Article

TAX CUTS ARE IMPERITIVE FOR THE CITY OF PITTSFIELD

0 0 votes
Article Rating

BY DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, THE WEEKEND EDITION SEPT. 14-16, 2018) — What’s the surest, most-proven, practical, and time-tested way to drive economic improvement  for any size community by any governmental authority?

Tax cuts.

Once again, we have seen this nationally, with investors reaping huge profits, particularly from smaller publicly traded businesses. The tax cuts proposed by President Donald Trump and approved by Congress have worked their way through the economy, raising corporate profits nationwide. Grouse as you might like about this fact for any political reason, but this showing puts more money into private hands, keeping it out of the greedy, wasteful hands of government.

This helps not only the 1% but anyone in the 99% who has or wants to earn discretionary resources to invest. There’s “extra” money to be found in most budgets, even those on the bottom. If they’re not working, why not. Jobs are available. They could take advantage of programs designed to help people better themselves. They can quit cigarettes, cut down on drinking and drugs, and stop playing the lottery. Even a modest amount of money, set aside and invested wisely on a habitual basis, can make a difference.

Locally, a generation of ruinous taxes passed by a series of do-nothing politicians have depleted the middle class, driven out companies that provide jobs, and funded an entire dependent class of people who in most cases have no one but themselves to blame for their own impoverished state. Again, we come back to that loaded word, “victim.” There are no victims. There is only consequence, which is cause-and-effect disguised as coincidence. If a person can think, has physical mobility, shows determination,and musters a spot of ambition, self-improvement is achievable to the point of certainty.

If the “progressives” who run Pittsfield honestly care about citizens other than the dependent masses, they would at the earliest opportunity slash taxes for both homeowners and especially businesses. In other words, help the ones who are being held back by having to keep going the cradle-to-grave welfare model. Officials would also launch an audit of the much-abused “not-for-profit” going on in the city, which takes profit-making-and-taking businesses off the tax rolls crushes Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski, the bedraggled “little guys” who struggle so mightily to support the mess. While we’re auditing, how about a forensic audit of the one city department that easts up nearly three-fourths of the entire $160+ million budget. We won’t name names.

Boil it down. Where do you want your money to go: To government or into your own pockets? If the crooks in government get it, they will waste it. If you get it, you will, or at least can, provide for your needs and perhaps have some to save or, better yet, invest. Invest in what? THE PLANET shall limit our advice to what has worked for us: small-cap stocks, which have produced 35% return this year and look to keep growing because of the trade-war insecurities that have affected big-cap companies, particularly the big multinational corporations. That being said, large-cap stocks will rebound as trade tensions lessen, something else we foresee if only because the global economy can’t afford a protectionism that is too long, too steep, and pervasive. The two drivers of the world economy, China and the United States in that order, will see that any trade provincialism won’t give way to all-out trade wars.

Skeptics who say you can’t cut either Pittsfield’s budget or its taxes will have all sorts of objections, none of which can stand up to non-political thinking. Increasing city income and cash flow by exploiting new resources or landing new business would be ideal, but given the cast of characters now calling the shots, this approach would be pragmatically beyond the current abilities of the existing set of “usual political suspects.” A tax cut, however, is well within their reach.

If you can’t raise the bridge, lower the river. Similarly, if you can’t grow your income, cut your spending. That’s what households and businesses have to do when fiscal actualities don’t match anticipatory budgets. Tax cuts spell tax relief. The extra money will generally be spent wisely.

Households and businesses do this all the time. City government must do the same.

Have a great weekend, everybody.

—————————————————————————————————-

The ‘Kingdom of God’ is within you”  Jesus,  as quoted in The New Testament.

“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.

 

 

 

 

 

0 0 votes
Article Rating
207 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
mi
mi
5 years ago

Agree with everything on here. ost citizens can ot afford these high tax and fee increases in our city It’s not like we have a unlimited charge card and get a salary for being a Mayor or something. ,amybe that’s the way to go to afford the future here, marry into wealth.

Art Seller
Art Seller
5 years ago

Dan I’ll name the losers who are destroying this city.tyer moon rivers white krill Marchetti cacamo persip and Simonelli. None of them would ever have a chance of being named to any manavent board at the smallest small cap company.Many smart communities are going to city manager type of government because they know they could be saddled with incompetents such as these There is not a scintella of management capability amongst the bunch. All they do is feed the city pigs. Gobsigs.I could go on and on but suffice to say things will not change until all the city’s voters get off their asses and sweep this mayor and 8councilors out with the rest of the trash. I haven’t been posting for very long but I clearly see that you and Gaetanis are the only individuals who aren’t afraid to call a ass hole a ass hole.I am not wrong I see GaetaniAt all city. Meetings but he is out there all. Y himself.Honestly why do you guys even bother. In the end both of you will be kicked in the ass by the very people you are trying to help.Just look at the spear throwers on this site. I admire you guys but don’t expect much because you can’t fix stupid and there is a !of of that in pittsfield

Harrison
Harrison
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

Does anyone proof read their posts before submitting? I lost my decoder ring.

