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Opinion: Hopkinton town board in disarry due to ethics, says town council candidate

Posted 9/26/17

To the Editor: My name is Kelly Pullano. I wish to formally announce my candidacy for the position of councilman in my town of Hopkinton. Our board is currently in disarray and our town is faced with …

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Opinion: Hopkinton town board in disarry due to ethics, says town council candidate

Posted

To the Editor:

My name is Kelly Pullano. I wish to formally announce my candidacy for the position of councilman in my town of Hopkinton. Our board is currently in disarray and our town is faced with an issue of serious magnitude. If elected, I believe I could represent the community of Hopkinton in the manner residents deserve.

The serious issue I speak of is the real threat of an industrial wind project in our rural town. Industrial wind turbines of 500+ feet will have a far-reaching and lasting impact on our way of life. Evidence is piling up every day on impacts on real estate, noise levels, well water issues, lubricant leaks, wildlife and fires. The information is endless and needs to be seriously considered before rushing into a project of this nature.

The disarray of the town board results from councilman Gilbert Sochia's father having a lease with the wind company, which legally prevents him from voting or discussing wind turbine issues. Greg Crump, another councilman up for re-election, could not vote under the existing ethics law due to an uncle and a cousin having signed leases with the wind company. The Hopkinton town board changed their ethics law for the sole purpose of allowing Mr. Crump to discuss and vote on wind turbine issues. It should also be noted that Mr. Crump is employed by a leaseholder.

Both councilmen are up for re-election. Both councilmen are pro-wind. Both councilmen need to be replaced by candidates who will speak and act on behalf of the community.

I have lived in Hopkinton for over 13 years. My husband and I have raised four children here. We love the small town and the rural lifestyle. I appreciate what we have here in Hopkinton and will fight to preserve it.

The community deserves a board that will represent what the people want. If elected, I will work to explore other possible ways to promote economic growth that will enhance our community, not destroy it. I will welcome your ideas and suggestions as we work together and build a strong sense of community.

Please vote on Nov. 7. Good decisions today make for a better tomorrow.

Kelly Pullano

Hopkinton Town Councilwoman candidate