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CLAIRMONT REVEALS SHOCKING MAYORAL BEHAVIOR DURING PHONE ENCOUNTER WITH MAYOR … SECOND COUNCILOR BACKS CLAIM … LOTHROP ON BIANCHI: ‘HE CAN’T TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR HIS OWN DECEIT’

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By DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI News and Commentary

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, THURSDAY, OCT. 23, 2014) — We call today’s edition of THE PLANET “Believe It or Not,” although with the current Pittsfield mayor, the show would be better titled, “Believe It or Else.”

After numerous and credible complaints of the mayor’s abusive behavior, it was a matter of time before (a) the mayor exploded (b) at a city officer (c) who did not fear retaliation by going public with the information.

And so we have (a) (b) and (c). The mayor exploded at councilor-at-large Barry Clairmont over a request for reimbursement on an expense that never should have been required. How “Pittsfield” can you get?

From Stonewalled to Stoned

During his probe of the 100gate, Clairmont filed a public information request seeking copies of relevant mayoral e-mails. The mayor tried to stonewall by sending Clairmont mostly blank pages (nonetheless, there were several gems in the batch).

Not being content with his failed attempt to stifle Clairmont, the mayor twisted the knife he stuck in the councilor’s back by charging for the documents. You’ll recall when then-OCD director Deanna Ruffer charged councilor-at-large Melissa Mazzeo for documents, Mazzeo complained to the state. The attorney general’s office threatened action against the city. As an officer of the government, a co-governor, and a representative of We The People, a city councilor has the right to obtain official city documents at no charge. It didn’t occur to the mayor that charging for the documents might violate state law. He billed Clairmont $63.95. Clairmont paid the bill to remove that as an excuse for the mayor not sending anything.

The phone call-in question deals with the reimbursement for this warrantless and likely illegal expense. Clairmont tells the story:

——– 000 ——–

You won’t believe this…

For those of you who may not know, I made a public records request to obtain information concerning the move to 100 North Street. I was charged $63.95 to obtain the information. Considering this request was made in my capacity as a City Councilor, I submitted a request for reimbursement. I found out last Wednesday that my request was sent to the Mayor’s office and that I needed to talk directly with the Mayor.

On Friday, the Mayor called me back. This is how the conversation went (I kid you not).

When I answered, the Mayor identified himself. I asked him how he was doing, and in a very angry voice he said “What do you care and what do you want.” I was completely taken back by his words and his tone.

I went on to tell him I was told I needed to talk to him about my request for reimbursement. The Mayor told me he “wasn’t inclined to give me a red cent.” I told him that was his prerogative, since the city doesn’t have a policy regarding this matter. He told me that we could work together, but I choose to make it difficult. [He said] he would have given me what I asked for at no charge if I had just asked him (I see no difference from asking him vs. making a public records request, except the request REQUIRES him to comply, whereas asking he could leave things out if he so chose).

At this point I informed the Mayor that I would submit a petition and a draft Ordinance for the next council agenda (I assume President Mazzeo will put it on the agenda) that says “Municipal elected officials shall not be charged a fee for obtaining any information or documents made through a public records request …”

The Mayor then did the most childish thing I’ve ever heard from an elected official. He said, “You are such a scumbag.”

Given the way he started the call and his junior high name calling, how can he think this provides an atmosphere where we could “work together?”

Around six months ago, in the front hallway of city hall, he called a fellow councilor a “swarmey little a**hole.” He did this because he learned that [the] councilor had told someone that the Mayor was working another job, which [the mayor] himself has since admitted.

So now you have two councilors that he has called names and tried to bully. It makes we wonder if this is a pattern given all the other complaints that the Mayor has bullied them. He claims not to be a bully, but I wonder?

Barry

——– 000 ——–

Since that posting, there have been several new developments:

* THE PLANET has invited the mayor to share his recollection of the phone call, especially if he disputes the facts. We have yet to hear back from the corner office. When the phone doesn’t ring, we know it’s the mayor not getting back to us.

* THE PLANET has contacted each city councilor, asking for their thoughts. Do they agree or not with the mayor’s alleged treatment of one of their colleagues? Are they OK with the chief executive running roughshod over the representatives or ordinary citizens? THE PLANET has given councilors until Friday to get back to us. We shall post their responses.

* Another councilor has backed up Clairmont’s story by sharing his own. Yesterday, THE PLANET received this statement from Ward 5 councilor Jonathan Lothrop:

——– 000 ——–

So to elaborate on Councilor Clairmont’s recent post about the Mayor’s verbal swearing at him, I can attest to the fact that I was the recepient of the Mayor’s previous unprevoked swearing attack.

The reason for the Mayor’s anger towards me was the fact that I had mentioned to [a] third party that the Mayor is in fact often working at his previous job, even though he promised the public that he would be a full time Mayor. It was clear that I had “blown up his stop” by outing his “little secret.” Too bad he can’t take responsibility for his own deceit.

