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MARCHETTI STAFFER RESIGNS AS CAMPAIGN WOES MOUNT FOR PETER: THE PLANET HAS THE FOLLOWUP

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By DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI News and Commentary

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, FRIDAY, OCT. 28, 2011) — The aftermath of Staffergate continues to rock, and possibly sink, the Marchetti for Mayor campaign. The voters will decide that one, definitively.

THE PLANET has heard that the key Marchetti staffer, who prompted the firestorm by a gratuitous, post-debate personal attack on a member of the audience at the BCC debate, has left from the campaign. It’s not clear whether she resigned or was told to leave. In any case, Tokyo Rose, as THE PLANET will call her to protect the innocent and spare the guilty, is no longer involved — at least on the surface — with the Marchetti campaign.

The exiting of an important staff member because of her actions marks the latest setback in what has been a near-disastrous campaign for Marchetti. Most observers agree that Marchetti has run as a lukewarm candidate. He has failed to convey to the electorate that he WANTS the job as mayor. Meet Cool Hand Lukewarm, a soon to be defeated corner-office wannabe that didn’t wanna.

Her Actions Flew in the Face of Marchetti’s Comments

Many had concern with the actions of Tokyo Rose as reported by THE PLANET yesterday, especially after Marchetti had just made the strident point during the debate how proud he was of the actions of his supporters. It was one of the few moments where you sensed Marchetti speaking from a genuine core. Her actions undercut his public claims, possibly even more than the revelation that Gerry Doyle and Angelo Stracuzzi have been working behind the scenes for Marchetti’s coronation. A coronary is more like it.

The matter brought to a head a campaign that has been plagued by disenchantment, dissension, and disillusionment. Peter’s remaining staffers, we hear, were furious at Rose’s lapse in judgment. We hear also that some are

turned off by the involvement of Doyle and Stracuzzi. The consensus from neutral and not-so-neutral observers is that the Marchetti’s campaign is reeling, that Peter is in over his head, and that he appears to be a front man for others.


Not Much Fun at Fundraiser

Last night at Spice Restaurant, Marchetti had a fundraiser. According to an attendee, the mood had a forced gaiety about it. The implosion of the campaign was a topic, in whispers and not out loud, and the mood, apparently, is one of a ship going down, beyond rescue.

Marchetti had this coming to him. He didn’t listen to the seasoned advice of Jim Ruberto and John Barrett. Say what you want about these two men, but they are seasoned campaigners, wise in the ways of politics, and — speaking from years of personal experience — “good people.”

Ruberto wanted to campaign for him and, more importantly, raise funds for him as he did so well and successfully for Tricia Farley-Bouvier. Marchetti nixed the mayor’s offer and instead ran into the arms of Doyle and Stracuzzi. Why he did this, only Peter can say.

Barrett told him he had to be more “mayoral.” That included many things, including such small but important details as attire, for example, Marchetti getting rid of the colored shirts and loud ties, which send the wrong message. Such fashion might work with Stonewall but not in blue-collared Pittsfield, where most of the voters are social conservatives and embrace traditional views on marriage as reserved for one man and one woman.

Instead of having these two political giants side-by-side with him, Marchetti went … where, exactly? THE PLANET will tell you where: Straight to defeat on Election Day. It didn’t have to be. THE PLANET told Peter that personally several times this year, including a long heart-to-heart at Beloved Wahconah Park, during a Colonials game.

One-on-One is a Different Animal Than At-Large

Remember, Marchetti has never run one-on-one before. He’s only campaigned at-large, where he had the camouflage of numbers: In the prelim, a dozen candidates, in the finals, eight. When it came down to mano-e-mano against Bianchi, though, Marchetti did what the wise guys said he would do: He coughed up the bit.

In this campaign, he’s taken no stands. He’s promised wonders and spit cucumbers. For example, check out this excerpt from his official campaign website:

As we’ve come a long way as a City, and also need to look to the future, a Mayor Marchetti seeks to engage the discussion that will bring the city of Pittsfield into the next generation. Together, all parts of Pittsfield can come together to flesh out the details in the most open and above board way possible. All can have a part, and all are encouraged to join the conversation with a Marchetti administration in City Hall.

