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D.A. DATA … plus … AUTHORS OF AN ART HEIST: THE PLANET NAMES NAMES AT THE BERKSHIRE MAUSOLEUM

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BY DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY

Second of Two Parts

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, THE WEEKEND EDITION, AUG. 10-12, 2018) — Before THE PLANET gets into part two of our museum series, let’s confirm two things, each pertaining to the D.A.’s election. First, Andrea Harrington did attend the sheriff’s picnic. Harrington, however, told THE PLANET that she didn’t “crash” the event, since it was a public affair. Donna Matoon, Sheriff Tom Bowler’s sister, confirmed that, pointing out that one cannot “crash” a heavily advertised event to which the public is invited. She said all were welcome at the event and made no mention  of any “scene.” We did get word of one from other sources, who claim that Harrington, far from being the instigator, took the brunt and did so with class.

Second, John Krol has told us without qualification that he is not in line for a position with the DA’s office should Harrington win. Krol also told THE PLANET he would not accept such a position if it were offered. Looks like we can put THAT one to bed. Keep tuned to THE PLANET for more on this race next week. You won’t get this info anywhere else. No one has that big a Rolodex … not even our Right Honorable Good Friend Jimmy Ruberto. … and ours includes buried skeletons.

Now we conclude our series.

——— 000 ———

How many people does it take for a business supposed to run at break-even to lose $12 million in 10 years? Answer: 20 trustees plus a top-heavy management staff.

If you’re the Berkshire Museum, that is.

As a not-for-profit enterprise, the Mausoleum pays no federal, state, or city taxes. As all businesses with a 501(c), it breaks even at the end of each fiscal year — breaks even on the books, that is. In point of fact, the mausoleum has been losing about $85,000 a month for the past decade. It takes hard work and ineffectiveness risen to artistic levels to lose nearly $22,000 a week for well more than 500 weeks.  Now you understand why the BM needed to launch its “New Vision” in July 2017, a plan to rob the hallowed halls of its best treasures to sell at auction, earning the scorn and condemnation of the international art and museum world.

An achievement of this magnitude requires $754,666 in annual salaries, $262,208 going to management, with top dog being the recently departed Van Shields, who clocked in at $141,500. These figures do not include bennies, nor does it include payments of $216,234, $190,620, $115,171, $43,880, and $35,196 to its top five “consultants.” Nor does it include Shields’ Golden Parachute. Shields is out, having retired, although the Berkshire Mausoleum website mysteriously says Shields “is expected to be on leave” to the end of the year. Something needs updating, because one Dr. David Ellis has been interim executive director since June 28, with the usual Nationwide Search going on for his permanent replacement. Rumor has it that Imhotep the Mummy has the inside track.

Ellis offered THE PLANET a gem about his temporary mission: “I am looking forward to working with the Berkshire Museum at this difficult time as they search for a new executive director.” The italics have been added by THE PLANET. Make of it what you will. For the exec-pro-tem to acknowledge a “difficult time” in his first public utterance suggests the worms have eaten through the coffin.

The auction brought in $47 million, more than enough to make up for the colossal mismanagement and outright misappropriation of funds, so one would think the Mausoleum’s money woes have vanished as quickly as a snowflake in July. Who knows, though? Check out how top heavy the mausoleum is in chiefs: In addition to Ellis, Nina Garlington serves as Chief of Staff, with four inmates each in Support Services and Collections; six in Engagement; five in Experience, including a Chief Experience Officer.

We kid you not — a “Chief Experience Officer,” whatever the heck that means, supervising a staff of four “associate experience officers.” Contemplate that the next time you wish to donate some of your vast free cash to the Mausoleum.

Because THE PLANET believes in full accreditation, we now list the 20 trustees who brought in Shields to execute the art heist of the local century. Look closely and see if you recognize any famiLIAR names:

  • Elizabeth McGraw, president
  • Stacey Gillis-Weber, VP
  • Ethan Klepetar, VP
  • Lydia Rosner, secretary
  • Carol Riordan, trasurer
  • Howard Eberwein Jr.
  • David Glodt
  • Jeffrey Noble
  • Joan Hunter
  • William Hines Jr.
  • Ursula Ehret-Dichter
  • Jay Bikofsky
  • Melissa Scarafoni
  • Michael Addy
  • Nancy Edman-Feldman
  • Wendy Gordon
  • Stephen Bayne
  • Douglas Crane
  • Donna Krenicki
  • Barbara Krauthamer

The museum lists their address, all, at 39 South St. Apparently, they all live together, Pittsfield version of the Walton family. Cozy, ain’t it?

