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Opinion

Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce Annual Town Meeting 411

By contributor,

Below are links to information relating to several articles that are expected to be presented, tonight, at the Hopkinton Annual Town Meeting. Each is directly linked to projects of importance to Hopkinton’s economic health.

Of particular importance are Articles 41 and 42, which the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors opposes.

Hopkinton Chamber Urges “NO” vote on Articles # 41 and # 42.
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Editorial: Supporting Cynthia Esthimer for Commissioner of Hopkinton Parks & Recreation

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Cynthia loves Hopkinton, especially the Lake Maspenock community where she has lived for many years. She advocates for this natural resource, its environment, and even chairs the committee on weeds. Cynthia believes in an inclusive Parks and Recreation department with activities for everyone of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Her desire is to support and enhance offerings our Parks and Recreation are currently offering our community from sports, arts, educational initiatives and health & wellness programs.

Article 46 - The Aaron and Lucy Claflin House Historic District (76 Main St)

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On May 1, 2019 the Hopkinton Historic District Commission (HHDC) held a public hearing on the Preliminary Study Report for the creation of the Aaron and Lucy Claflin House Historic District (76 Main St), which is the subject of a Town Meeting Warrant Article (Article #46) submitted by the Hopkinton Historical Commission (HHC). The current property owner sought a demolition permit for the Claflin House; the Hopkinton Historical Commission then imposed a six-month demolition delay, which will expire July 4, 2019.

Sue Kurys - Candidate for Commissioners of Trust Funds Statement

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Hi. I'm Sue Kurys and I’m running for Commissioner of Trust Funds. Recently, I’ve been supporting my
gracefully aging parents as they re-visit their estate plans. It’s made me realize just how significant it is
that, when we value something so much, we are moved to pass it on to others and enable them to carry
it forward.

Stewardship of such legacies is at the heart of what the Commissioners of Trust Funds do. Their principal
duty is to respect the wishes of the benefactors by ensuring the funds are disbursed as intended.

Editorial: Endorsing Mary Jo Lafreniere and Shahidul Mannan for Board of Selectmen

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Both Mary Jo and Shahidul have the critically necessary experience with municipal finance management most needed on the Board of Selectmen; they each bring experience from different municipal areas - Mary Jo as an Assessor and Shahidul from the Appropriation Committee. Having served on the Select Board myself, I appreciate how complex the financial management issues are and how necessary it is that we elect Board members that really understand the issues and can help ensure sound financial management for the future.

Editorial: Article 52: Easements - Main Street Corridor Project Re-Authorization

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Residents of the downtown area who would be impacted by the Main Street Corridor Project recently received certified letters from the town manager, Norman Khumalo, asking them to donate easements on their property in order to facilitate construction on the proposed downtown project. The town has asked for easements on more than 15% of our property.

Editorial: Article 52: Easements - Main Street Corridor Project Re-Authorization

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This weekend, downtown residents received certified letters from town manager Norman Khumalo asking us to “consider donating” easements on our property for the Main Street Corridor Project. The letter explained that we should donate the property rights, instead of taking the compensation we are entitled to, because it is cheaper for the town. It seems like there is no option of saying no and refusing to grant the easement. The letter I received this weekend states that over 200 easements are needed for the project.

Editorial: Article 52: Easements - Main Street Corridor Project Re-Authorization

By contributor,

This weekend, downtown residents received certified letters from town manager Norman Khumalo asking us to “consider donating” easements on our property for the Main Street Corridor Project. The letter explained that we should donate the property rights, instead of taking the compensation we are entitled to, because it is cheaper for the town. It seems like there is no option of saying no and refusing to grant the easement. The letter I received this weekend states that over 200 easements are needed for the project.

Candidate Statement: Robert Evan Davis for Parks & Recreation Commission

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My wife and I moved here with our two daughters in 2017. We picked Hopkinton because of the amazing town and wonderful school system. To say that we have been happy with our decision would be an understatement. My family and I have been overwhelmed with the welcoming nature of our town and strong sense of community. Because of that, I felt it was my duty to get involved and give back.