Last Tuesday, November 12, Hopkinton’s Select Board wrapped up Police Chief Joe Bennett’s mid-year review. The review started back in February but was never officially completed.
After the previous meeting, many criticized both Bennett and the Select Board for a lack of preparedness and a seeming reluctance to answer hard questions.
This topic is highly contentious in Hopkinton, with many residents expressing concerns about its effects on schools, taxes, and the character of the town. However, local officials emphasize that compliance with state law is essentially mandatory. Ignoring or circumventing the zoning bylaw could lead to negative consequences for the town.
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.
John Mosher endorses Brian Herr and Joe Clark for the Hopkinton Select Board, highlighting their commitment to community, strong leadership skills, and relevant experience. Herr is praised for his thoughtful deliberation and deep local involvement, while Clark is recognized for his financial expertise and dedication to public service. Mosher stresses that their contributions are essential as Hopkinton faces growth, budget strains, and significant municipal challenges, emphasizing the impact of future decisions on the town's trajectory.
Peter LaGoy endorses Joe Clark and Brian Herr for the Select Board in Hopkinton, highlighting their financial acumen and deep roots in the community. Joe embodies a forward-looking approach coupled with valuable historical context, while Brian offers significant financial expertise and a pragmatic character. Their combined capabilities are crucial for steering Hopkinton through future challenges and opportunities. Peter calls for community support for their candidacy on the 20th.
Gary Trendel endorses Brian Herr for Hopkinton Select Board, emphasizing his extensive experience, leadership style prioritizing the town's broad interests, and commitment to principled decision-making. Herr's broad spectrum of skills in managing financial stability and team building, along with a forward-looking vision, make him an essential candidate. Trendel advocates for diverse perspectives on the board, highlighting Herr's ability to enrich discussions and bring balanced, effective solutions. Vote for Brian Herr on May 20.
Chuck Wallace, a retired town employee from Hopkinton, endorses Joe Clark for the Select Board, highlighting Joe's familial legacy of public service. Wallace expresses concern over the loss of skilled employees and long-time residents, driven by tough fiscal challenges and rising taxes due to multiple large-scale projects. He trusts Joe's financial expertise to foster employee appreciation and manage tax relief, ensuring fiscal stability for Hopkinton's future.
Don Collins admonishes the Select Board for lack of transparency and responsibility, particularly concerning the mishandling of sensitive information related to Sgt. Tim Brennan. Collins criticizes Amy Ritterbusch’s actions, including reposting an unredacted report that exposed a sexual assault victim’s identity. He expresses disappointment in the Select Board's conduct at a critical hearing and calls for Ritterbusch's resignation due to her role in worsening the victim’s trauma and the town’s financial liability. Collins urges fellow citizens to remain vigilant and proactive against the Board's negligent behavior.
Jean Bertschmann endorses Brian Herr for Hopkinton's Select Board, emphasizing his dedicated community service and collaborative leadership style. Herr's deep understanding of Hopkinton's challenges, such as population growth and significant town projects, alongside his crucial role in hiring and onboarding processes, uniquely positions him to guide the town's future, particularly in selecting the next Town Manager. Bertschmann values Herr’s ongoing commitment and urges support for his candidacy.
Pat O'Brien endorses Joe Clark and Brian Herr for Hopkinton's Select Board election on May 20th. Joe, known for his finance background, advocates for small businesses and brings a fresh perspective. Meanwhile, Brian, a seasoned member, is praised for his fiscal responsibility and unbiased decision-making amid financial challenges.
LaFreniere stated, "I fully accept this. It's my fault entirely." LaFreniere told police that she did not want any special treatment. She will attend tonight’s Select Board meeting, knowing that there will be comments aimed at her during the public forum. She said, “I'll be judged harshly. Let the chips fall where they may.”
There is a lost rooster in the vicinity of 46 Frankland Road. The bird has been there for a couple of days and the property owner would like to find the rooster's owner.
On December 16, 1773, 311 years ago today, John Dickman of Hopkinton, Massachusetts, participated in one of the most famous events in American history: the Boston Tea Party. In a demonstration of colonial revolt against British rule, American patriots—some disguised as Mohawk Indians—dumped 342 chests of tea into the Boston Harbor.