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KROL CALLS THE PLANET … MAZZEO PLEDGES TO GET RID OF HILL 78 AND RE-OPEN CONSENT AGREEMENT … WHY ARE MIKE WARD AND JOHN KROL RELUCTANT TO GIVE ‘WE THE PEOPLE’ THE BENEFIT OF THEIR WISDOM? … plus … FALLOUT FROM TWO MORE MAYORAL DEBATES … & … THE BB WHIFFS AGAIN!

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By DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI News and Commentary

ADD #1

KROL DEFENDS HIS POSITION

THE PLANET heard from Ward 6 Councilor John Krol this afternoon about our posting below, from earlier today. We had a comprehensive exchange of views, and it culminated with us thanking him for calling us directly, explaining the reasoning of his position. THE PLANET can only respect that approach. That has characterized our relationships with Krol and Mike Ward (who’s mentioned below): We can disagree intelligently, maintain a dialogue, and at the end of the day enjoy a beer and a ballgame together.

That’s the main point we wish to make here. Agree or disagree, there should be, there must be, dialogue, especially when there is a difference of view. Though the more strident (we are trying to be polite) of democracy’s backers would be loathe to admit, fact is, consensus of philosophically tied to Karl Marx. The point-counterpoint-consensus is Marx, straight up. That method of arriving as a position from among a multiplicity of voices works. Consensus works.

Krol did say, for the record, “I’m going to vote for any proposal that is good for the city. I don’t care who it comes from. If it comes from Dan Bianchi or Peter Marchetti, if it’s a good one, I’m going to support it.” Krol said that he will be ready to work in a collegial way with either man as mayor. Krol is running unopposed in six.

Not long after, Bianchi called. He gave us his views of the two debates, and said he’s approaching the period from now until 8 p.m. on Tuesday as if he’s in a 1-0 game. He said he’s not taking anything for granted, has loaded up his schedule with campaign stops, and will leave it in the hands of voters. We haven’t heard from Marchetti.

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(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011) — It’s always a busy time on THE PLANET, with more news, commentary, and information than we can ever hope to share. Today, our continents are enlightened by several assorted and sundry items.

MAZZEO: ‘I WILL PUSH FOR CONSENT DECREE RE-OPENING’ — In a huge victory for We The People, incumbent councilor at large Melissa Mazzeo has pledged to wage War Against the Machine in the battle of Citizens of Pittsfield v. GE Industrial Poisoning.

Mazzeo tells us: “Since reading on THE PLANET about the issue of the PCB cleanup and Hill 78 etc., I attended the Lenox meeting and have been getting up to speed, so when the New Year starts, if I am re-elected, I will push for new talks and a re-opening of the Consent Decree.” Mazzeo also pledged to do “whatever else needs to be done” on the matter of GE toxins still in Pittsfield. That would be led, of course, by the fight for the reclamation of Silver Lake: Don’t Cap It, Clean It. Imagine it: An elected official fighting for truth, justice, and the American Way. Yes, a clean, healthy, life-sustaining environment is part of the American Way. We hope other officials will join Mazzeo in this renewed effort to — finally — clean up the mess that GE injected into Pittsfield.

MISS HATHAWAY SITING — Former Mayor Sara Hathaway, rumored to have moved back to her native Michigan, is alive and well teaching eighth grade student at Reid Middle School on upper North Street. We know one of her students, whose mom says she doesn’t like Miss Hathaway as a teacher. That probably means the school marm demands excellence. That gets THE PLANET’s endorsement.

WARD and KROL JUST WON’T SAY IT — Both John Krol and Mike Ward, my right honorable good friends from wards 6 and 4 respectively, have been making politics on Facebook. Krol said he hoped for a turnout exceeding the 2009 vote. THE PLANET shares his hope. When asked as a city leader and thus an eminently qualified person to share his judgment on which man would make a better mayor between Peter Marchetti and Dan Bianchi, Krol got silent all of a sudden. Similarly, when Ward posted a critical comment on Dan Bianchi, THE PLANET asked him which man, then, would make the better mayor.

