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Support Muriel Kramer

Editor:
 

We support the re-election of Muriel Kramer to the Hopkinton Board of Selectmen.  Three years ago when Muriel ran for her first term, her campaign slogan was "Bring Balance Back".  She has definitely succeeded in doing just that.  Muriel threw the doors of Town Government wide open, and many of us gratefully walked right in.

The keyword for her current campaign could very well be "Consensus".  Muriel has the gifts of listening objectively to all points of view and articulating these without prejudice, thereby allowing consensus to be reached through active and respectful discussion.

Please vote for Muriel's re-election and let your voice continue to be heard.

Jeff Furber
Gail Clifford
Wood Street

May 2, 2008

Legacy Project Manager Responds

Editor:

As the project manager for Legacy Farms, I wish to respond to Ms. Lund’s call for more project study.

Jennifer begins her note outlining environmental concerns. We share Ms. Lund’s concerns for the environment. For this reason, we have designed Legacy Farms considering the United States Green Building Council LEED for Neighborhood Development Pilot Program. A number of LEED project criteria are fulfilled by our attempt to create what Sasaki Associates has coined our “build green” approach. We have also been involved in Low Impact Development long before it became a catch phrase.

Ms. Lund’s characterization that the Transportation analysis falls short of our neighboring communities is not true. The data gathering and analysis for this activity stretched well into Ashland, Southborough and the balance of Hopkinton.  Hopkinton, Ashland and Southborough have also all had the opportunity to review our Transportation consultants’ work.

As it relates to Fiscally positive nature – Hopkinton’s consultant, Ms. Judi Barrett, can affirm this fact as well as we can. All one has to do is review the Hopkinton Appropriations Committees submittals to understand that the OSMUD will have a significant cash flow, net of costs.

The question of process raised by Ms. Lund is an important one. Please realize that adopting the OSMUD means simply enabling zoning. The Developer will then need to approach a significant process of Master Plan Special Permit with the Planning Board, a Notice of Intent with the Conservation Commission, and once those activities are finished; further Planning Board site plan review. The Commonwealth will also be involved with both MEPA and DEP oversight.

The decision to adopt the OSMUD and its Legacy Farms is up to Hopkinton Voters to decide at Town Meeting on Tuesday May 6 with a vote on Article 29. We look forward to the opportunity to work with the Community in developing the OSMUD and Legacy Farms.

Steven N. Zieff

21 Center Street

Weston, MA

May 1, 2008

Demand Further Study

Editor:

Hopkinton is not ready to vote on the OSMUD’s legacy of eternal traffic. We know too little about the impact. No one has forecast the health impact of the air pollution. No one has looked at the backup getting onto Route 9.

I used to live on a busy street near Brookline. The windows washers did not “wash.” They razor-bladed to remove the soot. Thousands more idling cars, waiting in line, will contribute unknown tons of poisons and particulates into our air, raising childhood asthma, and respiratory ailments of the elderly. This is inevitable – we just don’t know if it’s 1 or 100 cases. It is irresponsible to compromise the health of our children and seniors in pursuit of a dangling fantasy of revenue. If you didn’t know that air pollution causes asthma, Google it. On the bright side, the four-lane intersection planned for the center of town will make the town center less friendly for pedestrians, so perhaps we'll prevent some exposure there.

The traffic study mysteriously stops a few miles from the town center. Why is that? The border of Hopkinton is not a commuter destination. I assume the traffic study stopped because there is no possible remediation for the backups getting onto Route 9 and the Turnpike. Boulder Capital can’t offer any kind of bypass to shrink the 20-minute wait we currently have there. Those intersections are backed up at 7AM. Hundreds of more cars will reduce Hopkinton’s desirability as a commuter location.

We’ve seen spiraling increases in taxes from recent development. We don’t want spiraling increases in lung disease or spiraling decreases in property values. Don’t close your eyes and vote. Demand further study.
 
Jennifer J. Lund
15 College St
Hopkinton, MA 01748

April 30, 2008

Current Enrollments are Level

Editor,
Inaccurate information about school enrollments and budget cuts has recently appeared in various public forums. The School Committee wants to make sure that the facts are clear to everyone.*

A key area of misinformation deals with student enrollment. Contrary to what was written, enrollment in the Hopkinton public schools has not been declining; it has been virtually flat for the past four years. The enrollment figures for the last four years (FY05-FY08) have been 3461, 3470, 3453, and 3454 inclusive of vocational and out-of-district special education students. The forecast for next year (FY09) is 3434, only 20 fewer students than we currently have. The mis-information about declining enrollment was used to justify a $700,000+ cut from the amount required for level services in the FY09 school budget. However, the forecasted enrollment decline does not even equate to the loss of a single classroom.