LoneGunMan
LoneGunMan
Reply to  Harrison
5 years ago

Yes, we do. Unfortunately, most of us came up through the PPS

h
h
5 years ago

This is without a doubt the worst city council in the last twenty five years,no doubt. The School Committee-should be embarrassed as well.

Grigori Rasputin
Grigori Rasputin
Reply to  h
5 years ago

I’m hoping Dennis Powell tells the story about black cowboys winning the west.

Pat
Pat
5 years ago

That’s the problem Dan V. We know where these progressives want the money to go….into the greedy corrupt hands of government. This is why they want to grow big government. Socialism will do just that. You think taxes are high now? People are just NOT getting it. Pittsfield is a glaring example of what they want to spread across the country.

These progressives have driven out the middle class and now many of them complain about the poverty stricken people left here who they have funded.

President Trump is doing exactly the right thing.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Pat
5 years ago

Pat ,please say socialism again as Fox news has instructed you.Ineed a Trump voter to describe why we needed a 1.5 trillion tax cut so Walmart could hire more 30 hour employees.We needed it to rebuild American infastructure with higher wage union jobs and that never going to happen.Trump said 3000 people did not die in Puerto Rico

Gobsig
Gobsig
Reply to  The school committee
5 years ago

Yeah,let’s keep Maxy and Patrica rich.

Wondrous
Wondrous
5 years ago

Pat,really, do have a degree from Trump U.

Wondrous
Wondrous
5 years ago

Who is secretary Tired? Or what is it?

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Wondrous
5 years ago

That’s what everybody trying to figure out. I think it is a type of human with no brain. But I am not sure of that either. It tries to sound intelligent but fails miserably at it. I really don’t know what to call it. Maybe some one else knows

Unwanted Carl
Unwanted Carl
5 years ago

Sec T the proclamation Queen.

Man From Nantucket
Man From Nantucket
5 years ago

Trump # 1

Kleptocrat
Kleptocrat
5 years ago

We need high taxes so TSC can continue to get his EBT card.

Ghost Rider
Ghost Rider
5 years ago

“There are no victims. There is only consequence, which is cause-and-effect disguised as coincidence. If a person can think, has physical mobility, shows determination,and musters a spot of ambition, self-improvement is achievable to the point of certainty.”
No truer words have been spoken, my friend! That sez it all!

Wilson
Wilson
5 years ago

just the beginning of tax increases, Tyer has revealed she is monitoring real estate sales, so the order has be issued to the assessors to do whatever cherry picking is needed to raise assessments; wouldn’t be surprising to see a 50% increase in the tax burden by the end of her next term

Doomiedoger
Doomiedoger
Reply to  Wilson
5 years ago

Ironically mayors and other politicians are elected to do good for the population but instead quite often feed off their constituents like crows on carrion. And check and balance bodies of govt., instead of doing their own jobs, aid and abet and work in cahoots with the very people they are supposed to keep in check.

Good character and upbringing seem rare in the political realm. It seems to be human nature to be greedy and only a few are strong enough to overcome the temptation to grab everything they can get their hands on.
But that is just my own observation. Maybe they are all saints.

Earl Grey Squirrel
Earl Grey Squirrel
5 years ago

Render unto Caesar, man. Signs can get damaged in many ways.

Gigi
Gigi
5 years ago

Dan, I totally agree with your comments.
“Stop spending” is not a phrase that Democrats understand, so I am not expecting that to happen.
And until we have a Mayor and CC who are willing to audit the “sacred cow” – Pittsfield Public Schools – taxes will not be cut. This year several of the elementary schools should have been closed to cut costs based on declining enrollment. Will it be done next school year? Highly doubtful. No spines of steel exist in the local city government.
So I am pessimistic about the chances of taxes ever being cut in this leftist liberal town!

Mr. G
Mr. G
Reply to  Gigi
5 years ago

Pittsfield Public Schools are independently audited every year by law, as is every district in the state.

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

Mr. G Globalist Troll,
Perhaps you didn’t thoroughly read Dan’s column, paragraph 5, suggesting a forensic audit. I don’t think the Mayor & councilors have any idea of where the money goes. Do you? Tyer tried to get control over funds being transferred from one account to another, but that was blocked by McCandless. No wonder Behnke has a small army of bean counters in that dept. Hocus pocus, now you see it, now you don’t!
Having worked for PPSD I can assure you that there is a lot of waste, especially at the end of the school year when budgeted funds aren’t exhausted but have to be “ gotten rid of.”

Barbados
Barbados
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
5 years ago

New to this board. First time comment. “Forensic audit” Mr. G is totally different from the present school dept. audit. Where is the money going and is it going into the right things? Great post Mr. Valenti.

