24 Main Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748 508.435.5534 10/21/2005 09:02:51 PM Editor@HopNews.com

REMINDER

ST. PAUL’S 14^TH ANNUAL “BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS”

OCTOBER 2, 2005

September 27, 2005 — Is there a faithful four-legged or feathered friend in your life? Bring them to St. Paul’s 14th Annual Blessing of the Animals on October 2!

All dogs, cats, and other of God’s creatures – and their human friends – are invited to a special 10:00 a.m. ceremony being held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 61 Wood Street (Rte 135) in Hopkinton. The Blessing of the Animals is being done in observance of the feast day of St. Francis, a man known for his love of nature and all of God’s creatures, and will take place during the 10:00 a.m. All Ages service. All are welcome to attend. File photo.

REMINDER

Hopkinton Home Rule Charter ready for prime time

Charter Commission to hold Public Hearing on September 28

7:00 pm - 10:pm Hopkinton High School Auditorium

READ THE CHARTER

1. Preliminary Report

2. Charter Table of Contents

3. Home Rule Charter (Preliminary)

Residents will soon have an opportunity to let the Hopkinton Charter commission know what they think about the proposed town charter. The Charter Commission is hosting public hearings on Wednesday, September 28, from 7 to 10 p.m., in the Hopkinton High School Auditorium. HCAM-TV will broadcast the hearings. FULL STORY

REMINDER

Dinner Theater in Hopkinton

October 1, 2005

7:00 pm

First Congregational Church

Stella Devine is the aging star of the popular Ritz Theatre. As she prepares for a role in a new play written just for her, Ginger, an up and coming southern belle actress plots to steal her role. Acts Two Players presents “Divine Stella Devine,” on Friday, Sept 30 and Saturday, October 1 at 7:00 pm, First Congregational Church, 146 E. Main St., Hopkinton.

Come, enjoy a fun evening of drama and have a great meal, all for only $15.00 per adult. Tickets available at the door but best seating available by purchasing in advance. Choose from a fried chicken or ham dinner. Enjoy this fun, delightful comedy that's different than anything you've ever seen before! Ticket sales begin Monday, Sept. 19. Come to the church office M – F, 9 am – 5 pm. For more information, call 508-435-5900.

REMINDER

Hopkinton Community Endowment Community Telethon

Sunday, October 2nd, 5 – 8 PM at High School Auditorium

Hopkinton, MA — September 13, 2005 — The Hopkinton Community Endowment, a non-profit, publicly supported corporation, will hold its third annual Community Telethon on Sunday, October 2nd, 2005 at the High School Auditorium. Proceeds will be used to continue building a permanent fund to reduce residential tax increases created by large capital expenses. This year, in addition to asking callers to match business donations, residents can sign up to become part of the Hopkinton 200 Club. The 200 Club is for residents who would like to make a three year commitment to The Endowment at a level of $100, $250, or $500 each year.

“The structure of the fundraising is entirely different than a traditional fundraiser. Residents are making a matching donation that is actually tripled when you combine both the business sponsors’ gifts, and the 2 for 1 matching gift The Endowment receives from The Egan Family Foundation. For every $100 that is raised during the event, the Endowment will add $300 to a permanent, fully invested fund on behalf of Hopkinton residents,” said Chuck Joseph, chairman of The Hopkinton Community Endowment and The Telethon’s Host. READ FULL STORY.

REMINDER

Hurry, still some openings!

Call Police Headquarters to sign up 508-497-3401

Hopkinton Police Association Golf Tournament

3rd Annual- October 3rd, 2005

Click here to learn more

Last year, many people were turned away when all of the times filled up. If you were one of those people, please call 508-497-3401 to reserve your time.

POLICE NEWS now up to date.

Karl B. Mighton Trail to open

Saturday, October 22, 2005 at 11:00 AM

September 27, 2005 — The Karl B. Mighton Trail will open officially on October 22, 2005 at 11:00 am. This 3/4 mile walking trail is located opposite 64 North Mill Street. Mr. Mighton was a well loved supporter of the Hopkinton Area Land Trust (HALT) who passed away in the spring. A walk over the well manicured trail through hardwoods, evergreens, and seasonal wetlands — there is a wooden footbridge — may bring offer the walker a look at a bird like the one above photographed today, hopping from branch to branch, peeking around the tree like a squirrel. Perhaps a scurrying chipmunk will pause long enough for a photo, or the animals which leave their tracks in the soft, dried mud alongside the trail will be caught in the act of walking themselves.

