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THIS ‘N THAT: BERKSHIRE WORKS UPDATE … MORE ON CUTLER RESIGNATION … plus … SABOURIN ‘GETS OUTTA DODGE’

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By DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI News and Commentary

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEDNESDAY, OCT. 22, 2014) — Today, THE PLANET shares exclusive information and news on three cases that have roiled the body politick of what has become a city of foul politics. First, as a preamble, let us tell you that we intend to feature council-at-large Barry Clairmont‘s extraordinary comments to yesterday’s post in a soon-to-be edition. THE PLANET has contacted Mayor Dan Bianchi to see if his recollection of the phone call is the same as Clairmont’s. After the usual grace period, we shall go to press. We also add that Ward 5 councilor Jonathan Lothrop has, too, testified in the comments section of THE PLANET to receiving abusive treatment at the hands of the mayor. It is an alarming situation when representatives of We The People get berated, sown at, and abused by the mayor for doing their job.

BERKSHIRE WORKS UPDATE

* Berkshire WeaksTHE PLANET has heard from sources connected to Berkshire Works, who reported on the severance package of the fired-dismissed-forced-to-resign-missing-for-whatever-reason executive director, William Monterosso. You will recall that the mayor’s fair-haired boy from the South, hired in January, failed to last the year. The mayor was forced to deal with Monterosso after THE PLANET reported on alleged wrongdoings on the part of the executive director with respect to staff, especially female staff.

According to sources, Monterosso left town with a $55,000 lump sum and a full year’s pay. The pay range was advertised between the high 80s and $94,000. If the information is true, taxpayers coughed up about $150,000 to say goodbye to a load of trouble. Perhaps one of you can ask the mayor how that fits in with his inaugural promise to be a responsible steward of the budget and the taxpayers’ coin.

Sources tell THE PLANET that attorney Ben Steffans of Cohen, Kinne, Valicenti & Cook is investigating Berkshire Works in connection with an alleged lawsuit filed against the operation and its recently departed executive director. Through the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, THE PLANET also hears though has not confirmed that staff have filed complaints. One source says that “eight to 10 employees might have filed” with MCAD.

The law firm’s website says Steffans specializes in “employment-related claims and issues.” The website goes on: “Ben has successfully litigated claims of harassment based on sex, race, disability, pregnancy, age, and sexual orientation,” noting his record in winning “claims involving employers who retaliate against employees for complaining against unlawful activity.”

CUTLER RESIGNATION UPDATE

* Cutlet Cuts Out — THE PLANET broke the story that Josh Cutler resigned a week ago from chairing the all-but-defunct Human Rights Commission. Cutler confirmed his resignation to THE PLANET. We asked Cutler if he was forced out or if he wanted out.

“I resigned on my own volition due to too many commitments with my job, [the] school committee, and other things in the community,” Cutler said. “I was not asked to resign. It is by no means a reflection of the commission’s work, but more so my desire to focus more on my day job and elected post. I have left the appointment of a new chair to the mayor’s discretion.”

THE PLANET has no reason to doubt Cutler’s explanation, though we note he is young, politically ambitious, and cautious — perhaps to a fault — about avoiding political intrigue or taint. Even if there was much more to his resignation, Cutler most likely wouldn’t let on. His sudden departure from the HRC does produce several questions:

* Did he realize that his position as chair was being undercut by one or more members of the panel and no longer wished to play the stooge?

* Did he realize that he had essentially been duped into the chairmanship precisely because he is green and not wanting to upset Important People? If so, being the young man of principle we know him to be, resignation would be an honorable way out of a mess that may about to get much worse.

* Did Cutler have a confrontation with the mayor, the mayor’s “plants” on the commission, or both? Was he fired as a result and given the option to “resign”?

* What are the odds that The Empty Suit will elevate Pummelin’ Pam Malumphy to the HRC throne?

