Great Barrington — It was a very, very long day of angst and nail biting in our Democrat-leaning Berkshires.
Democratic State Senate candidate Adam Hinds won the seat held by outgoing Sen. Benjamin Downing (D-Pittsfield). The former Middle East negotiator and Executive Director of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition beat out Republican candidate Christine Canning Wilson, a linguist, educator and business woman.
Hinds promised to tackle all the region’s challenges, mostly economic woes, by focusing on economic development infrastructure like broadband, improving education and its funding mechanisms. He also said he would act to protect the environment and speed the growth of clean energy in the state.
“We heard those issues loud and clear on the campaign trail,” Hinds told The Edge Tuesday night.
“I’m thankful for the trust from residents in the district,” Hinds added. “It’s very humbling, and I have to admit after 9 months I’m ready and excited to roll up my sleeves and do the hard work, starting tomorrow.”
The district includes Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties.
Christine Canning-Wilson told the Edge she wanted to thank her supporters. “I will run again,” she added. “I wish Adam the best.”
As of midnight, a ballot question that would legalize, regulate and tax recreational marijuana for those over the age of 21 was on its way to passing in Berkshire County, though the margin statewide was narrower. And a ballot question to make sure farm animals have space to stand and turn was approved statewide and locally.
Statewide and locally voters said no to expanding charter schools and to allowing slot machines at racetracks.
Also, voters returned Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier D-Pittsfield back into the House of Representatives, after she was challenged by candidate Chris Connell, a Pittsfield City Counselor.
For Berkshire Hills and Southern Berkshire Regional School District School Committee results, stay tuned for an update.
Below, the unofficial results from the town of Great Barrington, provided by Town Clerk Marie Ryan:
