12 May, 2015
HCAM and Hopkinton Women's Club presented "Know your Vote" which featured candidates in this years town election. Parks and Recreation Commission unexpired term until 2017 is one of two contested races. Candidates Laura Hanson and Robert McGuire spoke during the live broadcast about why they are running.
You can see the Candidate statements below and the video of the candidates introducing themselves.
Laura Hanson Candidate Statement Below:
:
Hello Fellow Hopkintonians,
My name is Laura Hanson and I am a candidate for the Parks and Rec department.
I have lived in Hopkinton for 16 years, and although this is my first foray into any kind of public office, I have been involved with the town since I moved here. I graduated from Colgate University, where I was captain of the Women’s Rugby team and a head Instructor for the Outdoor Rec department. I was a Special Ed Instructor, and ran the Infant Daycare at Lovelace Hospital in Albuquerque, NM. I enjoy working with kids and parents to provide the best experience for both. I am a mother of three kids, and love volunteering at school. I have been involved in Scouting for thirteen years; as a Cub Scout den leader, a Girl Scout troop leader and a Scout committee member. I have been committed to Scouting For Food as a town wide committee member and a unit coordinator for both Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts. I am a certified CPR instructor, and I support the continuing education programs Parks and Rec has to offer. I strongly support Project Just Because, Baypath Humane Society and Serenity House, all wonderful organizations which our community benefits from.
In many of the activities my family and I have participated in, Parks and Rec has played a key part. It offers sports and outdoor activities, as well as continuing education. I believe that Hopkinton is a wonderful community that gives back to its children and its citizens, and I see the Parks and Rec department as an excellent resource offering opportunities for growth and development for Hopkinton citizens of all ages.
I work hard to get things done, and I consider every side of a situation. As I am a newcomer to politics, I hope to bring a fresh and open-minded approach. My children are still in the school system, so I am available and actively involved on a daily basis. I believe that by working together we can offer programs and opportunities that benefit all residents of the community, while still being fiscally responsible.
I would be honored to be a member of the Hopkinton Parks and Recreation Commission, and I promise to do all I can to help this department serve the community in the most efficient and effective way possible.
Thank you for giving me this chance and your vote!
Bob McGuire Candidate Statement Below:
Hello Hopkinton!
My name is Bob McGuire and I am a candidate for Parks & Recreation Commissioner. My wife, Valerie, and I have lived in Hopkinton since 2000, raising our four children ranging in age from 13 to 17 years old. We have embraced all this wonderful community has to offer and I am committed to giving back for the many opportunities it has afforded our children and ourselves.
For the past 15 years, it has been a privilege to donate my time to Hopkinton Youth Soccer, Hopkinton Little League, the recreation and travel basketball programs as a coach or assistant coach. In addition to volunteering in the athletic programs, I’ve also volunteered my time as a member of the Zoning Advisory Committee (ZAC), Hopkinton 2020 Vision Committee, and the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce, serving as President for two years. Last November, I was honored to be appointed to the unexpired Park and Recreation seat, for which I am now a candidate. The last 5 months have provided me an opportunity to learn firsthand all that the Park and Recreation Department does and it is impressive. It’s a great organization that truly puts a priority in offering as many programs as possible for not only our youth but also for citizens of all ages. Consider the public outdoor ice rink on the grounds of the Middle School this winter. It had been a vision for many years and was finally realized because of the commitment of the members of the Commission. The rink provided a free outdoor opportunity for fun for families and these are the types of offerings that cultivate community and healthy choices.
I am excited to continue to support and further develop the program offerings with Jay Guelfi and his team as Park and Recreation Commissioner. My skill set, my enthusiasm for the town, my knowledge of the commission, and my appreciation for the value of physical fitness make me an ideal candidate for the position. I respectfully ask for your vote. I’d truly appreciate your support.
Please vote on Monday, May 18th.
Bob