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

Mr. Fritz Russian troll, I know the difference between an audit and a forensic audit. I think in Pittsfield’s case it would be an excellent idea, but it is really expensive and will never get done. We are in full agreement about the mismanagement and scurrilous waste in the Pittsfield district.

mi
mi
5 years ago

Gigi, another republican who should have been a comedian. You went to trump u to.

The school committee
The school committee
5 years ago

Trump debt is republican debt,what did 2 middle east wars cost,what was the cost of the world financial collaspe by bush….on and on and on…..republicans use to be slow to borrow and spend….

Trump Derangement Syndrome
Trump Derangement Syndrome
Reply to  The school committee
5 years ago

Poly want a cracker?

shakes
shakes
5 years ago

Corporate profits are up, wage growth is stagnant. The Federal government is adding to the deficit like never before. Good thing the Democrats are in charge.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  shakes
5 years ago

When the Dems are in charge they will be giving away so many freebies, do you really think the deficit will go down under those conditions?

At least, thank God, Cynthia Nixon of “Let’s give em what they want and we’ll worry about how to pay for it later” was defeated by Cuomo who is more of a moderate Democrat with just a little far left craziness. Cuomo isn’t as far left with no common sense as Cynthia Nixon and that’s a good thing. New Yorkers made the right decision.

Lenny
Lenny
Reply to  Pat
5 years ago

Pat – did you hear Nixon’s battle cry yesterday? “Vote for the homo, not for Cuomo.” That woman is bonkers. Unfortunately NY state is 2 to 1 Dem so Republican Molinaro will have a vertical climb in Nov. Too bad since Cuomo is such a leftist.

shakes
shakes
Reply to  Lenny
5 years ago

The right wing nut-jobs like Pat and Lenny think because billionaires are getting riches and the FOX news shills tell them they are better that they are actually better. This administration is driving up the national debt like coked up sailors in a whore house.

You two are idiots.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Lenny
5 years ago

As bad as Cuomo is, he’s not as bad as Cynthia Nixon. He still has some moderate Democrat ideas. At this point, we have to be happy that the lesser of two evils won.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Pat
5 years ago

He is pro business like 99 % of democrats,nothing new here.Its all about the priorities of spending tax money

Tax Greed
Tax Greed
5 years ago

I once heard Mr. John Krol state “I never met a tax I didn’t like!”. Progressives = Higher Taxes. It’s that simple. Dan, your spot on with this post.

Unwanted Carl
Unwanted Carl
5 years ago

Do you want to look at Cuomo for four years,seriously?

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Unwanted Carl
5 years ago

Well, I really didn’t want to see Cynthia Nixon in that position for 4 years not with all the freebies she wanted to give away….very fiscally irresponsible.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Pat
5 years ago

Every average person is close to broke Pat,where are you getting all the freebies, Many need to know this information that you know

Spider
Spider
5 years ago

I have been told by a credible source that the assessment of our homes will be raised to provide tax increases. And he said not by a small percentage.

Just wait and see!

Lenny
Lenny
Reply to  Spider
5 years ago

Spider,
You & Wilson are both reporting that. I guess that is to be expected with all the big ticket commitments ready to hit the fan (new school, water upgrades).
MIght be time to hi-tail it out of here!

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Lenny
5 years ago

Another good tid bit everyone has missed is that we now have another asst supt. Tammy Gage She is the new asst supt.for college and career readiness.I thought we had many guidance councilors in the schools. Oh yes this is what she is going to cost you__96090 dollars per year plus ins. At 85 15 and of course a big big pension when she retires. Her previous position was as student services facilitator. I assume part of her job is to tell the students how to find the cafeteria and rest rooms. Hey we can’t live without her and we must increase her salary to at least 150 thousand or she will be lured away from us. Another job where the taxpayer gets nothing but an increase in their taxes. You the taxpayer is being had and the only person in this city who would put an end to this is Mr. Gaetanis. Yes he is out there working for you every day and all most of you do is talk and throw stones. He is looking at a mega project India where by he could make in one year more than any of you could make in a lifetime and you all better pray that he doesn’t get involved in that project as most of you will be posting out of another city other than Pittsfield. We are in a crisis in Pittsfield and as the G man has said over and o er again on his TV show that if the 21000 registered who don’t vote don’t come out to sweep the bulk of the council and mayor and school committee out with the rest of the trash all we will see is the last middle class family leaving the city and if they don’t leave to make a better life they will join the others on welfare and will cause a. Ight made for any who stay to try to tough it out.Do you think I may be right? Of course I am.

shakes
shakes
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

The position is clearly needed. Whether this person is successful is up to the SC and superintendent. I wouldn’t go taking advice from you or the WaterBoy about elections. Gaetani lies as much as our buffoon in chief.

h
h
Reply to  shakes
5 years ago

Fake fake fake shakes.

mi
mi
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

Wow, that’s almost a phony job as the bes erkshire employment Czar, the cash cow flip flopped.

mi
mi
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

Wow, that’s almost a phony job as the bes erkshire employment Czar, the cash cow flip flopped.

May Hemm
May Hemm
Reply to  Spider
5 years ago

Now that’s a prediction no one would have thought of?

