I wish to address the unfortunate news that has come to light over the last few weeks and look at how we as a community can grow stronger in its wake. As a community leader that values our strength when working together to improve our Town, I was deeply disappointed to hear about the actions of Ms. Hayes. I consider Darlene a friend, but I do not condone the actions that have come to light.
These recent events have had a negative impact on our community and our shared values. It is vital that we reflect on that. I firmly believe that our strength as a town lies in our ability to come together, heal and support each other. That being said, there are consequences for our actions in life. Ms. Hayes is facing those consequences and taking responsibility. If we truly believe that this community should do better, then we have to lead by example. We should condemn negative and divisive behavior, but let us all make sure that we challenge it with positive action and find creative solutions to complex problems that face our town. Negative campaigns do not encourage or support participation in government. I have run for office five times and always made sure to keep my campaigns positive because I strive for increased participation.
I grew up in Hopkinton and I see our town as a place where our sense of community prevails. It is essential that we embrace this strength as we move forward. Our true character is reflected in how we respond to adversity and work together toward a brighter future. I call upon each and every resident to embrace the values that bind us instead of focusing on the issues that drive us apart. Let us engage in constructive conversations, work collaboratively, and seize on this opportunity to strengthen our community bond. By doing so, I am certain we will emerge stronger and more united as we navigate our future.
Sincerely,
Connor B. Degan, Your Town Clerk
Well said. We should be able to honestly disagree on what we feel is best for the town but we should remember that even with disagreement on that issue, we have more in common than not. With that in mind, I encourage all to provide replies using your actual name, and not a pseudonym or anonymous name. I think we all behave a little better knowing we can be held accountable for our words.
Thanks for giving us your thoughts. My initial reaction is that 90% of this could be written by anyone, about any community. Also, Ms Hayes has faced the consequences but to my knowledge has not taken responsibility. I have not seen any apologies or comments with her thoughts on all this. As her friend maybe you have, but she owes apologies to more than just members of HDTC.
Your statement is plagued with disingenuous statements. During the heat of the election you were in constant conversation with Ms Hayes. Feeding into the narrative with what should have been confidential conversations that you had with Ms. Fogg. You have admitted in public and frankly I find unprofessional at all levels. Where’s the apology to the town and Ms Fogg for your part in this unfortunate situation of feeding the fire. You should have known better. Shame shame. The selectmen should know better too. If they do not have the leadership skills to profess what happened is wrong, they should seriously consider resigning. Our town desires better.
How privileged Connor is to be able to run a “positive campaign” for 5 years without people in multiple leadership roles and committees that collude to form an anti-Connor campaign.
Thanks for your letter, Connor. One way that I would like the Hopkinton Democratic Committee to change is that when we have two or more Democratic candidates running for a district position, like State Representative, that during the primary, the Hopkinton Democratic Party stays neutral and brings out the positive of both candidates. Let the voters decide but have a process that all candidates’ views and experiences are highlighted and known. When I lived in Framingham, that’s what we did. I thought the Hopkinton Democratic Party “overwhelmingly” favored the Hopkinton candidate. I also thought the Democratic Town Committee politics made it exceptionally difficult to overtly support your out-of-town candidate, whom also has many strengths.
I heard about these actions 10 years ago when I moved to Hopkinton. These actions have been going on for a LONG time and well known by most. Yet they were ignored by many who aligned for their own political gains. Many of whom hold office today benefited by choice. As a lifelong registered democrat, I unenrolled in the party because of what I saw with the Hopkinton Democratic Party. Please don’t act surprised. You all knew.
It is awfully nice to be a community leader…but it is even nicer to let others bestow that term and not oneself….
Everything posted above (with pseudonyms or actual names) is proof of the inefficacy of commenting on HopNews.
Connor’s comments are heartfelt but also reflective of a small town politician.
The future of this town rests upon land preservation and embracing it’s historical agrarian roots.
You can only go so far with good school ratings and convenient access to 495 and Route 90.
Christian, kindly drop me an email @ ospcchair@hopkinton.gov, or give me a call. Thank you! Ed