Of course, months after this swearing incident, the Mayor finally admitted that he DID still work at his old job [Global Montello energy company]. I love being sworn at by the Mayor of our City for telling the truth!

——– 000 ——–

The mayor has taken a city to the brink of financial disaster. He has destroyed his working relationship with councilors. He has spit in the face of ordinary citizens more times that we care to recount. We leave you, Pittsfield, with one question: How much more of this are you willing to take?

——————————————————————————————–

“She was a long, cool woman in a black dress, just a five-nine beautiful tall. Just one look I was a bad mess, ’cause that long, cool woman had it all.”The Hollies, “Long, Cool Woman,” (1973).

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL.

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nostrodumbass
nostrodumbass
9 years ago

The mayor could easily have apologized to Barry, said they made a mistake in charging him and cut him a check for the $63.95. He could have told him to drop by his office and handed it to him and said “Here you go buddy”.

It would have litterally been peanuts out of petty cash. Hell, he just found $140,000.00 to move some offices to North St. and another $25,000.00 to do the move out of thin air. Another $150,000.00 forked over to Monterosso for his alledged sexual harrassment of female employees for 3 months. Another $100,000.00 extra money given for the methadone clinic.

So what’s $63.95?

However, the mayor does not have it in his character to do the right thing. He doesn’t think things through. His tough guy bully mentality just naturally surfaces every single time. He’s not a Statesman and has no tact. He’d rather rule by brute force.

The guy is a total train-wreck and Pittsfield will indeed suffer under his watch and beyond.

Donny
Donny
Reply to  nostrodumbass
9 years ago

Couldn’t agree more. There is a reason they called this guy “no plan Dan” when he was on the council. Who would’ve thought this little pip-squeak could bankrupt the city…and bullying people, really? Does he get the benefit of the doubt because he looks so frail? It’s unbelievable that anyone would let this guy dress them down. Political aspirations or not, have some balls.

Also, where has Jimmy G gone?

nostrodumbass
nostrodumbass
9 years ago

I wonder if Jimmy Ruberto reads the Planet every day?

I can imagine him getting a good laugh while basking in the Florida sunshine.

Edconnect
Edconnect
Reply to  nostrodumbass
9 years ago

Haha.he must

Spider
Spider
9 years ago

I can’t wait to hear what the other councilors replies will be (if any). My guess is that his supporters on the council will NOT come right out and support Clairmont and will give some vague reason why.

They are wimps and don’t want the same treatment from their leader. How sad!

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
9 years ago

Is there an impeachment process in the city charter? If not that should be amended.

spagirl
spagirl
Reply to  Mad Trapper
9 years ago

Should be is right.

dusty
dusty
9 years ago

I bet there are secret meetings between certain councilors ruminating on how to or if to answer your question Dan. It is kind of like being called to the front of the class to do an oral topic.

From the ones that have the moral conscientiousness to even answer the question I expect a whole lot of two-stepping, smoke and mirrors. It is time to lay the cards on the table as to whose pocket you are or are not in.

Those that choose not to answer at all are bona fide Bianchi lap dogs.

spagirl
spagirl
9 years ago

Just by being a part of the last City Council Meeting, we already know who stands up…and who stands down. Cleaning house is the answer to the corrupt, unaccountable weasels.

Scott
Scott
9 years ago

Maybe what the mayor meant by transparency is that we would see through all his lies and bs no matter what lengths he went to conceal them from us.

Knows the Truth
Knows the Truth
9 years ago

I am waiting to hear MM’s response. Reminds me when she wanted to ban the tag sale of West Hoosy and then changed her story. Lies, Lies, and nothing but lies. This council and Prez should be ashamed of themselves on how they have allowed this idiot to get away with things and at the same time let themselves become irrelevant. Shameful….

Peregrine
Peregrine
9 years ago

A man who has no respect for himself can not have respect for those he is in charge of leading. The citizens of Pittsfield and our city councilors are the victims of his lack of positive leadership at a time when our city needs strong positive leadership. Therefore, his name calling of city councilors is name calling “We the People”. The old saying goes “when you spit in the wind it blows in your face”. The question is when and how long will it take?

Fubar
Fubar
9 years ago

Kudos to Clairmont and Lothrop for getting the truth out there. Now we just need the other councilors to get a spine and start telling the truth too. But I am not holding my breath on that one!

poorboy
poorboy
9 years ago

If indeed the mayor violated state law by denying Barry’s formal request for reinbursement of these charges then I would like to see the Mayor prosecuted by the State Attorney Generals office.

How is Ms. Freieri’s lawsuit against him going?

How about Doreen Wades action against him?

Confilct of interest in 100gate?

Is rsvp director going to sue?

