—it’s about leadership, accountability, and regaining community trust.
Suggesting that the only explanation for a political decision is racism, when there are multiple valid performance-related concerns, shuts down real dialogue and unfairly vilifies people trying to do what they believe is best for the town. These kinds of accusations are not only unfounded but damaging to our community.
I urge the Hopkinton Independent to remove this that level serious accusations without any basis. Public discourse should be grounded in facts, not inflammatory assumptions.
Actually, I didn’t say anything about racism but you did. So, it seems like that is the first thing that came to your mind. Now that you mention it, maybe you are right. Thanks for your help, Ashley.
The video is right there in the link. Do you need help understanding what was said? They clearly said younger generation. Young is about age, right? What else do you think it means?
Hopkinton voted Shahidul back and rejected your divisive manufactured outrage. Clearly, the majority in the town are happy with Shahidul’s performance and your evaluation is rejected.
This is a public forum. I urge you to stop censoring others. Do not be afraid of truth. Truth will set you free.
Ashley thank you for putting a word to what the rest of us were already thinking. To choose a person with just one year under their belt over someone with years of experience? Hmm. Something just doesn’t smell right. Sravana thank you for your eloquence in bringing this to our attention.
Thanks, Beth. I appreciate Ashley acknowledging the racial dynamics at play, even if it may stem from a sense of guilt or self-awareness
Are you both really saying that Matt Kizner did not vote along party lines due to racial dynamics? If you listen to the video, he drew upon his experience and conversations with community members along the campaign trail to inform his vote. It’s pretty clear the community wanted new leadership and Clark is the only candidate other than Kizner that fits that characteristic.
Are you saying that you are the community member who asked Matt to vote against Shahidul because of his age? Did you all orchestrate a back room deal with Matt, Brian and Joe? Where did you all meet? Neither I nor anyone I know asked Matt to do that. I do not believe him. Why did the community re-elect Shahidul “if it’s pretty clear that community wanted new leadership”? You need a more logical reason than that.
I’m sorry, but, What??
What happened to all your funny jokes? That went from funny to pure paranoia in no time, I’d choose a different strain if I were you.
Firstly, thanks for liking my jokes. Appreciate it! Are you asking for reading comprehension lessons? If you come out of the basement, I am happy to teach you how to read. I’ll mix in some jokes to help make education more entertaining. I will even throw in two lessons for free. Love ya!