Opinion in Hopkinton, MA

Michael R. Ciccolella, a 47-year-old Ashland resident and Needham Public Schools teacher, was arrested on March 6 following a months-long investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies. Ciccolella faces charges of possession of child pornography, distribution of obscene material, and distribution of material depicting a nude child.

The Festivus holiday, held on December 23rd, is an unofficial holiday popularized as a quirky and humorous alternative to the traditional holiday season. Festivus, first mentioned in the 1997 television show “Seinfeld,” has broken free of its TV origins and become a cultural touchstone for many.

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.