It was also misstated that the School Committee had not cut positions to match this so-called declining enrollment. In fact, the original School Committee budget did cut 3 full-time equivalents (FTE) in conjunction with re-engineering of information technology and special education service delivery models. The final budget, matched to Town revenue, reduces school department staffing by 16 FTE.

Looking at a two-year time frame, school department staffing will go from a budgeted 455.9 FTE in FY07 to 422.4 FTE in FY09. The reduction of 33.5 FTE represents a staffing decline of 7.3%. By comparison, the FY09 enrollment forecast is 19 students less than the FY07 actual enrollment and represents a decline of merely 0.6% (six-tenths of 1%). Of the positions eliminated, 18.7 FTE -- a little over half -- are teachers. This is a reduction of almost 1 teacher per student in this “declining” enrollment.

Significant enrollment decreases are not forecasted to begin until FY10 when they will average 60 students per year over the next 10 years, according to the latest forecast from the New England School Development Council (NESDEC). This does not account for the impact of Legacy Farms which is expected to bring 236 students into the system during its build-out and will, therefore, make the enrollment decreases less than 60 students per year on average

Tight budget situations over the past two years would have reduced the school department staff by more than the current 33.5 FTE had the School Committee decided not to add new fees and increase existing fees. Fees that directly affect students and parents are now assessed to 1) groups who use our facilities, 2) students participating in athletics, 3) students parking at the high school, and 4) students riding the bus (except for K-6 students living more than 2 miles from their school since state law requires that they be provided with transportation). Over the past two years, we have increased these fees to generate approximately $250,000 more in payments. Next year we anticipate total fee payments to exceed $650,000.

If anyone has questions about school department operations, please contact the Superintendent’s office or a member of the School Committee. Doing so will assure that you get accurate information.

Sincerely,
Hopkinton School Committee:
Rebecca Robak, Chair
Nancy Burdick, Vice Chair
Lyn Branscomb
Dave Stoldt
Phil Totino

*Ms. Robak made it clear in an email that she was in no way referring to anything in HopNews.

Mary Pratt Endorses Fellow Selectman Muriel Kramer

Dear Editor,
    In the hierarchy of Old Englands, were layers of importance known as the ESTATES, the  Press being  the 4th Estate. The printed word was elevated to a high place in History. "The Power of the Press" with outreach to millions. Tragically it has become  more combative than educational, hurting many people and their families.*  But we too get rebuttal time. My point is that has Members of the 5th Estate, the Media, have grown far beyond the lowly newspapers and it's positions often opinionated and biased,  going far beyond the independent  publication of facts and figures.

     There are few towns that vote locally as Party oriented. It has it's advantages and disadvantages. But the utter mean and pettiness toward Hopkinton residents of all parties who run for elections or serve on Boards is deplorable. No one  is perfect and cannot please all. We endeavor to see the issues as they Are and not as we wish they could be. I've been around a long time and have a tougher hide than most so I take it from whence it comes. But there are many great persons who refuse to get involved because they cannot tolerate the ridicule and nastiness. Case in point:

     The July 4th parade which used to be fun and hilarious but is  now  vindictive and mean. For all of the above let me say that I have served on the BOS for eight years and the election of Muriel Kramer and finally Mike was to me a breath of Fresh air. Thankfully with Matt and Brian it has continued.
     Do we all ? Agree H--- no. We argue, etc., but at the end of the day we get along famously. I meet people and get calls about how refreshing the BOS has become. Muriel and the BOS  have taken steps that many do not like and sadly we have
not wanted to take them either, but like parents who hate to say "NO" but must, we too have had to take that stand.
     What is truly tragic is that we now are not only losing the original people of Hopkinton, but now have residents who cannot pay their taxes and some with sewer payment problems. ONE MILLION DOLLARS ,$1,000,000  in taxes was not collected this year and we are trying to find a means to collect them. Any override, means more uncollected taxes next year.

      I disagree with the comments about new business. TIF's do not increase our Tax line, and do not allow the collection of Personal Property taxes. Legacy Farms will be a long time before we see a high positive return . We are trying to get development there that will be at least Revenue Neutral.