Ward dodged not once but twice. First, he said he doesn’t give endorsements. THE PLANET replied that we weren’t looking for an endorsement but a dispassionate judgment on who’s better mayoral timber. As Ward knows, the two are not the same. Ward dodged again, getting into a discussion of the Colonial Theater. We repeated our question. Like Krol, he has since remained silent. Why? The overwhelming circumstantial evidence suggests that each man is backing Peter Marchetti, yet each is afraid to publicly declare so. THE PLANET finds this odd and borderline creepy. Does it have to do with the Family Values question? If not that, then what? We are still waiting for my right honorable good friends to answer.

IS A SECRET SLATE OPERATING BEHIND CLOSED DOORS? — THE PLANET talks to a lot of people — officials, candidates, working stiffs, seniors, students, and more. We try to get a good cross-section of opinion on the issues that matter. One strain of intelligence that has been jacked up past the rumor stage is the view that there’s a secret slate meant to win the vote for Marchetti. We had been hearing this on the campaign trail, and this morning received all-but confirmation from a public officials.

The information we received today would fit in with the reluctance of office holders and other players to openly back Pete though they are pushing for him behind closed doors. Named as alleged members of the “Secret Slate” include Kevin Sherman, Nick Caccamo, Barry Clairmont, Churchill Cotton, Peter White, Ward, and Krol. We also heard that palm cards have been printed for distribution beginning tonight and through to the election. If THE PLANET obtains one of these cards, we shall be curious as to what it says and whose name it bears. We, of course, will share it with you. The Boring Broadsheet never will.

TWO MORE MAYORAL DEBATES, TWO MORE WINS FOR BIANCHI — Near unanimous consent of seasoned observers after all three mayoral debates (BCC, PCTV, and WUPE) is that Bianchi has emerged as the winner. We remind our readers that we entered this campaign with a blank slate (no pun intended given the above item), pretending we didn’t know anything about either Bianchi or Marchetti (in fact, we have known each man for years). We determined to let the campaign decide our judgment. Consistently, Bianchi has come off as the more polished, the more prepared, the more professional, the more poised, and the more ready. Marchetti has been defensive, performing more as the reluctant anti-warrior than as someone who burns with an intensity to serve the people as mayor.

EX-RUBERTO BACKER FAVORS BIANCHIJosh Cutler, a UMass law student folks may remember for his stellar Colonials coverage this summer at this website, supported and voted for Mayor Jimmy Ruberto in 2009. He’s hardly what you would call a Bianchi man. After the PCTV debate last night, Josh sent this to THE PLANET:

“If Bianchi doesn’t win this election, then I seriously think Pittsfield’s collective IQ is lower than Twiggy’s weight when she was in top form. I listened [to the debate last night, and] it’s pretty clear to me that he is the right man for the job. I went into this election with an open mind, a mind that supported Jimmy Ruberto last time as his popularity started to decline, and now I believe at this juncture, Dan [Bianchi] is what we need, a man of integrity and honesty.”

IN A FAMILY WAY — At the PCTV debate, Bianchi made reference to “family values.” Was he touching the third rail?

Dan is married to his wife, Teresa, and they have three children. When THE PLANET asked him earlier in the campaign season about his priorities, Bianchi said (1) Be a good husband and (2) Be a good father. All else was secondary. According to viewers of the PCTV debate, Marchetti got emotional and defensive when Bianchi mentioned “family values.” It appears that Marchetti was reacting to his own marital status.

Marchetti married his husband on Oct. 2, 2004 at 21 East Acre Road, Pittsfield, by Jody Phillips, justice of the peace. The marriage certificate says it was Marchetti’s second marriage and lists him as “DIV.” for divorced.

Is this information relevant to the campaign? Ceratinly, if a substantial number of the electorate thinks so, then the answer is yes. Many if not most of the people with whom we talked to on the subject of Marchetti’s sexual preferences and marital status think it’s a wash. THE PLANET includes ourselves in this number. For many of the remainder, however, having a same-sex-married, homosexual mayor is a reason not to vote for the man. They believe in the traditional view of marriage as a sacred bond between one man and one woman. You can say their view is wrong, which we will NOT do, but you can’t deny such a view will be in play during Tuesday’s election.  The traditionalists do not want such a homosexual man married to another man representing the city of Pittsfield in any official capacity.

