There is a sea change happening in Hopkinton. Voice is being given to this change. The town spoke and the votes were counted, but the change had already begun.
As with any change, large or small, fear raises its head. These fearful reactions are giving rise to some very unpleasant correspondence. Fear of change is evident.
While opinions differ, the rush to anger is palpable in this town. From elected board members to the town’s elderly, opinions are being flung far and wide. We value the right to express our opinions, as we should. However, the fear and anger are leaving a stain on this town. Polarization is evident, making it difficult to move forward. The loss of what was normal has brought us all to grief.
In any sea change there is also an opportunity to grow. Before growth can occur, the stages of grief will be transited: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. The school board and many in this town are already experiencing many of these emotions.
Denial has been expressed as well as disbelief that the town could not vote “yes” on the proposed school budget. Anger has been visible on several live board meetings. Town residents have been chastised openly by board members for not offering budget reduction suggestions. Town residents are angry because a clear and transparent bookkeeping for the school budget is not readily available in one concise format, making it difficult to offer suggestions.
The rest of the cycle of grief will continue to flow back and forth, and we as a town can only move forward constructively when we get to acceptance of the changes our town is facing. There could be bargaining and depression as the journey is made. Many in this town are feeling these emotions at different times, and in varying degrees.
Hopkinton has two choices in how we face this sea change. We can continue cycling through the grief stages and live in anger and denial, risking the health of this community, or we can collaborate on how to embrace the changes and move forward together.
The change has already begun; it is up to the leaders, officials and board members to set an example and bring the community back together. Instead of hurling accusations and rebuttals, we need patience and understanding. The town select board should not be voicing anything but support for this town’s efforts to move forward through these changes. The school board must do likewise. As elected officials, there is only one important issue – to bring Hopkinton together, and preserve the town’s cohesiveness.
It is time to stop the divisiveness and quell the anger, and accept that Hopkinton is changing. There is opportunity to be found in change if we allow ourselves to stop reacting and begin listening to one another.
We must support everyone in this town, and we can do this together. Let us listen to understand and not to respond. The most difficult step in any journey is always the first one. Let us take it now, Hopkinton.
(Judi Case lives in Hopkinton.)