Ghost Rider
Ghost Rider
Reply to  Spider
5 years ago

Was the source Dianne Feinstein or one of her minions?

Art Seller
Art Seller
5 years ago

Another good tid bit everyone has missed is that we now have another asst supt. Tammy Gage She is the new asst supt.for college and career readiness.I thought we had many guidance councilors in the schools. Oh yes this is what she is going to cost you__96090 dollars per year plus ins. At 85 15 and of course a big big pension when she retires. Her previous position was as student services facilitator. I assume part of her job is to tell the students how to find the cafeteria and rest rooms. Hey we can’t live without her and we must increase her salary to at least 150 thousand or she will be lured away from us. Another job where the taxpayer gets nothing but an increase in their taxes. You the taxpayer is being had and the only person in this city who would put an end to this is Mr. Gaetanis. Yes he is out there working for you every day and all most of you do is talk and throw stones. He is looking at a mega project India where by he could make in one year more than any of you could make in a lifetime and you all better pray that he doesn’t get involved in that project as most of you will be posting out of another city other than Pittsfield. We are in a crisis in Pittsfield and as the G man has said over and o er again on his TV show that if the 21000 registered who don’t vote don’t come out to sweep the bulk of the council and mayor and school committee out with the rest of the trash all we will see is the last middle class family leaving the city and if they don’t leave to make a better life they will join the others on welfare and will cause a. Ight made for any who stay to try to tough it out.Do you think I may be right? Of course I am.

CosbiesLadies
CosbiesLadies
5 years ago

I was reading the Gazette, a real NewsPaper, must give plaudits to the owner as Mr, Gaetani is all over it. Good job!!

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  CosbiesLadies
5 years ago

We are seeing proof that Muellers deliberate and thorough approach to getting at the truth is paying big big dividends Cohen is talking Manafort is talking and they are the two who know everything.They do not dare to try to tell the smallest lie because the smallest lie will bring the largest time in prison. In other words their new boss is Mueller and he is not a liar like their past employer. It looks as though scumps days are numbered. He and his blood liars are in very hot oil and when they are fried to a crisp Americans will throw a party like never seen before.It will be huge tremendous the best ever seen blah blah blah.The perpetuator of over 4000 confirmed lies will be wearing govt.issue clothing very soon and so will all of his devious fake politician family. I wonder how Melanie will like wearing a orange jumpsuit? She may like it as she likes her orange haired ball of lard husband liar cheat ihnoramous heartless stupid miscreant. In prison for her will be just like being at home. Ah it is indeed going to be a dry nice party.Get your tickets soon . They will be not available soon. My seat is fro t and center and I can not wait for the party to begin.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

Melanie is sweet. President Trump is NOT guilty of anything. Even if Manfort says anything, he is doing so under duress to save himself so how could anyone believe it?. You should be ashamed that our government would raid Trump’s lawyer too. That is NOT what we do in this country. In Russia they would do that…..not here. The left is using Russian tactics to get their way. Shameful!!!

Were you excited about Bill Clinton being impeached? I didn’t think so.

Harrison
Harrison
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

Art, you are right. Mueller has to now stay quiet until after Nov 6, but he’s deliberate and dung will hit the fan after the midterms. If dems take the house (and it looks likely) then this fraud of a president will be toast.

Trump Derangement Syndrome
Trump Derangement Syndrome
Reply to  Harrison
5 years ago

Do you think Mueller will ever say why he kept innocent people in jail?

CosbiesLadies
CosbiesLadies
5 years ago

I agree, Gaetani as well as the our Planet are two unsung heroes for Joe T

Bill Q
Bill Q
5 years ago

So, you’re agreeing with yourself? You sound like that goof in the Oval Office.

Mana for must have something, he has to.

Shelly Liver
Shelly Liver
5 years ago

Trump is now officially going down. Manafort will not hold back, he’s facing to much time. He has to have something is right! We’llsee?

acheshirecat
acheshirecat
Reply to  Shelly Liver
5 years ago

Manafort pled guilty to money laundering, bank fraud, foreign lobbying violations related to his work for pro-Russian Ukrainians, one count of conspiracy against the US and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice. Those are the only things he will talk about when he gives his allocution next time in court. I think all but the conspiracy to obstruct justice charges were before Trump and that was for witness tampering

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  acheshirecat
5 years ago

Cat. Its the things that Mueller didn’t charge him with is what Mueller is going to hang scump with. Bank on it

acheshirecat
acheshirecat
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

Art, we really don’t know the scope of what “Cooperating with Mueller” entails. I think he is only cooperating in the cases he pled guilty to and he is going to flip on the people who paid him and helped him launder his money. He is hoping for a less severe sentence for “cooperating” or flipping.