Because this issue is so explosive, virtually no one will discuss this openly. On any number of levels, such silence is not healthy. THE PLANET does not shy from a discussion of this, even when the view does not reflect our own. The vast majority seems OK to allow consenting adults do what they wish with their lives. The ones who have a problem seem to be concerned more with Marchetti’s open marriage to a man than his gay lifestyle. They defend the traditional view of marriage. They view as morally flawed any other arrangement.

We can’t judge Bianchi’s strategy, but if his reference to “family values” was code for Marchetti’s marriage to a man, then he  won votes. If that is the case, a neutral observer would have to agree: It shows a formidable campaigner making artful use of a delicate, though helpful, issue.

BORING BROADSHEET CAN’T BE SEEN OR HEARD — We find it lazy in the extreme that the Boring Broadsheet couldn’t bother to have coverage in the physical paper today of last night’s mayoral debate at PCTV. Once again, they have failed the community at large. We can’t think of a legitimate journalistic reason for no coverage. Politically, maybe the BB got order from the Good Ol’ Boys not to cover, since their boy, Marchetti, captains a sinking campaign ship. Perhaps they’re trying to minimize the damage. Perhaps it’s nothing of the sort. Fact is, though, that to miss an important story like this cannot be condoned, however it is explained. THE PLANET had better see debate coverage in the BB tomorrow, or else … We know that our message will be resounding in Rug Row at 75 S. Church St. as soon at this post goes live.

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TOMORROW, WE SHARE THE CONTENT OF AN EXPLOSIVE STATE DOCUMENT THAT HAS MUCH TO SAY ABOUT THE QUALITY OF WORK DONE BY THE CITY’S SCHOOL BUILDING NEEDS PEOPLE. THE COMMITTEE  HASN’T MADE THIS DOCUMENT AVAILABLE TO THEIR BOSSES, THE GENERAL PUBLIC. TOMORROW YOU WILL LEARN WHY. DON’T TELL ANYONE THE PLANET HAS A COPY, OK?

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL.


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JahnDoh
JahnDoh
12 years ago

I wish we had more councilors like Ms. Mazzeo, I know I’ll be voting for her next Tuesday. As far as Krol and Ward go, I imagine they are supporting Marchetti as they both pretty much were rubber stamps for Ruberto and the GOBs anyways.

Nomad
Nomad
Reply to  JahnDoh
12 years ago

I will be voting for Melissa, too. Initially I was going to bullet vote her. But, now, I’ll be writing in Joe Nichols, also. I find it interesting that the names on the “secret slate” for councilor-at-large are the same four as the ones named in a letter to the editor, in Sunday’s Eagle…by the at-large candidate who withdrew from race because of family issues.

Tom Sakshaug
Tom Sakshaug
Reply to  Nomad
12 years ago

Finally I get the recognition I deserve for being the secret, behind-closed-doors, puppet master of all city politics.
Get real. I like the four at-large candidates I mentioned. I think they will do the best for the city. Strangely, Jonathan Lothrop, the guy for whom I have been treasurer since his first winning campaign (with a brief hiatus during my own campaign),has not been mentioned. He also figured quite prominently in my letter. But I guess he’s not part of that secret slate.
Conspiracies…so much fun! I know all the candidates well enough to stand by my choices, whether others decide to label them a slate or not.

ambrose
ambrose
Reply to  Tom Sakshaug
12 years ago

you certainly wouldn’t want mazzeo – she dares to question the people you suck up to

beezer
beezer
12 years ago

Mazzeo vs G E…. G E wins!

dusty
dusty
12 years ago

the BB probably set the type for MARCHETTI WINS IN A LANDSLIDE” a month ago and is dying to put ink to it.

