Opinion Archives - Page 14 of 35

Letter to Select Board: You Must Resign

An impassioned plea from Hopkinton citizens Paula and Walter Garland accuses most Hopkinton Select Board members of incompetence, urging all except Muriel Kramer to resign for failing to understand critical aspects of a sexual assault case involving Sgt. Brennan. They criticize the Board’s treatment of Brennan, highlight his integrity, and blast the Chief and Board for privacy violations. The Garlands demand Brennan’s reinstatement, the Chief’s termination, and the resignation of other Board members.

HopNews Staff | Jan 25, 2024 | 25

Media Watch: Independent Inexplicably Twists Facts about Porter’s Victim

The Hopkinton Independent printed an article on the town’s press release calling for the return of documents it accidentally leaked that contained Jay Porter’s alleged victim’s name. But the article has glaring factual errors that risk confusing readers, and further harming the victim.

HopNews Staff | Jan 24, 2024 | 6

From the Editor: Sorry Not Sorry We Outed the Victim, says the Town

The Town of Hopkinton formally apologized to Porter’s alleged victim, after mistakenly revealing her identity in a document release on Friday evening.

Actually, that’s what they should have done.

Instead, they focused on themselves again, and politely (and absurdly) asked every media organization that has the original documents to return them.

Peter Thomas | Jan 23, 2024 | 3

Letter: Nothing in Life is Black and White

Town leaders are challenged with the safety and quality of life pertaining to issues like LNG facilities, PFAS contamination, and infrastructure improvements. Sgt. Tim Brennan has been a positive force in the community, facing censure for honoring a sexual assault victim’s request for confidentiality, which overshadowed his contributions. A failure in protocol for notifying others potentially at risk from the assailant questions the responsibility among authorities. Don Collins advocates moving beyond policy infractions to focus on significant community safety and quality of life matters.

HopNews Staff | Jan 19, 2024 | 6

Letter to SB: Focus should be on Porter, not Brennan

Karen Crum, a Hopkinton resident, urges the Select Board to reconsider the termination of Officer Brennan, arguing it overlooks broader system failures highlighted by the Porter case. Crum emphasizes the importance of sound judgment in community roles and expresses concern that opinions surrounding Brennan’s case are not fully informed. She appeals for Brennan’s reinstatement, pointing to strong community support and suggesting flawed internal procedures allowed Porter’s retirement amid serious allegations.

HopNews Staff | Jan 18, 2024 | 10

Survivor of Abuse Writes SB; IACP Policies show “Sergent Brennan did Everything Right”

An anonymous survivor of childhood sexual abuse writes to the Select Board advocating for the reinstatement of Sergeant Timothy Brennan, commendable in supporting a victim. They criticize the Hopkinton Police Department’s consideration of Brennan’s termination over alleged policy violations as misdirected and possibly retaliatory. The writer urges the Board to review and revise policies to prioritize victim support and address situations where police may be the perpetrators. They stress the importance of updating policies across all fields to reflect evolving situations and best practices.

HopNews Staff | Jan 17, 2024 | 4

To the Editor: “Malicious Allegations written about Chief Bennett”

Patrick O’Brien, a Hopkinton resident and former police officer, extols the virtues of Sgt. Brennan and Chief Bennett, his long-time colleagues and friends. While lauding Brennan’s exceptional community police work, he also defends Bennett against malicious allegations, highlighting the public’s lack of full information regarding an ongoing investigation and urges the community to await the complete facts before judging.

HopNews Staff | Jan 17, 2024 | 5

MassCOP Union to SB: “Sergeant Tim Brennan was always Kind, Courteous, and Inclusive”

Members of the Massachusetts Coalition of Police Local 254A expressed their support for suspended Sergeant Tim Brennan to the Hopkinton Select Board, praising his positive impact, inclusivity, and service to the community. Despite the ongoing case, they emphasized his kindness, helpful nature, and strong rapport within and beyond the department.

HopNews Staff | Jan 17, 2024 | 0

Letter to SB: Brennan Held to a “Double Standard”

Timothy Boivin supports Sgt. Brennan’s reinstatement, highlighting the negative impacts of Brennan’s non-compliance with reporting protocols, influenced by perceived departmental biases. Boivin underscores the leadership’s failure to protect minors despite Brennan’s sincere apology, honorable intentions, and truthfulness under oath. He argues firing Brennan when leadership failed on a larger scale would be unjust and exacerbate Hopkinton Police Department’s troubled culture.

HopNews Staff | Jan 16, 2024 | 5

Letter to SB: “Police Officers are held to a Higher Standard”

Kellie Kenney appeals to the Select Board for Sergeant Tim Brennan’s reinstatement in Hopkinton Police, praising his character and two-decade service. She questions the proposed termination over policy violations suggesting that an internal punishment, like suspension, would suffice and implies personal conflicts may influence the chief’s stance. She urges reconsideration of Brennan’s record and immediate reinstatement.

HopNews Staff | Jan 16, 2024 | 0

Opinion in Hopkinton, MA