I attended all three nights of Hopkinton’s Annual Town Meeting from beginning to end. The first two nights ended early and the third night started late because we could not maintain a quorum of 128 people. For months, Town Hall staff and various volunteer board and...
Letter to the Editor
Letter to the Editor: LaFreniere for Select Board
It is with great pleasure that I endorse Mary Jo LaFreniere for re-election to one of the two Hopkinton Select Board seats. Although I do not customarily endorse candidates, I make an exception here because of a long and enduring personal connection. I have known and...
Letter to the Editor: LaFreniere, Mannan for Select Board
I am pleased to support and endorse Mary Jo LaFreniere and Shahidul Mannan for our Select Board in Hopkinton. I have had the pleasure of working with both of them during my career of service. I am inspired by both and their commitment to volunteering on these boards...
Letter to the Editor: Town Meeting turnout needs to improve
This year’s Town Meeting had problems getting and keeping a quorum of 128 voters. Let’s review the usual reasons. It’s inconvenient: Multiple weeknight meetings are indeed a problem for some. Some other towns hold their town meetings on a single Saturday each year....
Letter to the Editor: Morand for School Committee
I write to ask you to join me in voting for Holly Morand for School Committee on May 16th. Our community has the rare opportunity to fill three seats on this critical board and our choice for the two-year seat could not be more important. Our choice cannot be a...
Letter to the Editor: Mannan for Select Board
I have known Shahidul Mannan for several years and am so impressed with his involvement in town prior to running for the Select Board. His seven years on the Appropriation Committee and two years on the Planning Board has allowed him to provide input in two critical...
Letter to the Editor: Pray for School Committee
Like many families, one of the things that attracted us to Hopkinton was the great public school system. We have not been disappointed with the quality of our children’s education. However, the schools deserve and need better guidance from our School Board, and there...
Letter to the Editor: Mannan for Select Board
I am writing in support of my friend, Shahidul Mannan, for the Select Board. I have known Shahidul for a number of years and have always been so impressed with his service to this town on multiple boards and commissions, as well as his dedication to really listening...
Letter to the Editor: Downtown project a ‘disaster’
Who will be paying for the third year of the two-year downtown project? “Free” money from the state started this project, which will not alleviate downtown traffic congestion. It will not beautify downtown. The overhead wires will only be buried from the Police...
Letter to the Editor: When will Main Street construction end?
The Main Street Corridor Project, which was sold to residents as a “two construction season” project, has now entered its second construction season. The project is apparently already delayed by one year, as the project specialist recently advised that the project is...
Letter to the Editor: Support Democrats in Town Election
This is my first time as a candidate running for an elected seat on a board; all my other volunteer positions in Hopkinton were appointed. I have been learning so much from all my fellow Democratic candidates, each and every one has been so helpful and kind to me. I...
Letter to the Editor: Mannan for Select Board
I was thrilled to learn that Shahidul Mannan is running for a seat on the Select Board. Shahidul is a compassionate, thoughtful leader and is invested in Hopkinton’s continued growth and progress. He’s a great advocate for Hopkinton and its families, and brings a...
Letter to the Editor: Chair defends Select Board after criticism
I feel compelled to respond to the recent comments disparaging the Select Board. To allege Select board accountability for the resignations within town government is ludicrous. The great resignation is happening throughout all aspects of the economy, including private...
Letter to the Editor: Professional advancement should not lead to criticism
Be respectful of career development journeys. “I cannot remember anyone blaming the Select Board in 2009 when our last town manager left, because it didn’t happen.” [This is] quoted from Beth Malloy, this is a very valid point. When people reach retirement, celebrate...
Letter to the Editor: Vote at Town Meeting to save forest from solar
For those of you who are interested in hiking, dog walking, bicycling and horseback riding in various parts of town, the preservation of the “Liberty Mutual” forest of 70 acres adjoining Hopkinton Area Land Trust’s Deer Run Sanctuary of 12 acres would be a...
Letter to the Editor: Criticism of Select Board inappropriate
I find it truly pitiful that John Coutinho thinks the negativity in his ad and letter to the editor will get him elected in Hopkinton. This is a distressful approach to a very important position in our town. I have had the utmost respect for our Select Board...
Letter to the Editor: Khumalo’s departure would be big loss for town
Norman Khumalo has done a fantastic job in Hopkinton for over a decade. His dedication and passion for excellence is second to none. Should he accept a new position he will be missed! His collaboration and focus with several strong Select Boards has propelled...
Letter to the Editor: School Committee candidate’s response disappointing
Like many of you, I have been enthusiastic regarding the upcoming election where we will elect three School Committee members! I have had the utmost respect for our previous group and am very thankful for their dedication and contributions to our community and,...
Letter to the Editor: Richards-Cavanaugh, Devlin, Morand for School Committee
Hopkinton has a unique opportunity this year to elect three members to the School Committee. In this critically important election, we are proud to support Nancy Richards-Cavanaugh, Jenn Devlin and Holly Morand for the three School Committee seats. Over the next few...
Letter to the Editor: Morand for School Committee
I was elated to learn that Holly Morand was running for Hopkinton School Committee. I could not imagine a more qualified candidate. Holly has been supporting Hopkinton for nearly a decade, so it is fitting that we first met through a mutual friend who volunteered with...