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PITTSFIELD HAS LOST TOUCH WITH ITS GREATEST ASSET, ITS PEOPLE

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BY DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, MONDAY, MAY 9, 2016) — As a Letter to the Editor writer wrote last week to THE PLANET, Pittsfield has wasted too much time, energy, and resources on what the letter writer called infrastructure — building a new high school, a new parking deck, Streetscape, an “innovation center” while ignoring its greatest resource: We The People. The writer used the example of the carousel, a project that, despite official non-cooperation and even opposition, came into being without any public money and solely through the work of more than 400 volunteers. Such is the type of exponential energy that can, with leadership, be tapped for the good of all.

It won’t happen, however, with the current approach of the municipality to (and against) its people. The new Taconic High School project exemplifies this perfectly, because it involves the two most arrogant and hostile groups toward citizens: the Pittsfield School Committee (SC) and the School Building Needs Commission (SBNC).

From the beginning 10 years ago, the THS project has been “fast tracked.” The plan was to deliberately under-maintain the current THS for those years, point out the building’s problems, and set into motion an “un-opposable” allowance.

The Suits realized that with a compliant SC, the new $200 million school would be a done deal, despite declining enrollment. Want proof? The only SC member in that time who actually legislated for The People, Terry Kinnas, was harassed and dismissed. Moreover, stacking the SBNC with submissives too tractable and docile to vet the new building project assured Easy Street. Again, The Suits saw to it that the lone member who advocated for Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski would be opposed on every turn. That’s why Chuck Vincelette, The Man From Mensa,  resigned in frustration.

The SC and SBNC made sure to schedule the key public meetings at inconvenient times. Scheduling school committee meetings at 6 p.m. eliminates decent families who have supper to prepare after a long day of work. Having meetings at 3 p.m. leaves out the duly employed. Violating open meeting laws and not properly publicizing meetings in advance allows the SC and SBNC to claim “the public had a chance for input” all the while knowing that wasn’t the case. The final nail in the coffin was to not allow a vote or referendum by The Little Guys. The Suits didn’t care what ordinary citizens thought of the project.

We all know the city can’t afford to build that school, yet it will. It will not concentrate of serving its people, the way the carousel project did. It will, rather, exclude citizens from the democratic process by insisting on building these phony, unnecessary projects that temporarily distract the apathetic from the steel-toothed jaws both above and beneath that tempting piece of cheese.

People don’t need organizations that “have the privilege to continue the work that supports our mission to foster the ongoing growth and vitality of downtown Pittwsfield, Massachusetts through vision, leadership[,] and advocacy and to position downtown as the creative and business hub of the Berkshires for the benefit of all.” The 45 monstrous words in quotes, read them again.

Downtown Pittsfield Inc (DPI). authored those words in an e-mail sent May 6. That’s the language of bureaucracy. That’s the language of the dead. That’s the language of an officiousness that lost touch with its constituents.

In the upcoming budget deliberations, if there is one cut that should be made and can be made with no one being hurt, it’s to DPI. Sure, the cut will be symbolic. It will save taxpayers far less than $100,000 a year. Nonetheless, it will at least send the right message. Let the downtown merchants organize themselves into their own guild. Having government do it for them gives them government in all its worst forms — political, ineffective, and inefficient.

Maybe the city can take the money it saves, convert it into all ones, stack them in a heap, and light them afire. It can be held downtown. It can be billed as a “pep rally.”

—————————————————————————————————–

“I say thank God for government waste. If government is doing bad things, it’s only the waste that prevents the harm from being greater.”Milton Friedman

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL.

The views expressed in the comment section or opinions published within the text other than those of PLANET VALENTI are not those of PLANET VALENTI or endorsed in any way by PLANET VALENTI; this website reserves the right to remove any comment which violates its Rules of Conduct, and it is not liable for the consequences of any posted comment as provided in Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and PLANET VALENTI’s terms of service.

 

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joetaxpayer
joetaxpayer
7 years ago

Pittsfield will never have any real change until receivership hits, until then business as usual. Good Luck with that

Pat
Pat
Reply to  joetaxpayer
7 years ago

Personally I don’t think the suits are even afraid of receivership. The way progressives think is that if Pittsfield hits rock bottom it will get a bailout. The leaders of this city have had so many warnings from auditors and others who know where this city is heading financially, but they ignore the warnings. No logical and responsible people would do this.

Already Tyred
Already Tyred
7 years ago

With all the problems in Pittsfield, what are the top 10 things the GOB’s will be doing in Pittsfield this week? Please name them and what you think they’ll be doing.

