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Politics in Hopkinton, MA

News

Election Day 2024: What You Need to Know

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.
Opinion

Choosing the Next Select Board Chair

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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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.
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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.
Politics

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.
Opinion

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.
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News

Election Day 2024: What You Need to Know

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.
Opinion

Choosing the Next Select Board Chair

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.
Opinion

LTE: Why I Endorse Herr and Clark

Dear Editor, I am pleased to endorse Brian Herr and Joe Clark for the upcoming...
Obituaries

Bill Thomas, Jr. passes at 81

William “Bill” Thomas of Ft. Meyers, FL, formerly of Hopkinton, MA passed away surrounded...
20th Century Homes

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