     We cannot allow the town's services, roads and sidewalks to decay; and need to ull up our boot straps, sacrifice the illusions of "a rich Town" and face the facts . There is NO money and we have spent far beyond our means. Please think of that as you cast your very important vote on May 19th.  
     Stick with the Board that has finally worked together for a better Hopkinton.
 Jim Harvey told Mr. Clark at a BOS Meeting that the first thing he would build here would be a garage, no $400K there. A Sewer Treatment plant could have been built in a less sensitive area for less dollars and have been operating by now. ASK the question, why  IT wasn't .
     Please vote for Muriel Kramer a woman of courage, education and endurance.
 

Respectfully,

Mary C. Pratt

102 Fruit Street

April 26, 2008

* Editor's Note: Mrs. Pratt apparently had another publication in mind regarding this point.

 Green Ribbon Week

Editor:

Several months ago, members from SADD (Students Against Destructive Behaviors), the beFREE! Project and Peer Leaders met to discuss substance abuse prevention. The result of these discussions was the creation of ‘Green Ribbon Week: Hillers Take a Stand Against Substance Use’, which was implemented the first week in April at Hopkinton High School. The timing of this campaign also coincided with the National Alcohol Awareness week.

The purpose of the Green Ribbon Week was to present a visible commitment to a safe, healthy and drug-free lifestyle. The objectives of the campaign were:
To create awareness concerning the problems related to the use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs
To support the decision to live a healthy, drug-free lifestyle

The following were the week’s activities:

Monday 3/31 -- Grim Reaper Day
SADD coordinated this event to raise awareness of how many teen deaths are caused by drunk driving (1 every 32 minutes).  A message was read at the beginning of the day and a gong sounded every 32 minutes.  Each time the gong sounded, a "Grim Reaper" took a student from class, painted his/her face, gave the student a flower and returned the student to class.  The student was not able to speak for the rest of the day.
 

Tuesday 4/1 -- Green Ribbons and Social Host Law Info
The Peer Leaders handed out cards with info regarding the Social Host Laws to students and parents dropping off/picking up their kids.  The green ribbons are for car antennae. 
 

Wednesday 4/2 -- Banner Signing
Student members of the beFREE! Project had a banner for students to sign during lunch, promising not to drink and drive.  
 

Thursday 4/3 -- Nick Levine Presentation on Addiction 
There was a special presentation to all Junior and Senior students about decision-making regarding alcohol use.  Nick Levine is a HHS graduate whose life was significantly impacted by alcohol and drug use after he went off to college.  He shared his story about addiction so that others may avoid making the same mistakes that he did.
 

Friday 4/4 -- "Did You Know" Facts
The beFREE! Project compiled facts on drunk driving, social host laws and addition that were read at the beginning of each block regarding substance abuse. 
 

These are timely and important messages for our youth.  Parents, please take advantage of this opportunity to open a dialog with your child and talk about ways to avoid substance use. Research has shown that parents are the biggest influence on a child’s decision whether or not to use alcohol or drugs. 

If you’d like more information, please feel free to visit the beFREE! Project website; www.befreeproject.org . Together, we can work to protect the teens of Hopkinton from alcohol and drugs.

Sue Hadley and Jane Roche
Co-coordinators, beFREE! Project
508-497-9820 x1520
Befreeproject@gmail.com

Resident Lauds Selectmen for No Override Vote

~ Decries "Mudslinging"

 Editor:

      The town should recognize the Board of Selectmen for showing leadership in voting against an override.  Hard  decisions are never easy, ask anyone in corporate management.  Past boards have not been able to say “No” to budget increases.  I believe this vote will force every department to take a harder look at what is absolutely necessary. These steps are necessary during times of increased monthly household expenses.  Our food, heating fuel, property taxes, school fees, & gasoline have risen at a much higher rate than our earned wages in just the past 12 months. Many people in town have fixed monthly income or small annual wage increase. Town departments should manage to appropriated funds, not manage to “desired funds."

     To the benefit of all Hopkinton residents, all departments have worked diligently in the past several years to manage expenses.  The appropriations committee has created methods in the form of forums and budgeting tools to assist the town in appropriating funds fairly to all departments. Over the past 10 years, the Town has continuously increased funding for its school system and has successfully and strategically built a “best in class” system.  With that said, the school committee and the school administration are now challenged with enhancing academic programs (especially in Mathematics) using existing funds. The school committee and administration keep touting the “structural deficit”.