What does this actually say? NO-THING. We “need to look to the future”? He “seeks to engage the discussion that will bring us into the next generation”? What on earth do phrases like that mean? How do they resonate with the guy who’s scratching his head about staying afloat after the latest round of tax hikes? Such gobbledygook could be inserted easily into George Orwell’s famous essay, “Politics and the English Language.” Visit Marchetti’s website (www.petermarchetti.com). See if you can find anything of substance. We’d like to hear about it if you do.

We went into this campaign as Switzerland, completely neutral. We told everyone and anyone that we would make up our minds on the campaign itself, not on the baggage each man brings into the contest at the start. We did that. We waited. We watched. Bianchi has held court. Marchetti has soiled the bed. Bianchi wants it. Marchetti doesn’t. He does not want to be mayor.


In the End, A Victory of a More Important Order

For example, why is he still working full-time at the Pittsfield Cooperative Bank? He says he can’t afford to take a leave. That is utter nonsense, no matter what the state of his personal finances. If you want to be mayor in your gut, you do what Barrett did, what Ruberto did, what Sara Hathaway did — you take out loans, quit the day job, pump your time, treasure, and talents into your campaign, and roll the dice. Why? Because you know in your heart you want it and you will win.

Instead, he pulled a Marchetti. He wanted it both ways. He wanted to win the new job while holding on to the current job. He wanted yes AND no. Such a conflicted approach may work like that in the perpetual political and personal adolescence that he apparently finds himself in, but it doesn’t work like that in the real world.

In the end, Toyko Rose did all of Pittsfield a favor. She exposed a losing effort, and she all-but-guaranteed Marchetti would not be Pittsfield’s next mayor. In the end, it’s probably the best thing that could have happened to Peter Marchetti, for it means he might escape with his soul.

For us, that is the most important element. We hope Peter believes this, but we can honestly say we have always had — still do and always will — his best interests at heart.

————————————————————–

WE WILL JOIN YOU, GOD WILLING, AT THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WEEKEND, ALSO KNOWN AS MONDAY, AND UNTIL THEN, WITH YARDWORK IN OUR FUTURE …

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL.

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Baby Baby
Baby Baby
12 years ago

Dan,

You give your writing and website too much credit. Not as many people follow as you think.

I heard no such rumor about Mr. marchetti’s fundraiser, and I asked someone who was there.

One can’t always believe the canidate that was in the room that told you about this. Remember, he is on Mr. Bianchi’s side.

ambrose bearse
ambrose bearse
Reply to  Baby Baby
12 years ago

candidate

beezer
beezer
12 years ago

Did you hear Sturgeon this morning/ Called Larry Kratka a waste of space, and earlier when the phones weren’t working said something I can’t repeat about .Rick Beltaire.

Ron Kitterman
Ron Kitterman
12 years ago

I would agree with the Planet on a lot of the above. You need the fire in your belly, I’ve seen this in PM in the past. He didn’t seem to have it for this race in my opinion. That’s just me though, think it has less to do with Toyko Rose at this point. PM wasn’t drinking any tiger blood and didn’t have a message to energize the voters.

Shakes His Head
Shakes His Head
12 years ago

Don’t think that all of this isn’t planned. PM is doing exactly what he thinks he needs to do to get elected, including having his ‘staffer’ blow up at DV & Co. This is calculated for sympathy, just as his accusations that Bianchi is negatively campaigning. It’s meant to distract from the real issues that DV is alluding to: PM’s lack of comfort, his lack of decisiveness, his genuine lack of interest in the corner office.

In the game of mixed motives, PM and Peter White will come out the losers, deservedly so.

Curious
Curious
12 years ago

Did Bianchi leave his job to persue the mayor’s position or was he unemployed prior to deciding to run?

Shakes His Head
Shakes His Head
Reply to  Curious
12 years ago

He was not unemployed.

Curious
Curious
Reply to  Shakes His Head
12 years ago

Well then I’m not sure you can really make an arguement that one “wants” it more than the other if one didn’t have a job to leave in the first place. Had the roles been reversed, I’m sure you’d spin this as PM lacking qualifications for the work force which translates to an unqualified potential mayor. Honestly still undecided and trying to gather facts but this might be the wrong site to look. From what I gather though, Bianchi is from the Hathaway/Wojtkowski mold (paper pushers that send everything to sub committees and never make a decision) vs. Marchetti being from the Ruberto mold (some balls and makes some decisions… even though some might not be great ones).