How much more damage is he going to do?

Had enough yet?

Silence Dogood
Silence Dogood
Reply to  poorboy
9 years ago

State Attorney Generals office???? Ain’t gonna happen as long as democrat Marsha Cokely is in charge.

MyHomeTown
MyHomeTown
9 years ago

Great reporting, Dan!

I no longer live in Pittsfield but I continue to follow the shenanigans of elected & appointed city officials. The corruption and incompetence never fails to amaze me. But I have to say that this Mayor’s alleged behavior is a new low.

To paraphrase a famous quote: “bad men need no better opportunity than when good men look on and do nothing.” Why hasn’t someone initiated a recall vote or filed charges with the AG’s office?

Linda
Linda
9 years ago

I echo Fubars statement. I am so impreseed with councilors Clairmont and Lothrop for not keeping quiet. They are MY representatives, I feel when the mayor berates them he’s doing it to me…

The Beaver
The Beaver
9 years ago

While I think this mayor is a train wreck and don’t agree with how he spoke to the counselors, them posting to THE PLANET about it is the equivalent of a 5 yr old ratting on his classmate for calling him a name on the playground…Remember J Lo and Dancin Barry, Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me….If you can’t handle the heat get outta the kitchen….WAAH, stop crying will ya…

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
9 years ago

Topic: Andrea F. Nuciforo, Jr.’s part in Pittsfield politics

What was Nuciforo’s cut of his client’s (William Monterosso’s) 6 figure severance package?

To this day, there are millions of dollars unaccounted for from the administration of Gerry Doyle’s mismanagement of the health insurance account. Dan Valenti wrote that then Mayor Sara Hathaway was going to take legal action to recoup the large amount of unaccounted for money until Nuciforo stepped in and ordered Hathaway from taking legal action.

Why did Nuciforo block Mayor Hathaway from recouping still unaccounted for millions of dollars during the Doyle administration?

Nuciforo swore in two Mayors of Pittsfield: Mayor Sara Hathaway in January of 2002 and Mayor Jimmy Ruberto in January of 2008.

Why is Nuciforo so powerful in Pittsfield politics? I understand that he is from the ultimate political family in Pittsfield politics. His late-father was a Pittsfield State Senator then a Pittsfield Probate Court Judge. His late-Aunt, who passed away last week, was a Pittsfield Mayor and BCC Professor. His Uncle was a Pittsfield State Representative. Like his late-father, Nuciforo was a Pittsfield State Senator. Nuciforo also served one term as Pittsfield Registrar of Deeds, while he unsuccessfully ran for U.S. Congress in 2012.

It seems that Nuciforo is still very involved with the inner-workings of Pittsfield politics. But, the question is: “Why?”

dusty
dusty
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
9 years ago

And I believe that Doyle gave Kiley, the then city treasurer, a huge severance package as well. Rumors were that it was to keep him quiet.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  dusty
9 years ago

The Gerry Doyle administration from January 1998 – December 2001 was the most corrupt and failed period of Pittsfield politics!
Mayor Doyle mismanaged the city government’s health insurance account. To this day, there is still millions of dollars unaccounted for. The municipality became financially insolvent and went into state government receivership.
Mayor Doyle was protected from legal action by then State Senator Andrea F. Nuciforo, Jr., who has said he is a legal expert on financial issues, where he specializes in insurance law.
Also during Mayor Doyle’s tenure, he (Doyle) signed the Consent Decree that capped most of Pittsfield’s toxic waste chemicals called PCBs left behind by then CEO Jack Welch’s GE. The Consent Decree has proved to be a disaster for Pittsfield with PEDA was unable to attract nearly any business tenants over the past 16 years. Pittsfield is known as a dump filled with cancer causing chemicals, while GE now has zero employees working in Pittsfield.
On the state government level, there were two Beacon Hill delegates who passed the legislation making PEDA into a legal entity. They were then State Rep and now GE Lobbyist Peter Larkin, and then State Senator Andrea F. Nuciforo, Jr.

Donny
Donny
Reply to  dusty
9 years ago

And i believe the insurance provider that took the gamble on the stop loss policy fully repaid the city for his “bad bet”. Melle, if you had a dime to your name and weren’t half retarded, you’d be broke from being sued for slander. It’s no wonder you couldn’t find a job in Pittsfield and its a disgrace your name is associated with the military.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  Donny
9 years ago

If that’s true, then why did the city government become financially insolvent?
I served our nation Honorably in the U.S. Army!

Ed
Ed
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
9 years ago

When Andrea was running for congress, he enlisted a couple of campaign managers from out of state, These gentlemen were bivouacked in a lake house on Ridge Ave in Pittsfield.
Did they remain in the area after the election ? Does anyone recall their names ? Was one from KY ?

