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POLICE ADVISORY COMMISSION PRESS POLICY ‘MEANT TO STIFLE INFORMATION’

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By DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI News and Commentary

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BULLETIN! Allow THE PLANET to break into this story at a little before 6 p.m. Monday Dec. 8. Speaking of break, we shall break the story that Jon Lester has opted not to re-rsign with the Boston Red Sox in favor of the pitch delivered by Theo Epstein on behalf of the Chicago Cubs. THE PLANET received this word from a knowledgeable baseball source, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to officially comment. Our source believes that Lester agreed to terms after the Cubs agreed to his demand for $150 million. Having reported this, THE PLANET offers our own tiny caveat. Sources in Boston tell us that later this evening, Lester’s agent plans to meet with officials from the Red Sox. We question why, if the deal with the Cubs has been 1000% finalized that Team Lester would not have called off tonight’s scheduled gathering. The world will probably find out tomorrow. Meanwhile, you got it first.

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(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, MONDAY, DEC. 8, 2014) — You’ll recall earlier this year THE PLANET broke the news when The Bianchi Administration instituted a “press protocol.” Under the policy, media inquiries are referred to the mayor’s office. There, the mayor’s administrative aide, Julia Sabourin, acts as gatekeeper, deciding on which ones to allow and which ones to banish. Such policies fail because they don’t take into account reportorial enterprise, the doggedness of an aggressive newshound when he or she is on the trail of a story.

With that comes word from the Police Advisory Commission of what looks like a trickle down. At its meeting a week ago, the PAC adopted a “press protocol” similar to that ordered by the corner office. The justification for the policy stems from the disastrous roll-out of the “downtown ambassador program” (DAP). The DAP was meant to put additional eyes and ears downtown, using BCC criminal justice students as a resource.

Is Downtown Burning — or Isn’t It?

The issue stemmed from a dramatic uptick in the perceived safety of downtown Pittsfield. Is downtown safe? Is crime increasing? If so, why, and what should be done about it? A fatal, drug-related shooting in the downtown Big Y parking lot put the question in sharp focus.

One group of qualified shareholders — notably, many downtown merchants — questioned police chief Mike Wynn’s personnel decisions. Why weren’t there more police patrols downtown? Would a shift in deployment free more officers for foot patrols? Were too many resources being used on desk work and other tasks not directly related to active policing?

Sources say the questions didn’t set well with the mayor, Chief Wynn, or with Downtown Pittsfield Inc. (DPI). Each has a political reason for being in denial about the state of public safety in the downtown.

Sources say DPI didn’t like that “certain members” of the PAC were “butting into their business,” outlining a classic, “petty Pittsfield” turf war” of the kind that has kept this city politically hamstrung for a generation. So look at the political tar pit: Here we have a highly political corner office, an “acting” police chief serving entirely at the mayor’s whim, a PAC split along political ancient Wojtkowski-DelGallo fault lines, a sorely underperforming DPI, and the poor students, caught in the middle [ED NOTE: Full disclosure. Dan Valenti is a member of the English Department at BCC]. Anyone expect public-policy brilliance to emerge from this ra-ta-tooie?

At some point and from this political confusion the downtown ambassadors program emerged. It’s purpose was never clearly defined.

Wynn: ‘Violent Crime is Decreasing in the city of Pittsfield’

Of the concerns of crime, Wynn said, “Violent crime is decreasing in the city of Pittsfield.” In his office’s official press release, Mayor Dan Bianchi portrayed creation of the ambassadors’ program not as a response to increasing crime but as an “out of the box method” to addressing the “increased downtown visitor presence during the tourist season and beyond.”

So which is it? Is the program a response to increased crime or increased tourism? You decide, dear readers, using your downtown experiences as the evidence. Observe the number, kind, and quality of the downtown populace. Focus especially on “visitors,” that is, those who have discretion about being there or not. Do you notice patterns? Do the people seem to be well-dressed, respectable people or extras from a zombie movie?

The press protocol, at least for public consumption, technically doesn’t limit the ability of individual PAC members from talking to the press. The following are listed as members of the Police Advisory Committee: Sheriff Tom Bowler, Ken Wilson, Radcliffe Harewood, Kathleen Roucher, Larry Tallman, Phyllis Smith, Diane Ferraro, Charles Smith Jr., Donald Bercury, Alan Righi (chair), and Cheryl Nolan.