     The reason for the structural deficit is because operating costs increase annually more than the 2 ½% tax increase allowed by law.  No new significant revenue generating ideas have surfaced. No override is coming. It is time to look at operating expenses and create strategic plans for reducing expenses.

      Strategically sourcing insurance was a great example. Perhaps more cooperative buying or outsourcing non-academic functions can help.  Do we need an independent 3^rd party to assess what the administration has put into place, to determine if there are other ways of delivering a world class program for less money?  Are preventive maintenance and energy efficiency programs in place?  Are all schools consistent in program delivery? Is there any way to reduce our debt burden? Residents need to support commercial building that is environmentally friendly since the Town generates approximately $3-$4/Sq Ft on commercial property.  Increasing fees is not the answer.  Look what happened when we introduced bus fees, we now have more people driving their children to school, causing traffic congestion and all the associated environmental problems that go along with it. The current focus is on expense reduction not revenue generation. 

       Let’s stop slinging mud towards the BOS and get on with the task at hand.

Rick Odell

64 East Street

Hopkinton

March 26, 2008 

Editor's  note: Mr. Odell is a former member of the Appropriations Committee

Hopkinton High School Alumni Athletes

To the Editor:

    As I read in Hopnews.com  about the most recent, former Hopkinton track star earning collegiate All-American status (Tiana Riel of Boston College), I couldn't help but remember Hopkinton's first track star earning All-American honors - Christine Moschella. Christine went on to excel at arguably the best track and field program in the nation and an elite institution, Stanford University. Christine earned collegiate All-American honors all four years at Stanford as a sprinter and member of NCAA champion relay teams.

    I also thought about the current crop of Dick Bliss's high school All-American golfers now starring at the national collegiate level. Remarkably they all played on the same team and earned a state title. It is almost unthinkable to have three athletes performing simultaneously at the highest collegiate level from one team and certainly not from a small school like HHS.

• Keegan Bradley - a senior at St. John's University and two time Massachusetts high school golfer of the year and now #1 golfer at St. John's

• Jon Curran - a junior at Vanderbilt who achieved All-American status last year and is the #1 golfer on the nationally ranked Vandy team

• Kim Donovan - the only freshman on the Duke University golf team which is ranked #1 nationally and defending NCAA champions

Hats off to all these athletes and many others who are participating at the collegiate level, all proud alumni of HHS. Apparently there are many good things to say about the Hopkinton school system that often get lost in the political shuffle in Town.

Dick Gooding

Shrewsbury, MA
HHS, Class of 1963

March 20, 2008

$5,000 for Food Pantry

To the Editor:
     The Hopkinton Women's Club Spring Fashion Show was held at the Hopkinton Country Club on March 11th. The event raised over $5,000 for the Hopkinton Food Pantry which is managed within Project Just Because for residents of
Hopkinton.
     On behalf of the Hopkinton Women's Club, many thanks to the businesses who were the ad sponsors, and those that gave us gift certificates, discounts or services in support of the Fashion Show.
     Many thanks to the wonderful Hopkinton models and all the attendees for making the fashion show another fun, successful, and memorable evening.
     For more information about the Hopkinton Women's Club, its fundraising and social activities, please visit the Women's Club website.*
Our sincere thanks to all!!
 

Most Sincerely,
Pamela McPherson and Phyllis Couglin, CoChairperson
Kathy Yankee, President

March 16, 2008

NOTE: * Visit HopNews Community Page (Link on Page 1) for the Women's Club website.

Accountability and Consequences

Editor:

     Recent events in town demonstrate the challenges parents face in keeping their kids safe from drugs and alcohol. We have new data now that demonstrates the risks for teens who use alcohol or drugs. It should not be seen as simply ‘a rite of passage for teens’. Consider these facts:
     • The younger kids start drinking, the more likely they are to become addicted
     • Kids who drink are far more likely to drive drunk, have sex, and experiment with other drugs.
     • More than 65% of all sexual assaults and date rape of teens and college students involve alcohol
     • Regular marijuana use causes memory problems and increases the risk of developing a serious mental illness.
     • Alcohol is the leading killer of teens.

As parents, we need to do everything we can to protect our children from alcohol and drugs. If and when they make the wrong decision, they need to be held accountable for their actions so that they learn there are consequences for those actions. The Hopkinton Police Department and the Hopkinton School staff are committed to work in partnership with parents to help keep our kids safe.

