A community organizer who spent time working for the United Nations is running for the Massachusetts Senate.Adam Hinds announced his candidacy in Pittsfield Wednesday for the seat now held by Senator Ben Downing, who announced last week he will not seek another term. Currently executive director of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, the 39-year-old Democrat is also involved with Pittsfield’s gang and violence prevention efforts. Before that, Hinds spent 10 years working on conflict resolution in Syria and Iraq for the UN.
“I’m going to bring a strong energy and a creative approach to getting the right people around the table,” Hinds said. “I bring a wealth of experience of getting deeply involved in local issues in Pittsfield, North Adams and around the district. I’m from the district. I bring a range of experience, international experiences that will really make me a forceful advocate and voice for western Massachusetts in Boston.”
Downing, a Democrat, is retiring after 10 years in office. State Representatives Smitty Pignatelli and Tricia Farley-Bouvier considered running for the seat, but are instead seeking reelection to the House.