“You can say what you want to say,” says Righi. “But you say it as a member and not a representative of the committee.” Fine, but what Righi doesn’t say is that comments had better be politically correct, or else. Any comments made by individual members must be OKd by the (1) PAC, (2) Chief Wynn, and (3) the mayor or his office. THE PLANET asks: Will such a gauntlet encourage or discourage rousing debate, particularly where there are honest disagreements?

‘You Have to Read Between the Lines. This is a Gag Order’

A PAC member, speaking on condition on anonymity, told THE PLANET, “You have to read between the lines. [The press policy] is a gag order. The intent of this is to keep members from talking [to the press]. I think it’s meant to stifle information. If a member speaks to the media [on record without permission], there’s going to be trouble. Guaranteed. And they’ll try to keep even that under wraps. I was disappointed in the [new press policy] and in Alan [chairman]. We can only do our job if we have an atmosphere free of politics and tension. That’s not the case, unfortunately.”

How, then, with this type of political morass and confusion, can that declining and bedraggled subclass known as decent, law-abiding citizens expect a fair shake from their “leaders?” The situation is bad and getting worse.

———————————————————————————————–

“Did you know your lover’s name, at any time before he was through?”The Quarry, “Paul Small,” from the band’s Seeds album, (1969).

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL.

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Ron Kitterman
Ron Kitterman
9 years ago

Shirley as they say in Airplane that couldn’t be the same Phyllis Smith? That was cited in Eagle with what she called “disturbing behavior by this council,” which she said was the worst she could remember. Some councilors, she said, have shown “blatant disrespect for the mayor” and reflexively questioned his proposals “

B. Clairmont
B. Clairmont
Reply to  Ron Kitterman
9 years ago

Yes, Ron, that is the one and same Phyllis Smith. Also the same Diane Ferraro that has written two nasty letters to the editor about me. And, the same Katie Rocher that sent all the council a “Barry Clairmont hates the Mayor, Stiffle him” letter a week and a half ago.

I think they protest just a little too loudly.

Barry

Spider
Spider
Reply to  B. Clairmont
9 years ago

Thanks Ron and Barry for that info. I wasn’t aware that the mayor appointed his stooges to this committee. Are any of the other members on his team?

Donna Walto
Donna Walto
Reply to  Ron Kitterman
9 years ago

The Police Advisory Commission needs to be appointed with members like yourself, that have first hand knowledge, wisdom and experience in community, police and public policy. While many who are serving on this commission are well-qualified others clearly are not. At this time in our country’s history with all the recent controversy nationwide regarding police and communities, we need only “the best and the brightest” serving our community on this most important Commission.

Charles Kronick Berkshire
Charles Kronick Berkshire
Reply to  Donna Walto
9 years ago

Sorry, Ms Walto, but the current ‘debates’ regarding policing in this nation is being driven by anything but best and brightest. I call it race-hustling and slander.

Donna Walto
Donna Walto
Reply to  Charles Kronick Berkshire
9 years ago

Chuck,

Post under your real name and then maybe we’ll talk. Kronickly posting under cover invalidates your Berkshire comments.

Charles Kronick Berkshire
Charles Kronick Berkshire
Reply to  Donna Walto
9 years ago

?

Charles Kronick Berkshire
Charles Kronick Berkshire
Reply to  Donna Walto
9 years ago

I suppose your comment indicates that you disagree with me. If so, why don’t you just say so?

Scott
Scott
Reply to  Donna Walto
9 years ago

Donna that is his name…

Spider
Spider
Reply to  Charles Kronick Berkshire
9 years ago

Hey Chuck…..Please explain what you mean by race-hustling and slander!

Charles Kronick Berkshire
Charles Kronick Berkshire
Reply to  Spider
9 years ago

Mr. Spider,

The people profiting off the riots and protests are race baiting. The accusation that the police ‘murdered’ the deceased is slander. I don’t believe anyone on this site has any legitimate complaint against the Pittsfield Police Department.