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  acheshirecat
5 years ago

Cat I think your right but Mueller can hang manafort any time he wants to and Mueller is only after one individual and that individual is scumps. All the other fish are small but when you land the big fish the net is open and the little ones jump in especially when they see the big one has been landed. Make sense cat?

acheshirecat
acheshirecat
Reply to  acheshirecat
5 years ago

Sure , Art, it is a good theory. Using your analogy I guess we will have to wait and see what bait Mueller uses and if he is a catch and release angler.

Halo
Halo
5 years ago

Good Bye Donald Trump. Welcome home Hillary!

h
h
5 years ago

Hillary has endured, it’s her time. Go away lying Orange aid.

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

It’s her time alright – she’s going to prison!

Pat
Pat
5 years ago

Welcome home Hillary?!? You must be joking?!? Hillary is the real criminal and you know it. Ken Starr just came out with a book about the Clintons detailing their contempt for the law. I’m sure you will not read it since Hillary supporters can’t handle the truth about her dirty dealings. Instead they go after an innocent man. Truly shameful!!

The Clinton book by Ken Starr is appropriately called “Contempt”. The book proves that the Clintons were not the victims of a vast right wing conspiracy. They played fast and loose with the law.

http://www.foxnews.com/transcript/2018/09/12/contempt-memoir-clinton-investigation-by-ken-starr.html

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Pat
5 years ago

Pat . Your loyalty to scump will not set you free.You must be kidding when you say he has not done anything wrong.You must be in a self induced coma and wake only when scump is on fox.Just the FACT that he has told over4000 confirmed lies should generate some doubt about scump. Do you not even have a little bit of doubt that scump has pulled the wool over your eyes? What will it take to convince you that you are totally wrong about scump. Some one on this board stated that when scump jumps off the cliff his disciples will follow. David koresh had followers who believed every word he said and look what happens to them. I think your worth saving there are others on here who I hope follow scump over the cliff but not you.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

Nothing legally wrong….you have nothing that he did legally wrong. You just don’t like him….not a crime. Follow the law please.

Trump Derangement Syndrome
Trump Derangement Syndrome
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

The only hope for you is massive doses of ex-lax..

Trump Derangement Syndrome
Trump Derangement Syndrome
Reply to  Trump Derangement Syndrome
5 years ago

That was for Art

Trump Derangement Syndrome
Trump Derangement Syndrome
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

Art,why do you love the DC gobsigs and the gobsig national media?

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Trump Derangement Syndrome
5 years ago

TDs I hate them as much as you do. Where did you get this idea?

U
U
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

Trump has 4g confirmed lies not counting stuff like when Melaniaid was preggers and he was doing foxy, or whatever her name was.

Trump Derangement Syndrome
Trump Derangement Syndrome
Reply to  U
5 years ago

Confirmed by which fake organization?

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Trump Derangement Syndrome
5 years ago

TDs just today fact checker divulged that trumps lies now number over 5000. I read it in the NYT and wp and WSJ. Reuters and NPR reported it also. Do you think there all wrong. Your not aware of this because your mind is polluted with fox and friends.

Pat
Pat
5 years ago

Terrible tactics being used by the left to not only not nominate Kavanaugh, but destroy this family man. People need to fight against this abuse of power by the left.

https://www.dailywire.com/news/35882/65-women-sign-letter-defending-kavanaugh-against-paul-bois

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Pat
5 years ago

He’s a corporate supreme court justice ,you would vote for a robot one day

h
h
5 years ago

Actually I’m reading FEAR,maybe you’ve heard of it? It’s the precursor to the fall of the current President,ScumP.

mi
mi
Reply to  h
5 years ago

Trump is DONE?

Pat
Pat
Reply to  h
5 years ago

People mentioned in FEAR have since come forward and said they never said what the author is saying were direct quotes from them. This guy is just trying to make money off of people who hate Trump.

Mr. G
Mr. G
Reply to  Pat
5 years ago

Pat, they may have denied saying what they said, but Bob Woodward has decades of well-established credibility gained from doing things by the book and double sourcing everything. Your boy Donny, by contrast, has decades of lying, manipulation and ripping people off. My money’s o. Woodward.

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Mr. G
5 years ago

Good bet Mr G. You will be collecting soon.

Trump Derangement Syndrome
Trump Derangement Syndrome
Reply to  h
5 years ago

LOL

Halo
Halo
5 years ago

Antonio DelGado for President.

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Halo
5 years ago

Manafort has put himself in the full embrace of the intelligence agencies effectually totally divorcing himself from scump. This is akin to setting bear traps in all the rooms in the white house withe the certainty to catch baby bears and adult bears alike and to send them all to Siberia. Please don’t visit the white house for a couple of months or some of you will certainly be caught in the traps. I actually hope a few of you get caught in those traps so that we can send you to Siberia with scump. Not you pat.

12 Gauge
12 Gauge
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

This Manafort thing is fake news. Just a Manafart.

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  12 Gauge
5 years ago

12 would you care to explain in plain language?

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

Gaetani you have stage 4 TDS. The only cure known to man is a ONE-WAY trip to India – and take Melle with you!