A hiker should be prepared for parts of the trail that are newly cut, with saplings cut about three inches from the ground; and some parts that give underfoot like a vein of peat in an ancient bog.

The trail, if taken at the right fork, is not currently as clearly marked as it will likely be, so finding the trail is a challenge.

The HALT says this:

The trail is a loop trail at present, that is approximate ½ to ¾ of a mile walk through beautiful uplands. The trail crosses an intermittent stream, via a wooden foot bridge, and winds through pine forests, stands of oak and many other natural wonders. The Trust plans to extend the trail in the future bringing it up to about a mile and ½ in length and exiting on East Street in the vicinity of the Mass Laborers Training facility.

The Trust invites you to celebrate the opening and dedication with us on Saturday, October 22. If you plan to join us please park along the west side of North Mill Street, tight on the shoulder because North Mill is a very narrow road.

We hope to see you there. If you need further information, please contact David Goldman, 508-435-6578.

Turtle City

September 27, 2005 — These turtles do not appear to be any worse for the vandalism at one of the gates controlling the level at Blood's Pond which lowered its level. The rock the turtles bask on, itself looking like a large turtle, gives testimony to its usual underwater state by the lack of water marks.

Whitehall Estates Concept Plan gets basic approval

"Don't get too immersed in what the signs will say" ~ Ron Clark on signage

Ron Clark- Municipal Signage

By Peter Bergeron

September 26, 2005 — Selectmen Ron Clark addressed the Planning Board concerning a specific item from the last Town Meeting. At that meeting, the Selectmen got shot town when trying to present an Article to erect a 4'x8' sign with a non-conforming usage at each entrance to town. Clark asked the Planning Board to sponsor an article supporting the Board of Selectmen’s authority to erect municipal signage. Clark sited the current Welcome to Hopkinton sign that could serve as a template for future signage.

Planning Board member, Sandy Altamura asked if the proposed signs would be permanent, Clark responded that they would. Altamura then voiced the instance of celebrating a school athletic team that may not require a permanent placard. Ron replied, saying, “Don’t get too immersed in what the signs will exactly say, I’m just saying there should be a way for the Board of Selectmen to opt for a municipal sign.”

Planning Board member Claire Wright warned against a blanketed provision and called for limits on use of signage. Wright cited how it could be possible to inadvertently make the leap from information to advertising with the use of too many notices. The Planning Board agreed to draft an article allowing Selectmen the right to vote on municipal signage.

Before the Planning Board adjourned for the evening, the Emerald Hills East bond reduction request was heard. The Planning Board did give the go-ahead for Emerald Hill’s reduction request. FULL STORY.

Local businesswoman Beth Jacobs selected as coauthor of new book

“More Build It Big: 101 Insider Secrets from Top Direct Selling Experts”

September 26, 2005 - Beth Jacobs, Independent Kitchen Consultant in Hopkinton, has been selected as a coauthor for a new book, More Build It Big: 101 Insider Secrets from Top Direct Selling Experts (Dearborn Trade Publishing, March 2006, $17.95, paperback) More Build It Big provides 101 insider secrets from distributors, speakers, trainers, and industry experts on how to grow a home-based direct selling business and achieve success.

Jacobs is one of 90 contributing authors from across the United States and Canada selected to contribute her unique insights to the book. Created by the Direct Selling Women’s Alliance™ (DSWA), Build It Big was written for the more than 50 million people worldwide who are independent distributors with direct selling companies, as well as for owners of home-based and small businesses. The book’s 300-plus pages reveal insights and practices on how to succeed in business, shared by industry experts like Jacobs who have demonstrated success in their field. FULL STORY

Paul M. Phipps Citizen of the Year

"It's really a Lifetime Achievement Award" ~ Son, Rob Phipps

Ceremony 5:30 - 8:00 pm October 27, 2005 at the Hopkinton Country Club

by Robert Falcione

September 25, 2005 — What do you give to a man who started in sixth grade and earned 16 varsity sports letters, tried out for the Red Sox, graduated Holy Cross then married his sweetheart before going off to war, played baseball in the Marines, coached an all-black baseball team in Goldsboro, N.C., served his country honorably, built a company from 7 customers to over 3,000, helped found Hopkinton Little League, Kiwanis and the Chamber of Commerce, and has served on the boards of a couple of dozen organizations?

The Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce is slated to award Paul M. Phipps, founder of the insurance agency that bears his name, the Citizen of the Year Award. Mr. Phipps will be presented the award ceremoniously on October 27, 2005 at the Hopkinton Country Club between 5:30 pm and 8:00 pm. (Photo above, Ruth and Paul Phipps).

"To me, it's really Lifetime Achievement Award," said son, Rob Phipps recently.

"He's eighty-four years-old, healthy and been on more committees than anyone in town.

"No one else took the time to do all that he did after he got back from the war," he said. (Photo below, arrow, Paul M. Phipps on beach at Iwo Jima with other officers after the invasion, listening to the only man standing, who is playing the violin).

Born in a house on Hayden Rowe Street on March 8, 1921, Paul M. Phipps demonstrated early on the achievements that would define his character. He started earning sports letters in sixth grade in a town that had a population of 2,000.

He worked at Public Service Company at Ice House Pond on West Main Street from ages 14-18 years old, cutting ice into 300 pound blocks for people's freezers, before the proliferation of the electrical refrigerator.

"He coached an all-black baseball team in Goldsboro. NC. When his team was refused admittance into a hotel, he refused to stay there," said Mr. Phipps.

"He also worked at Nyanza Chemical Company cleaning out paint vats and processing dyes," said his son, referring to a former company in Ashland that is now a Superfund site, and has been blamed by some for many deaths.

His beginnings were modest, says his son. "Every time the rent went up, they moved. He had a chance to buy a house for $13,500, but couldn't afford it. His brother-in-law, Bill Thomas, (Photo, Paul Phipps, left, and Bill Thomas on leave in Washington, DC) loaned him $6,000 and he paid it back in full with interest in a couple of years.

"HCAM is going to do a show What I'd like to foster is 100 years of Hopkinton. He is aware of vets from World War One, and people who go back to the turn of he century.

"He is a survivor. He had a large support group, but now they are all gone," said Rob Phipps.

When asked what lessons from his dad were the greatest, Rob Phipps didn't hesitate.

"The ability to think of others' needs first.

"Generosity.

"Responsibility," he said.

Mr. Phipps then pointed to a framed piece on the wall of the office in the company his father started.

It says, "Character is doing what's right when no one is looking."

Photo, above, Paul Phipps at 50 year anniversary of the founding of Hopkinton Little League last year with a few of the original players from 1954.

Finally, voices of reason

Dear Editor:

I am more than happy to see there are finally voices of fairness and reason when it comes to the issue of recent grade adjustments in Ms Bartlett's Algebra II classes [Mrs. Stahl is referring to another post in defense of students on HopNews' Talk City page]. As a parent of one of these students, I have been sitting back incredulously as the most ridiculous and often cruel assumptions have been made about these students. These statements have also been made publicly by Ms Bartlett herself which I think tells the whole story.

She was more than willing to sacrifice the students for her own misguided agenda. Not once has it occurred to any of the "supporters" that these kids have been victimized by an individual who has clearly chosen to go off on her own crusade without even once caring about the cost, emotional as well as financial, to hard working, conscientious families. I personally know of several situations where parents spent upwards of $250 a month on tutors, most of whom were baffled at why their students repeatedly failed tests. It made NO SENSE to anyone. There are students who entered counseling, others who were so upset they threw up on the way to class. SEE FULL LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Sunday Taps Vigil

Town Common

Sunday, October 2, 2005

7:00 pm

Please join the Hopkinton Veteran’s Celebration Committee this Sunday October 2, 2005 for a remembrance ceremony on the Town Common. The committee is hosting a “Sunday Taps Vigil” ceremony participated in by hundreds of communities across America. The ceremony will consist of a short tribute to two of Hopkinton’s Veterans, followed by the playing of Taps. The ceremony will begin promptly at 7:00 pm and is expected to last 15 minutes. All are welcome, and we request that every effort be made to observe the quiet and solemn nature of the playing of Taps.

The “Sunday Taps Vigil” was started by Bugles Across America. The organization was founded in 2000 when Congress passed legislation stating Veterans had a right to at least 2 uniformed military personnel to fold the flag and play a recorded version of taps during funeral services. Bugles Across America was founded to take this a step further, and provide a live bugler for these services. The Organization now has 1500 bugler volunteers located in all 50 states and a growing number overseas. For more information on this program check out www.buglesacrossamerica.org

****Buglers Wanted****

The Hopkinton Veteran’s Celebration Committee is also looking for Buglers that can assist in this celebration. Call (508) 435-3639 if interested. Bugles, Trumpets, Flugelhorns, and Cornets can all be used as long as the 24 notes of taps can be played with ease in a manner that would honor our Veterans, Service Personnel, and our Country.

