I am running a write-in campaign for a Non-Veteran spot on the Trustees of Soldiers Memorials in Westborough. I have tremendous respect for the men and women who serve/served our country. At various town ceremonies I stood with friends and neighbors at the monuments while our children, made up of different races and ethnicities, participated in the singing or playing of the National Anthem. As a community, we felt the honor and the solemnity of the moment and the importance of these monuments to preserve the memories of service and sacrifice. The Trustees of the Soldiers Memorials consists of Veterans and Non-Veterans and is responsible for constructing and maintaining the monuments in town. The position is for a three-year term. Mark Brady is running as an incumbent.
Westborough’s veterans deserve better than Donald “Ted” Gilbert, currently on the ballot. Mr. Gilbert is the proponent of an Article for Town Meeting known as the “Townie Baby Award.” Mr. Gilbert asks voters to authorize the Town of Westborough to award Westborough residents, who were themselves born in Westborough, $1,000 per child born to these Westborough natives, suggesting that this will promote continued traditions and culture important in our Town. This nativism is xenophobic and is an attack on diversity in the Westborough community.
My wife, Juliana, and I have been residents of Westborough for more than 30 years. Our three daughters matriculated through our school system. I have practiced law in Worcester and surrounding towns, including Westborough, for 34 years. In addition to recently serving as the President of the Worcester County Bar Association and being an active volunteer in the Massachusetts Bar Association, I have been invested in our community as a former President of Project Graduation, a volunteer for Westborough Fine Art and Education Association, a Westborough youth soccer coach, Commissioner of the Central Mass High School Ski League, a performer with Westborough Players and a member of the Board of Directors for the Pastoral Counseling Center and Westborough TV.
Your write in vote on March 12 is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Geoffrey Spofford
Westborough