Benigno Fiasconi
Benigno Fiasconi
7 years ago

I’ll play along…..Behnke will be checking JIV’s beard for lost coins for the school budget.

Al Abowtlyndy
Al Abowtlyndy
7 years ago

To balance the budget without looking ahead to the future is irresponsible. Right now, the needs of the taxpayer should be the priority at this time, not how we can fund the pay increases of the greedy while using the children as the sacrificial lambs.

dusty
dusty
7 years ago

I guess I missed it or was not paying attention but could someone please remind me what the date and time is that Mayor Tyer and superintendent McCandless are going to address the people regarding the level 5 is really a level 3 school business? I know there are many parents upset about this and would like some clarification from the people in charge or supposed to be in charge.

If it is not true it would be a simple matter to say so. Otherwise it just fans the fire of mistrust that is burning in the city. I sure hope they are not going to perpetuate the Bianchi bunker mentality. These people were given these high paying jobs and are expected to do them.

h
h
7 years ago

Dusty, maybe their to busy attending Red Sox games.

The School committee
The School committee
7 years ago

Dont forget who is responsible,Roberto and Masimiano hired the lady elementary school principle from the eastern part of ma.who got a little apartment here named Darlington the disaster then positioned the immature eberwien to turn the system upside down with ideas he got off the internet and hire inexperienced principle to impliment data success led by Joe Curtis who is now number 2 at the schools that cost taxpayers million and millions.
You can not expect anyone to cut their budget because they have all been given millions to succeed and do not know how. Our only hope is the Mayor and thats not looking good.If you want to be Pittsfields next Mayor announce the day after budget and your going to win….1 term Mayors until we get one who will keep their promises.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
7 years ago

Pittsfield politics always gives into the vested interests at the cost of the diminishing local taxpayers.
It is the vested interests (Police, Fire, School Unions and non-profits) that are soaking Pittsfield politics dry of money.
The Good Old Boys bank on the vested interests to vote for them every two years.
The majority of Pittsfield voters stay home. It is called voter apathy.
When a citizen dissents against the G.O.B. and vested interests, they end up like Terry Kinnas and Chuck Vincelette. It is hopeless!

Painter
Painter
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
7 years ago

Yes a popular place for drug addicts and gang members and people from other states who are looking to get benefits that they can’t get their states. If you doubt me just ask Them they will tell you

Question Marky
Question Marky
7 years ago

An article in Sunday’s Eagle about new businesses in Adams stated one family owned business employed the husband as a martial arts instructor and that he was also employed as a Lanesbourgh police officer and further employed as a Pittsfield fireman.
When does this businessman, instuctor, cop, and fireman sleep ? SIGS must have negotiated real flexible hours in their contract.

Halo
Halo
7 years ago

Sounds like my man has three jobs……at least.

Thomas More
Thomas More
7 years ago

As a long long time member of Downtown Inc. and whatever it was called before that it hurts me to have to agree with you. The annual meeting was Thursday and you can’t imagine how great things are going. Speech after speech, To paraphrase John F. Wade, supposed author of Adeste Fideles, ‘Oh come let us adore us’. We now must all genuflect when we pass Hotel on North for saving us from ourselves. If one really wants to succeed downtown he or she should copy the models of the two fastest growing establishments, the meth clinic and the juvenile court.

I M New
I M New
7 years ago

[REDACTED]

Paul
Paul
Reply to  I M New
7 years ago

There is a reason he has been banned from this blog. If you keep it up hopefully you will follow.

Paul
Paul
Reply to  Paul
7 years ago

Is your cap lock key stuck? Same problem as your buddy.

Gigi
Gigi
7 years ago

Sounds like a good ole fashioned taxpayer revolt is needed. We can all play a part by showing up and voicing our concerns at the city council and school committee meetings. Express your displeasure on how your tax dollars are being spent via emails/letters to your Mayor, school committee members and city councilors. Write a letter to the editor of the BB and list your objections to funding the proposed school budget, DPI and the new THS. Until Pittsfield citizens complain en masse to the proper authorities, the out-of-control spending will continue. Thank you Dan for continuing to report on the issues facing this city!

dusty
dusty
7 years ago

According to the local paper there was a warrant issued for a guy involved in a stabbing…in Stoughton. Good to know and thank God the Eagle was there to bring us that breaking news to us.

Gigi
Gigi
7 years ago

“I M New” –
Since when do you speak for Dan? I will be at no one’s side at the next CC meeting. I speak on behalf of myself and will not join forces with the “wizard.”

