Got a tip? Text (508) 494-5739
or email editor@hopnews.com
Search
HomeNewsPolitics

Politics in Hopkinton, MA

Politics

Voters Meet the Candidates

At the 36th "Meet the Candidates" night in Hopkinton, local candidates discussed critical issues ahead of the May 20 town election. Candidates addressed the main street project, school initiatives, drinking water, and the need for new town leadership. Concerns were also raised about senior citizen affordability, employee retention, and environmental sustainability, indicating a need for balanced leadership to navigate Hopkinton’s pressing issues and opportunities for improvement.
News

It’s ‘Meet the Candidates’ Week

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.

Keep exploring

Politics

Slate of Candidates for May Election Finalized

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.
News

Select Board Roundup: Norman Says Goodbye

The Hopkinton Select Board bid farewell to Town Manager Norman Khumalo, commended for guiding the town through growth and sound financial management. Public Forum had calls for a Citizen of the Year initiative, debate on police chief's administrative leave, a police union complaint on promotion processes, and Member Mannan recounting racial attacks. Elaine Lazarus was named Interim Town Manager, and after interviews, Sergeant Scott van Raalten was appointed as Lieutenant.
News

Article to Reinstate Brennan Hits Town Meeting Warrant

A group of Hopkinton citizens secured an article on the Special Town Meeting warrant to request the reinstatement of fired Police Sergeant Tim Brennan.
Politics

HCAM and HopNews to Moderate Select Board Candidate Debate

On April 28, HCAM-TV and HopNews will host live debates for May 20's contested elections in Hopkinton. Nappi and Thomas return as moderators, with discussions on community issues. Two key debates are scheduled: a 1-year Planning Board seat at 4 PM, and a 4:45 PM Select Board race with four candidates.
Politics

Meet Peter Mimmo, Candidate for Select Board

Peter Mimmo, a Hopkinton Board of Assessors member since 2022, is running for the Select Board on May 20. He's a civil litigation attorney and former Northbridge public servant. Mimmo emphasizes his labor expertise, listening skills, and prioritizes government transparency and discourse with residents. Diane, his wife, is a committed community member. Mimmo proposes creating an Economic Development Advisory Board and tackling the local PFAS water issue.
Politics

In Heated Meeting, Kramer and Bennett Spar over Chief’s Performance

The Select Board revisited Police Chief Bennett's performance, addressing his accomplishments and challenged hiring initiatives. Bennett faced criticism for unfulfilled leadership roles, notably the prolonged vacancy of the Lieutenant spot. Tensions rose around accusations of Bennett fostering a hostile work environment and retaliation, resulting in a conflict-laden review that questioned the department's leadership effectiveness and transparency.
00:14:34
Politics

Highlights from Police Chief Joseph Bennett’s midyear performance review

On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, the Hopkinton Select Board attempted to conduct a performance...
Politics

Kyla McSweeney: “I will Listen to the Concerns of All Residents”

Kyla McSweeney is contending for Hopkinton Select Board to fill one of two vacancies, aiming to represent all residents' concerns. Holding a law degree and working with diverse educational perspectives, she emphasizes the importance of balancing development with maintaining affordability. McSweeney also prioritizes clean water and retaining local talent, valuing Hopkinton's strong community.
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

Herr Endorses Joe Clark

Former Select Board member, Brian Herr, endorses Joe Clark for the Board, highlighting Joe's deep connection to Hopkinton and solid business acumen. With strong leadership skills and financial expertise, Joe is seen as a valuable asset to continue the town's legacy of progress and community teamwork.
Politics

Brian Herr Seeks Return to Select Board

Brian Herr, a long-time Hopkinton resident, is seeking a fifth term on the Select Board after previously serving four terms and ending his last in 2021. Herr, who has changed his party affiliation to Independent, emphasizes the need to address local issues, support quality education and town services, manage finances carefully, and complete the Downtown Corridor project. With experience in town government and a commitment to nonpartisan local advancement, Herr is responding to community encouragement to run again.
Politics

Meet Select Board Candidate Joe Clark

Joe Clark, with strong Hopkinton family ties, announced his candidacy for the town's Select Board. Clark aims for economic growth to offset rising taxes and pledges to enhance transparency on the Select Board.
Load more

Latest articles

News

Sweatt Charged with Murder One

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.
Public Safety

Middlesex DA Arrests Four In Connection with Burglary Ring

The Middlesex DA and State Police arrested four men, implicating them in 43 burglaries targeting homes of Indian or South Asian residents across Hopkinton and 24 other Massachusetts towns from 2018 to 2024. The organized burglary ring, tied to a Providence gang, stole items worth over $4 million. The accused were indicted on 95 counts related to these crimes and operated with sophisticated methods including Wi-Fi jammers and strategic planning based on the victims' ethnic backgrounds.
News

Appropriation Committee Paints Dire Financial Picture for 2026 and Beyond

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.
News

Episode 15 of The HopTake: The Housing Crisis

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.

HopNews is an online news source that creates compelling, local content for residents of Hopkinton, Massachusetts and the surrounding community.

privacy policy

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Download the HopNews app!