The voting machines may already be pregnant with seeds of phantom votes..this is after all…Pittsfield, where weird stuff happens in the bowels of city hall

rick
rick
12 years ago

i like melissa and the way she puts the others on their toes to try and use their own minds on the council. i wish her well in the election and hope shes top vote getter…. id like to see the rest go , new faces are the right thing for city councils… rubber stampers are a blight to our citys prosperity… kind of funny melissas timing with the ge issue though , right before the election promising things that are difficult to say the least. i just hope the newbies comming in dont get caught up in the nonesense of the last council…..

CONCERNED
CONCERNED
12 years ago

Mrs. Mazzeo definitely has my vote, also Mr. Bianchi gets my vote. Not quite decided yet on others. Will let it now before election. One candidate I like but can not vote for is Tony Simonetti. Haven’t heard much about him from you folks,

tito
tito
12 years ago

Yes, don’t know this Tony Simone, wasn’t he on the Parx Commission?

Steve Wade
Steve Wade
Reply to  tito
12 years ago

This is how informed the Planet Blogg heads are…. Tony Sinone… Tony simonetti… How about Tony Simonelli retired Taconic High Vice Principal Ive dealt with Mr Simonelli and he is very easy to approach.

Payroll Patriot
Payroll Patriot
Reply to  Steve Wade
12 years ago

Poor Mr. Simonelli, Mr. Wade’s kind words is your KISS OF DEATH in the election in Ward 7, even though you are unopposed.

CONCERNED
CONCERNED
12 years ago

Oh thought he was VP of Taconic H.S. do I have wrong guy

CONCERNED
CONCERNED
12 years ago

Guess not however didn’t know he retired

beezer
beezer
12 years ago

Isn’t Tony S. a former race car driver?

beezer
beezer
12 years ago

Sorry, thinking of Tony Fitipaldi.

beezer
beezer
12 years ago

Fitipaldi raced with Maria Andressi, the guy who did the STP commercials, anyway good luck to Tony S.

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

How about the Boring Broadsheet…They endorse Paul Capitanio in Ward 3?? I mean I like the guy personally, but it looks like someone should check his pulse during every meeting and debate I’ve ever seen…And Ferrin has shown himself to be a man of the people, which is probably why they are not supporting his non-GOB agenda…So I’m sure the Beagle will also endorse “wannabe GOB” Chris Connell in my Ward over another voice of the people, the Wizard of Oz, Chuck V and I’m sure they won’t endorse Melissa Mazzeo, Joe Nichols, or Dan Bianchi but rather go with GOB stooges…Too bad the voters will override the “kiss of death” of the Eagle’s endorsement, especially after seeing them endorse the likes of TFB, who narrowly escaped with her life over Miller, after Pummlin Pam played spoiler…I think the educated voters at this point are starting to vote the opposite of the Eagle’s endorsement..If I were a candidate I wouldn’t want their endorsement if they paid me to have it, after their shameless disdain and lack of accountability for their role in being the Voice of the People and instead they peddle to GOB jokers and far away corporate owners

Nomad
Nomad
12 years ago

Any politician with the letters “dem” or “d” next to their name have a leg up on getting the BB’s endorsement. But, it’s a lock if they have “gob” attached to their name.

Shakes His Head
Shakes His Head
12 years ago

I wonder if Bianchi will get the BB endorsement in a shocker?

ambrose
ambrose
Reply to  Shakes His Head
12 years ago

no, he won’t

scott
scott
12 years ago

I’ll vote for anyone who expects accountability of corporate America and politicians in general.

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

No way in hell Eagle endorses anyone named Bianchi, Mazzeo, Nichols, Vincellete or any other independent thinker. In a sure sign of who they see as akin to the GOB agenda, Peter Marchetti, Cappy, Connell, JLO, White will all get their blessing from the Boring Broadsheet

dusty
dusty
Reply to  Hilly Billy 2 in Ward 4
12 years ago

I agree about the Eagle. They have been a cancer to Pittsfield for at least ten years. They are simply an arm of the Good Old Boy network tasked with influencing public opinion. When they are not outright hiding things the people should know about they are distorting the facts.

Unless you are connected to the GOB network the Eagle endorsements are only going to blow up in your face. If the Eagle endorses anyone you need to cross them OFF your own personal slate because they are almost assuredly special interest puppets whose council votes will be controlled from behind the scenes.

