Proposal to pay $1,000 'townie baby' award draws sharp criticism at Westborough joint meeting

Ted Gilbert presented Article 45 proposing a taxpayer‑funded, $1,000 award for current residents "born in Westborough" who have children, saying the modest incentive could encourage families to remain and preserve community continuity. He cited examples elsewhere and said the award was intended as an acknowledgement rather than a major financial incentive.

The proposal immediately prompted strong criticism. A number of board members and attendees called the article offensive and impractical, raised constitutional equal‑protection concerns and warned of negative historical parallels. "This article has been an embarrassment to this town," one Select Board member said, while another noted the program's logistics, eligibility definitions and potential discriminatory effects would need legal review prior to any town appropriation.

Questions raised included how the award would be administered, who would qualify in case of divorce, whether adoptive parents would be included, how the policy would treat people born outside the town but who have lived in Westborough most of their lives, and whether the proposal could be construed as discriminatory. Critics urged the proponent to withdraw the article or substantially revise its language and research legal implications before town meeting; the proponent said he would look into constitutional concerns before proceeding.

The committees did not vote on the petition at the meeting.