Now, I’m off to wash my hands.

dusty
dusty
9 years ago

Not too long ago the fiefdom chiefs did not have to worry about the Eagle spilling any beans they did not want spilled. So does this mean that the Berkshire Eagle is taking a new path and might actually tell things like it is if they find out about something? And the mayor and his minions now need a new line of defense?
Lies and deceit almost always come back to bite you in the ass. The mayor has become paranoid. And like the Eagle editorial said, In light of what is occurring around the nation with the police this is no time for Pittsfield police to start building walls around themselves. It just creates more suspicion and mistrust.

I hope the Berkshire Eagle will stand its ground and not be a pawn to the police dept or the paranoid mayor.

spagirl
spagirl
Reply to  dusty
9 years ago

I agree with you Dusty. Everyone needs to speak up and let the Paranoid know ….feet will be held to the fire. Dirty dealings eventually shuffle and take down the perpetraitors.

Dictatorship 101
Dictatorship 101
9 years ago

Dan,

Have you noticed that Ebola has gone away?
It has not but the media has been ordered to stand down on reporting it. There are literally hundreds of people being monitored for it nationwide. Deaths from it are being reported as Tuberculosis or other disease.

Also, even more alarming is the Government is attacking the Freedom of Information Act itself. Take a look at this video: http://m.youtube.com/watch?list=UULoNQH9RCndfUGOb2f7E1Ew&v=M6cVeHUvlmY
And see if it doesn’t ring a few bells. (Its only a min or so).

To recap:
We now have an elected government who has full control of the media.
A government that controls what information you get and what you don’t.
A President willing to bypass Congress and rule by executive orders.
A Mayor who is paranoid and puts the city on lockdown.
Now a Police commission designed to control information you get.

Is it any wonder that the people do NOT trust the government?

Linda
Linda
Reply to  Dictatorship 101
9 years ago

I agree here especially with that last question. No it isn’t any wonder why people distrust govt. I don’t expect to have much of a say on the national scene or even state but the sad situation of local politics leaves me angry and dismayed.

I only wish more people who feel this way will vote. I haven’t missed an election yet and will vote in 2015, that’s the only way I see out of the local mess. Increased turnout.

spagirl
spagirl
Reply to  Linda
9 years ago

You are right, Linda. The truth is frighening how many citizens pay absolutely no attention to the facts of life in our Local Government.

Sparkie
Sparkie
Reply to  spagirl
9 years ago

I must also agree with the above comments of Linda & Spagirl. If people paid attention to our local governments actions there is no way anyone in there right mind would elect Bianchi, Mazzeo, Tully, Morandi, Connell, or Amuso.

Dictatorship 101
Dictatorship 101
9 years ago

The link above got hijacked. This is correct one:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ThArXlFg0h0#

Gene
Gene
9 years ago

Its interesting that DV got this story by talking with someone willingto ignore the press policy. There is at least one couageous member on the PAC. As for Eagle I think the reason they are showing a little more life is this website. sorry for typos sent from phone.

Charles Kronick Berkshire
Charles Kronick Berkshire
Reply to  Gene
9 years ago

Evidence that the members are free to speak to the press as individuals, not as spokespersons. Much ado about nothing.

Luxor Rex
Luxor Rex
Reply to  Charles Kronick Berkshire
9 years ago

DIsagree Charles, else why would the source not want to go on record? Perhaps DV can address this but if the information is or will be unpleasant to political powers that be then no one goes on the record. Theres too much fear of political retaliation.

Charles Kronick Berkshire
Charles Kronick Berkshire
Reply to  Luxor Rex
9 years ago

Maybe the ‘source’ would be embarrassed to be cited on Planetvalenti.

Linda
Linda
Reply to  Charles Kronick Berkshire
9 years ago

Charles how can anyone take you seriously when you make such points? You know that isn’t the case rather, it is as L Rex says. When you have disagreeable news with the political powers the only way you can share it is off the record.

Thank God we have this website for being the only way so much information can be shared.

Charles Kronick Berkshire
Charles Kronick Berkshire
Reply to  Charles Kronick Berkshire
9 years ago

Linda,

What is wrong with my point? Mr. Rex asked for another reason someone would speak anonymousl. It’s not hard to come up with more than one.

Charles Kronick Berkshire
Charles Kronick Berkshire
Reply to  Luxor Rex
9 years ago

L.R.

The fear of political retaliation, if real, is one that needs to be disposed of by not speaking anonymously but by insisting on being heard, petitioning representatives, and running for office.

