With Wellesley Town Election coming up next Tuesday, March 4, we figured it was a good time to check in with Katherine “Gig” Babson, who announced in December that she would not be seeking re-election to the Board of Selectmen this time around.
She wraps up a 9-year run on the board, during which many big changes have taken place, including a loosening of alcohol licenses for business and the opening of a new Wellesley High School that features the Katherine L. Babson, Jr. Auditorium.
While Babson will leave the BoS, she’s sticking around town and will continue to be very involved.
So now that you’ll have all this free time on your hands, what are you going to do? I hope that Town Meeting approves the creation of a Town Government Study Committee to review the structure of Town government, including such matters as the size of Town Meeting, the timing of Town elections, the authority and responsibility of the Executive Director of General Government Services (i.e, Han’s position), the possible consolidation of town boards and committees, etc. (it is warrant article 30). If TM approves it, I hope the Moderator will appoint me to the 9-member committee.
I see you retired from your law firm as well. Is this one of those retirements where you really are retired or do you keep on working? Yes, I retired from my law firm at the end of December. I have a few small business matters that require me to go into Boston a few times a month. I am on the Advisory Group for North Hill and I am happily working on my 50th WHS reunion that will take place in a year. I love having the time to explore the Town, visit with friends and walk my dog. Last year was the FIRST time in 38 years that I have ever been in Wellesley Square during the day in the middle of the week. Seems hard to believe, but I was either at Town Hall or in my office in Boston.
How much time does being a BoS member actually take? Lots and lots of time. For most of those 9 years, I always had at least two meetings at night each week, lots of times, three nights a week and very busy times, all 4 nights. And, many meetings during the week day.
What was your highlight on the board? (lowlight?) Almost all of those years as Selectmen were “highlights”—it was a wonderful job ; I loved almost all of it. I loved the variety and the challenge of getting things done. We have great staff in town and great volunteers on boards and committees. I loved the opportunity of working with them all. I wish more of our residents would participate in Town government. There are plenty of opportunities .
Do you have plans to keep involved in town government or activities going forward? 43 years as a TMM and still counting…
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