Shelly Liver
Shelly Liver
7 years ago

It is good to know dusty,as the perp will probably and eventually,end up here.

Ed Check
Ed Check
7 years ago

While I think Mr. Gaetani had a few great ideas prior to the last mayoral election, unfortunately his inability to deal with the low information voter did him in. It is a tremendous uphill battle. Most people are either not interested, not paying attention, or just do not care about anything but their own situations.

I also agree with an earlier post…there is only a small percentage of people who are really informed from sites likes this. Based on the last election, people really do not want a drastic, harsh change. They may feel drastic change is too harsh. It’s just like the national primary…only Trump & Sanders represent a break from the political class, yet they are both vilified by their own political parties. Both are the only true outsiders for possible reforms. Despite that we are continually fed lies by the mainstream media about them. The only two that are against the global elites are characterized as crazy, racist, etc.

In any case, I do think Pittsfield is in for a rough ride economically. Pray hard for our leaders…they need an awakening.

The School committee
The School committee
7 years ago

Its not cituy unions,its school department new positions.They added 95 professional salaried position to the tune of about 5 million dollars.Give back 30 of those for 2 million in savings..
Mccanless was telling the mayor it was not worth laying off people because of unemployment but over ten years at 65 k its a savings of 800k for 1 job….you need to begin the process 1 job at a time….
Attendance effects mcas scores and that position was added years ago through a grant…also do not do grants

southeast
southeast
Reply to  danvalenti
7 years ago

Ms. Yon tells us that closing a school is not the answer since the loss of students is spread evenly throughout the district. The answer seems to be that if we closed Capeless, we could spread those students among Crosby and Allendale while tweaking the district lines of each of the other schools to add a street or two to its area.

Since I don’t see a ton of walkers, and most busses are not full – it seems like bussing costs should not go up too much if at all.

We have 90% of the students we could have – so adding a few classroom sections to Crosby and a kid or two throughout the system should not be impossible. If we eliminated 20 teachers and all the admin staff from Capeless, then all of the secretaries at Mercer and just a couple of Assistant Superintendents you could save about $2 million.

Mothball Capeless with a plan to sell it within 3 years if student population does not recover solely by recapturing the choice out students.

if this were our own individual monies, this choice would have been made a few years ago.

20 teachers @ $50K = $1 million. A principal and other admin staff, approx. $200K two assistants at Mercer = $250K. 25 family plans at $25K each = $625K. There’s your $2 million plus. I won’t even add utilities saved since we’d need to heat the building to some level, but the electric bill would certainly decrease to a minimal level.

if we need rocket scientists to figure this out, remember, we have plenty at GD working and maybe we could fire someone at Mercer and poach one of the rocket scientists to replace them?

Patmos
Patmos
7 years ago

Yes, no doubt. DPI is a waste of money.

Shelly Liver
Shelly Liver
7 years ago

Happy Mother’s Day to all Mother’s.

I M New
I M New
7 years ago

[REDACTED]

The School committee
The School committee
7 years ago

I will recheck the number since 2012 and believe 95 professional positions added it may go back further
If you get priciples out of their offices it will be the equivolent of 1 added employee.Also ask the attendance officer to come before the school committee and have the data to back up the 75k position.
The school s are 13 seperate businesses and each 1 feels they need 1 more position.Add 1 professional position.at each site and your.at about 1 million bucks.Who believes administratio has his schools ready to function minus 25 positions.Its up to the mayor.

painter
painter
7 years ago

L T should have someone who only job is to look into ways to save money by cutting the city cost. And if that person doesn’t cut a certain amount of money in a certain amount f time they get replace.

dusty
dusty
Reply to  painter
7 years ago

I think the main reason we have the people on the school committee and city govt that we have is to milk the system and the taxpayer. The idea that they would want or allow any type of cost cutter or watch dog is not on any agenda. It would be counter to the actual mission statement. Just look at the last 12-15 years and tell me where any mayor or city council showed the slightest inclination to save taxpayer money.

The School committee
The School committee
7 years ago

Last year added 4 school adjustment counvilors,300k,new dean morningside 70 k,new dean allendale 70 k…..450 k in salaries….go ba c k 5 years and put staffing there

bill beno
bill beno
7 years ago

[REDACTED]. Remarks of the sort: “You have turned into a joke” with nothing substantial to support the claim add nothing to the conversation.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
7 years ago

Pittsfield is being featured on WCVB 5 “Boston’s New Leader” show “Chronicle” tonight (Monday, May 9th, 2016 at 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM).

Anthony Everett looks at how cheap rents and a can-do spirit are making Pittsfield an increasingly popular place to live, work and play.