Charles Kronick Berkshire
Charles Kronick Berkshire
Reply to  danvalenti
9 years ago

Not that this person is running for anything, but why would anyone vote for someone who is afraid to speak for fear of political retribution? Wouldn’t those types be afraid to speak and vote for fear of political retribution, too?

I don’t see merit behind the whole argument.

Charles Kronick Berkshire
Charles Kronick Berkshire
Reply to  danvalenti
9 years ago

I simply don’t buy it. Despite the profligate use of the “X-Gate” terms, there’s no Richard Nixon, no Clinton machine, and there is open mike at City Hall and any commission.

I have yet to hear of someone turning up dead in a park or banished to toilet cleaning. If a public servant has a civic complaint, it’s his/her responsibility to air it in person.

Charles Kronick Berkshire
Charles Kronick Berkshire
Reply to  danvalenti
9 years ago

DV,

The only elected person whom I would fear is the Register of Deeds who campaigned on her ability to stall transactions by stepping out the office. Of course, Harris is the very best Register of Deeds the Commonwealth has ever seen.

Shakes His Head
Shakes His Head
9 years ago

I understand the Pittsfield PD got a grant for about $50k in overtime to enforce downtown pedestrian crossing laws for drivers and pedestrians alike. One of the grant requirements is submitting a report on things like hours and citations. Very curious to see the results of this extra infusion of state case, and I wonder if it was little more than OT loot for the cops.

dick
dick
Reply to  Shakes His Head
9 years ago

5K not 50K…it goes fast at 40+ an hour!!

spagirl
spagirl
9 years ago

By the way…The Pittsfield Downtown Christmas Tree is 3/4 Unlit. Great Show!!

Ron Kitterman
Ron Kitterman
9 years ago

Spagirl are you a hater or something you called it a Christmas tree it’s a holiday tree these days.

Scott
Scott
Reply to  Ron Kitterman
9 years ago

Ron isn’t that something. I’ll fight anyone who tries to tell me it’s not a Christmas tree.

B
B
Reply to  Scott
9 years ago

Christmas it is, no matter what others say.

Knows the Truth
Knows the Truth
9 years ago

@Spagirl: similar to this administration, 3/4 unlit.Also noticed at the tree lighting that MelMaz and CC were recognized by the Mayor in his speech but I saw other councilors there as well, and up front and noticeable. A stupid is is a stupid does…. Gump

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
9 years ago

All the money (Tens of Millions of Dollars) invested in Downtown Revitalization, and most people still avoid North Street, especially after hours. North Street is known as Social Services Alley by day, and crime, violence, drugs, and gangs at night.

Charles Kronick Berkshire
Charles Kronick Berkshire
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
9 years ago

Most people avoid downtowns afterhours, J. Melle. Even NYC is dangerous in the dark. I frequent North Street daily for work, banking, shopping – never had a problem.

Do the people who slander the employees and patrons of North Street actually live in Pittsfield?

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  Charles Kronick Berkshire
9 years ago

You are right. North Street is a model downtown for our nation. We should celebrate all that downtown Pittsfield has to offer. If only NYC had what Pittsfield has in its cultural mecca.

Charles Kronick Berkshire
Charles Kronick Berkshire
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
9 years ago

I never made the outlandish statement that Pittsfield is a model city, whatever that would be. I challenge your outlandish statement that it is dangerous and gang-ridden and that people are afraid to go to North Steet. You wouldn’t know, though, would you?

Evian
Evian
Reply to  Charles Kronick Berkshire
9 years ago

Chuck you’ve been outmanned and outgunned. By Jonathan, Donna, Linda, Luthor and Gene.

Charles Kronick Berkshire
Charles Kronick Berkshire
Reply to  Charles Kronick Berkshire
9 years ago

Ok. Evian. You can claim it but only if you promise to let me know when I win.

Scott
Scott
Reply to  Charles Kronick Berkshire
9 years ago

Charles I’m with you man it’s not that bad. The majority of crime is drug/gang related and between people associated with such lifestyles. Yes bad things happen stores get robbed etc. but for the most part it’s pretty safe around here. I think people’s minds are their own worse enemies. Even downtown Springfield state st I did a job on the front cornice of a building and it was a poor urban area with a high minority population and I was ok no one bothered me. I didn’t even bother to “pack”.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  Charles Kronick Berkshire
9 years ago

When I was a young man, I spent over one year of my adult life looking for a job in good old Pittsfield, Massachusetts. No one would hire me in good old Pittsfield. I feel honored to come from good old Pittsfield. I could live on North Street as a Homeless Veteran who served our nation Honorably in the U.S. Army. Maybe Jack Downing, a non-Veteran, would let me stay in his homeless shelter for Veterans? I am happy I left Pittsfield over one decade ago. I like living in Southern New Hampshire now.