Shakes His Head
Shakes His Head
Reply to  Curious
12 years ago

I didn’t make that argument, my opinion is based on plain observation

Shakes His Head
Shakes His Head
Reply to  Curious
12 years ago

I’m not making an arguement, I am stating my opinion. I am familiar with people on both sides of the race. I don’t think your ascertain that Dan is simply a paper pusher is accurate. My research points to decisiveness. Also, dont forget that the Mayor implements Council’s current and past legislation…The Mayor Does Not Vote!

Still wondering
Still wondering
12 years ago

Whoever the “staffer” is, she sounds like a perfect replacement for Deanna Ruffer.

Steve Wade
Steve Wade
12 years ago

So does anyone know when the big sit down with Dan and the candidates will be? Awful quiet from your leader about this!

Joe Pinhead
Joe Pinhead
Reply to  Steve Wade
12 years ago

Steve, I’m not certain they excepted the invite. They did do the typical debates, you know the status quo.. so why exactly do you like sunny days?..really tell us about having both sunshine and apple pie on the same day I’m not certain where going to get the current debt ratio to pension spending is? Or the educators just ratified a new contract as Goldilocks the tax payer is it to little? To much? Or just right. But Steve I suppose believing in sunny days free’s you up to not worry about real world issues and having to have a big boy discussion. It makes the community such a better place doesn’t it?

Steve Wade
Steve Wade
Reply to  Joe Pinhead
12 years ago

Joe P Just why did’nt DV say they didn’t want to meet with him?

ambrose
ambrose
Reply to  Steve Wade
12 years ago

didn’t

ambrose bearse
ambrose bearse
Reply to  Joe Pinhead
12 years ago

accepted

Joe Pinhead
Joe Pinhead
Reply to  ambrose bearse
12 years ago

LOL yes Ambrose it should read accepted. Darn technology gets the best of me. I was using the speech to text converter on the tablet. Sometimes it doesn’t select the correct word. Can I assume that you did understand the jist of the statement? LOL they told me there would be no math today.
And since we are concerned with proper English today shouldn’t you have capitalized your name? Ambrose Bearse?

ambrose
ambrose
Reply to  Joe Pinhead
12 years ago

i would of accept sumbudy pict the kee caps off the shift ceys so i dint’ have no way to make um

Joe Pinhead
Joe Pinhead
Reply to  Joe Pinhead
12 years ago

Clever use of your accept and or my except

LV
LV
Reply to  Steve Wade
12 years ago

The response was the old “deer in the headlight”.

Kelly
Kelly
12 years ago

Did Marchetti confirm the resignation? The story would have a little more punch if you asked him to comment.

dusty
dusty
12 years ago

Let’s out the renegade staffer. She sounds like she has the personality of Tricia Farley…..is it Tokyo Farley that pms ‘d Marchetti into remaining a bank employee?

rick
rick
12 years ago

petes just not mayor material right now, and by being a puppet to those 2 fools(doyle, stracuzzi) proves it…. i would have had robertos endorsement and backing before the likes of those 2, my god thats scary….i didnt think it was going to be a close race anyway…. bianchi in a land slide. and that comes from a lot of chatter out there.

CONCERNED
CONCERNED
12 years ago

I keep hearing Doyle and the pervert (yes that’s what he is) are backing Peter M.FOR Mayor. However how are they backing him, and where is this coming from. Has Peter been asked?? Did he say they are?? Did they put money in his campaign etc etc. Just would like to see the facts if they are any.

Steve Wade
Steve Wade
Reply to  CONCERNED
12 years ago

Concerned Good points but I doubt DV will check for answers.