Research confirms that parents are the biggest influence on a child’s decision whether or not to use alcohol or drugs. This is an appropriate time to make sure you are doing everything you can to protect your children. Here are some suggestions:
     • Make sure your kids know that you do not want them to use alcohol or drugs. Say it often.
     • Do not leave your teen alone home overnight no matter how responsible they are. Make sure they are staying with an adult you trust.
     • Let the police know if you are going to be away, ask them to check your home, and let your child know that you have informed the police.
     • Secure your liquor. A large percentage of kids get liquor from their own homes.
     • Supervise all youth gatherings in your home, check in regularly.
     • Know where your kids are. Don’t be afraid to call and check up on them
     • If your kids make the wrong decision, support the police department and schools in the consequences they assess.

As parents, we need to make drug and alcohol prevention a part of our regular conversation and work together to combat this problem. Here are two ways you can help:
 

1. Hopkinton has begun a series of informal gatherings with parents on the topic of youth alcohol and drug prevention. Parents have found the information presented and the discussion with other parents very interesting and helpful. If you are interested in hosting a small, informal parent coffee, or participating in one, please contact Jane Roche at janeroche@aol.com  or 497-9820 X1520.
 

2. We would also welcome your participation in the beFree! coalition which is a community wide coalition to prevent youth alcohol and drug abuse. Check us out at www.befreeproject.org  or call Jane Roche or Sue Hadley, beFree directors. At 497-9820, X1520.

Jane Roche & Sue Hadley
Directors, beFree! Project

March 16, 2008

LMPA Vows To Oppose Rezoning

Editor:

“The Lake Maspenock Preservation Association, LMPA, is very disappointed that the owner of the property on Hayward Street would blatantly disregard the wishes of the very neighborhood that will be adversely affected by his proposed development.

It was obvious from the hearings earlier this winter that the Lake Maspenock neighborhood is strongly against this development as evidenced by the petition that was signed by numerous area residents voicing their opposition to this project. At the public hearing held on February 4th, the Planning Board unanimously voted against this proposed zoning change to be included in the town meeting warrant. Members of that board labeled this proposal as nothing more than “ZONING CREEP” and could set a poor precedent for other residential areas of town.

The Lake Maspenock neighborhood already has trash issues on our streets and at Sandy Beach. Employees of area businesses, who do not have an investment in the area, already drive through our streets, near where children are playing and our residents are out walking or jogging, and they often don’t think twice about speeding or throwing trash out the windows. This kind of blatant disregard for our home environment will only increase with another retail development. .

The LMPA and the neighborhood at large intend to come together and exercise our will at town meeting and vote in opposition of this zoning change that would allow this project to proceed.”

Julie Crawley

LMPA President

March 7, 2008

Editor's Note: The following is a response from Town Manager Anthony Troiano to an opinion piece by an Editor of the MetroWest Daily News, Jim Klienkauf, who did not express very high opinions of anyone in Hopkinton. Although much of the referenced letter can be inferred by Mr. Troiano's response, it is in the town's interest for HopNews to give it any more legs. However, our Town Manager has not seen fit to take it lying down.

Town Manager Shares Letter to MetroWest Daily News

Mr. Kleinkauf,

Having never met you, I really can’t comment on your motivations for writing an article based solely on subjective opinion.  However, I don’t subscribe to one sided partisanship, and never will. I took offense at your characterization of town leaders,  including the Board of Selectmen,  Planning Department, Legal Team, and myself. To my recollection, you have never attended a meeting where I was present,  and you have never called me for info or my opinion on any topic. 

You insinuate that :

1.       I’m somehow in the Selectmen’s pocket

2.       That I have no experience in town government

3.       That I’m not a real Town Manager

4.       That I’m trying to extort money from Boulder Capital

5.       That the town has no real leadership

6.       That our Planning Board is inept.

If you truly were visible and attending meetings over the last three months you would see that things are very different.  Change in town government is slow, evolution to a town manager form of government has growing pains.  My peers and mentors all agree that the first town manager in a community faces many hurdles.  Engrained institutional  behavior has to be modified and refined with patience, finesse, and honesty.  I doubt that any of the Selectmen I have worked with would characterize me as weak, or afraid to speak my piece.  Quite honestly, I’ve worked very hard at listening to everyone.  Characterizations are easy to spin, they have no depth, and create more misinformation then good. 

