Article

TO QUOTE THE BEATLES: “I’M LOOKING THROUGH YOU. WHERE DID YOU GO?”

0 0 votes
Article Rating

BY DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2016) — Unlike municipal government and government generally, THE PLANET loves transparency. Our track record in this regard speaks for itself and stands second to none.

City personnel director Michael Taylor dutifully responded to our request for the city or town of residence of city employees. Here is his letter: D.V Records Request

THE PLANET sent this to Taylor, in turn:

——– 000 ——–

MICHAEL

The recalcitrance of the city in supplying this harmless, neutral information is puzzling and indefensible. 
 
Let me point out that we are not asking for “home” or street addresses [or even names]. We are not asking for phone numbers — or, as your letter puts it, “The home address and telephone number” of any employees. We are not asking for “the home address” or “telephone numbers.” I asked for the city of town of residence. There is nothing in the law that prohibits the sharing of that information.
 
You say “there is no such document in existence.” Of course there isn’t. I am asking the city to produce such a document. You know, I know, and Mayor Tyer knows that such a document can be created from the existing digital database with a few key strokes. 
 
The only reasonable conclusion to draw from a refusal to do this is that the city wishes to hide the embarrassing fact that so many of its employees do not live in or pay taxes in the City of Pittsfield. Do you agree with this conclusion? If so, fine — and you should have no problem providing me this information. If not, please articulate the reasons for keeping this information secret, hidden. My request directly addresses the issue of transparency. Do you believe in a transparent government or do you not? Does the mayor, or does she not?  
 
Pursuing this at the state level shall only result in embarrassment for the city — for your office and the corner office. THE PLANET wishes to avoid this. 
 
We are therefore submitting the following request:
 
Please send us the city of town of residence of all employees of the Pittsfield School Department. We do not want home address or telephone numbers. We are only asking for city or town of residence. 
 
Please respond in a timely manner. 
 
Also, do you keep regular hours at City Hall? If so, we would like to stop in for a visit.
Cordially,
DAN

That last question about “keeping regular hours” may seen like a shot across the bow, but it wasn’t. We actually wanted to know. Late Tuesday night, Taylor responded

Good evening Dan,

I have received your e-mail with your revised request. Please refer back to the letter I sent you, dated May 3, 2016, for how you can appeal this decision. Thank you – Michael

Fair enough, we say.

“T” if for “Transparency” but Not Necessarily “Tyer”

We also contacted Mayor Linda Tyer, asking if the personnel director’ original answer (and the school superintendent total disregard of the mayor’s directive to respond to THE PLANET) was acceptable. We repeated to her that we weren’t asking for any specific information — no street address, no phone numbers, no names, no e-mail addresses — and pointed out that the data can be easily produced from the city’s digital records.

This is all about the ‘T’ word — transparency,” we told the mayor. We finished by asking her to order Taylor to produce the records.

The mayor, to her credit, phoned THE PLANET, but we were out. She  didn’t leave a message. We played phone and e-mail tag without THE PLANET hearing how she intended to proceed or if she thought Taylor’s response and the superintendent’s NON-response was adequate.

Speaking if which,  the super’s 10-day window has expired.

THE PLANET, of course, reserves all of our rights to pursue this further. For the moment, subject to amendment by virtue of a receipt of new information, let the record show that while there may be a tad more responsiveness among city officials to requests of this sort, The Tyer Administration has a long way to go before it can be called “transparent.”

THE PLANET also knows from decades of experience that this is how, despite good intentions, slippery slopes begin the construction phase.

We have no doubt that our readers can see right through it.

—————————————————————————————————–

“Truth never damages a cause that is just”Mahatma Gandhi

“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.

0 0 votes
Article Rating
39 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
7 years ago

The lovely Linda Tyer will show her true colors when she provides her fiscal year 2017 municipal budget soon. I predict another tax/spending increase above the rate of inflation. That is Pittsfield politics answer to its shrinking tax base, depressed local economy, and other socioeconomic issues.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
7 years ago

News Article –

“Pittsfield School Committee Finalizes FY17 Budget Request”
By Andy McKeever, iBerkshires Staff, May 12, 2016

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The School Committee finalized Wednesday a $60.94 million budget for fiscal 2017.

The School Committee adopted the proposal late last month, asking for some minor changes. The increase is some $1.7 million more than last year, cutting about a half of a million from the previous version. The overall budget is now eyed to be $60.9 million, which is 3.1 percent higher than this year.