See, it’s what we suspected all along, just one, big, happy family.

G’night, John Boy.

Have a great weekend, everybody.

————————————————————————————–

“Make it new” — Erza Pound, poet and critic on his philosophy of art and life.

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL.

The views and opinions expressed in the comment section or in the text other than those of PLANET VALENTI are not necessarily endorsed by the operators of this website. PLANET VALENTI assumes no responsibility for such views and opinions, and it reserves the right to remove or edit any comment, including but not limited to those that violate the website’s Rules of Conduct and its editorial policies. PLANET VALENTI shall not be held responsible for the consequences that may result from any posted comment or outside opinion or commentary as provided in Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and this website’s terms of service. All users of this website — including readers, commentators, contributors, or anyone else making use of its information hereby agree to these conditions by virtue of this notice. When PLANET VALENTI ends with the words “The Usual Disclaimer,” that phrase shall be understood to refer to the full text of this disclaimer.

 

 

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SisterGoldenHair
SisterGoldenHair
5 years ago

Jeepers Wally, maybe Pittsfield needs a Chief Experience Officer and a few deputies, to help stop the death spiral. Last one out, turn off the lights.

Goodnight Mary Ellen

dusty
dusty
5 years ago

and correct me if I am wrong. They are still trying to sell more stuff. The 47 million was not enough to stem the tide

It will be interesting to see how much of this is left by this time next year. Every cookie monster within 500 miles is going to be after a chunk

Sara
Sara
5 years ago

Looks like you’ve buried the lead, Dan. Disappointed not to see you talking about Tricia Farley Bouvier’s shady attempt to circumvent the democratic process by getting Knight to drop out. How Knight could not be trumpeting this with a press conference is beyond comprehension. This is her one chance to show the sleaziness of the Harrington campaign and the implied value of Knight as a threat and take all the progressive votes and she’s blowing it. Krol as a potential DA spokesperson (what a horrible idea) and what constitutes “crashing” a picnic and rude behavior is wagging the dog here. Come on!

Sara
Sara
Reply to  danvalenti
5 years ago

So you wouldn’t just call TFB and ask for a confirm/deny? And Harrington for the same? Even if they refuse to comment, that’s something the people should know. Nothing against you but the rest of the media sure gave a lot of coverage to Caccaviello’s appointment. Are you saying no one will comment on this anywhere? What does that say?

LoneGunMan
LoneGunMan
Reply to  Sara
5 years ago

The rest of the media is in Krol, I mean Harrington’s back pocket. They see the word progress and it’s good as gold. It’s no wonder Progresso soup take up 5 entire shelves in the soup aisle

The school committee
The school committee
5 years ago

Why anyone want their name on the museum board when Hines and Eberwien ran this into a fiscal failure another one Eberwien did in Pittsfield School failure and working on his 3rd in Lee.
Where are the dreaded fiscal watchdogs.Its possible to be liberal and able to handle money

C. Trzcinka
C. Trzcinka
5 years ago

I love the “Art Heist” name but frankly, its a done deal. There is nothing we can do but turn our heads in disgust at these people. The over-staffing and other mismanagement was the big problem. They had no “skin in the game” and got to decide on the future of this museum forever.

Thanks for naming them. They should be running nothing now.

The school committee
The school committee
5 years ago

Republicans are now into a space force,you talk about wasted money and stupid ideas.When Trump respects women and minorities he can talk about weather NFL players respect the flag.

Doomiedoger
Doomiedoger
Reply to  The school committee
5 years ago

and Trump wants this Space Force ready to roll in 2 years. It would take longer than that to roll out a cartoon of a Space Force.

P.S. Omarosa may roll out a Space Force of her own before then

dusty
dusty
5 years ago

Caccaviello is the district attorney. Seems like it might be his job to point out the dirty deed. Unless he cannot verify it or does not want to get directly involved in the mud slinging.

Sara
Sara
Reply to  dusty
5 years ago

It’s ethics so not his job. But of course, remember who writes these rules, the legislature. The real crime is the lack of media coverage. Will the Eagle be stripping TFB of her “politician of the year” award for influence peddling or do they just do stories on 3 year old social media rants by restaurant owners?