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

Tony Simonelli will be a tremendous asset to the Council…too bad no one is running against that smug little Trol in Ward 6, alot of people would like to see him get his clock cleaned and lose that HUGE Ego of his

Concern
Concern
Reply to  Hilly Billy 2 in Ward 4
12 years ago

Hilly Billy. You are so right about Krol’s ego. Wasn’t,t he Ruberto’s boy Friday in City Hall awhile back???? Now I’m sure it’s the Tony Simonelli I know you are correct he will be an asset to new council.

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

Did anyone notice the letter to the editor from Joe Nichols the otherday in the Borring Broadsheet??? In it he endorses Dan Bianchi and call out Peter Marcheti more than once. The Eagle’s editor allowed an editor’s note after Joe’s letter that allowed Peter to refute Joe’s claim…when else have you ever seen anyone questioned in a letter to the editor be allowed to comment on it thanks to an editors note….UNBELEIVABLE what the Eagle will do to get their boys in there to keep the status quo….Disgusting!!

scott
scott
Reply to  Hilly Billy 2 in Ward 4
12 years ago

“LIKE”

Richard
Richard
12 years ago

The reason those councilors would not say who they favor is because they want to be on the winning side of whoever gets to be mayor. But the truth is they are Ruberto people so they are most likelyare for Marchetti. Most people who have the life style that Pet has are proud of it and Pet did not look like he was.

Pompey
Pompey
12 years ago

Great coverage here of the campaign that the BB has ignored except to present a fictional account as in today’s endorsements of Capitano over Ferrin and White over Morandi. The BB should be hosed with water canons. Love that Planet

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

Just saw today’s Eagle and sure enough it endorsed GOB wannabe Connell. no surprise there. All that will do is direct more people to vote for the Wizard of Oz, Chuck V. Eagle endorsement=Sports Illustrated cover jynx

Ron Kitterman
Ron Kitterman
12 years ago

@ Hilly Billy I would have to agree with you about the Eagle endorsements. From my personal experience when they endorsed me I lost. Gives true meaning to the paplum pucking liberal media don’t you think ? We always look though sort of like not turning your head when you see a car crash. Hard not to turn your head isn’t it.

beezer
beezer
12 years ago

That would be pablum puker Ron…don’t ya think everyone has a special interest, somewhere?

Payroll Patriot
Payroll Patriot
12 years ago

That is a slate that I would want kept secret, if I was on it.

Caccamo, has a new 40k non teaching position at PHS doing
something with MCAS testing and data. Don’t teachers know about test scores? He was on the radio (BRK) Friday during school time. Did the taxpayers pay him to campaign?

Cotton works for the same company as Sherman. What did he really accomplish on the School Committee, other than sending millions to the rest of Berkshire County? 2yrs about 5.6 million.

Clairmont the CPA, Ruberto’s campaign treasurer for 5 to 6 yrs,
worked for some job development group in Ruffer’s office. Where are the jobs?

Sherman, not sure why, unless he has visions of City Council President dancing in his head.

White is not even on the ballot and no one will know the difference.

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

I’ve heard Chris Connell is on the secret slate as well and if the Eagle’s endorsement is any indication of that, then it seems to be right on the mark!

beezer
beezer
12 years ago

The good old boys are an extension of the democratic liberal left in Massachusetts. Speaking of good old boys, wouldn’t it be kind of cool to have a little league or youth basketball team, call it the good old boys, have that country jingle as they trot out onto the field.. We’re the Good Old Boys.

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

As long as Daisy Duke was a cheerleader

Gall Ball
Gall Ball
12 years ago

I vote in 4 and Chucks got my vote. Rest of River Ward 4 doesn’t speak for me. Also thank M Mazzeo for promising to lead the fight against GE, I hope I hope I hope she means it. Please MM and council Go after Silver Lake and Hill 78, lots of poisons buried there and l-o-t-s of daed bodies for all the political corruption that same down when the Consent Agreement was made. My husband worked for Ge at hte time in an accounting/legal position and saw documents that were never meant for light of day. He never shared them with me and I never asked but I think he was worried about losing his job. He said once though it involved kickbacks.

