Opinion

I am pleased to endorse Beth Malloy for Constable (2-year seat). It was no surprise that Beth stepped up to fill the seat she currently holds; volunteerism, advocacy, and fairness are part of Beth’s character. In addition to working professionally in a capacity to help others, Beth continues to devote much of her time to additional volunteer roles, including offering rescue dogs a warm and safe foster environment and serving as a compassionate care companion in Milford Regional Hospital’s palliative care unit.

I am writing to endorse and support Shahidul Mannan for our Selectboard in our upcoming election. I believe Shahidul has the town experience, planning and budgetary expertise, fresh perspective, and will bring new ideas to effectively add tremendous value to our Select Board.

Join me in voting for Holly Lynn Morand for the 2-year position on Hopkinton School Committee on Monday, May 16.

I challenge anyone who meets Shahidul Mannan to not be inspired by his positivity, professionalism and unyielding public service.

For nearly a decade, Shahidul has dutifully and intelligently served our community on critical Boards and Committees (namely, the Planning Board, the Appropriation Committee, the Community Preservation Committee and the Growth Study Committee). These government boards don't get due attention for their importance but matter profoundly for the pressing issues facing Hopkinton in the years to come.

This year, there are 2 School Committee Candidates for each of the 3 seats. For the one year seat: Jennifer Devlin or Jared Pray. For the 2 year seat: Ashley Fogg or Holly Morand. For the 3 year seat: Nancy Richards-Cavanaugh or Christopher Melton. We gave all candidates in these 3 School Committee races an opportunity to answer some questions to be posted on our website. Below, view the questions and responses from all Candidates in these races who submitted answers.

School Committee (3 Year Seat: Nancy Richards-Cavanaugh or Christopher Melton)

This year, there are 3 Constable Candidates for one 2-year seat: Beth Malloy, Michael Torosian and John Cardillo. We gave all candidates in this race an opportunity to answer some questions to be posted on our website. Below, view the questions and responses from all Candidates in this race who submitted answers.

1) What experience and qualifications will you bring to your town board position if elected?

This year there are 2 Housing Authority Candidates for one 5-year seat: Linda Di Bona and Nancy Drawe. We gave all candidates in this race an opportunity to answer some questions to be posted on our website. Below, view questions and responses from all Candidates in this race who submitted answers.

1) What experience and qualifications will you bring to your town board position if elected?

I agree with the letters and opinions of other former Select Board members who served with John Coutinho and have firsthand knowledge of his integrity and dedication to the citizens and employees of Hopkinton.

Over the last 10 years, no one has volunteered more of their time for Hopkinton than John. Period.

I have known Mary Jo LaFreniere for more than twenty years. And she has always been an active member in our community. So much that we currently take for granted in our town can be tied back to Mary Jo's involvement.

I have known Shahidul Mannan for a number of years and whole heartedly endorse him for our Select Board. As a very engaged citizen of our town, he brings the experience, both from his town engagement and professional expertise to our budget, strategic planning and applied town knowledge. Shahidul adds value to the current board. However, I also want to focus on Shahidul’s lesser known or recognized expertise and strengths that can be a great asset for the board.