Superintendent Jason McCandless had called for a 3.7 percent increase but Mayor Linda Tyer urged the staff to find a middle ground between that and a 2.5 percent increase. McCandless returned to the School Committee with a number closer to 2.5, and the committee amended it from the floor to add back in a few positions back in.

Business Director Kristen Behnke added those positions — a dean of students for Allendale School and a districtwide attendance coordinator — back. A debated $20,000 for the summer school program was also kept. The final piece the School Committee wanted was career coordinators, which Behnke said is not funded.

“We are looking closely at the career counselors,” Behnke said, adding that the district is actively looking for grants to pay for the positions or how to compile pieces of already awarded grant money to fund them.

McCandless said the changes made at the April meeting was a rarity in the dozen or so school budgets he’s ever proposed. He feels the School Committee did its best job at fulfilling its charge of presenting the best budget for the students.

But, that doesn’t mean the City Council will agree to fund it all.

Following that meeting, the School Committee joined the City Council to hear a presentation about the city’s precarious financial position. McCandless said that meeting shed light on the situation but he felt there was support among other city officials.

“We will get through this. It will not be without pain. It will not be without hiccup. But there is a spirit of ‘we will all get through this together,'” McCandless said.

He added that he feels education is supported by city officials on all levels but that “heart-wrenching and gut-wrenching decisions” have to be made because of the city’s financial position.

“There is a limit to even what the best intended people can do,” McCandless said.

On Wednesday, School Committee Chairwoman Kathleen Yon sat in on the first “budget summit” held by Tyer. The mayor brought all of the department heads together to discuss the budgets and will craft a plan for the City Council to review and ultimately adopt. Tyer doesn’t have the ability to cut the school budget in that proposal but the City Council does have that authority.

Patmos
Patmos
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
7 years ago

What a bunch of bull. The word “cutting” used in the fifth line of the story. “Cutting?” There was no cutting, only millions more in spending. A “dean of students” for Allendale School? Are you kidding me?

Still Wondering
Still Wondering
Reply to  Patmos
7 years ago

Lessening the rate of growth is a “cut” to Democrats.

Rip Van Winkle
Rip Van Winkle
7 years ago

Same manure, different mayor. How’s that hope and change working out for you all that voted in another good old girl? Mayor T is just teeing it up – just wait until taxpayers get whacked with a big tax hike to feed the school tit. Of course hundreds of city employees don’t live here – they know how bad it is.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Rip Van Winkle
7 years ago

The “hope” and “change”, is they will rob you until the last copper-clad worthless cent in your savings.

Then “change” where they work, to rob another.

dusty
dusty
7 years ago

It seems like such a simple request. Why are they in such a panic about this? What is in this information that has them going into lock down mode? Any fourth grader with a list of names could get this info.

I see the dark cloud that hovered over the ill fated Bianchi administration reforming over city hall and Bianchi is smiling. Pittsfield residents cannot catch a break with their government. What did we do wrong to deserve this?

Pat
Pat
Reply to  dusty
7 years ago

What do Pittsfield voters keep doing wrong? They continue running and electing progressive candidates. It’s the kiss of death for the economic health of any city.

The School committee
The School committee
7 years ago

It would take each schools secretary 10 mins.I hope shes not going to dig in on such a simple piece of data.
The schools work data all day long at nauseum Jake has it and wont give it.What goes on in this departmrnt is embarrassing to them and they are always afraid it will lead somewhere they dont want to go.
Its a very simple piece of data and many school teachers and administration live out of town.Ask how many educators send their own kids out to other schools

dusty
dusty
7 years ago

Off topic: I don’t know how many of you view the RAIDS ONLINE site to see the crimes happening in Pittsfield but you might want to. It shows all kinds of crime in Pittsfield, perhaps in your own neighborhood, that you will never read about in the paper.

Joe Pinhead
Joe Pinhead
Reply to  dusty
7 years ago

Dusty,
I too use raidsonline on a routine basis. Since I travel frequently I use it to check out areas I am traveling to. The company that does my travel arrangements steered me to it a few years back. I can then decide when on the road where to stay and eat etc. If you use the service through an arrangement I spoke of they will give you a red light (don’t stay in that area) a yellow light (use caution and travel in groups if walking to restaurants etc.) and a green light all is well.
Travel and accommodations are becoming high tech these days. I am certain Hotel on North etc. would be green lights right?
As for the Eagle printing the information I am not certain what they print I haven’t taken the paper in years now. As I said I travel so I don’t have a bird that needs the cage lined. And I won’t support Business’s that advertise in it either. In my opinion they help facilitate the propaganda.

