By Susan Bush 12:00AM / Thursday, September 07, 2006
State Senate candidate Christopher Hodgkins [file photo]
North Adams - City Mayor John Barrett III endorsed state Senate candidate Christopher Hodgkins for a two-year term during a noon meeting held Sept. 7 at Barrett's office, Hodgkins said during an afternoon telephone interview.
"His endorsement means a great deal," Hodgkins said. "In James MacGregor Burns books, [MacGregor] talks about leadership. John Barrett is leadership. He has generated much respect throughout the years. Mayors from other parts of the state seek [Barrett] out because of his experience and leadership. And the Senate is about leadership."
Mayor John Barrett III [file photo]
Hodgkins is one of five candidates vying for votes during a Sept. 19 state primary election. The Democrat and former state representative is being challenged by Democrats Margaret J. Ware of Williamstown, Benjamin B. Downing of Pittsfield, Helen Sharron of Worthington, and John T. Zelazo of Adams.
Republican candidate Matthew W. Kinnaman faces no Republican challengers during the primary election.
During Hodgkins' tenure as a state representative, he found himself in agreement with Barrett on some issues and in an adversarial position at other times, Hodgkins said.
The two did share a mutual respect whether in agreement or not, Hodgkins said.
Hodgkins pledged to "lead with his feet" if elected. He has been a visible candidate throughout the county and said that he will be visible as a senator.
"You've seen me in North Adams and [if elected] you will see me in North Adams," he said. "I'm going to continue that visibility. I'm going to fight for the communities and use my experience and my know-how, and I'm going to use my feet."