PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Republican state Senate candidate Christine Canning-Wilson celebrated the opening of her campaign headquarters at 437 North St. on Monday.
Canning-Wilson thanked all of her supporters during her opening celebration. She is the only sole Republican running for the seat being vacated by Democrat Benjamin B. Downing.
"I can't say enough about every one of you who have worn a T-shirt, hung a sign or who just have been there when I had a function," she said. "You are the salt of the earth and I will never forget this, win or lose."
Tariq Pinkston, a former student of Canning-Wilson's at Taconic High School, introduced the educator.
Now a family support worker at Berkshire Children and Families, and a motivational speaker, he said when he attended high school in the mid-2000s, he was bullied and many teachers would not listen to him or help. He said Canning-Wilson was the only teacher that stood up for him.
"Instead of trying to find out what was wrong with me, she was trying to find out what was going on with me," Pinkston said. "I just wanted to thank you for putting yourself out there for me and through you living your purpose, I was able to live mine."
He added that Canning-Wilson lost her job because she pointed out problems at the high school (she agreed to a settlement after filing suit against the school district). He said her ability to help those in need despite herself would make her an excellent senator.
"Ever since I met her, she has constantly tried to right the wrongs she saw on a daily basis," Pinkston said. "She knows how to bring the best out of everyone she has met, including myself."
Canning-Wilson pointed out some of the issues she would like to tackle if elected and said she has a 15-point economic plan that addresses topics such as education. She wants to rely on data to inform decisions about what is best for students, teachers and the taxpayers.
And she said she wants to fight to eliminate standardized tests and change to a portfolio model.
"We paid out $150 million this year alone to MCAS and that is money that needs to back into our schools," Canning-Wilson claimed.
She also pointed to her experience in public safety and focus on creating a fairer working environment throughout the state where everyone has an equal chance.
"Really I want to look into making some changes," Canning said. "With the corruption and nepotism that I see that hold back our human potential today."
She said she also has eyes on a simplified tax plan and wants to fight for farmers and create a better job structure through vertical and horizontal integrating.
Canning also brought forth concerns over healthcare and said half of the healthcare budget gets "eaten up" by those who use the emergency rooms for non-emergencies. She said she wants to support more urgent care centers.
She also said the opiate crisis must be acknowledged and more education and help needs to be given to those battling addictions. She said this could be a good repurposing of infrastructure at the former North Adams Regional Hospital.
Canning-Wilson said her website is live and her entire platform will be published after Sept. 9.
She thanked all those who attended the opening and reminded them to come out election day.
"At the end of the day Nov. 8 vote for me because I'll tell you right now I am the best candidate for the job," she said.
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