Pittsfield- To further his goal of being fully accessible to his constituents from all cities and towns in his district, this month Senator Benjamin B. Downing (D-Pittsfield) is kicking off a new series of open monthly meetings he has dubbed Coffee & Conversation, slated to take place in rotating communities across the Berkshire, Hampshire and Franklin Senate District.
Downing said, “Holding roving office hours in communities throughout my district will create an additional platform by which my constituents may be heard. People will be able to share with me the issues affecting them, and become more engaged in state government.” All are welcome to drop by Downing’s Coffee & Conversation hours to share their thoughts, ideas and concerns, or to simply say hello and share a cup of Joe.
While Downing’s community relations and constituent services hub is his 20 Bank Row district office in Pittsfield, he recognizes that serving the largest, most rural district presents communication gaps which he intends to fill. Downing’s district, comprised of 48 municipalities in the westernmost counties of Massachusetts, covers the widest geographic area in the Massachusetts Senate. Downing’s Pittsfield office is open during normal business hours Monday through Friday.
The first Coffee & Conversation event debuts at Juice N’ Java on Main Street in Dalton this February 29th from 12:30pm – 2pm. During that time, Downing will provide free coffee and open, unscripted conversation to all people interested in speaking with their state senator face-to-face about issues ranging from housing and economic development to human services and health care and everything in between.
To learn about future Coffee & Conversation events, please visit Downing’s online office at: www.bendowning.org and click on ‘Upcoming Events.’
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