Weekly News Roundup – 01/26/2020
Town Election Candidates needed for 2020 • Ballot Machines Tested for Special Town Election on Feb 3rd • MetroWest is a thriving hub, but many residents face income inequality, financial strain • MetroWest towns crack down on tobacco licenses • Town Manager scheduled to submit the FY 21 Comprehensive Budget to the Select Board • The Hopkinton Youth Commission presents MLK Day of Service 2020 • The Town of Hopkinton announces that an affordable single-family home • Meet our 2020 Marathon Runner: Matt Lerner
Town Election Candidates needed for 2020
There are openings for at least 3 offices including Commissioners of Trust Funds, Constable, Housing Authority and Planning Board
View updated list of openings and candidates
Ballot Machines Tested for Special Town Election on Feb 3rd
This past Friday they tested the Ballot Machines at Hopkinton Town Hall for the upcoming Special Town Election on Monday Feb 3rd. The Election features three questions, view the sample ballot above. The voting will take place at Hopkinton Middle School, polls are open from 7am until 8pm.
Clicking on this video to view more
MetroWest is a thriving hub, but many residents face income inequality, financial strain
The Foundation for MetroWest launched its Impact MetroWest program Wednesday, which is aimed at identifying strengths and challenges in the region and bringing forward initiatives to improve the quality of life for MetroWest residents.
There is significant wealth in MetroWest, but the region’s poverty rate is on the rise. About 8% of MetroWest residents and 9% of kids in the region live in poverty. The region’s poverty rate is below the state and nation, but has increased since 2000. The threshold for a four-person family with two children was $25,465 in 2018, according to Impact MetroWest.
MetroWest towns crack down on tobacco licenses
The Hopkinton Board of Health considers reducing the number of tobacco licenses. It’s the latest local effort to safeguard teenagers from the health risks of smoking.
The regulations would permanently retire a license when a Hopkinton business stops selling tobacco or closes. The idea is fewer licenses translate to less access to tobacco, thereby lowering the risk that local youngsters will puff a cigarette.
https://hopkinton.wickedlocal.com/news/20200120/metrowest-towns-crack-down-on-tobacco-licenses
Town Manager scheduled to submit the FY 21 Comprehensive Budget to the Select Board
The Town Manager was scheduled to submit the FY 21 Comprehensive Budget to the Select Board on Tuesday Jan 21 at 7:00PM at Town Hall, during the Select Board meeting. The Appropriation Committee and School Committee were invited to attend. The public is welcome to attend or watch on TV.
View Jan 21st Select Board Meeting Agenda packet
The Hopkinton Youth Commission presents MLK Day of Service 2020
The Hopkinton Youth Commission organized MLK Day of Service 2020. The public was invited on Monday, January 20 at 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM at Hopkinton Middle School. Kids and Adults were invited to join the many service activities and projects taking place.
MLK Day of Service Activity Schedule
The Town of Hopkinton announces that an affordable single-family home
Affordable Homeownership opportunity in town is available for purchase. Must meet maximum gross income requirements to qualify.
The affordable housing opportunity is under Chapter 40B, the Massachusetts Comprehensive Permit Law which restricts the deed for this property (“Deed Rider”). The agency that monitors the implementation and compliance of the “Deed Rider” is called “the “Monitoring Agency”” and for this specific property is: The Department of Housing and Community Development 100 Cambridge Street, # 300 Boston, MA 02114.
Click here for eligibility and other details
Meet our 2020 Marathon Runner: Matt Lerner
Matt is currently a second-year medical student with hopes of completing his residency in Obstetrics upon graduation. In 2018, he ran the Boston Marathon and has since ran the Vermont City Marathon among other races. He has past experience in fundraising for both the Boston Marathon as well as in other capacities and is so excited to be running for eHop in the 2020 Boston Marathon!
eHop’s mission is to provide timely and factual information about key town matters with the goal of increasing government transparency and fostering civic engagement. Join Matt in helping advance eHop’s mission!