At last night’s scheduled Select Board debate on HCAM, instead of responding to the first question, my opponent read a prepared statement and left the debate. He accused me of allowing attacks on social media through surrogates on him and his family. Without question I do not condone personal attacks on my opponent or his family members. I am not aware of any personal attacks, which makes it hard for me to respond. I have run a positive campaign these last few months, sharing information with voters such as how to find remote meeting agendas on the town website, sharing every Select Board and Planning Board agenda packet and answering questions from members of the public. I have released all of my campaign finance filings and a statement on racial injustice. I am trying to be as transparent as possible. This is my third time running for public office in a hotly contested race and I have taken the brunt of a lot of negative campaigning over the years. It is hard being in the public eye, but I accept that my opinions on local issues, and sometimes also state and national issues, are important to the residents. I understand that people may disagree with me at times and may criticize some of my opinions, but I listen to them respectfully and try to understand their perspectives. I have developed a thick skin and learned not to take it personally when someone disagrees with me on an issue. When running for office I have always showed up and participated in the debates. I was very disappointed that I did not get a chance to debate the issues with my opponent last night. As a voter myself I watch the HCAM debates every year and have found them to be fair and very much appreciate the tireless work HCAM does for our community.
Amy Ritterbusch
54 Grove St
Hopkinton MA 01748
Current Planning Board Member
Candidate for Select Board
For Reference
Hopkinton Independent 6/15/20: Coutinho, citing ‘hostile environment’ online, pulls out of Select Board debate
Hopkinton Independent 6/16/20: Controversy surrounds Select Board race following accusation of online ‘attacks’