Nota
Nota
9 years ago

Who is kidding whom? Krol LOw Clair would tax you just like TES. All of them are progressive government spenders. TES reminds me of an infiltrator who joins the infiltrated and LOw will do just about anything to advance his political career.

dusty
dusty
9 years ago

I agree about Lo. He is a fair weather friend. Goes with prevailing wind.

amandaWell
amandaWell
9 years ago

The problem with Pittsfield Politics is everyone is beholden to a political group, otherwise you can’t get elected, that’s just dynamics of voting. The Planet presents himself as the best and only advocate for the common voter who is sick and tired of paying tax increases year after year. TES is NO different than past Mayor’s, in that, once elected the power goes to the head. this particular mayoral cycle has vendetta on both sides written into it. Krol LOw Clairmont are Ruberto influenced, TES knows this, and is prepared to challenge these three at any turn. The Planet is a free range Political Journalist and as transparent as any I’ve ever read, with the utmost of integrity, while being entertaining. Thank you for the PLANET!

Ron Kitterman
Ron Kitterman
9 years ago

Really only leaves 4 choices for the city council members, ignore it, double down, grab a pail and start bailing water or take the politically expedient route.
Poorboy nailed it where do these people go to get their reputations back ? ( Rosanne Frieri, Debbie Sadowy et el )

Pat
Pat
9 years ago

How do we get rid of this Mayor?

poorboy
poorboy
9 years ago

Perhaps the whole concept of a Mayor should be done away with in favor of returning the power back to the people.

Perhaps a city manager or city coordinator should be hired instead of a mayor with limited duties. $87,000.00 a year is too much to pay a mayor whose power has gone to his head.

The move to 100 North Street illustates this.
How the mayor could spend $147,000.00 plus another $25,000.00 WITHOUT council approval is mind boggling. It shows the mayor has too much power and the people need to stop this.

I say do away with a mayor altogether and hire someone to perform basic duties providing only necessary functions and basic services the people need.

Do away with entire school system. It will lower the taxes for everyone by 70%. Let those who have children educate them. The school system is draining everyone and everything. Its out of control.

Do away with all the sweetheart fluff jobs created for friends of the connected.

There is way too much corruption in the system the way it is.
Basic services such as clean water, trash pickup, decent roads, snow plowing and such are the only reason city government should exist.

B. Clairmont
B. Clairmont
Reply to  poorboy
9 years ago

Poorboy,

I advocated for a city manager when we rewrote the charter.

Professional management is the way to go.

Barry

poorboy
poorboy
Reply to  B. Clairmont
9 years ago

I know when Mexico City was in shambles they hired Rudy Giuliani to come in as a consultant to help straighten things out down there.

Giuliani was a great Mayor and wàs an effective Mayor for New York City.

Mayor Bianchi in no Giuliani. Not by a long shot.

Gene
Gene
9 years ago

Appreciate the coverage here DV. We can’t get it anywhere else.

dusty
dusty
9 years ago

This mayors performance is exactly why we did not need a new charter giving the mayor a longer term. You just know there is another Bianchi waiting in the wings to reign supreme when it takes effect.. I guess no one saw that coming.

Carolyn Barry
Carolyn Barry
9 years ago

Pittsfield will never be able to move forward until everyone learns how to play nice in the sand box!

dusty
dusty
Reply to  Carolyn Barry
9 years ago

Did you mean to say the Tax Box?

DIOGENES
DIOGENES
Reply to  dusty
9 years ago

She should have said the litter box! That’s all his burg’s been for decades.

Mark
Mark
9 years ago

Scapin in 15!

Silence Dogood
Silence Dogood
9 years ago

Believe it or not???? More like believe it or would you BE YANKIN’ MY CHAIN?

Kathy Lloyd
Kathy Lloyd
9 years ago

So I looked into what a recall would take, the mayor’s behaviour is really off the wall as of late and I found his comments at the council meeting last week -unprofessional- to say the least. I don’t think a recall is necessarily in order right now. I don’t know that he has done anything illegal and a recall on a mayor should have a bases of more than we just don’t like him anymore (I voted for him.)

Here’s the jist of what I found loosely I am not a lawyer:

A petition submitted with 50 signatures (signatures signifies registered pittsfield voters) must be submitted to the clerks office, from there the petitioners have 28 days to collect 20% of the registered Pittsfield voters signatures -counting duplicates, snafus, and other crazy stuff a round estimate would need to be about 7000 sigs.

When the sigs are verified the clerk has 28 days to call a special election which can be scheduled up to 90 (?) days from then.

Even if someone started this process right now, we’re looking at an April-ish special election at the cost of thousands of dollars only to have a mayoral election again in November.

It doesn’t make sense to me, I’m not sure his “crimes” really deserve a recall, it doesn’t make fiscal sense, and I’m also not sure that he wouldn’t win the special election.

What do you think?