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Politics in Hopkinton, MA

“Bring Brennan Back,” says Town Meeting to Select Board

During a prolonged Town Meeting, articles were approved to fund HVAC replacements and structural repairs at two fire stations. Additionally, a citizen's petition passed to advocate for the reinstatement of Sergeant Tim Brennan, who was controversially fired. Discussions also included law enforcement policy adherence, town personnel actions, and amendments concerning environmental testing. Major points included various community members vocalizing both support and opposition, leading to several democratic decisions, though not all articles were successful. The meeting highlighted robust civic engagement and varied opinions on town governance and community values.

2% of Voters Decide to Raise $171 million in Tax

At Hopkinton Middle School's Annual Town Meeting, attended by 343 of 13,076 registered voters, several significant fiscal decisions were made, totaling $171,982,393. Highlights included passing the Operating budget at $121 million, approving a salary for Town Clerk Connor Degan, and agreeing to digitize town records at a cost of $667k. Debates ensued over the Hopkins Addition project, with its $48 million need achieving the required 2/3 majority. Public works projects also received attention, with some approved and others denied. The discussion will continue in a Special Town Meeting addressing additional civic matters.

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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.

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.

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.
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Highlights from Police Chief Joseph Bennett’s midyear performance review

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Resident Questions Tactic of Limiting Free Speech at Public Forum

At a Hopkinton Select Board meeting, resident Scott Ober criticized the Board's biased timekeeping during public comments, particularly concerning feedback on the Police Chief. He highlighted that a previous speaker exceeded the two-minute limit unchallenged, indicating selective enforcement. Ober also condemned the Chair's 'warnings' as intimidation, stifling free speech, and called for adherence to recent Supreme Judicial Court rulings against civility restraints on public comment session speech content.

Fogg: Hopkinton Belongs to All of Us, Not Just The HDTC

Nancy Drawe criticized Hopkinton citizens for their unkind behavior at Select Board meetings, but Ashley Fogg defends the public's right to speak out. Drawe's suggestion that dissenters run for office is called tone-deaf, citing harassment by the Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee (HDTC) against non-endorsed candidates as a deterrent to civic engagement. The author asserts that free speech must be respected without intimidation or harassment, especially as a new election cycle approaches.

Backtracking, Select Board will not Review Police Chief on Tuesday

During the Hopkinton Select Board's mid-year review, Chair Muriel Kramer detailed Chief Joseph Bennett's failures, including hiring issues, no body cams, an absent drug policy, and alleged insubordination. The Board delayed their review to March 12, but the subsequent agenda omitted it, focusing on other matters, frustrating local residents who openly criticized Bennett's self-assessment.

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“Bring Brennan Back,” says Town Meeting to Select Board

During a prolonged Town Meeting, articles were approved to fund HVAC replacements and structural repairs at two fire stations. Additionally, a citizen's petition passed to advocate for the reinstatement of Sergeant Tim Brennan, who was controversially fired. Discussions also included law enforcement policy adherence, town personnel actions, and amendments concerning environmental testing. Major points included various community members vocalizing both support and opposition, leading to several democratic decisions, though not all articles were successful. The meeting highlighted robust civic engagement and varied opinions on town governance and community values.

2% of Voters Decide to Raise $171 million in Tax

At Hopkinton Middle School's Annual Town Meeting, attended by 343 of 13,076 registered voters, several significant fiscal decisions were made, totaling $171,982,393. Highlights included passing the Operating budget at $121 million, approving a salary for Town Clerk Connor Degan, and agreeing to digitize town records at a cost of $667k. Debates ensued over the Hopkins Addition project, with its $48 million need achieving the required 2/3 majority. Public works projects also received attention, with some approved and others denied. The discussion will continue in a Special Town Meeting addressing additional civic matters.

Your Guide to Town Meeting 2024

Hopkinton will host its Annual Town Meeting on May 6 and a Special Town Meeting on May 7 at Hopkinton Middle School. Attendees will vote on 52 articles during the Annual Meeting and 5 additional proposals in the Special Meeting, addressing issues from town budget increases and water management to a major school renovation project. Key topics include significant debt considerations due to capital requests, particularly a $48 million expansion for Hopkins Elementary, and the adoption of a specialized Stretch Energy Code aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Voting will be electronic, with large attendance expected.

Police Seek Vehicle Seen Joyriding at HCC

The Hopkinton police are requesting help to identify a vehicle responsible for considerable damage on the Hopkinton Country Club golf course at 5:00 PM today. The vehicle nearly hit several golfers. Individuals with any information should contact the police at (508) 497-3401.