Opinion

Not the Time to Take Chances

Fellow Voters,

These are stressful times all around. Our National leadership has caused rifts between friends, neighbors and family members. Division has become the norm, with the so called ‘aisle’ widening as we succumb to the deafening rhetoric from the White House.

Have FAITH! This too shall pass. Hopkinton is an independent spirit. We shall overcome.

Two weeks back I sat down with a cold beverage to watch the Select Board debate between John Coutinho and Amy Ritterbusch. Both candidates are good people and both care deeply about Hopkinton. I was surprised when it ended so abruptly. In the days following “the debate” numerous residents shared their frustrations with me about the tone of our local political dialogue. It seems the Town, like John Coutinho, is fed up with the abusive, nasty, snarky, misinformed and petty drivel some feel necessary to post on social media sites originally intended to foster healthy dialogue.

Two weeks back I sat down with a cold beverage to watch the Select Board debate between John Coutinho and Amy Ritterbusch. Both candidates are good people and both care deeply about Hopkinton. I was surprised when it ended so abruptly. In the days following “the debate” numerous residents shared their frustrations with me about the tone of our local political dialogue. It seems the Town, like John Coutinho, is fed up with the abusive, nasty, snarky, misinformed and petty drivel some feel necessary to post on social media sites originally intended to foster healthy dialogue.

Dear Editor,

Dear Editor,

Jesse Mermell today expanded the coalition of local, state and national leaders supporting her run for Congress with endorsements from State Senator Julian Cyr and local leaders from Dighton, Hopkinton, Franklin, Brookline, Newton.

The endorsers emphasized that Mermell is the best candidate to go to Washington to take on Donald Trump and his Republican cronies and fight for support for our communities as they recover from the COVID-19 crisis.

I am pleased to endorse Dawn Ronan for School Committee. Dawn will be a powerful voice for our children because she always has the underdogs in mind: students who might have educational needs that don't fit in with the mainstream; children and parents for whom a policy is too expensive; or community members that might not be heard. Dawn was a fellow Girl Scout leader for many years and, while I served as the town Girl Scout Coordinator, Dawn was certain to come to me to make sure policies were fair to all and applied equally to all.

With great enthusiasm, I endorse Amy Ritterbush for Hopkinton Select Board. I have known Amy for several years as a fellow Girl Scout leader and as a fellow member of the Historic District Commission and Claflin Fountain Restoration Committee. In her many endeavors, Amy is always exceptionally prepared and arrives with a thorough understanding of the facts before her. She ensures that the rules are followed and evenly applied. Hopkinton will be well-served by Amy's leadership on the Hopkinton Select Board.

Stacy Spies
16 Alexander Rd.

With great enthusiasm, I endorse Amy Ritterbush for Hopkinton Select Board. I have known Amy for several years as a fellow Girl Scout leader and as a fellow member of the Historic District Commission and Claflin Fountain Restoration Committee. In her many endeavors, Amy is always exceptionally prepared and arrives with a thorough understanding of the facts before her. She ensures that the rules are followed and evenly applied. Hopkinton will be well-served by Amy's leadership on the Hopkinton Select Board.

Stacy Spies
16 Alexander Rd.