Steve Wade
Steve Wade
Reply to  CONCERNED
12 years ago

Concerned Who in their right mind would want Ang the perv backing them? Has DV asked Pete M if this is true? Its a fair question don’t blast me for asking this just because I thinl DV is a twerp.

ambrose bearse
ambrose bearse
Reply to  Steve Wade
12 years ago

think

Jim Gleason
Jim Gleason
Reply to  CONCERNED
12 years ago

Doyle had a fundraiser at his house for Peter and Angeblow is working behind the scenes to spread rumors about Dan B. I know people he has approached and know for a fact the Doyle fundraiser happened.

rick
rick
Reply to  Jim Gleason
12 years ago

doyle did have a fund raiser. all people running need them. i just cant see a pedifile spreading rumors about someone, its kind of creepy… but thats angelo…..doyle isnt that bad yet..or is he? kind of a weird group of people trying to get in the mayors office, dont you think?

Baby Baby
Baby Baby
Reply to  CONCERNED
12 years ago

Negative campaigning from the Bianchi camp.

Shakes His Head
Shakes His Head
Reply to  Baby Baby
12 years ago

negative campaigning? I haven’t seen anthing from the Bianchi camp that attacks Marchetti. If Doyle and Stracuzzi are helping Marchetti, which as I do understand is the case, then it isn’t negative, it is truthful. I’f I’m a candidate for Mayor, I tell an admitted child molestor that I am not interested in their assistance.

Baby Baby
Baby Baby
Reply to  Shakes His Head
12 years ago

Where did yougain this “understanding”? Was it from Angelo?

I bet it was rumors, probably from Gleason or Bianchi himself!

Hilly Billy 2 in Ward 4
Hilly Billy 2 in Ward 4
12 years ago

I have heard from a qualified source that Sturgeon has taken things a bit too far at WBRK….He said “that f%*#ing Rick Beltaire” today after sounding off about what a waste of space Larry Kracta was…I like Bill and think he is a good human being…His politics can be confusing and contradictory at times, and he can be a pompus jerk but I think he has taken his act a bit too far…its a bit of a circus there and unfortunatly for Bill and for some of the light he has shed on the community this latest fopa might be his last

ambrose bearse
ambrose bearse
Reply to  Hilly Billy 2 in Ward 4
12 years ago

pompous – faux pas

Joe Pinhead
Joe Pinhead
12 years ago

Lets make it easy for all concerned; Mr Marchetti please take a minute out of your busy schedule and answer for us here a few quick questions.
Have either Gerald Doyle or Angelo Stracuzzi assisted in the organization, financing or strategy of your campaign? If so to what degree? This would include the “setting up” of contributions, fund raisers etc as well as contributing to the strategy of both your campaign and policy positions.
If not why wouldn’t you seek the advice and council of both a past Mayor and Council President? Ones you have supported in the past.
I feel the answers to these questions will go along ways towards ending the rumor mill and the whisper campaign. If you like you can take a stab at the why I like sunny days comment above.
Thank you for the minute of your time to answer. I will consider giving you something much more significant if you do answer, my vote

JahnDoh
JahnDoh
12 years ago

During the debate on Monday, when Bianchi stated that Doyle was helping Marchetti he did not deny it. That’s as good as saying yes. Marchetti’s lie about voting for a position creation instead for TFB’s raise is an insult to anyone’s intellgence who actually has intelligence. Marchetti also lied about why he voted to not put the question to the people about the creation of a new high school. And then he lost his temper and composure. Guess who I’m not voting for.

Ron Kitterman
Ron Kitterman
12 years ago

By a 7-3 vote, with councilors Melissa Mazzeo, Kevin J. Sherman and Joseph C. Nichols opposed and Councilor Peter M. Marchetti absent, the 11-member panel supported Ruberto reinstating the job of ‘director of administration’ to assist him in managing several city departments.

rick
rick
Reply to  Ron Kitterman
12 years ago

ron, marchetti also knew at that time tfb was going to run for state rep. marchetti also stated that if mayor he would hire a full time assistant at the taxpayers expense because the mayors job is so gruling. this guy likes to spend tax payers money in a wasting way as to ease his work day… why is he running for a job he already said he cant handle alone??? think people before voting……. his voting record is scary to say the least.

