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Peter Thomas

History

The Untold Story of Judy Hoyt, Champion of the Disabled

Judy Hoyt was a relentless advocate for people with disabilities. Her work inspired and transformed the lives of thousands of Americans.
Opinion

Enough mansplaining Already

Muriel Kramer, often a lone voice of reason, endures condescending tendencies of her fellow board members Shahidul Mannan and Irfan Nasrullah. They monopolize discussions, restrict Kramer’s inquiries, and show disrespect for her Chair role, most recently during the chief's performance review. Despite Kramer’s fair and objective questions, her colleagues over-explain and undermine her efforts, demonstrating a lack of respect that is both condescending and disruptive to the meeting process.
Opinion

Select Board roundup: Where’s the Chief?

Last night's agenda featured public support for herbicide use in Lake Maspenock, Chief of Police Joseph Bennett's postponed performance review, and the town's financial health report. The Chief's non-attendance delayed his review, while the Conservation Commission endorsed using herbicides to tackle lake weeds. Financial discussions revealed Hopkinton's solid earnings and investments. Additionally, the Select Board plans to correct a typographical error concerning the Police Chief's authority in the town charter.
Opinion

Knives Should not be Allowed in our Schools

Last night's School Committee debate concerned amending the 2009 student conduct policy related to weapons, not altering the stance on drugs or assault. Superintendent Cavanaugh highlighted the issue of Sikh students' religious right to wear kirpans, which are small, dull-bladed artifacts. The discussion included how to accommodate this practice within school safety protocols, referencing global precedents and challenges, such as the 1994 Ninth Circuit Court ruling favoring religious freedom and New York City's compromise on securing kirpans. A contrasting perspective suggested strict prohibition akin to security measures in sensitive areas, citing an incident in Australia and prioritizing consistent safety policies.
Opinion

The 2024 Election will be Unlike any Other

Hopkinton is experiencing a shift towards nonpartisan local governance, embracing community service and competence over political affiliations, as seen with the passage of Article 2. Despite past toxic political discourse and social media misuse, residents are collectively rejecting negativity. There's a call to action for new leadership as the town prepares to undertake significant projects that will shape Hopkinton's future. The emphasis is on unity and positive transformation, inviting dedicated candidates to step forward for the upcoming elections.
Opinion

On BVT, Bennett Silenced Himself

John "Jay" Porter, former Deputy Police Chief, coached girls' soccer at BVT until May 2, 2023, despite being on leave since August 25, 2022, due to a felony child rape investigation. Controversy arose over his continued coaching during this period. But Police Chief Bennett could have removed Porter earlier.
Opinion

Analysis: Timing of Police Promotions Leaves Brennan without a Seat

In a move prior to Sgt. Brennan's decisive closed-door meeting, the Select Board promoted Detectives Greg DeBoer and Matthew Santoro to Sergeants. We ask "Why now?"
Opinion

From the Editor: Sorry Not Sorry We Outed the Victim, says the Town

The Town of Hopkinton formally apologized to Porter's alleged victim, after mistakenly revealing her identity in a document release on Friday evening. Actually, that's what they should have done. Instead, they focused on themselves again, and politely (and absurdly) asked every media organization that has the original documents to return them.
Opinion

Milton Citizens send a Wake-up Call to Hopkinton

A citizens petition in Milton seeks to overturn a plan to comply with the state's MBTA Communities law, allowing multifamily zoning. Hopkinton also faces similar zoning requirements. Failure to comply risks missing out on state funds and facing legal action. Engagement in local government is urged to ensure informed decision-making. Ultimately, the issue reflects the need for public participation in local governance.
People

On Being a Trans Female Teenager in Hopkinton

Saffron, a 17-year-old transgender female, has endured a complicated, challenging journey even at her young age. Born a biological male named, Saffron suffered from mild autism and battled isolation and confusion, especially as she grappled with issues of gender identity. Despite the difficult phone call to her parents announcing her non-binary status and subsequent struggles against societal norms and prejudices, Saffron has remained strong and aims to work with youth struggling with similar issues one day. Despite everything, she is clear that one's gender identity doesn't determine their worth.
Opinion

Want to Attract and Retain Town Employees? Let them Enroll their Kids in Hopkinton Schools.

To address staff turnover at Town Hall, HopNews Editor-in-Chief Peter Thomas suggests a novel approach: allow full-time employees to enroll their kids in Hopkinton's public schools. The proposal, anticipated to add just 36 students, could greatly enhance recruitment and retention. The idea could also be implemented using an inter-district school choice program, potentially leaving the town with no financial burden.
Features

The Mystery of the Jenner Property

In 2023, Hopkinton approved the purchase of a 42-acre lot, the Jenner property, for preservation and trail expansion. But a site survey revealed a discrepancy in the parcel's demarcation on different maps, triggering extensive deed history research by OSPC Chair Ed Harrow. Did a zealous cartographer in the 1980's ignore previous maps and merge one family's property with another, effectively taking it? With no transfer records, and ambiguous parcel descriptions, the town may not be able to complete the purchase of the property, and we are left with several questions about how big the lot truly is and who legally owns it. With the help of friends and local historians, HopNews dives into the complicated story of ownership for the land in question.
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