Where eagles dare, kids swim, and people play soccer

September 25, 2005 — Paul Dietz shares this stunning photo he captured of a hawk over the soccer fields at the YMCA on East Street during a soccer game this weekend. It's excellence is enough to make some photographers jealous.

Fast and curious

September 25, 2005 — Owners of Japanese automobiles, reminiscent of the movie Fast and Furious, held an end of the year meet at Hopkinton State Park today. According to organizer Mina Markos, it used to be for Acura owners only, and is publicized by the Acurazine.com message board.

And according to fellow Acura enthusiast Terry Kanel, "We sent it out to the other car enthusiast's board." They said it is made up of ten different car groups.

Young people were ogling over each others' cars, some of which had roll cages and interior-mounted video cameras, along with various types of high-performance fuels.

Attendee John Benton from Northbridge said that he didn't have a car good enough to bring.

"But photography is my thing," he said. sporting the latest and greatest 8MP Olympus camera from his neck.

The group plans to expand its interest every year.

Project Just Because

September 25, 2005 — From left, Rep. Paul Loscocco, Selectman Mary Pratt, Project Just Because founder Cheryl Lambert-Walsh, Senator Karen Spilka cut the ribbon on Saturday to officially open the new charitable center located at 209 Hayden Rowe Street.

Whitehall cleanup day

September 25, 2005 — Add the name of Gail Clifford to this group, because she also helped her fellow Woodvillites clean up Lake Whitehall. Photo by Gail Clifford on Saturday.

Action by principal has long reaching consequences

Dear Editor,

How extraordinary that David Stoldt, School Committee Chairman, considers the inflation of student grades by Principal Dorothy Gould a demonstration of “courage” and “leadership” (Boston Globe, Sept. 22).

By undermining the standards, overriding the reasoned judgment of Rachel Bartlett, a respected, veteran teacher, and yielding to parental pressure, Mrs. Gould’s behavior can also be viewed as “cowardly” and “dictatorial, ” as well as intimidating to any faculty member with principles. READ FULL LETTER.

Hillers 20, Norton, 6

Coach Hughes' 194th career victory

September 24, 2005 — The Hopkinton Hillers opened up the Tri- Valley league season with a 20-6 win over a stubborn Norton team last night before an intense fall-like summer crowd in Norton. The Hillers got an 80 yard pass receiving run from sophomore Paul Ostrander on a touchdown dash from captain Jon Stickney and a great run from junior Anthony Tomasz. The Hillers led at half-time 14-6 but increased their lead in the third quarter. For coach Dave Hughes it was his 194th career victory as he heads for the elusive 200th victory club. The Hiller will be home with rival Holliston Friday night in what will be another pay back event. The Hillers are now 2-1 overall and 1-0 in the league. Peter Marso special to HopNews!

Roll-over

September 24, 2005 — There was no driver or passengers at this roll over on Frankland Road shortly before midnight today. Firefighter Francis Clark came upon the driver of this flipped vehicle on East Main Street, after Hopkinton Fire and Police responded to a cell call reporting the accident. The passenger side roof was totally caved, so much so that it was apparent no one could have escaped through that window.

"I was driving along and came upon this," said the woman who called the accident in.

The driver was placed into custody at about 12:15 am Saturday morning. The disposition is unknown at this time.

A TALK CITY POST SUPPORTING SCHOOL COMMITTEE

From:	Equity	8:16 pm
To:	MAT1001	34 of 34

Folks, I am really, really surprised how illogical all the Rachel Bartlett supporters are.

It seems to me you are all getting caught up in this "standing up for principles" rhetoric. The simple case here, that the School Board courageously rectified, is we had a maverick teacher who imposed her own sense of curriculum standards, beyond those of the High School (we all agree, I think, that her standards/requirements were more challenging than her colleagues) on her small subset of students. Subsequently 60% of them got a D or F if I recall. Do you all think that's fair???? Would you think so if that was your son or daughter??

