Government

Continuing a tradition that began when she was first elected, Representative Dykema will holding her quarterly office hours in each of the four towns of the 8th Middlesex District next month.

“Being accessible to constituents was a pledge I made when I was first elected,” said Dykema. “I’ve learned so much from all those who have come to meet with me and I appreciate hearing their thoughts and ideas.”

Residents are encouraged to stop in to the office hours to share concerns, questions and opinions on state issues or simply to chat over a cup of coffee.

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) today reported that the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) preliminary estimates show that Massachusetts added 9,100 jobs in October and the total unemployment rate was 7.2 percent. Over the year, the unemployment rate was up 0.5 of a percentage point from the October 2012 rate of 6.7 percent.

An update on Legacy Farms was given by developer Roy MacDowell during the November 18 Planning Board meeting, including an update on the proposed hockey rink. A request for proposal (RFP) for the Legacy Farms athletic field called for by Town Manager Norman Khumalo and Town Counsel Ray Miyares has been sent out to potential developers. The intent is to have a hockey rink developed at Legacy Farms, but the land can be used for other athletic-specific uses.

At the Director's Meeting of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) held this morning in Boston, Hopkinton received an invitation into the MSBA's eligibility period.

“I’m delighted that the Board has voted the Center Elementary School into the Eligibility Period,” said State Treasurer Steven Grossman, Chairman of the MSBA. “We look forward to working collaboratively with Hopkinton officials to develop the best solution to meet the town’s educational needs in a fiscally responsible manner.”