Chronicle – Main Streets and Back Roads: Pittsfield
The growing popularity of Pittsfield is examined.

http://www.wcvb.com/chronicle/monday-may-9-main-streets-and-back-roads-pittsfield/39383968

Painter
Painter
7 years ago

One of your previous writers was right there has been no significant cutting of expense as long as I can remember. Maybe there should be a process in place where a politician can be removed from office if they’re not doing what people want.

dusty
dusty
7 years ago

I was leaning towards not voting at all in the presidential election. But now that Trump has deeply involved madman Chris Christie I will have to vote reluctantly for Hillary. Christie is the last person in this country I want involved in our federal government. He just scares me.

mi
mi
7 years ago

city Councilors sit on the school b n committee, no conflict? Yet the Mayor doesnmt sit on the P e d a board!?

Halo
Halo
7 years ago

8 killed 41 wounded in Chicago over the weekend, NUTS!

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
7 years ago

May 9, 2016

Re: My latest letter against Luciforo

I am working on my latest letter about my enemy #1. Here is the letter I will send on May 20th, 2016.

May 20, 2016

Re: Nuciforo tried to jail me 18 years ago today

On May 20, 2016, when I was only 22 years of age, then state Senator Andrea Francesco Nuciforo Junior (a.k.a. “Luciforo”) set up secretive plans with the Pittsfield Police Department to have me arrested because he (falsely and hypocritically) claimed that I made “veiled threats” against him. If I entered his then Pittsfield legislative office at the Onota Building on North Street, the Police were to be immediately called and I was to be sent to his close friend’s, then Berkshire County Sheriff Carmen C. Massimiano, Jr., Pittsfield jail where I was to be abused.

This incident is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. I first met “Luciforo” in the Spring of 1996 when I was only 20 years of age. Ever since I met “Luciforo”, many people associated with his political network conspiratorially began to bully me, included threats to assault me, verbal assaults, vicious finger pointing and abusive stares, blacklisting me from employment, harassing me with mean-spirited rumors, and putting me in manipulated social situations.

For the past 20 years, no one from “the Nuciforo network” ever once apologized to me for the harm and trauma they caused in my adult life. Instead, they all deny their abusive behaviors against me. However, everything I have written about on my blog page is true and really did happen!

This is my blog page against what the Nuciforo network did to me:

http://jonathanmelleonpolitics.blogspot.com/2008/05/andrea-nuciforo-jonathan-melle-month-of.html

I believe that Nuciforo is a monster! “Luciforo” is an evil sociopath! Why would he want to do this to me? My answer to “Andy” Nuciforo is that “I will always speak my good conscience as long as I live!” I will always write about what “Luciforo” did to me and my family in Pittsfield. I hope that Nuciforo and his insidious network of bullies will someday realize they will not intimidate me, and that they messed with the wrong person because I will always continue to stand up to them forever!

– Jonathan Melle

the shadow
the shadow
7 years ago

DV, I caught a portion of the school buildings & needs meeting on PCTV. What a bunch of Jack A$$’s. They were all wrapped up with picking colors for the new Taconic. They don’t even have a contractor yet for this scheduled build of this waste of tax payer money. Yet they are bickering back & fourth on colors and swatches. If you get the chance check it out. What a bunch of fools!!! We are in trouble!!!!!!!

Nota
Nota
7 years ago

A Major Concern is the sitting Councilor on the Committee for the School Project.

It is a Condlict that Amuso is on a Committee for the Project to go forward and Acting as a laison for the City Council and Schools, sitting next to the Superintendent of Schools, indeed!

A Vote should have been decided to the Taxpayers simply on this Improprity Alone.

Citizens should be Outraged!

May Hemm
May Hemm
7 years ago

So, what Color did they come up with? Good Gawd! Just as bad is CNN with a group of eight discussing the ins and outs of Billy’s infidelities? This place is soul searing itself into the abyss.

Dilly Dally
Dilly Dally
7 years ago

Make Capeless a Charter School.

outfox
outfox
7 years ago

Just watched “Chronicle” and am left wondering, “What the hell Pitsfield was that? Because I want to live there!” And who were all those happy shiny people in all the shots? Damn, the Pitty looked almost livable on tv, but then, that’s the magic of television, folks!

The School committee
The School committee
7 years ago

When I see Amuso I see MASSIMIANO, Eberwien ,Yon…..Amuso could not say no to that Jake or this Jake
You just know she will cut someone at the highway dept.

The School committee
The School committee
7 years ago

They have padlocked Kirvin park for 20 years .Planet remembers this issue.