Ron Kitterman
Ron Kitterman
12 years ago

Ruberto’s planned managerial changes stem from a report issued in July 2010 by city consultant John Barrett III. (This might be some of the reason PM is keeping distant of help from the mayors

Joe Pinhead
Joe Pinhead
12 years ago

Ron, that might be however Peter M. If he is mature and has any leadership qualities can and will address the questions raised. If he ducks them it says alot about his leadership style and skills. It is clearly up to him.

Baby Baby
Baby Baby
Reply to  Joe Pinhead
12 years ago

Ask him on his website, not here. Do you really think either candidate has time to read this BLOG?

Joe Pinhead
Joe Pinhead
Reply to  Baby Baby
12 years ago

Do you think either of them don’t read this site? Please A story about the way his campaign coming apart at the seams and he and his staff are not “monitoring” the situation? If that’s true he shouldn’t be Mayor.

Steve Wade
Steve Wade
Reply to  Joe Pinhead
12 years ago

Joe Pinhead = Dan Valenti ?

Joe Pinhead
Joe Pinhead
Reply to  Steve Wade
12 years ago

No: but I guess its true great minds think alike

Steve Wade
Steve Wade
Reply to  Steve Wade
12 years ago

THIS ENTIRE COMMENT HAS BEEN REDACTED. MR. STEVE WADE IS NOW OFFICIALLY WARNED NOT TO POST SUCH OFFENSIVE COMMENTS IN THE FUTURE. THIS SITE ENCOURAGE DEBATE, DISCUSSION, DELIBERATION, AND DISAGREEMENT, BUT NOT OF THE SLANDEROUSLY IGNORANT KIND. WADE, DON’T LET IT HAPPEN AGAIN.

Concern
Concern
Reply to  Baby Baby
12 years ago

Yes they do!!!

Joe Pinhead
Joe Pinhead
Reply to  Concern
12 years ago

Dan, judging from the string I am assuming that the comments might have been aimed at my ” great minds think alike” statement.
I assure both you and Mr. Wade that I can handle anything he wants to throw my way. With that being said let me also say I appreciate the forum and your steadfastness in not allowing it to degenerate into a cesspool like topic
Keep up the great work and bravo

Greg
Greg
12 years ago

So this is classic Pittsfield – and “planet” valenti. What really happened [REDACTED] (who happens to be a Marchetti supporter) and Dan, as usually, took everything completely out of context and perspective. Dan’s sole purpose is to promote his “brand.” [REDACTED] Pittsfield and all of Berkshire County is much worse off because of people like Dan. Too bad. I tried to pull several businesses in but only had limited success. And one reason was, toxic environment. So we may as well settle for being a tourist destination.

Greg
Greg
Reply to  Greg
12 years ago

So I’m curious to see if Dan actually posts this. I’ll be monitoring. And responding if he doesn’t. Amazing how Dan can use the power of the Internet for himself but may just squash it for everyone else. But I’m not surprised. Typical “planet.”

Joe Pinhead
Joe Pinhead
Reply to  Greg
12 years ago

Greg,
While your premise is interesting and possibly entertaining I have to ask a few questions that I hope you will at least attempt to answer.
1.Is Mr. Armitage a victim of this toxic political environment?
2.Was the City of Pittsfield put into receivership (the semantics can be argued) because of the toxic political environment?
3.Was Mr. Stracuzzi part of some elaborate sting to expose his sexual misconduct as to further this toxic political environment?

Or is it that the very people who gave Mr. Marchetti political life were involved in situations that were less than perfect. Mr. Armitage I believe is either in jail or headed that way. Where is the great health oracle Ed Kavaney? And the 7, yes 7 cancellation notices signed for by then Mayor Doyle that he later claimed no knowledge of?
You speak of a toxic environment did either of the Mayors (Roberto or Barrett) demand restitution on behalf of the tax payers in the Armitage case? Has Mr. Marchetti? Where is the cities officially prepared impact statement to the judge demanding the book be thrown at Mr. Armitage?
I’m just sayin; please don’t spout some rubbish about a toxic political environment unless and until all relevant information is considered. I too have tried to bring business to the city but when the office of community development states at a public meeting that maybe business x should buy a patrol car the other potential business say; hum I wonder if there’s a back room shakedown as well? Fair questions Greg which point isn’t factual?

scott
scott
12 years ago

so I take it you won’t be voting for PM, cause he’s gay?

rick
rick
12 years ago

hes not qualified gay or straight… he is all the gobs had to run… and when you take a look at his backers, his running is a joke. my god, the vermin of our society are trying to get him elected…. personally i could care less about his sexuallity, professonaly i dont like what i see backing him….anyone who knows his backers know they dont do anything for nothing. if you want alot more taxes vote marchetti.. if you want to piss away your hard earned money, hes your gay, think before you vote.

rick
rick
12 years ago

i mean guy….

scott
scott
Reply to  rick
12 years ago

lol I’m not gonna vote for him now that I know Anjello has his pasty dirty fingers in the mix.