The comments about Boulder Capital could not be further from the truth.  Our legal counsel and Planning Director have served in a very honorable fashion alongside me on the negotiation team.  They deserve credit for pointing out the issues and concerns which we need to know before we sign any agreements.  It is easy to say that we’re obstructionist, but who will be held accountable for agreements which cost the town millions in the future if all concerns aren’t addressed.  Oh, I know, then you can write that our leadership was too weak to take on developers, or was in their pocket, or failed to gain concessions.  You can’t have it both ways. To list a few issues; well agreements, host community agreements, traffic,  wastewater, project scoping,  build out phasing, abutters, and water quality, are just some of the issues we must understand.  It would show a lack of leadership for me to agree to anything without keeping the interest of the citizens of Hopkinton front and center.

Boulder Capital has an aggressive plan, and we have spent, and will continue to spend time working through issues with them.  The purpose of the negotiation team was to take politics out of the process as much as possible.  The host community agreement is not extortion, it is a non-regulatory method of making sure we address all concerns outside of the normal permitting  process.  Boulder Capital’s  Open Space Mixed Use Development District, which will appear as an article on Town Meeting floor at some point, hopefully May fifth,  will pass or fail based on its own merits.  A two thirds vote is difficult to attain, and needs the support of everyone if it is to pass. 

As far as the Board of Selectmen, you owe them an apology.  They have worked hard to transition to a new form of government. I have appointed a Treasurer, Finance Director, and Human Resources Director under them.  If you recall last year the combined efforts of the selectmen, school committee, appropriations committee , and staff presented a balanced budget in five months  instead of the usual eight.  We have revamped the way we approach legal services in the Town, and the Selectmen, to their credit,  looked to me for leadership in this endeavor.  The Selectmen have supported and encouraged me to attend  board and committee meetings as much as possible, have worked closely with the finance team to map out long term borrowing strategies, and  worked  with the Appropriations Committee as they redefine their role.  The selectmen have supported and pushed me to initiate change, contrary to your stated comments. Your statement that the moratorium article was, as some believe “handed down from higher up” , is a misrepresentation, lacks integrity, and doesn’t have a shred of truth to it.

I invite you to stop and see me, call me, question, and then form an opinion.  I think you would be surprised to see that I live and breathe my job, have conviction,   and an open mind.  I like to describe myself as someone who characterizes the statement, what you  see is what you get.  My door is open, I return phone calls, and I will defend the Town of Hopkinton.  Maybe you could come to a few meetings when you have a chance, and ask your questions first,  you might be surprised to find that integrity in government is alive.  I hope you see this as leadership.  

Sincerely,

Anthony  J. Troiano

Town Manager

Town of Hopkinton

Hopkinton, MA 01748

P: 508-497-9700 F: 508-497-9702

February 27, 2008

School Committee Move to Decrease Expenses, Increase Revenue

Editor,

Over the past several years, the School Committee has watched as pressures have mounted on schools to meet higher standards along with increasing state mandates, all while state funding and aid to all communities have gone down.

In trying to meet these higher standards within fiscal restraints the School Committee, over the years, has cut programs, reduced staff and increased fees.

The Massachusetts Department of Education recently issued a preliminary report on the fiscal condition of Massachusetts School districts. It validated our experience in Hopkinton. Since 2002, academic expectations and challenges mandated by education reform have increased, but state aid has gone down. It said that across the state, local property taxes and user fees are higher to make up for the loss of state aid. Finally, the study concluded that the quality of education is at risk if the funding formulas and methods are not changed.

Even as this tide continues, the Hopkinton School Committee and school administration are working to continue to offer a strong educational experience to all students at all levels and abilities. Now, and in past budgets, we have found ways to save money to avoid overrides and fee increases, and also to avoid reductions in service levels. Last year we had to cut 17.5 positions to meet our budget constraints. Continued cutbacks will severely erode the quality of the education that we can offer.

Here are some examples of what we’ve done, in the past few years, to meet budget constraints:

1   To reduce the burden on all taxpayers, the schools began charging fees for buses, student parking and sports teams.
2   To reduce health insurance costs, we negotiated agreements with our teachers and custodians to change some of the parameters of the health insurance plan. We have also increased the number of hours a part-time person must work each week to be eligible for benefits.
3    The school district has moved from print ads to electronic ads to recruit new teachers and staff, resulting in recruitment cost savings of 10 – 15%.
4    The school district has developed in-house Special Education programs so that fewer students need to be sent to other districts or private schools at the taxpayers’ expense. Besides saving on tuition, we also save on transportation costs.
5     Each year the school district purchases fuel, utilities, office and classroom supplies, and custodial supplies at discounted prices through an education collaborative (TEC). This collaborative is able to bargain for deep discounts, because of the number of school districts participating.
6.    Through special funding approved by Town Meeting, the district has replaced the Middle School roof and Center School boiler. We are anticipating energy savings as a result of these projects.
7.    Through the use of technology, the district has been able to improve mandated student data reporting, food service operations, transportation planning, and communication with parents without adding staff at the schools or Central Office.