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  Sara
5 years ago

I agree with your comments Sara. I would like to know the source of the news regarding Trish trying to talk Knight out of the race?

Sara
Sara
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
5 years ago

I would, too, but I believe the name of the person who filed the ethics complaint is kept confidential. It is certainly not necessary to a news story – the complaint has been filed, I’ve heard. Of course, the ethics filing is a bit of a sideshow to the Harrington campaign trying to get Knight to fold. Where are our local media?

Turk
Turk
Reply to  Sara
5 years ago

Last week it was a fantastical story about a picnic, now this. Forgive me if I wait for the fact checked version.

Cicero
Cicero
Reply to  Sara
5 years ago

Hi Sara,

As I am sure you are aware, ANY Massachusetts citizen may file an ethics complaint by filling out a form on the Mass.gov website. Anyone.

The notion that knowing who filed such complaint is “not necessary to a news story” is preposterous.

That should require no further explanation.

Brian C. Marquis
Brian C. Marquis
Reply to  Sara
5 years ago

Funny how Cicero is always and forever coming to Ms. Harrington’s aid. The fact is Mass. General Laws preclude all public officials from acting in dual capacities. Your a master of ome servant – only. TFB abused the auroa of her office when reaching out to JK by promising a job if she withdraws from the DA’s contest.

And it’s a shame hacks like Cicero neef to shield his true Identity from us

Last week, Dan, you reported about Ms. Harrington’s craxy-like picnic antics; and now you’re convienently backoedaling

Actually, I heard from otters at the picnic about her (Ms. Harrington’s) behavior to be obnoxious and unruly.

Brian C. Marquis
Brian C. Marquis
Reply to  Sara
5 years ago

C-student misused your instead of you’re in an earlier post.Typo!!

Brian C. Marquis
Brian C. Marquis
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
5 years ago

I have a text message alterting me to TFB’s brazen attempts to subvert our democratic system – by using her office to bribe JK outta the DA’s contest. My source confirmed it through three other sources. It’s legit!!

Doomiedoger
Doomiedoger
Reply to  Brian C. Marquis
5 years ago

Hey, it is probably her first venture into the world of political corruption so she gets mulligan. And she had better behave because she now only has six mulligans left.

Two Cents
Two Cents
5 years ago

I wouldn’t put anything to bed on Krol’s word…just saying.

Roberto Del Halitoso
Roberto Del Halitoso
5 years ago

Kroll is a super sleazeball. You can’t trust him. Bouvier has to be held accountable for her quid pro quo behavior.

Rudy Baker
Rudy Baker
Reply to  Roberto Del Halitoso
5 years ago

Harrington was really dumb to get involved with Krol. Huge mistake.

h
h
5 years ago

Bouvier hangs out with the Mayor at City Hall more than she’s in Boston. Or maybe they rendezvous in Boston for Sox games also. Gaetani is the real deal vote him in, don’t be a chump like fritz and the gang.

Doomiedoger
Doomiedoger
Reply to  h
5 years ago

Is it true that when you get elected to political office you are required to sign a waiver of your moral character? Or does it just seem that way because at least one politician a day is caught stealing, colluding or banging somebody else s significant other?

Norm Fernordner
Norm Fernordner
Reply to  h
5 years ago

After this quid pro quo thing Bouvier is radioactive toast.

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  Norm Fernordner
5 years ago

She can always go back to modeling underwear.

The school committee
The school committee
5 years ago

I was voting Harrington until I saw hew with Kroll Marchetti Bouvier Farley,Tyer….Voting in the man with experience…..cant have another rookie in charge….thats whats wrong with the Berkshires ,to many rookies.

NIB
NIB
Reply to  The school committee
5 years ago

And a rookie in bed with those clowns to top it off. It doesn’t get worse than that.

Diet Red
Diet Red
Reply to  The school committee
5 years ago

Marchetti used to give the appearance of having an independent streak and being reasonable. But when he chooses to associate with those idiots I have to think twice.

dusty
dusty
Reply to  Diet Red
5 years ago

Maybe, but that was a very long time ago. He is part of a machine now and wears the banner proudly. Slimy as the rest, just does it with a straight concerning face.

