Opinion

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.

1. Name
Shahidul Mannan
2. Position being sought
Select Board
3. Party affiliation, if any
Democrat
4. Occupation
Head of Data Engineering & Innovation, Mass General Brigham
Co Founder MBS Analytics
5. Education
MBA, Zicklin School of Business, NYC
MIT, Executive Education
MIT, Social Analytics
NYU, Database Management
Tuck Innovation & Acceleration, The Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth
Bachelor of Engineering, BUET
6. Years lived in Hopkinton
10 Years

Shahidul Mannan's experiences with both big data and town finances make him an ideal candidate for Select Board.

His position on the appropriations committee means he spent years learning and subsequently supporting the fiduciary responsibility of the town, a key need within the Select Board. He tempers that with compassion and understanding. He has a friendly, even disposition, something that is required when dealing with so many diverse groups and needs within the town.

Hopkinton Neighbors,

I am pleased to endorse Holly Morand for the 2-year school committee seat.
Holly brings a depth of knowledge, broad qualifications and proven collaboration to the table for School Committee.