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CRIME AND PUNISHMENT: ‘LAW ENFORCEMENT,’ ‘POLICING’ TWO DIFFERENT THINGS

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BY DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, THE WEEKEND EDITION NOV. 9-11, 2018) — Law enforcement and policing are two related but different activities. Ideally, they work together in a complementary, apolitical fashion. In practicality, that is often not the case. Where Berkshire County proceeds with respect to this “similar difference” remains to be seen in light of the just-concluded district attorney’s race and how if will affect local policing. We know that right now, the two are twain and haven’t met often as measured by the growing crime and violence, especially in North Adams and Pittsfield. Consider:

The Pittsfield Police Department: Currently, a divided fiefdom ruled by Chief Mike Wynn. There are two main factions within the PPD, with politics often a key part of personnel deployment. Morale is low. That’s how you diminish the effectiveness of a force.

The D.A.’s office: Staff are nervous. Paul Caccaviello won’t be asked to stay, and some of his staffers will be told to pound pavement. Those that remain are understandably antsy. Andrea Harrington’s reset button will be a “start over” loaded with questions … and agita.

The Sheriff’s Department: Tom Bowler backed the wrong horse for D.A. Word from the inside is that Harrington will essentially shut Bowler out of Pittsfield investigations as political fallout of the Ruberto-Bianchi (aka DelGallo-Wojtkowski) Machine Wars, fought by proxy in the D.A. race.

The State Police: A member of one of the local SP Command Staffs Harrington will try to freeze the staties by employing troops on an ad hoc basis. Goodbye 7 North Street. Hello barracks.

The Courthouse: This is probably the county’s most stable element in the criminal justice system. We have good judges, generally, but often the interactions with the other branches, notably the police, come off “chippy” — a product of the area’s notorious love of and penchant for cliques and protection of turf.

These divisions exemplify the distinction with which we began this piece.

———- 000 ———-

“Law enforcement” refers to the actions of people whose job it is to enforce terms spelled out in the legislation that governs the definitions of criminal conduct, because, above all, “crime” is a legal not moral concept. Law enforcement administers consequences decided by the courts to those who violate a community’s safety standards as defined by statute. On the other hand, “policing” involves the strategies employed by civil paramilitary groups (police department, sheriff’s office, state police) to fight crime through prevention when it can and arrest when it must.

Law enforcement relies on compulsory compliance, same as good parenting. If you steal the cookies, you get sent to your room. Likewise, if you break the law and get caught, you pay the price. Policing depends more on the citizen’s voluntary adherence. No one can force you NOT to steal, rob, assault, of kill another. You must decide to obey the laws that prohibit such actions. Too much failed policing and prosecution stems from the misguided notion that laws can legislate the actions that stem from the human heart.

Obviously, the common element that binds these two entities — law enforcement and policing — is the cooperation of citizens. Without that, there’s nothing to be done, as we routinely realize with the proliferation of shootings and gun play, to cite one example. If people obey the law, they won’t have to deal with the criminal justice system. In law-abiding communities, policing is a Norman Rockwell beat cop sitting on a stool at Joe’s Diner, listening to the runaway little boy (and yes, we know in the actual painting the guy is a state trooper). In cities such as North Adams and Pittsfield, unacceptable numbers of people ignore the law and act on their antisocial impulses, freezing authorities in helplessness. Whether criminals do it out of ignorance or intent should make no difference, something THE PLANET hopes the incoming district attorney and her “new approach” understands.

———- ooo ———-

THE PLANET writes of the ideal in these two related areas of criminal justice. As we all know with the rise in crime in Berkshire County but particularly its two cities, the way you draw it up on the flip chart and the way it translates into action have become shockingly separate. North Adams and Pittsfield have earned the filthy distinction of crime’s top rank among the Commonwealth’s 351 cities and towns, and that became perhaps the top issue in the D.A. race.

