The independent bookstore is known for offering an eclectic collection of new, used, rare, antiquarian, and out-of-print books, complemented by clever displays.
The Edge recently sat down with Hinds in his Pittsfield office to discuss his proudest accomplishments, how to align workforce development needs with the education system, and his hopes and concerns about the rollout of recreational marijuana in the state, among other things.
"As a parent, and someone who’s worked with young people who are at risk, I’m very concerned with how we protect young people from marijuana. We know that marijuana is devastating for developing brains. If your kids get drunk before school, you’re going to notice. But if they’re smoking marijuana, it’s a lot harder to tell." --Berkshire County District Attorney Andrea Harrington
In her letter Deborah Taylor Caine writes: “The Criminal Justice Reform Bill makes the DA's office more important than ever. It has to understand and implement these changes.”
In her letter Mary Talbot writes: "Berkshire County deserves a district attorney whose experience is as impressive as it is extensive, and one who is ready to bring about a more thoughtful and progressive approach to the criminal justice system."
The amendment includes training in areas of bias-free policing, de-escalation and disengagement; and enhanced approaches to complaints involving individuals with mental illness or developmental disability.
"In state after state, criminal justice reform has led to lower incarceration rates, lower crime rates, and lower recidivism rates. It’s time Massachusetts joins the national let’s-get-smart-on-crime movement. This bill protects public safety and makes common-sense reforms while improving outcomes with our precious tax dollars."
-- Massachusetts Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst)
Among the provisions included in the bill are repealing ineffective mandatory minimum sentences for low-level drug offenders, allowing for compassionate release for infirm inmates, and reforms to the juvenile justice system.