The school district continues to look for ways to increase revenues and decrease costs. As a follow-up to the recommendations of the town-wide Financial Plan Working Group report last October, we are studying the following ideas:

1.  Selling advertising in the schools, and selling naming rights for buildings, halls and fields.
2.  Admitting school choice students.
3.  Combining common town government and school operations for efficiencies and savings.
4.  Renegotiating facility use charges for after school programs.
5.  Bringing in special education students from out of district on a tuition basis.
6.  Offering our classes to other districts through on-line learning.
7.  Developing sustainable energy capabilities in our buildings, like wind and solar power.

As we work with the Town manager and Board of Selectmen to fine-tune the budget for the 2008-09 school year, the School Committee will advocate for what is best for the students of the district, within the constraints of what the taxpayers are willing to support. Through creative and innovative thinking and continual review of our programs and operations, we will strive to continue to offer a quality education for all of our students.

Hopkinton School Committee:
Rebecca Robak, Chair
Nancy Burdick, Vice-Chair
Lyn Branscomb
Dave Stoldt
Phil Totino

Building a Strong Community

To the Editor:

     Something really special took place in Hopkinton yesterday when hundreds of young people and adult volunteers from numerous community groups joined together to participate in Hopkinton’s first annual MLK Day of Giving Back; instead of a day off, they all had a day “on” in service to their community. Organizers from the Youth Commission and the BeFree coalition are to be congratulated for organizing such a terrific event that put fun and meaning into a day spent working together—shoulder to shoulder, the young and the not so young, from all corners of Town—working together to build a stronger community for all.
     It was exciting to see so many young people show up with great energy and enthusiasm to participate in a variety of worthwhile service projects. All in attendance were treated to a nice breakfast and amazing words of inspiration from Mrs. Linda Cherrington who was in attendance in Washington DC at the base of the Lincoln Memorial for Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech and Mr. Ron Burton with great words of encouragement on the value of investing in young people, each other and the community at large for the betterment of all.
     Congratulations to all who participated in this terrific event which will hopefully become an annual tradition with Hopkinton joining hundreds of other communities nationwide inspiring thousands of volunteers to incite service as a way of honoring and remembering the contributions of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Thank you all for a wonderful and important community event.

Muriel Kramer

Chairman, Board of Selectmen

January 22, 2008

(File photo)

Collective Social Conscience

To the editor:

I had to laugh the other day when I saw in the police blotter that some individuals had gone to the police station to complain that an individual with a white station wagon was photographing their car on Main Street. Those of us who read this on-line paper and see the little white station wagon with the "News 24" plates have a pretty good idea that the folks being photographed were violating some law. I fully suspect that they neglected to mention that to the police dispatch.

So the point of this letter is to thank you, on this, Martin Luther King's day, for acting as a part of our collective social conscience, a reminder that we, as citizens of a community, have a duty to make sure that our actions do not interfere with the rights and needs of others.

Peter LaGoy
21 Hayden Rowe Street
Hopkinton, MA

Downtown Revitalization Organizer Thanks Stroll Participants

To the Editor, 

       I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank all those who made the second annual Holiday Stroll such a success. Despite freezing temperatures, Mr. Hay, Mr. Purdy and dedicated members of the Middle School Band (and their very supportive families) came out and played a wonderful concert on the lawn of the Police Station to kick things off. Thanks also to Chief Irvin for graciously allowing the use of the lawn, and Officer Phil Powers who ably assisted with everything.

      Kelly Grill and Mary Scarlata-Rowe at Enter Stage Left organized the Victorian carolers who braved the cold to add a wonderful touch to the festivities, as did Colella's, Hopkinton Gourmet, Sauce on Main and Ciao Time with their delicious food. Thanks also to Terry Murphy, Rownak Hussain director of the Library, Judy Coffey, Sue O'Dell, Robert Falcione, Foster-Carroll Printing, Sarah Duckett, Gorman-Richardson Architects, Susie Johnson, and all the merchants and businesses who participated. 

       Kudos to all the entertainers at the Library and Hopkinton Drug, along with the Girl Scouts and the folks from Park and Recreation for the Tree Lighting on the Common. And finally, great appreciation for all those folks who came out to support all the events! See you next year.

