Ms. Mitchell, an abutter to the proposed downtown parking lot, questions the town’s math, and why the article is being reconsidered after failing my a large majority just 5 years ago.
The air has been cleared. Through the town’s attorney, Select Board Vice Chair Shahidul Mannan has responded to our demand letter, and the attorney confirms that in fact Mr. Mannan was mistaken; that he was referring to Facebook, not HopNews.
A response to Select Board member Shahidul Mannan’s statement that he and his family have been recently subjected to racial attacks.
Hopkinton chose to opt out of a branding opportunity with the B.A.A., Bank of America, and Adidas for the 100th Boston Marathon. The town, known for its “It All Starts Here” slogan, missed out on economic benefits and global exposure.
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.
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.
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.
An open letter to you, Hopkinton’s best candidate for Select Board.
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.
Residents Gayle and Scott Ober criticized Chief Joe Bennett’s mid-year self-review for lacking substance and specificity. They detailed that his self-assessment failed to provide tangible evidence of accomplishments or meaningful progress in important areas such as community outreach and officer recruitment. The Obers accused Bennett and the Select Board of using vague claims and trivial matters to mask inactivity and a lack of proactive policing in Hopkinton. They pointed out violations of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and a toxic work culture, expressing distrust in the Board’s oversight and asking for accountability.
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