Just sayin

Ed Shepardson
Ed Shepardson
Reply to  Joe Pinhead
7 years ago

Mr. Pinhead,

If you are not supporting the Eagle’s advertisers, where do you buy your groceries?

Joe Pinhead
Joe Pinhead
Reply to  Ed Shepardson
7 years ago

Mr. Shepardson I typically get them at Wegmans I don’t get the Eagle do they advertise in it? My paper goods cereal and the like I order online it’s really convenient cheaper to when you factor in time etc. I buy in bulk.
Wegmans is really the bomb as a grocery store. Expand your horizons escape the Berkshires there is a whole big world out there and with this new inner webby thing wow it’s amazing.
https://www.wegmans.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/HomepageView?storeId=10052&catalogId=10002&langId=-1&clear=true

just sayin

Joe Pinhead
Joe Pinhead
Reply to  Joe Pinhead
7 years ago

Mr. Shepardson,
I can and do shop and spend my money away from those that advertise in the Eagle. We have a social responsibility to spend our money where we feel it is doing more than just procuring goods and services. If I recall correctly the Eagle in its editorial writings has requested Cities, States and Governmental agencies of all sorts divest its retirement plans from industries it feels are not socially responsible politically correct or what have you. I hope you’re not suggesting that the rules do not apply to them? A congress of sorts that makes rules and publishes those rules for all to follow but them?
Why in the world would I want to spend monies in an establishment that is going to use a portion of those monies to keep a “newspaper” alive that sees fit to protect the powerful? As an example have we heard one peep about level 5 schools? Have they pushed for an answer definitive is the State here in the Supers office looking through things? What things? Test results maybe? Or are they leading the charge to find out just what the hell happened to that little Girl Named Hannah last year? What agencies failed her? DSS, Law enforcement? Judicial? The VA? I haven’t heard one peep about them digging in I will buy the issue they investigated this story in please point me towards the date? They sure as hell cashed in on the sensationalism of the story when it was breaking. Support that? I think not

just sayin

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Ed Shepardson
7 years ago

I grow my own. Left over potatoes are sprouting and going in the garden. Still have lots of frozen, root cellar, and canned too.

Just shot a turkey and have fresh trout and perch.

Dandelions are great now and morels will be up soon.

Ed Shepardson
Ed Shepardson
Reply to  Mad Trapper
7 years ago

Wow! All this from one, simple question. Consider my horizons expanded.

Joe Pinhead
Joe Pinhead
Reply to  Mad Trapper
7 years ago

Mr. Shepardson,
I answered your question (which from previous exchanges on this board was seen as a challenge, BTW I like to be challenged it keeps the mind sharp) However I noticed you did not return the favor and answer any of the questions I posed to you. I really would like an honest answer putting forward your thoughts and belief’s regarding the duty role and responsibility of a daily newspaper.

Sorry for the delay in response.

Just sayin

Wilson
Wilson
7 years ago

To be fair, you are probably underestimating their incompetence. They would probably need to hire a consultant for $25,000 to do even the most basic task. Full transparency would probably reveal that many city employees actually work full time at other jobs

southeast
southeast
7 years ago

The folks who do the day to day work are not incompetent. They are decent folks who are hamstrung by people who try to use them for their own ends. Whether it’s Denis Guyer trying to make himself look good or others who are appointed to jobs they have no experience in – supervising folks who do know what to do.

This information, as Dan asserts could easily be produced. The people who could produce it could do so easily. But the people we are told to ask, acting as a firewall between the information and the public – it is they who are either incompetent or are advancing an agenda contrary to the public’s.

The state’s public information laws are some of the nation’s weakest. Stonewalling simple requests like this are a good example of why they need changing and strengthening. Tricia, Ben, Smitty, Gail, Paul – you listening?.

Question Marky
Question Marky
7 years ago

Well, in case of a city wide civil disturbance or other emergency that may require all civil service police officers to report for duty ( their oath of office and lawful charter requisites that they are always on duty 24/7), at least one Pittsfield officer just may have to interrup a Dalton selectman’s meeting to report.(Iberkshires & BB).
Me thinks there be a 10 mile residency rule that has been liberally interpreted to suit chosen individuals.

Ed McClelland
Ed McClelland
7 years ago

DV, is getting about as far in his quest for a residence list with this administration as he and Gaetani did with Sheffield’s own John DeAngelo during the Bianchi years. It ain’t going to be any better folks !