NOTE: Read the rest of the post in Talk City--->

Teacher wouldn't compromise standards

Dear Editor:

I guess those of us who attended Hopkinton High School when we had to earn our marks, good or bad, have to add Rachel Bartlett to the list of teachers who wouldn't compromise their standards so that students would get good grades. These teachers include: Miss Ellen Duffy, Miss Marion Harris, Mr. Edward Rooney and Mr. Aubrey Doyle. I encourage anyone who can add to this list to do so.

Anne Marcy

8 Exchange Street
Class of 1955

September 23, 2005

More Letters

Yard Sale: Sunday Sept 25th from 8 am to 2 pm at 104 Hayward Street--Hopkinton (cross road is South St). Multi-family, a 'sell pile' gathered over 40+ years--some furniture, old tools, household misc., Christmas decorations, tools and more. Something "somebody could use"!

Harsh Reality in the Field of Dreams

“Some of the parents are hilarious. They think their kid is ready for the Major Leagues.”

- Hopkinton’s Peter Marso

by Ron DiMichele

September 23, 2005 —You say your son hits the curve ball pretty well? His heater flirts with seventy-five miles an hour? Maybe your daughter cans the ten-foot jumper all night long and sinks eight out of ten consistently from the charity stripe? Well, before strolling too far out into the field of dreams, you might want to chat with Hopkinton’s Peter Marso:

“They think they can play at Tennessee. They think they can play at Florida. They can’t! They’re not good enough!”

To the aspiring college athlete (and that athlete’s parents), Marso’s words might ring like a cold slap in the face, but he has the experience to back them up. Peter Marso has been a friend to Hopkinton High School athletics for over thirty years. He keeps the scorebook for the baseball team, works the clock at basketball games, and is the PA voice of Hiller football. What’s more, Marso is an assistant New England scout for the New York Yankees and the Recruiting Director for Impact Prospects‘ Baseball Pipeline, an on-line college athlete recruiting service. Marso has watched hundreds of high school athletic contests, and when it comes to assessing talent, he doesn’t mince words: READ FULL STORY

Whitehall cleanup Saturday

Project Just Because Saturday

Abby won tickets to the Eastern States Exposition by handing in her
completed time log from the Summer Reading Program.
We wish Abby and her family a great time at the Big E.

Dinny Potenza ~ Children's Librarian

On guard

September 23, 2005 — Hopkinton Firefighters standing yesterday shortly after noon for the State Police to arrive and determine the lethality of two grenades discovered in a condo in Walcott Valley Drive. They had evacuated several residents of that complex.

POLICE NEWS up-to-date

5:40 pm A caller reported that a man in a vehicle in the back of a parking lot on West Main Street was looking over at children playing in a playground. ..

11:06 am Chief Thomas Irvin, Patrolman Patrick O'Brien, and Officers Thomas Griffin and Philip Powers responded to a report of possible live grenades on Walcott Valley Drive...

5:56 pm Sgt. Charles Wallace and Officer David Shane responded to a call reporting that an intoxicated male in front of a Main Street business wanted to get in his vehicle and drive away.

Guest opinion

Schools need more teachers like Mrs. Bartlett

"What is wrong with pushing your students...?"

by Celeste Wright

September 23, 2005 — My mother called me at school and brought my attention to the issue of grade padding that has just been decided upon by the school committee. She encouraged me to read the article on Hopnews.com, knowing that I had had Mrs. Bartlett for Algebra 2 just four years ago. I am very shocked!

Mrs. Bartlett was probably the best math teacher I had at Hopkinton High, and all of them were very good teachers. What I remember most about Mrs. Bartlett's class was that she really pushed her students to do well, but also that she was approachable, organized, and fair.

Math was never my favorite subject, by any means, and Algebra 2 was a HARD subject. It wasn't a class where you could slide through and receive an A. Mrs. Bartlett was strict and didn't mess around. She had goals for her students and was not going to drop her expectations, because she believed in her students' abilities. I had homework every night-- lots of it, and if I didn't do the homework, I would fall behind- that's a given. FULL STORY.

Polyarts 2005

PART III

See the third of three presentations of interviews done at Polyarts 2005 by clicking on the photo.

Amber waves...

September 22, 2005 — "Amber waves of grain," although a meaningful phrase from a beautiful song, is just inappropriate overgrowth at this Catholic cemetery on Wilson Street today.

High and dry

September 22, 2005 — This colony of cormorants shares its sandbar with a lone seagull today at the Hopkinton Reservoir.