Luxor Rex
Luxor Rex
12 years ago

Look at Marhcetti’s backers. They are basically the GOBs wahouts (Doyle and Stragootsi) and the Fourth Parad Committe, which is a collection of gays, lesbians, and assorted strange people. Not an ounce of intelligence of leadership there. Marchetti nixed Ruberto and Barrett because they threaten then with their savy and know how. Pete wants idtios and those dumber than he is so he can look smart, works great ,except when he gets up against Bianchi and he gets his blown away.

Curious
Curious
Reply to  Luxor Rex
12 years ago

Wow. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. Luxor, you’re a complete moron! No way you can knock someone’s intelligence with a post like that.

CONCERNED
CONCERNED
12 years ago

I think Peter M. is going to be what we have now, so vote for change, or keep the same ( some people think we are ok with same) I guess its what voters will decide.

rick
rick
12 years ago

ive been thinking that if marchetti snubed roberto and barrett for doyle and stracuzzi what the heck did those 2 do ( robero ,barret) to make marchetti affiliate himself with the other two. kind of like going from top shelf to rott gut whishey if you ask me.

beezer
beezer
12 years ago

@hilly billy heard on the radio Larry Kracta was a waste of space anf d Rick Beltaire was called fu…. also. Mr. Sturgeon should apologize.

acheshirecat
acheshirecat
Reply to  beezer
12 years ago

I heard it also, but I thought he said f@#&ing Ricky. He is not very professional at all. Walks away from the mike alot and has a lot of dead air. He blindly praises people who even pay a little complement to him or advertise with him. [REDACTED: THE WEBMASTER DOESN’T DOUBT THE TRUTH OF THE EXAMPLE BUT AFTER CHECKING WE REMOVED THE COMMENT ON THE SIDE OF CAUTION. WE THANKS THE WRITER FOR UNDERSTANDING].
On Marchetti, he wins if Bianchi doesn’t fight harder and get the voters out. If the same 25% of the voters who always vote go to the pols again, its over for Bianchi. He needs to find a way to get voters interested. I don’t have a horse in the race, but from my point of view niether canidate has really put out anything new or exciting.

tito
tito
12 years ago

North street streetcape idea?

tito
tito
12 years ago

North street streetcape idea?

tito
tito
12 years ago

Valenti wouldn’t put up with that crap.

Layla Lady Lay
Layla Lady Lay
12 years ago

I hadn’t made up my mind in the election. I like the job MAyor Ruberto has done, not a perfect job but pretty good. If I thought that Pete had that type of leadership in him I’d vote for him. Its clear now that he doesn’t, what sealed it for me? The debate with Bianchi and the aftermath reported here. I will hold my nose and give Dan Bianchi a chance.

rick
rick
12 years ago

i looked at his voting record and what hes done up to now, that moved me to the bianchi side. id like to give marchetti a shot in the mayors chair , but i dont think he can handle the job…. he said himself that its too tuff a job for one person to handle. he looks like a deer caught in the headlights in the debates or forums. i dont think bianchi has a problem in thje election even if 25% come out… marchetti has lost to many votes already….even the gobs are running scared… and after doyle backed scago and lost now a loss with marchetti me thinks his goose is cooked in local politics…

mike l
mike l
12 years ago

it’s all barf
I wish people didn’t suck.
This mayoral campaign reminds me of the the Obama/McCain presidential election and how little either candidate really offered.
We are destined to be ruled by inferiors if really smart people who care don’t get involved.

They are hangers on that need to go

I’m not voting as I am sick and tired of trying to discern the lesser of 2 evils