Minister of Intoxication
Minister of Intoxication
5 years ago

Pete Rose is in Albany N Y ,,,,ah yes. Charlie Hustle. Ray Fosse knows him well?

Chief Dot Connector
Chief Dot Connector
5 years ago

Lookout Dons.

Art Seller
Art Seller
5 years ago

Manafort has put himself in the full embrace of the intelligence agencies effectually totally divorcing himself from scump. This is akin to setting bear traps in all the rooms in the white house withe the certainty to catch baby bears and adult bears alike and to send them all to Siberia. Please don’t visit the white house for a couple of months or some of you will certainly be caught in the traps. I actually hope a few of you get caught in those traps so that we can send you to Siberia with scump. Not you pat.Your gullible not evil like others

Minister of Intoxication
Minister of Intoxication
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

Agree, we like Pat. misinformed,but still likeable.

Trump Derangement Syndrome
Trump Derangement Syndrome
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

The same intelligence agencies that were sure that Sadam had WMDs….That couldn’t connect the dots on 911…..That employed Page and Strozk…..and on and on. Art, you are a delusional funny guy that should give up PMSNBC.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
5 years ago

September 14, 2018

Re: Open letter to Dan Valenti 9/14/2018

Dear Dan Valenti,

When I was a young man, I enjoyed listening to your local morning radio show that was mainly about Pittsfield politics. As a middle aged man, I enjoy reading your blog “Planet Valenti”, especially when you write about Pittsfield politics. I don’t know what I wrote that upset you, but I have been blocked from posting my written thoughts on your blog, “Planet Valenti”. I don’t really care about that, and I will continue to read your blog entries.

I understand you love Pittsfield, while you often dissent against Pittsfield politics. I know you understand what I am about to write, which is that you have not, nor will you ever change Pittsfield politics. In Pittsfield, the Good Old Boys run the show, as they have for generations. The GOB serves both themselves and the vested interests, with a side cut for the special interests. Pittsfield politics is totally predictable! Every year, municipal taxes and debts increase, the vested interests (“Big 3” public unions) always win, the GOB stacks the elected and appointed seats with their minions, the population/tax base shrinks, and there is always job loss and economic inequality with a diminishing middle class in Pittsfield.

Best regards,

Jonathan Melle

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  danvalenti
5 years ago

Thank you, Dan Valenti. Your blog is the best!

Halo
Halo
5 years ago

Jon, list of streets please. Also heard Carm is on his last legs, pray for him. Please Include Elm Street on your list.

h
h
5 years ago

Great job by the City Council as the garbage hauler got a five year contract and zero input,including maybe sending the contract out to bid,anyone smell a rat?

Wondrous
Wondrous
5 years ago

Save your family Paul. Tell em everything.

Trump Derangement Syndrome
Trump Derangement Syndrome
5 years ago

Thank God for Trump

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  Trump Derangement Syndrome
5 years ago

Amen to that.

Art Seller
Art Seller
5 years ago

For all practical purposes scump is finished. If he tries to fire anyone to si!ence them that is an impeachable act_ooj. If both houses flip his presidency is over as he wouldn’t even be able to appointthe dog catcher. If that fails Mueller has his shot. If that fails his tariffs will lose his base and that will sink him. I am a betting man and only one of the above scenarios has to happen and I would say I have odds in my favor. No TDs I am not like you and the odds of your boy escaping is virtually zero. Pat it is true that I don’t like trump but I don’t like him because he is a dispicable human being with no heart and people like that end up where scump is headed sooner than latter on the trash heep.Of the above scenarios I mentioned I believe scump will fall in all possiblities. No one is going to burry scump he has already dug his grave it is just a matter of time before he jumps in and does all decent people a favor. He is the most vile man alive and I will repeat that America will celebrate like we have never celebrated before when trump NSW address is the big house.Bet on it. I have

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

This is nothing more than the rant of a crazy person. Get a grip! What facts do you have to support your claims? Even Mueller can’t come up with any law-breaking acts that Trump has committed – and he’s been working on it for TWO years!
If you are so unhappy, take the job in India and spare us any more of your whining!

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
5 years ago

Fritz I love to post as is evident. I particularly like to hear from people that don’t agree with me because I can learn from them but honestly how can anyone learn anything from you. You thank others who agree with you and when you try to string two sentences together you fail miserably. You should try to learn from others so you can sound intelligent when you post because honestly you sound like an idiot. You should learn from pat. Although I disagree with her it is evident that she tries to keep current but not from the right sources. I never get tired of listening to her because I know she gets her info from fox and thus I get it also by reading her posts but you I can not learn anything from. Give up reading comic books and stop posting because you identify yourself as an idiot in every post. Am I right that you have a grade school education or did you graduate from trump university.Try to sound intelligent in your reply.Your rep!y will give us the info we need to determine your educational level. You my friend are in a league of your own.Tell us the name of that league. Sad very sad. And do you think that you are in Mr. Gaetanis league? That man has forgotten more than you ever knew. All he has ever done in his whole life is to try to help the under dog and will try till the day be dies. For you to try to put him down being what you are is a crime. When he travels to India it is for helping people who are dying from drinking polluted water. Are you in the GMans league? Never in a million years. Tell us what menial job you have?