The commission has stumbled over itself since Day 1 with its inept handling of the Doreen Wade case and the petition filed by Craig Gaetani. Both complained of unprofessional, harassing behavior on the part of the mayor (echoes of Clairmont’s report of the mayoral phone call). TES‘ former director of administrative services, Mary McGinnes, was present during these alleged confrontations. She has confirmed the accounts of Wade and Gaetani. The mayor has refused our requests for comment.

One more question: Did the mayor would want to sand-bag the complaints of Wade and Gaetani with the HRC? Consequently, can Cutler’s resignation be seen as part of a larger plan to put a “more friendly” (to the mayor) face in the chair to see that the two cases are dealt with in a manner that will please the mayor?

Questions are the lubricant needed to oil the machinery of democracy, especially after it has become rusted.

Now THAT Didn’t Take Long: Sabourin ‘Gets Outta Dodge.’

She’s the gal who put the “monkey” in the infamous Scopes Monkey Trial.

She’s the gal who writes those breath-taking press releases issued from the corner office.

She’s the gal who most likely provided the infamous “movie producer” example in the mayor’s answers on 100gate.

She’s Julia Sabourin.

Now it appears we can add another achievement to her growing list: “ex of Pittsfield.” Records from the Middle Berkshire land records registry, helmed by the ever-capable Patsy Harris, show a transaction recorded on Sept. 19, 2014, in which Ryan and Julia Sabourin sold their home on 335 Holmes Road in Pittsfield to Michael and Beth Cantor. Records also show that on Oct. 10, the Sabourins applied a mortgage to a deed at 190 Orchard Circle, Richmond.

Yes, it looks like the mayor’s #2 has joined the mad rush of department heads to flee Pittsfield. “It’s a nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t wanna live there,” Sabourin and the rest of the alien managers seem to be saying. As one source put it, “The first opportunity that the mayor’s director of administrative services had to ‘get outta Dodge,’ she took it. Richmond bound.”

Way to set an example, Julia. Should we bother to ask John “The Sheffield Suffler’ DeAngelo to confirm your new address?

——————————————————————————————

 “This shaking keeps me steady.”Theodore Roethke, “The Waking,” (1953).

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL.

 

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9 years ago

Why pay taxes in Pittsfield when you can move to Richmond and still live off of the Pittsfield taxpayers?

Peregrine
Peregrine
9 years ago

and don’t forget Doug Clark, director of community development who lives “over the mountain”.

Thomas More
Thomas More
Reply to  Peregrine
9 years ago

and the pipsqueak code enforcer who lives in North Adams

Guess what
Guess what
Reply to  Thomas More
9 years ago

Wait you forgot one more: the Director of the Board of Health. She lives in NY.

its only money
its only money
9 years ago

If the average full-time worker makes $30,000.00 per year at his job in Pittsfield that means that Mr. Monerosso walks away with the equivalent of 5 years salary at the taxpayers expense.

City councilors get only $10,000.00 per year. So its equivalent to 15 years on the city coucil without doing one single thing.

Not bad for working only 3 months.

“Its a personal matter”
– Mayor Dan Bianchi – official statement on the matter.

Tom Sakshaug
Tom Sakshaug
Reply to  its only money
9 years ago

I believe the Councilors are paid $8000 a year, though the Prez gets more, perhaps $10K. They are Also eligible to participate in the City’s health insurance program.

3 ring circus
3 ring circus
9 years ago

Ms. Mazzeo will soon separate herself from the Mayor’s control to make a run for Mayor herself.

AFTER she gives him his $40,000.00 a year raise.

She will deal with Barry and Jonathan also Krol.
She wil workl closely with Mayor to deal with these rouge councilors.

3 ring circus
3 ring circus
Reply to  3 ring circus
9 years ago

Tickets on sale now.

Tom Sakshaug
Tom Sakshaug
Reply to  3 ring circus
9 years ago

The increase in the Mayor’s salary is in effect after the next mayoral election, not before. Mayor Bianchi can only benefit if he is re-elected.