Bull Durham
Bull Durham
7 years ago

Hate to change the subject, but I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels very inconvenienced by Streetscape. I needed to go to Mad Macs this morning. The front of the store is blocked off, naturally no parking… the side street entry was blocked off, can’t access this one way street to find a space… had to park three blocks away on another side street. And when I got to the store, the city has ordered them to close off the main entrance on North St., had to use a side door, which takes you into their work space. To the credit of the folks at Mad Macs, they’re taking it in stride, but… I vividly recall a certain former Mayor proclaiming NO BUSINESSES WILL BE BLOCKED during construction.

Independent
Independent
7 years ago

Let’s be honest the school is looking out for their employees there will be no cuts only increases and the same holds for Mayor. I don’t know what they’re going to do when they put all the middle class and the poor house

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Independent
7 years ago

Bull shit!

AdminsTRAITORS get get the cash, the EDUCATORS and STUDENTS get the SHAFT!!!!

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Mad Trapper
7 years ago

Bull shit!

AdminsTRAITORS get get the cash, the EDUCATORS and STUDENTS get the SHAFT!!!!

And I forgot the GOB friends and familys that get the contracts for “stuff”

M Raty
M Raty
7 years ago

Yesterday, I commented about a reference to MA general law prohibiting educator residency requirement. Having more time today, I’ve found the specific MGL Chapter 71, Section 38:

“No school district shall require that an individual reside within the city, town or regional school district as a condition of promotion, assignment, transfer or continued employment as a school teacher, instructional aide, assistant principal, principal, director, supervisor, deputy superintendent or professional employee; provided, however, that the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to any individual appointed, reappointed or promoted to the position of superintendent, associate superintendent or assistant superintendent.”

Source: https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXII/Chapter71/Section38

While I encourage Mr. Valenti to appeal to the Public Records Division under the FoIA, the reasoning for the data will probably be denied.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  M Raty
7 years ago

Well I wouldn’t want to live in the Pitt either if I had a $100+ job either

southeast
southeast
7 years ago

kind of funny how all of these laws are instituted to protect the rights of the school or municipal employees, and none to protect the interests of folks paying their salaries.

M Raty
M Raty
Reply to  southeast
7 years ago

Southeast,

Within the State level, there are 4 lobbying groups for teachers (open the attached link http://www.sec.state.ma.us/LobbyistPublicSearch/ and search by teacher).

Mr. Valenti can personally attest to the fact I’m neither a city employee, nor a union member. Growing up,however, I have definitely benefited having a parent who was a union member. There are benefits and costs associated to dealing with employees, depending on which side you’re looking at..

I’m still not sure how the audience here views unions as a societal or political voice, but I’m eager to learn.

southeast
southeast
Reply to  M Raty
7 years ago

personally, I am not a huge fan of unions. But, I understand that unions often are engaged when employees feel mistreated by their employer. if you treat your employees right – rarely does a union get in the door.

That said, a union at Unistress (for example) is a different animal than the unions in Government. if the Teamsters push Mr. Petricca too hard, then he is non-competitive, cannot win contracts such as Yankee Stadium or the Tapenzeee bridge and therefore has no business and hence no jobs. So the unions know they need to be somewhere in the ballpark or else, like the UAW they become irrelevant.

Public employee unions come to the table with a different expectation. They know that the community’s ability to tax is more important to their goals. they don’t care if the demands are reasonable – as long as the ability to levy is there. They do not view their labor force as partners because there is no customers who are able to simply find a different vendor.

But to their credit, public employees often get abused as they try to do a job that we need – and they are managed by people who have no interest in the future – only the next election. So, from this we get a reasonably talented pool of maintenance workers who don’t maintain a school since if it wears out, no problem – we’ll just build a new one. The bosses are more interested in climbing to a new and better elected job and will abuse their workers. The workers decide, what the hell – if I am going to get screwed, I will ask for the moon. if we eliminated public unions – the real question is: would costs really decrease or would the folks we elect just find new ways to spend the money?

dusty
dusty
7 years ago

A Pittsfield taxpayer is somewhat like a salmon swimming upstream through turbulent and trying obstacles with most of us dying along the way having gotten nowhere. Think about that and see if it seems to be you and remember if you are young enough you can move and increase your odds immensely.

The School committee
The School committee
7 years ago

We at the school committee have decided not to cut 1 penny from our budget,we will leave it up to mszzeo,and the rest Amuso…The mayor is now up,I would give them a level budget and tell them to make it work because even schoosl need to participate in reality.
We in the scools know your right but we need someone to blame…do it mayor

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
7 years ago

Based on piss-poor school performance, give ALL the adminisTRAITORS, a 50% pay CUT, retroactive for each year on contact.