Dave
Dave
Reply to  Gall Ball
12 years ago

Gall Ball

If the existence of kickbacks could be proven, it would be just grounds to reopen the consent decree.

That is such a huge bombshell if real.

I would presume that your husband no longer works for GE. Is there any chance he could make a statement? Statement like that could swing the tide.

scott
scott
Reply to  Dave
12 years ago

Yeah peter Larkin most likely made a fortune where is he these days?

beezer
beezer
12 years ago

I was thinkin Deanna Ruffells.

Amazed
Amazed
12 years ago

Dan, you stated you went into the mayoral election with a blank slate of who you would be endorsing. That you, in fact, have known both candidates for years and that you are friends with both.

What amazes me is that you’ve done nothing but say negative things about Mr. Marchetti for weeks. For someone who says he is friends with both men you sure don’t act it. Are you afraid Mr. Bianchi is losing ground? Are your ratings down??

Bringing up someone’s personal life instead of sticking to what each man’s done for Pittsfield makes me think so. With a friend like you, who needs enemies?

Geo J
Geo J
12 years ago

Cannot get today’s (11/4) blog, besides the headline. Help!

rick
rick
12 years ago

me 2

Nomad
Nomad
12 years ago

Haven’t been able to read anything but the headlines, also. I’ve noticed the comments have increased since this afternoon, but can’t read them either.

Real Deal 2
Real Deal 2
12 years ago

I applaud MM fir going after GE and Hill 78. The deal Gerry Doyle made reminds of the episode ofn the Simpsons, when Homer, the nuclear power-plant union president, sold out their dental health plan for a keg of beer. And that keg of beer has been tapped into many useless times: Jae Chung’s Spice, Huddpuckers, a half empty movie theater…………….

I have one question that seems to have been glazed over. Peter Marchetti is divorced, but if memory serves me correctly, Pete was one of the first guy/guy marriages when MA legalized them. So does this mean Pete was married to a women first? And if that’s the case, the whole “a person ios born that way” goes out the window, or Pete’s a very dishonest person to his first spouse. I have always viewed a person sexuality like religion. Dont preach it onto me and were cool. But in Pete’s case what is it? Did he not like the hole, so now he loves the pole?

rick
rick
12 years ago

lol

rick
rick
12 years ago

its kind of funny that marchetts been around for a long time and nobody knows anything about him..i wonder whats going to come out about him next…. id like to know if he switched teams after the first marriage or hes always been gay…like bianchi said about pete, hes always testing the political winds,,, maybe going gay was to his benifit? some people i know want to vote for him because hes gay….. they dont want to be called homophobes….. what a waste of votes…… id rather he just stuck to doing his parades, he has the parade touch…

rick
rick
12 years ago

marchettis stance on the rash of armed robberies was that in these tough economic times all the bad guys are trying to do is put food on the table for their families…… and lee is backing this guy… this is a joke….. the city is being run by drunks and fools. how would you like a sympathetic gay guy leading our police chief against crime………. their only trying to feed their families leave them alone….. so what they stuck a gun to some store workers head…. marchett has to be the worst mayoral candidate sence teddy hatin…..

ambrose
ambrose
12 years ago

sumbudy get to valenti again – the entire nov 4 blog is missing

Steve Wade
Steve Wade
Reply to  ambrose
12 years ago

Maybe he didnt pay his bill? Maybe the GOB shut him down?

Nomad
Nomad
12 years ago

When Gerry Lee was the Chief of Police, his brother ran a variety store on Elm St. The last several years that he ran the store, he had very limited stock…and wasn’t opened on weekends. Could it have been just a front for the “for entertainment only” gambling machine(s) he had in the backroom, while his brother…the chief…looked the other way?
I find Gerry’s negative political ad against Dan Bianchi hypocritical. His joined at the hip friend…Jim Ruberto…also disappeared after losing his first run for mayor. This after disappearing from Pittsfield for 35 – 40 years after graduating from HS.