Anne Mattina, Chair, Downtown Revitalization Committee

December 10, 2007

Old Friends and New Friends

Dear Editor,
     What a great time I had reminiscing with two dear friends at the opening of Maria’s Caffe Italiano restaurant Saturday night. I had previously worked with one of the bartenders, Jim Alegrezza only years ago. Ironically we worked on the very same street and stopped in after work at the same establishment known as the North Pond House or O’Toole's. Since then I have frequented only to catch up on old times and remember all the great times we have shared.

      I want to express my thanks to the new owners and their hard work to create a wonderful new place to share new memories and a wonderful place to spend with friends around the holidays. Thank you for the wonderful work you do with Hopnews.com.
 
Thanks,
Rick Fairbanks

8 Oliver Lane

December 9, 2007

Chairman Endorses Exhibit

Dear Editor,

      The Boston Marathon ’07 Photo exhibit currently showing at the CAA is a terrific event; the five photographers (all five Hopkinton High School students at the time the photos were taken) should be very proud.  The photos capture the tenor of the event and the challenge of the day.  Kudos for the terrific pictures and for the tenacity to tough out the awful weather conditions themselves to capture the event so beautifully.  Congratulations to all involved.  Don’t miss this great exhibit!

Muriel Kramer, Chairman,

Hopkinton Board of Selectman

December 8, 2007

Towering Inferno Heating up on the East Side of Town

Editor:

I wanted to make fellow residents aware of a community issue on the East side of town in hopes that it might be able to generate attendance/interest in a Board of Appeals public hearing on December 12th at 7:30 at the Town Hall.

A towering inferno is heating up in the N. Mill area of town where the absentee owners of 72 North Mill Street, together with T-Mobile, are seeking to install a wireless communications facility and a 100 foot (10 story) cell tower on the back of their property. This is a 4 acre wooded property perched on a hill directly behind Ledgestone Drive and Sterling Drive. It will rise up well above the tree line in the neighborhood and easily infringe on the 500 foot distance from homes requirement for installing these towers. Somehow it appears that this neighborhood is zoned agricultural vs. residential despite the absence of any agriculture beyond potted planters and kids who "horse around."

And so despite the acres of open land in this area, this tower may plop right in the middle of the neighborhood. If you look at the attached  blue print (esp. the last page) you'll quickly see the tight space...what you can't really see is the topography of the area and how this spot is already highly elevated. T-Mobile’s well prepared attorneys only sent letters to the direct property abutters on an issue that will certainly impact a larger group. They will be joined will be at the December 12th meeting as well as a radio frequency specialist to plead the case that it is in the public’s best interest to allow this tower.

The notice reads that "The petitioner seeks relief from the Hopkinton zoning by-laws to install, operate and maintain a wireless communications facility on and next to a 100 foot tall monopole tower on the property owned by Cindy Lou Jordan located at 72 North Mill Street, Hopkinton, MA."

We appreciate your interest and support. If you have any questions or would like to speak to some of the abutters, please contact Tammy Nadeau at 508-435-8320 or email me and I'll be happy to assist in any way possible.

Thank you!

Karen O'Neil
16 Ledgestone Drive
508-404-8817

oneilfamily4@verizon.net

December 6, 2007

Crosswalk Under Study

To the editor

     I have been reading with great interest the discussion on the Town Talk page regarding crosswalk safety in town. As chair of the Downtown Revitalization Committee I wanted to let people know that we are currently working on this very issue. In September, we had a meeting with J.T. Gaucher, of the DPW; Lt. Flannery of the HPD and Selectman Brian Herr to ask about ways to improve crosswalk visibility as well as concerns around the poor condition of downtown sidewalks.

     At that meeting, we were informed that many of our suggestions regarding improving visibility would not comply with state guidelines. After much discussion, it was determined that 2 things we might be able to do are: painting the striping more often and in brighter colors along with painting a "pedestrian crossing ahead" logo directly on the street (to deal with the issue of hills.).   

     We are still waiting for final input from the Police and the DPW regarding those possibilities. Hopefully, we will have more information soon, and we can begin the process of improving visibility.

      Improving driving habits? Well, that's another story, or another committee.

Regards,

Anne Mattina, chair DRC

Editor's Note: We have deleted Letters that have become stale due to the increased use of the Town Talk Forum for opinions; but we encourage more participation on this page. When someone puts their name on something, it holds a greater value.

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