Opinion Archives - Page 16 of 35

Want to Attract and Retain Town Employees? Let them Enroll their Kids in Hopkinton Schools.

To address staff turnover at Town Hall, HopNews Editor-in-Chief Peter Thomas suggests a novel approach: allow full-time employees to enroll their kids in Hopkinton’s public schools. The proposal, anticipated to add just 36 students, could greatly enhance recruitment and retention. The idea could also be implemented using an inter-district school choice program, potentially leaving the town with no financial burden.

Peter Thomas | Dec 14, 2023 | 17

The Hopkinton Dependent?

The Hopkinton Independent reported that the town received a fraudulent invoice from HopNews.com, which was mistakenly paid and later cancelled. However, the article received criticism for failing to seek comments from the accused and for not investigating the town’s review and approval process. Questions are raised about the Independent’s reporting practices, with assertions that its coverage seems biased, avoiding controversial issues. The paper’s association with town hall, significant advertisement revenue, and origins in advertising over journalism suggests potential conflict of interest.

HopNews Staff | Dec 7, 2023 | 7

Letter to the Editor: STM Article 2

The Special Town Meeting, Article 2. Where to begin… A big thank you to Connor Degan; without his expertise and guidance, John and I would never have come up with a petition that met the various requirements. Likewise, we’d have been...

HopNews Staff | Nov 16, 2023 | 0

Letter to the Editor: Town should Sell Buildings to Offset Elmwood Costs

Town meeting is Monday. I have to admit, I had lots of negative feelings about building a new school. Let me tell you why. I’m old enough to remember last winter, when Dr. Cavanaugh spent months poor-mouthing the tax burden related to keeping a few therapists in...

HopNews Staff | Nov 11, 2023 | 1

Letter to the Editor: We Can’t Kick the Can Down the Road on Elmwood

Rob Nickerson writes to support the Elmwood School Project despite the added tax repercussions, highlighting that the long-term benefits outweigh short-term costs. As a part of the previous school project committee, Nickerson emphasizes that a strong school district serves everyone, even if the immediate benefits aren’t personal. He suggests that deferring the project would only defer and increase the cost of overcoming existing infrastructure and educational concerns. By voting yes, he contends, Hopkinton endorses an investment in the community’s future.

HopNews Staff | Nov 7, 2023 | 0

Letter to the Editor: Vote Yes on Article 2

In response to a letter urging for a ‘No’ vote on Article 2 in Hopkinton’s Special Town Meeting, John Cardillo presents an opposing viewpoint. He argues that eliminating local party caucuses can prevent ‘shortcut’ nominations and limit ‘down-ballot’ voting based on party affiliation. He believes towns should consider local interests over party dogma, and urges a ‘Yes’ vote on Article 2 to end partisan local elections.

HopNews Staff | Nov 3, 2023 | 0

Brennan: Rule Breaker? Yes. Criminal Mastermind? No.

An analysis of Sgt. Tim Brennan’s involvement in the Jay Porter case, and whether he failed to comply with his duties as a sworn officer of the law by not reporting an alleged crime to his superiors. Meanwhile, an anonymous tipster continues to press the case that Brennan is a dirty cop and that Porter has been falsely accused.

HopNews Staff | Nov 1, 2023 | 2

Letter to the Editor: Time to Step Up Involvement

Jim Mirabile of the Hopkinton Republican Town Committee reminds residents to get involved. With 45 town boards and committees having 40 vacancies, the Mirabile urges citizens to voice their opinions, participate in meetings, and join committees. The HRTC offers tools to understand the roles, vacancies, and term lengths of each board, in a bid for a diverse and involved community.

HopNews Staff | Oct 31, 2023 | 1

Letter to the Editor: It’s Time to Replace Elmwood

Reader Sarah Slottje writes that Elmwood School is facing capacity issues due to a growing student population, with an expected growth of over 20% within 10 years. Without state replacement, the Town of Hopkinton will bear the cost of necessary modifications but long-term, a new building is advisable. With current reimbursement unlikely, delaying the project may increase costs. The ESBC’s proposed solution includes having 4th grade in the same facility as 2nd and 3rd grades. The matter is up for community vote on November 13.

HopNews Staff | Oct 30, 2023 | 2

Letter to the Editor: Vote Yes on Elmwood

Dear Neighbors of Hopkinton, I write to express my wholehearted support for our town’s proposed construction of a new elementary school. As a dedicated advocate for educational programming, as parent of three students, and as a concerned citizen, I...

HopNews Staff | Oct 26, 2023 | 9

Opinion in Hopkinton, MA