Ryan Sweatt has been charged with the first degree murder of Destini Decoff, who he allegedly intentionally struck with his vehicle in an apparent act of road rage. There are also new details on Hopkinton PD's response and corrections to eyewitness accounts.

The Appropriation Committee's report for Hopkinton's upcoming Annual Town Meeting outlines significant financial challenges, projecting property tax increases between 10% and 22% over the next five years due to escalating capital expenditures and debt, which could reach 83% of the legal limit. Key budget priorities include sustaining core services and funding the Hopkins School addition. Rising debts and a potential operating deficit of $4 million by 2028 highlight urgent issues, compounded by costly measures to address PFAS contamination in water.

On this episode, we are joined by Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities, Ed Augustus, whose department is charged in part with overseeing the implementation of the MBTA Communities Act. Also joining Peter as co-host is Chair of Hopkinton's Planning Board, Gary Trendel.

At the upcoming Special Town Meeting on May 7, Hopkinton's Fire Chief, Gary Daugherty, Jr., will request funding for essential repairs at the fire station, including replacing the rusted, 27-year-old HVAC units. This repair is urgent as the current equipment failures cause indoor rain, disrupting operations.

HopNews asserts that Select Board member Shahidul Mannan has defamed the publication for for labeling it as racist. Mannan claimed he was racially attacked, comments he related to the portrayal by local media including HopNews. Despite attempts to discuss these accusations, Mannan did not respond. Mannan's continued silence left HopNews no choice but to respond assertively through their counsel. Read the full demand letter and reader comments.

Hopkinton's campaign season started for the May 20 election with only one contested position: the Select Board. This board oversees town affairs, including finances, with this year's budget at $123 million. Discontent is evident, as 89% polled lack confidence in the current board. Four candidates are vying for two seats, with multiple events scheduled for voter engagement before the election.

On this episode, Peter & Jim discuss the variety of comments the Select Board heard this week at public forum, including from one of its own members, who described his recent experiences with racism in our town. We also discuss the DA's decision to hold no one accountable for the town's leaking an alleged rape victim's confidential information. Also on the pod, Marathon Monday, exclusive new details on the Destini Decoff case, and the history of Hopkinton's first (and only?) hotel.

The slate for the May 20 town election is set, with the only contested race being for two seats on the Select Board. Four candidates are vying for the seats of outgoing Chair Muriel Kramer and member Irfan Nasrullah. Meanwhile, various other town positions see individual candidates, including boards and commissions with terms ranging from one to five years. A debate for Select Board candidates is scheduled for April 28.

Steven E. Gagne of the Northwestern DA's Office reported on an unredacted transcript release, involving multiple parties' negligence, by the Hopkinton Police. Though Town Manager, Chief Bennett, and others missed redacting a victim's details, Gagne found the oversight unintentional. He doubts criminal liability due to the absence of required intent, and no prosecution was recommended, but stresses the need for preventative future measures.

A response to Select Board member Shahidul Mannan's statement that he and his family have been recently subjected to racial attacks.

Rosemary C. Gelman, 77, of Hopkinton, passed on April 13, 2024. She leaves behind a 41-year marriage, two sons, and extended family. A dedicated nurse with a Master's and NP license, she co-founded dialysis units in Massachusetts. Remembered for her compassion, she contributed significantly to her community, family, and national parks.