Dave
Dave
Reply to  dusty
5 years ago

Pete doesn’t do anything with a straight face.

Unwanted Carl
Unwanted Carl
5 years ago

How many unsolved murders are there in Berkshire County?

Ozias Vincelette
Ozias Vincelette
5 years ago

I will be voting for Caccaviello. My reason is very simple: he is the only qualified candidate. I don’t know much about Knight but maybe she has actually been in superior court unlike Harrington. The DA not only prosecutes criminals but also oversees a budget of millions of dollars and manages a staff many of whom would have much more experience than either challenger. I fail to see the logic in voting for anyone else.

Bill Q
Bill Q
Reply to  Ozias Vincelette
5 years ago

Then that logic applies to the current President.

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  Ozias Vincelette
5 years ago

I agree Mr. Vincelette. Caccaviello has the experience to handle the job. Neither female candidate is qualified, in my opinion.

Doomiedoger
Doomiedoger
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
5 years ago

Can you say “embedded experience”?

Two Cents
Two Cents
5 years ago

It makes you wonder…These are some of the people that are confirmed to be Actively campaigning for Andrea Harrington, almost to the point that they make up her campaign staff….Linda Tyer, Tricia Farley-Bouvier, Peter Marchetti, John Krol, Barry Clairmont. How is it that so many who are part of the local democrat machine, are campaigning so hard against a machine candidate. Is it a progressive thing and if so are progressives splitting the party? What kind of relationship will the city have with the county’s top law enforcement official when the executive and legislative branch worked so hard to oust him from his job. Because if they think Harrington has a snowball’s chance in hell of winning, then they are as deluded as someone who thinks Pittsfield is vibrant and dynamic. They better keep their nose clean because if they even run afoul of the law…they better have an attorney more qualified than Andrea Harrington.

Doomiedoger
Doomiedoger
Reply to  Two Cents
5 years ago

and so who are Cavv guy endorsers, campaign chiefs etc? Names?

Cicero
Cicero
Reply to  Two Cents
5 years ago

“They better keep their nose clean because if they even run afoul of the law…they better have an attorney more qualified than Andrea Harrington.”

Why, that sounds an awful lot like you endorse the idea of reprisals coming out of a DA’s office. Nicely done. You are exhibit A as to why certain people need to be kept far away from the reins of power.

Brian C. Marquis
Brian C. Marquis
Reply to  Cicero
5 years ago

Harrington as DA will wreek havoc on Krol’s and Clairmont’s enemies. Believing otherwise is showing your ignorance. I have more court experience than she.

Cicero is a coward!

Cicero
Cicero
Reply to  Brian C. Marquis
5 years ago

You (and your multiple handles) are a gift that keeps on giving for one of the candidates in this race. And not the candidate you think.

If and when the identity of the person who filed the ethics complaint is revealed, this comedy will kick into full gear.

Meanwhile, please continue the great work!

Sojourner Truth
Sojourner Truth
Reply to  Two Cents
5 years ago

TC, Please just ” collaborate” and be an “economic engine” for the “renaissance”.

12 Gauge
12 Gauge
Reply to  Sojourner Truth
5 years ago

Be vibrant and dynamic

Brian C. Marquis
Brian C. Marquis
Reply to  Two Cents
5 years ago

The DA’a contest is solely about aquiring power; nothong else. Ms. Harrington is beholden to clowns like Krol & Clairmont. Remember this om Election Day: a vote for Harrington is a vote for Krol & Clairmont. They can’t control Caccaviello so they want to oust him from office.

Do not pay any attention to Cicero; he’s coward hidomg behind a pyseudenum. Coward!!

Gigi
Gigi
5 years ago

News you may have missed – RINO Gov. Baker has signed legislation implementing automatic voter registration by 2020. The DMV which has been granting drivers licenses to illegals, will now be signing them up to vote for the Democratic party. What a scam!

https://www.breitbart.com/news/massachusetts-will-have-automatic-voter-registration-by-2020/

dusty
dusty
Reply to  Gigi
5 years ago

Didn’t Breitbart just get the Disinformation Spewer of the Year award?

12 Gauge
12 Gauge
Reply to  dusty
5 years ago

I thought you won that

dusty
dusty
Reply to  12 Gauge
5 years ago

Came in 3rd place. Did not even get a trophy. Just a small placque to hang in my den with the deer head.

