Longtime resident and active community volunteer Matt Kizner recently spoke with HopNews about his candidacy for the Select Board in Hopkinton’s May 19 election. The discussion offered some insight into his background, philosophy, what he sees as priorities for Hopkinton’s future, and his approach to leadership and governance.

Biography and Community Involvement

Kizner, married to Emma and father of two, has lived in Hopkinton since 2017. He quickly immersed himself in local government, joining the Zoning Advisory Committee upon his arrival and later serving on the Capital Improvement Committee (CIC), which he has chaired for three years.

On the professional side, he works at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Massachusetts’ largest employer, in the research and development Quality sector, where he utilizes the biochemistry degree from WPI.

Kizner is a “data guy” and a “management coach,” both traits he applies to his civic duties. When we work together, we can find a way to yes!

Adjusting to the Times and Aligning the Focus

“With incredible population growth and development, Hopkinton has changed a lot,” Kizner said, “especially since the early 2000s.” He thinks the town still struggles to embrace that change. This has left a gap in its vision for the community.

Kizner said, “We don’t really agree on what Hopkinton should be.” This disagreement often emerges in debates about capital investments and infrastructure priorities. Kizner currently serves as chair of the CIC.

Economic Development

Kizner is concerned about Hopkinton’s reliance on property taxes. He said that accounts for about 85 percent of the town’s budget. He warns that residents will feel an ever-higher tax burden without diversifying revenue streams. Kizner hopes to bring in more commercial development to Hopkinton to help with this. Kizner is also very aware of how residents’ living costs have increased.

Seniors and young families are worried about being priced out of town. Kizner presses for focused marketing to attract biotech and other kinds of businesses to Hopkinton.

Governance Paradigm: Transparency, Unity, and Listening

Kizner believes it’s important for the Select Board to align its decisions with the needs and values of residents.

Select Board Chair Brian Herr: “When things are good, residents talk about three things: trails, trees, and trash. When these topics diminish, it indicates deeper issues.”

Kizner sees his role as that of a unifier, focused on the town’s substantial needs rather than partisan differences. He imagines a board that operates as “five for Hopkinton,” not along party lines.

Independence and Party Affiliation

Although Kizner joined the Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee (HDTC) when he started his campaign, he calls himself an independent thinker.

He clarifies that although he shares many values with the HDTC, he does not always share its priorities or methods. “I am my own person,” he said, pledging to vote according to what he believes is right and what is best for the town, potentially even when it conflicts with party expectations.

Engagement and Accountability

Kizner is open to criticism from residents and is pleased when people ask about his actions and decisions. He sees such interactions as a sign of a healthy democracy and is committed to transparency and open lines of communication.

Core Values and Leadership Style

Kizner’s leadership embodies empathy, humility, and a willingness to share his thoughts. He recalled being “booed off the stage” at his first town meeting for asking difficult questions, a testament to his pledge of honest discourse.

Kizner also credits his work as a parent and professional with building patience and perspective. He ended the discussion by reaffirming his independence and commitment to Hopkinton: “I am my own man. I can be a member of a collective. You never have to worry about whether my voice will be heard if I feel it needs to be heard. I don’t know how to shut my mouth when I think I must speak up.”

Matt Kizner is deeply committed to Hopkinton’s future. He has a pragmatic approach to growth, is committed to fiscal responsibility, and firmly believes in open and inclusive governance.