Newly elected Select Board members Brian Herr and Joe Clark will lead a review of the handling of former Police Officer Timothy Brennan’s case on June 4. They criticized the past board’s decisions, stating it failed to reflect public sentiment. The meeting will be available live on HCAM and via Zoom.
Wit Wolfe is a satirist who shares his observations on the lighter side of Hopkinton. Also by Mr. Wolfe: Bins, Bikes, and Bruises: The Chaotic Thursdays of Main Street
On Monday, May 20, Hopkinton saw a substantial voter turnout of 2,919, a notable 49% increase from the previous May 2023 election, marking the highest recent turnout, though not surpassing the historical record set in 1998. High engagement was driven by a competitive Select Board race and several crucial propositions. Voter participation reached 21.8% of registered voters. Town Clerk Connor Degan highlighted that any turnout above 20% is considered good for local elections.
Ilana Casady resigned from the Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee, citing misalignment with its values and leadership issues. This follows the recent resignations of Shahidul and Nasiba Mannan from the same committee. Casady criticized the previous chair for damaging the group’s credibility and expressed hope for better representation in the town.
Following a defeat in securing the Chair of the Select Board, Shahidul Mannan and his wife, Nasiba, announced their resignations from the Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee (HDTC).
In tonight’s Select Board meeting, residents overwhelmingly supported Brian Herr for Chair, citing his extensive experience and recent electoral success. After adjusting the meeting’s agenda, public support was evident during the forum. The board vote deadlocked at 2-2, with Mary Jo Lafreniere casting the decisive vote for Herr, citing the need for a period of calm in the town. Herr then assumed leadership, and Mary Jo Lafreniere was elected Vice Chair, supported by Herr, in what might be her last year on the board.
In the 2024 Town Election, Joe Clark and Brian Herr won seats on the Hopkinton Select Board, securing 34% and 33% of the votes respectively. Precincts showed varying support, with Clark winning in three of the five precincts. Both victors emphasized their dedication to budget management and the successful completion of school projects. The Select Board will choose their Chair and Vice Chair in an upcoming meeting. Votes not yet counted are unlikely to impact the overall election result.
Today is Election Day in Hopkinton with polls open at Hopkinton Middle School until 8:00 PM. Over 800 mail-in ballots have been collected, about 40% of those distributed. Voter assistance is available for those with vision or hearing impairments. Live election results will be broadcast tonight at 8:00 PM on HCAM-TV.
May 20, 2024 is election day in Hopkinton. Polls are open 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. Here’s a crash course on what you need to know to cast your vote.
Hopkinton’s upcoming election will significantly impact its Select Board with the voting in of two new members followed by a restructuring to elect a new chairperson and vice-chair. While every member holds equal voting power, the chair bears more responsibilities, including agenda setting with the Town Manager and generally serving as the board’s spokesperson. Current Vice Chair Shahidul Mannan seeks the chairmanship, supported largely by party loyalists. Outcomes heavily depend on election results, with different scenarios predicting either Mannan or former chair Bryan Herr could prevail, influenced by the loyalties and previous actions of the board members.
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