Luxor Rex
Luxor Rex
9 years ago

.I am outraged that the Berkshire Works guy was given $150K. If what they say is true, he’s lucky to have escaped without being formally charged. Bianchi has wasted so much of my money (Im a pissfield taxpayer) from mismangement. I want him out. O U T out.

Fubar
Fubar
Reply to  Luxor Rex
9 years ago

Me too.

long question
long question
9 years ago

If TES is paying the movers by the hour at $25,000.00+ to move the mold infested desks out of the toxic basement at city hall to 100 North Street, can he divert some of them to move Julia’s personal effects to her new home in Richmond?

Ed
Ed
9 years ago

It’s like beating a dead horse and it’s apparently a carefully guarded secret for some undisclosed reason, but someone, somehow, somewhere, under some circumstance has to know how many Pittsfield city employees in all depts. do not reside in the city that pays them. Names, position, and addresses don’t need to be cited.
How many do you know of ?

Google
Google
Reply to  Ed
9 years ago

It would seem to be a matter of obtaining a list of all city department heads and then use the “freedom of the internet act” to obtain their physical addresses.

Residence confirmed, then publish the results.

Google
Google
Reply to  Google
9 years ago

Dan,
Perhaps you can give your readers a “homework” assignment. Post the names of all city department heads along with any helpful information and let us do the research to obtain their residential address’.

The good people of Pittsfield have a right to know how much of their money leaves Pittsfield to run Pittsfield property tax free.

I find it hard to believe that out of a city of 40,000 people, there are aren’t enough qualified people for these sweetheart jobs.
Of course the new High School should solve that problem.

Who knows, maybe The Berkshire Eagle will publish the story once we have the full picture.

dusty
dusty
Reply to  Google
9 years ago

i think one of them is going to be moving to Jones 2 sometime soon. That is all I got.

CPT Caveman
CPT Caveman
9 years ago

The Health Dept Director and Conservation officer are both from NY, for starters

Ron Kitterman
Ron Kitterman
9 years ago

Thanks for giving the mayor a chance to get the B side of the record played Dan, sounds a litt

Ron Kitterman
Ron Kitterman
9 years ago

Thanks for giving the mayor a chance to get the B side of the record played Dan, sounds a little weird to me still and certainly not the guy that use hold his mess kit out for more grub when he came through the chow line.

Fubar
Fubar
9 years ago

I knew way back when this happened Monterosso would walk away with a golden parachute.
I do not know of one single good thing this mayor has done. Not one. Ribbon cuttings do not count.

dusty
dusty
9 years ago

i don’t see Pam Malumphy taking the chair of the HRC. She is too smart to take that position which is a lightning rod for big trouble. There is no upside to being anywhere on that commission.

Sparkie
Sparkie
Reply to  dusty
9 years ago

Dusty this is the order of brain power that exists in City Hall

Teresa tells Danny Boy what to do,
then Danny Boy tells Pam what to do,
then Pam tells Melissa what to do,
then Melissa tells Lisa Tully & Kathy Amuso what to do….

Its the chain of stupidly…

Bull Durham
Bull Durham
9 years ago

Well, at least Pittsfield residents now know what it’s like to have John Barrett as your Mayor. When Barrett was in office, the stories were legion about his screaming at anyone who dared to disagree with him.

Linda
Linda
9 years ago

What a disgrace to give a $150,ooo golden parachute to that man. Where did the money come from?

Scott
Scott
Reply to  Linda
9 years ago

As Dan says Linda, “gotta mirror!”

dusty
dusty
Reply to  danvalenti
9 years ago

Isn’t that what the United Fund is supposed to be for? Who decides who gets United Fund money?

Pat
Pat
9 years ago

Richmond is a very pricey wealthy town to live in so Julie must be raking it in.

Carolyn Barry
Carolyn Barry
Reply to  Pat
9 years ago

Taxes are cheaper in Richmond than in Pittsfield.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Carolyn Barry
9 years ago

This is unbelievable and yet many very wealthy people live there while here in Pittsfield it is mostly poor people paying higher taxes.