Scott
Scott
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
9 years ago

No lie I fell asleep on a concrete flower bed one night when I stopped for a rest due to a long bike ride when I awoke my sneakers, wedding ring and wallet were still in my possession.

Charles Kronick Berkshire
Charles Kronick Berkshire
Reply to  Scott
9 years ago

Of course they were. They command small street value in Pittsfield, MA. Did you retain your kidneys? It’s a growing concern here. People take naps on the small parks on North Street and wake up with crude incisions and minus a kidney.

Scott
Scott
Reply to  Charles Kronick Berkshire
9 years ago

No crude incisions of any kind. I awoke quite refreshed.

Charles Kronick Berkshire
Charles Kronick Berkshire
Reply to  Scott
9 years ago

I suppose I’d think twice about the street value of a kidney harvested from a city planter too.

Alan Righi
Alan Righi
9 years ago

Dear Mr. Valenti,
There is no cause for disappointment in the Pittsfield Police Advisory Committee press protocol or with me (Alan Righi, Chairman of the committee).
I state unequivocally that I have never tried to keep anything “under wraps.”
There is no “or else.”
I am not an adherent to political correctness.
You say “the intent of … [the press protocol] is to keep members from talking [to the press] …[that] it’s meant to stifle information. If a member speaks to the media [on record without permission], there is going to be trouble. Guaranteed.”
No one on the Pittsfield Police Advisory Committee supports a “gag order” or the appearance of one.
I was surprised by the December 4 editorial in the Berkshire Eagle, which expressed a similar concern, and wrote a Letter to the Editor on December 5, which has not been published.
At least here, I can respond to your signed editorial.
The press protocol issue is on the agenda for the next PAC meeting, scheduled for Monday, January 5, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. in the Pittsfield City Hall Council Chambers.
In my unpublished letter to the Berkshire Eagle editor, I invited all members of the Berkshire Eagle family and all members of the public to attend the meeting and offer their thoughts as to an appropriate press protocol.
You are cordially invited to attend and offer your suggestions as are all members of the public and the editors and staff of the Berkshire Eagle.

Alan Righi
Alan Righi
Reply to  danvalenti
9 years ago

Yes. Yes. All are invited to attend and speak their mind. Pleas come.

Spider
Spider
9 years ago

Charles K…..Guess what? I agree with you on all you just said.

I can’t help but wonder how many people would march in Pittsfield in SUPPORT of our Police Dept. I know I certainly would!!!!

God bless each and every one of them!

Scott
Scott
Reply to  Spider
9 years ago

Spider that’s a good point as well. Though there have been some bad apples as is the nature of things for the most part we have a good group of men and woman on our police force. Dave Potash, Karen kolanowski, officer Clink, Det Koenig and Sgt Barry and officer Kip to name a couple.

dick
dick
Reply to  danvalenti
9 years ago

for real??

spagirl
spagirl
Reply to  Scott
9 years ago

This brings to mind Paul Capitano tipping off his drug dealer. Now where does one think that tipoff came from?

Bill
Bill
Reply to  spagirl
9 years ago

Spagirl, Looks like you hit a nerve with that one…

remember
remember
9 years ago

John Lennon murdered by Mark David Chapman December 8, 1980.

Hard to believe it was 34 years ago.

http://matrixbob.wordpress.com/2014/12/08/john-lennon-is-murdered-by-mark-david-chapman-on-december-8-1980/

GettGott
GettGott
9 years ago

Charles, you’re not the guy with the funny clothes and the twirling umbrella, are you?

Charles Kronick Berkshire
Charles Kronick Berkshire
Reply to  GettGott
9 years ago

Mr. Gott,

I wouldn’t even know where to buy a twirling umbrella.

Scott
Scott
Reply to  GettGott
9 years ago

That guy is on a permanent acid trip!

GettGott
GettGott
9 years ago

Eli on the PPD is the real deal!