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

Gaetani,
You still have not answered my question – what crime has Trump committed that he should be impeached? How can anyone understand your rants if you don’t offer up concrete reasons for your hatred? You said he is “despicable with no heart” – please explain why you feel that way about him.

Trump Derangement Syndrome
Trump Derangement Syndrome
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
5 years ago

Trump’s crimes are keeping his campaign promises, exposing the swamp slime and defeating Crooked Hilary.

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
5 years ago

Fritz Again I am not Gaetanis but thanks for the compliment the answer to you question can be found in all my posts.Putting all politics aside I dislike scump because he is a dispicable person. He has been dispicable most of his life and is nothing but a con.Would you hold him up as a role model for your children. His 4 bankruptcies caused working people like you over 6 billion dollars. I could go on all night but now at least you know why I dislike him so. Now I ask you why do you like him?

AlaskanBushClowns
AlaskanBushClowns
5 years ago

Frights is incapable of acting to decorum, just go read Pittsfield Topix. Heard something very telling last night, Hannity is saying Manafort isn’t going to implicate the President. On the other channels just the opposite. Now, finally,we will see who is either bias or has been promoting the fake news. Thes were very intriguing predictions.

Minister of Intoxication
Minister of Intoxication
5 years ago

Agree, the Waterloo. Hannity had Guiliani on as well and stated the same thing. Let’s be real here, why would the Government give Manafort any deal if he doesn’t give them something they want on either ofthe Trumps. Still believe Young Don and the pencil neck geek son in law were the buffers with the Rooskies.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Minister of Intoxication
5 years ago

Keep dreaming. Anything Manford says will not be believed. We don’t live in a communist country yet. Innocent until proven guilty. We don’t believe in mob justice. We don’t believe in a fishing expedition to take down a political enemy. This is what is being done by the left. They are using Russian tactics to destroy a man they say is colluding with Russia. I keep saying “they”, but it’s people right here on this board as well who are playing fast and loose with the law. This is not the America I know.

Obama wanted to transform our country and he has into a group of extremists who will do whatever it takes to destroy their political enemies.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Pat
5 years ago

We are the most conservative nation in the the Capitilist world

H
H
5 years ago

Trump better hurry up and start a war. I’m sure he and Jong talked about what country would be a target for a misfired missile.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  H
5 years ago

Do you know how absolutely insane you sound and it’s President Trump who is supposedly the crazy one with dementia?

H
H
5 years ago

The Planet inspired me. I said misfire not actual, come Pat? Gaetani for Mayor, and no Wal Mart thank you Mrs. M.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  H
5 years ago

Pittsfield needs a Super Walmart. Sick of traveling to North Adams to have more merchandise. These politicians care nothing about really revitalizing the city. They want to keep the GOB’s on North Street happy with their high prices that most people in the city can’t afford. Disgusting!!!!

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Pat
5 years ago

This is the best line ever,do you hear the planet ever say Stockbridge needs a Super Walmart,or Great Barrington needs a Super walmart….could I have 3 example s of what you buy there Pat

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
5 years ago

I believe President Trump has a few aces up his sleeve. This should be a very interesting week. MAGA!

Doomiedoger
Doomiedoger
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
5 years ago

I am sure he has more tricks up his sleeve. That is what he does best. Possibly the most successful con man of our time. He has managed to get 95% of the republican congress to follow him downs yellow brick road. And not too many people know why. It has been suggested that many of them also liked to be peed on by young girls and really, why else would they sell their own country down the road, unless they did not want that to come out? Boggles the mind

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Doomiedoger
5 years ago

Doom Have patience. Mueller didn’t forgive charges against manafort which would have put him in jail for the rest of his life if he didn’t think what he had to offer would sink scump. Those that feel manafort has nothing on trump are delusional. Manafort will sing like a canary and if he doesn’t cough up every seed he will go to the big house forever. Now who thinks I am wrong. Please coherent responses. One word responses are so passe.

H
H
5 years ago

Agree fritz, I mean, what’s another lie?

Art seller
Art seller
Reply to  H
5 years ago

I spoke to the G man last night about politics in Pittsfield.I asked him if he has any intentions of running for any city position and he said it is way too early to think about that. However he did state that tyer and the incompetent 8 as he calls moon rivers white Marchetti cacMo persip and Simonelli are all very vulnerable because they are all tied to the approval of the sewer project. He stated that it is possible they will escape being voted out because the rate hikes won’t hit until late 2020. That being the case be States that if just one of these incompetent 8 is beat and someone of the mind set of mazzelo Connell and Morandi is elected then tyer and the inco petent ,7 will be handcuffed in future large scale projects because they will not get the super majority vote they got on the sewer project. This Gaetanis said is what all voting residents must keep in mind for the city election in Nov.2019. Gaetanti said he has learned that little doable things are easier to accomplish than wasting time to do the impossible. I think his thinking is very sound.