Ed
Ed
Reply to  Pat
9 years ago

Pittsfield pays “The Out of Towners” well. Pittsfield police officers live in Richmond and Lenox for example.No gangs there and their off dty hours help make those towns safe.

Fubar
Fubar
Reply to  Carolyn Barry
9 years ago

Richmond tax rate may be cheaper but home prices there are much higher than Pittsfield.

Bea Breef
Bea Breef
9 years ago

Who is the bird on the school committee, or birds. Betty Davis doesn’t have anything on those folks. You’d think they never experienced a vist to a school? I think the stipend has gone to there heads.s

Nota
Nota
9 years ago

Air Bags throwing shrapnel? What gives?

Executive Producer
Executive Producer
9 years ago

With the stars Edward Norton, Joyce Randolf and Dan Bianchi as the Beaver.

Wally
Wally
Reply to  danvalenti
9 years ago

Good one Dan…I am raising my 6 yr old son on old black and white reruns of Leave it to Beaver…Lumpy..hahaha, good one

EddieP
EddieP
9 years ago

Not a word in the BB about Pittsfield losing the railcar deal. They have a new face, same corpse.

spagirl
spagirl
Reply to  EddieP
9 years ago

This taxpayer knew from day 1 that the million dollars was a donation. Pittsfield never was in the running. These officials are pipedreaming.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
9 years ago

What is William Monterosso’s Attorney’s cut of his 6 figure severance salary? Who was the guy representing Monterosso? Oh yeah, it is none other than Andrea F. Nuciforo, Jr.

Guess what
Guess what
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
9 years ago

Hey don’t blame Andy for doing his job. Blame those that put the city in this situation.

dusty
dusty
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
9 years ago

How much was Andys cut and what was the kickback to the mayor?

Mark
Mark
9 years ago

Scapin jn 15!

Donny
Donny
Reply to  Mark
9 years ago

Haven’t you learned anything from watching one of the three amigos try to run this city. Do you really want to try another? All they’ve ever done is rail against others ideas but have none of their own. It’s been the knock against Bianchi since day 1 and has been proven out thru his tenure.

Mark
Mark
9 years ago

oops…in

Rosanne
Rosanne
9 years ago

The quality of life in Richmond is much better, that’s why I live here!

John svenson
John svenson
9 years ago

To write that people flee Pittsfield is hypocritical, isn’t it? Don’t you live in Great Barrington? In fact, having grown up in Minneapolis, it would be odd for me to blog about all that is wrong about what the Mayor of Minneapolis may or may not be doing, don’t you think. As you seem to opine– I don’t pay taxes in the Land of a Thousand Lakes. So, why other than maybe having been from Pittsfield don’t you blog about Great Barrington with all you other aging Boomers and wealthy yuppies out there–you don’t pay taxes here, you just toss bombs but don’t support the city with any bucks!

John svenson
John svenson
9 years ago

Where are your offices now, Dan? Where do you pay taxes now? This sounds like an answer Bill Clinton would give. Honestly I would expect more from you. As a “journalist ” you grind on one mayor, one city and so your credibility suffers. If you were a journalist an broaden ended your scope of investigative issues as if more than one community had these egregious issues, than so be it. But as it is you come across as someone on a personal vendetta. Why is that?

Craig Swinson
Craig Swinson
Reply to  John svenson
9 years ago

Isn’t this like saying that reporters can only about the town they live in? Isn’t that sort of limiting? I think most reporters go where the news is and there’s TONS of news in the Pitt…and the Berkshire Eagle sure isn’t covering it.

CLIFF
CLIFF
9 years ago

ahh yes, ben stephens, the same lawyer who nailed CRANWELL a few years back and is currently NAILING “7 HILLS” for not paying their employee’s their due is a so-called specialist in the state of mass and county of berkshire, id run i i was face to face w him, sources say he is grabbing a cool 500-700 k from 7 hills or are they NEW YORK enough t face trial????