12 Gauge
12 Gauge
Reply to  dusty
5 years ago

Everybody gets a trophy now.

Thomas More
Thomas More
5 years ago

Paul C. is a lock – if you enjoy peace and quiet go to the polls on September 4. You’ll be the only one there.

Doomiedoger
Doomiedoger
Reply to  Thomas More
5 years ago

and remember you can get absentee ballots mailed to your home…you do not need to waste the gas

The school committee
The school committee
5 years ago

What is wrong with this city that votes for Tricia Farley Bouvier and Smutty and our electric rates in western ma. Doubled.These two dont work.

U
U
Reply to  The school committee
5 years ago

The City is voting but not the taxpayer, that’s the problem. Just start with the number of City employees and go from there, you have a major head start.

Why can’t you listen to Gaetani?

Fugimoto Hockalugi
Fugimoto Hockalugi
5 years ago

New ESL teacher in Pittsfield public school system fired from her job years ago at phone company. Perfect for Pittsfield.

Gobsig
Gobsig
5 years ago

When Harrington goes down in defeat she should donate the balance of her campaign money to charity. She’s just a big time loser.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
5 years ago

I will be an honorary District Attorney! I will fight crime in Pittsfield for an annual salary of over $171k + public bennies. I will also be an honorary Sheriff. I will reform inmates for an annual salary of over $160k + public bennies. Just think, for a combined salary of +$330k/year + public bennies, I promise to fight crime and reform inmates in Pittsfield! What do you say?
I would have to be “honorary” because I am not a Good Old Boy! Pittsfield politics only elects G.O.B.s!

The school committee
The school committee
5 years ago

Cacciviello side by side with Harrington and the rookie in her would be over matched by gravitas.
TFBouvier does nothing for electric rates in western ma.She has never developed a idea worthy of consideration as a bill.Im told she cosign bills that wont pass for PRreasons and her quest for another position is exhausting her.Why do we elect TFBouvier

The school committee
The school committee
5 years ago

One day we will look Hancock Shaker Village board and ask why the hell Pittsfield gave 500 k to them as the coctail party list of people overwhelmed our City Council Members Again….Tricia Bouvier was for selling the Rockwell and Howard Eberwien Jr.was there.These people show up everywhere……Hankcock Shaker begged for Pittsfield money and got it to Remodel the administrative office and then repurposed it.

Doomiedoger
Doomiedoger
Reply to  The school committee
5 years ago

Which just shows you what the machine is and does with your tax money. It comes close to money laundering.

The school committee
The school committee
5 years ago

Rivers,Kroll,Caccamo, Moon,White,Marchetti Tyer have no thoughts About Pittsfield kids having to go learn on a chemical swamp.Please at least review how air quality testing is done.There was a scandle there about air filter testing and Ruberto squashed it….Tyer remembers it very clearly.Mayor Tyer has perfected the hand gesture s of the former Mayor.

H
H
5 years ago

Pittsdield South trailing 2-0 in the third rallying, bases jammed. One out.

H
H
5 years ago

R I pitcher has walked two in. Tied 2-2 bases stilll loaded.one out.

H
H
5 years ago

Pittsfield tied it. Going to Fourth. Good luck!

May Hemm
May Hemm
5 years ago

Someone ought to Inuire about the loose nase bags at the little league game, cost us the game.

h
h
5 years ago

Very tense situation in Charlottesville, again. Could erupt at any moment and it will be because of Trumps comments last year.

The school committee
The school committee
5 years ago

Trump is a racist and he starts this stuff.He empowers NAZIS and patriots love it.

Simon Ives
Simon Ives
Reply to  The school committee
5 years ago

Belicheck is a bastard that way.

Pat
Pat
5 years ago

Very little tension in Charlottesville, in fact, the marchers on both sides look bored. People looking for drama to blame on President Trump. Very sad.

dusty
dusty
Reply to  Pat
5 years ago

Don/t worry Pat, Trump will say something incredibly ignorant before morning. He hates to go a whole day without being in the headlines.

12 Gauge
12 Gauge
Reply to  dusty
5 years ago

You love the attention here

Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson
5 years ago

Brian Marquis….is a obnoxious, with his flaunting rumors..sad man

12 Gauge
12 Gauge
Reply to  Andrew Johnson
5 years ago

But he is right.