Bomb Squad in Hopkinton

September 22, 2005 — Hopkinton Police Officer Philip Powers accompanies Trooper Sean Maloney, a member of the State Police Bomb Squad, while the Channel 4 helicopter whirred above, a few minutes minutes after noon today, to assess the situation at 27 Walcott Drive where Robert Foster, while removing things from his uncle George's condo, discovered two grenades.

"There's nothing to indicate they are anything more than paperweights," said Chief of Police, Thomas Irvin. "So we err on the side of caution," he said.

According to police sources, the devices were real Japanese grenades, circa WW II, but were determined not to be dangerous after being x-rayed. They were removed by Trooper Maloney and will be destroyed.

"As you may know, my uncle was a World War II aficionado," said Robert Foster. George Foster, who passed away last October, was a World War II veteran, and was one of the first contributors to HopNews, entertaining people with cartoons about him and his cat Heshy.

Below, nephew Robert Foster today with Heshy, who was taken in by a neighbor after Mr. Foster passed away. Right, a tribute cartoon drawn by artist Ashley Jackson for HopNews to commemorate Mr. Foster.

Below, Channel 4 news chopper above Walcott Valley Drive.

SOME PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE:

Ride-along with Officer Buckley of Hopkinton Police ~ Part One

"We're out there to make Hopkinton a safe place."

by Robert Falcione

September 23, 2005 — A few months ago Officer Stephen Buckley (File photo at Bill's Pizza for seat belt education.) asked me if I would like to go on a ride-along in his cruiser some evening with the unstated but apparent purpose of writing a story. It came to pass on September 10, almost two weeks ago, when I took a video camera along. My affirmative answer came within milliseconds of the question, like a asking a kid if they want an ice cream after the first bell rings from a nearby street.

Most people are intrigued by what the police do, as evidenced by the major newspapers splashing photos and stories of crimes across their front pages, as happened in yesterday's Metrowest. People read the Police News in HopNews and other media, and many do so religiously.

I felt comfortable, and frankly quite flattered, being asked to ride with Officer Buckley, knowing that he is a dedicated, hard working individual who is always on. That is to say he is always looking at his surrounding environment, even when answering a citizen's question while walking his Main Street patrol, never letting the status of his immediate area go unnoticed.

Officer Buckley, a ten-year veteran of the Hopkinton Police Department, is the department's Community Policing Officer, Crime Prevention Officer, Boat Patrol, Bike Patrol, and Emergency Medical Technician. He especially enjoys working at educating children on safety issues, such as seat belts and helmets, and patrolling residential neighborhoods. "When people see a police cruiser in their neighborhood, it makes them feel safer," he said.

Officer Buckley has done several Public Service Announcements for HopNews for his department, and is never without one of those causes to promote.

Even though the evening did not become dangerous — I had to stay in the cruiser at all times — the possibility for trouble is always there for a police officer.

"The job is exciting," Officer Buckley said. "You might leave speed enforcement and have to deal with a domestic situation or with a violent, armed suspect at a moment's notice.

"When you make a traffic stop, you don't know who you're going to be dealing with," he said.

"You have to be looking around and knowing your surroundings at all times, even getting gas. You have to scan the parking lot going in and always be aware of what's around."

During our first minute out of the station, Officer Buckley saw an out of town work truck at the Exxon with two men standing outside of it. He put the license plate number into his computer and immediately knew who the driver was as well as his license and registration status. It seemed tame, but the Exxon did get robbed a year or so ago by a man who had just robbed a business in Marlborough 20 minutes earlier.

To see Part One of the video, to see Officer Buckley patrolling his neighborhoods and speaking on camera, choose the video picture and be brought to HopNews.tv.

Hopkinton Charter Commission

Preliminary Report (Public Hearing)

by Peter Bergeron

September 21, 2005- Marie Eldridge began the public hearing by introducing her fellow Commissioners. The Charter Commission then presented their preliminary report; Eldridge supported the visual presentation with information about the Charter’s purpose and scope.

Charter spokesperson, Marie Eldridge hailed “greater consolidation of major governmental structure in one document” as one of the Charter’s key advantages. Instatement of the charter will be a question in Hopkinton’s May 2006 town election and if passed will be effective immediately. Charter provisions may be amended with a two-thirds vote at town meeting and the Charter will be held to a mandatory ten-year review.

The Commissions agenda preceding their November 15^th final document deadline is to collect as much public input as possible. Eldridge stressed this point throughout the evening’s presentation and subsequent public reaction. FULL STORY.

IP Address Trace