Lion to America
Lion to America
5 years ago

You got it Capital.

Pat
Pat
5 years ago

Nobody can lie like the Clintons. They leave everybody in the dust.

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Pat
5 years ago

Pat how can you tell a Clinton lie when you cant tell scumps 4000 lies. You are bating 0 pat. Give up fox and try Reuters amampor Asia squak The BBC NYT Blomberg or HP. They all report confirmed factual information not fake news alternative facts truth isn’t truth and all that bs. Trump appears to be in way over his head. He should have stuck with ripping off laborers of 6 billion dollars thru 4 bankruptcys and ruining thousands of families and businesses. Is that what you want to be associated with? You are much smarter than that pat

Trump Derangement Syndrome
Trump Derangement Syndrome
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

Why do you think these news organizations are any different than cnn or PMSNBC ? Confirmed facts? By who? Art you sound very naive .

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Trump Derangement Syndrome
5 years ago

TDs. The Wp has a fact checker team that confirms or Denys posts by politicians in both parties.scump has told more lies than all politicians of both parties combined. The actual count right to this moment is 5003.Scumps is the lyingest politician in US history. I hate liars.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Pat
5 years ago

Pat you have lost touch with reality and the techniques of brainwashing are successful.Trump is pathological

Pat
Pat
Reply to  The school committee
5 years ago

School Committee we know the ones who have truly lost touch and we are trying to save them and this country from their far left indoctrination. Our secret is that we can survive without politics in our lives, but far left followers are lost without their far left ideology.

Art Seller
Art Seller
5 years ago

Mueller: Mr.manafort. did scump ask you to cover for him? Manafort: Yes Mr. Mueller. Mueller: Do you know that is obstruction of justice? Manafort: Yes Mr Mueller. Bye Bye scump

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

When Mueller finishes is report into whether the scump campaign conspired with Russia and whether scump obstructed justice he will have to decide what to do with his report. He could give the report to his supervisor rod rosenstien and have the white house invoke executive e privlidge making it confidential and keeping it from congress or send the report directly to the house judiciary committee where the white house would have no ability to block it. This is what happened in water gate and we need to study that precedent. The coming weeks will be very interesting to legal buffs like me. I hope this sheds some light on what is coming in the very near future.

Trump Derangment Syndrome
Trump Derangment Syndrome
5 years ago

The Russia thing is a total hoax fabricated for gullible gobsigs.

Doomiedoger
Doomiedoger
Reply to  Trump Derangment Syndrome
5 years ago

Absolutely! What is wrong with people that they think just because Trump surrounded himself with despicable low life criminals that he is one too? Not fair to Trump that all his family and friends are crooks that he gets blamed for it too. Just look at that face and tell me he could do something wrong. He is innocent of everything and if you don’t believe me ask Fox news.

MAGA

12 Gauge
12 Gauge
Reply to  Doomiedoger
5 years ago

BUFFOON, what is Trump guilty of?

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Trump Derangment Syndrome
5 years ago

People need to read “Diversity Delusion” about the brainwashing of the kids in schools, but especially in colleges. Everyone is being taught they are a victim. They need their safe spaces constantly and are being taught to have no real diversity of thought. It is a very eye opening read and truly frightening.

Far left followers need to read books with some intellectual weight to them instead of gossipy National Enquirer type books like “FEAR”. They need to open themselves up to a true diversity of opinions.

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Pat
5 years ago

Pat there is not a bit of doubt about the fact that schools and colleges are brainwashing today’s youth. Every position in education with the title counselor should be eliminated as these are the educators who are providing all the crutches. They provide every excuse as to why students can’t perform and students come to believe that they are not accountable and the educational process morphs into a baby sitting experience e where no learning takes place. We all know that the schools are producing graduates with no employable skills but the schools have become so powerful that they do as they please and when someone takes them to task and demand better for their children they come back with the old line. We do not have the proper funding and thus more and more teachers are hired and still nothing changes. Well one thing changes The tax payer gets deeer and deeper in the hole. Education in america needs to be revamped and going back to what worked fifty years ago would be a good start. Will it ever happen? No but we know the problem and when things get so bad that a kid can’t read or write we will HAVE to do something. Your post is correct pat

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

We have posted so much over the weekend about scump that you all missed today’s main editorial in the BB. If you took out secretary tyred’s name out of the editorial and replaced it with Jesus Christ the editorial would be spot on. The fact her name is there makes the whole editorial a total sham.Talking about her positive vision almost made me barf. I can’t even post anything about it as it is total bull shit. Read it for yourself but have a barf bag ready. It is clear that the Eagle will brain wash the low intelligence voter to vote for that fraud in 2020. We on this board are not easily brainwashed as indeed there are a few who are and we must all start looking to 2020 now. Can anyone out there name 3 positive things this fraud has done for the city?