Ben Downing

PITTSFIELD – Today, State Senator Benjamin B. Downing (D-Pittsfield) released the following statement regarding his decision not to seek re-election to a sixth term:

Ten years ago when I decided to run for the State Senate I made some promises.

I promised to help the people of this district every day.

I promised to bring fresh energy and a new perspective to the job.

I promised to make decisions with future generations, not future elections, in mind.

I promised to fight to make our economy, our schools and our environment better.

I promised to help bring more clean energy and high speed internet to the Berkshires.

I promised to fight for the poor and struggling middle class.

With your help I have been able to keep those promises.

I also made a promise to myself that I would not serve more than 10 years.

Today, I am keeping that promise and announcing that I will not be running for re-election as your Senator.

Very few people get the chance to serve.

Even fewer get to serve and leave on their own terms knowing they did the best job they could.

And that is what I am doing today.

I am a very lucky person.

From watching my father serve the wonderful people of the Berkshires to each day I had the chance to do the same, it has been a joy, a gift and an honor...and it always will be to me.

While I worked hard to keep my promises, there is always more work to be done.

I will spend the rest of my time trying to get more done that will make a difference in the lives of everyone here.

I will never be able to thank you enough for the chance to serve you.

I have cherished every day and always will.

The work to make our families, our communities and our future better will never end.

I look forward to the days ahead with as much gratitude and hope as the day I started this journey with you.

Thank you for everything you have done for me every day.

I will never stop believing in the possibility and potential of this region.

My heart will always be here

I promise.

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