Following a modest turnout of voters Monday, Shahidul Mannan returned to his seat on the Select Board while Matthew Kizner took the other open position.
According to unofficial results released from the Town Clerk’s Office, 1,288 residents turned out to vote in Monday’s Annual Town Election — just shy of 10% of Hopkinton’s eligible voters.
“It’s tough, especially when there’s no ballot questions,” Town Clerk Connor Degan remarked on voter turnout following a reading of the votes on HCAM.
Mannan maintained his seat with 740 votes. Jeff Doyle — the newcomer in this year’s Select Board race — trailed close behind with 703 votes. But the biggest winner of the night was Kizner, who netted 805 total votes across the five precincts.
Standing outside Hopkinton Middle School with campaign signs are, from left: Julie Doyle, Jeff Doyle, Shahidul Mannan, Matthew Kizner and Amy Groves. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO
“It’s humbling and empowering in a way I’m struggling to describe,” Kizner told the Independent following the vote tally.
“In hindsight, it was a reflection of the campaign I was trying to run,” said Kizner, noting he wanted to focus on making residents feel heard and respected. He said despite his endorsement from the Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee, he looked to make it clear he was “a voice for the other side as well.”
Added Kizner: “I hoped I put that foot forward, and tonight’s results suggest that I did.”
Mannan, like Kizner, was pleased with the results of the election and excited to get to work.
“I’m really happy and thankful to the residents, and thankful to my supporters who really rooted for me and got me here,” said Mannan. “I’m looking forward to working with everyone.”
He highlighted concerns he wants to continue helping the Select Board solve, including the town’s ongoing water quality issues, economic development and budget issues.
“There’s much more to do,” he added.
While the results were not what he was hoping for, Doyle said he was happy the final tallies were close and residents came out to vote. He also recognized that the town opted for the candidates with the most political experience.
“My view is a little bit different, but it’s not what voters chose on Election Day,” said Doyle.
“I’m glad I was able to offer a different perspective of someone that has been in town for many years,” he added.
Doyle does not believe his run for Select Board will be the end of a career in town politics for him. He said once he makes up some time with his family and recalibrates, he hopes to be back in some capacity.
“There definitely will be something next,” he said.
In the only other contested race in this year’s Town Election, incumbent Peter Mimmo held his Board of Assessors seat against opponent Frederick “Ted” Mayer. Mimmo earned 747 votes to Mayer’s 416.
Congratulations to all the candidates for running clean campaigns. I hope this puts an end to the divisiveness created by the manufactured outrage. Shahidul Mannan would be great for the Board President position. Cheers!