The spotlight blazed upon this race reflected the area’s concern that crime, particularly violent crime and drug abuse, has risen dramatically and well past the mediation of authorities to deal with it The scariest part of this is that the rise has not peaked. Bottom line, it will be the job of incoming district attorney Andrea Harrington to lead the effort to cap the gusher. It would be unrealistic to expect her to institute Utopia, but no one’s asking for Utopia. For her first term, bringing the ascent to a halt and allowing the gravitas of law enforcement and policing to bring it back the other way. Yo can liken it to throwing a ball in the air. The ball will be in three states. It will rise, it will fall, and exactly half way between the two, it will enter that eerie microsecond where it is doing nothing.

That’s Harrington’s first priority: Not prosecuting all crimes all at once, but adopting that “new approach” she mentioned in the campaign to bring about that apexic microsecond where crime “does nothing.” THE PLANET interpreted her philosophical “selective approach” to law enforcement in this light. In the spirit of giving a newcomer to office a reasonable benefit of the doubt and a honeymoon that will last longer than microseconds, we saw her sifting out categories of crime as an attempt to bring about the apex.

She made campaign promises that were controversial, including her position on dealing with the drug epidemic. More power to her. Will her lenient approach to drug users have any impact on people’s free-will decision to shoot up, cook, snort, inhale, and otherwise consume to nasty stuff? We shall see.

She won’t be able to do it alone.

Have a great weekend, everybody.

—————————————————————————————————

The public interest depends upon private virtue” — James Wilson.

“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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Hondurans for Trump
Hondurans for Trump
5 years ago

Excellent post H, even though it will take a while, you’re right again on the dynamics of your post. Agree with you also on Little Don, he has the goods on the kid, I’m certain.

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
5 years ago

Gman,
How many different names are you going to post under tonight? You’re not fooling anyone, when you answer your own posts!

Hondurans for Trump
Hondurans for Trump
5 years ago

Im not g man.

Wong
Wong
Reply to  Hondurans for Trump
5 years ago

G man, he rock.

The school committee
The school committee
5 years ago

I have made the statement many times Chuck.Why is the President and the planet so nervous about a Russian investigation into access of our elections….Trump acts guilty .Why would he not invite such an investigation that will clear him?

Chuck Vincelette
Chuck Vincelette
Reply to  The school committee
5 years ago

I’m not nervous about the results of the investigation.
Why would I be?
The question was: what if the report exonerates the president?
It does seem Mueller has strayed far afield from what he was supposed to be investigating.
How long has this been going on? My best guess is we will be right back where we started.

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Chuck Vincelette
5 years ago

Man from Mensa. I answered your post about scump being found innocent by mueller in older comments reply to TSC. Now for your comment about Mueller straying far afield in his investigation. Do tell us as the man from Mensa exactly what you mean by that statement. We lesser brains need to hear your reply so we can become men from Mensa. Fire away.

Acute Angina
Acute Angina
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

Art, you should increase your fiber intake. You’ll feel better and your posts will improve.

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Acute Angina
5 years ago

AA I always love your posts. I dont have to call you an imbicile. You tell us you are. Your way out of your league. Please try to be a challenge to me. Try saying something intelligent anything to convince us that you have more than a second grade education loser

Acute Angina
Acute Angina
Reply to  Acute Angina
5 years ago

Fiber One bars are tasty. Give them a try.

Moon River
Moon River
Reply to  Acute Angina
5 years ago

He should try prune juice. Especially before his TV show.

X-Lachs Lounge
X-Lachs Lounge
Reply to  Chuck Vincelette
5 years ago

The democrats in Florida are a bigger obstacle than the Russians could ever hope to be.

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  Chuck Vincelette
5 years ago

Mueller has permission from Rosenstein to chase down any evidence as he sees fit. Relax…Trump is squeaky clean and could probably take the popes place as a holy man in good standing. Trump is not worried and neither should we be.

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
5 years ago

Johnny you use good common sense but there are many on this board who in Mr. Valenti’s words are snipperings posting and making no sense at all. Ironically all of them are scump disciples. You are correct about Mueller’s scope and it is a near certainty that in the end scump will be found guilty of a criminal charge. The same charge that cohen plead to is going to be the charge to sink scump. Its just a matter of time now but he is going down. I am a betting man and I will bet big bucks that scump is finished. The American public the sane ones have had enough of this orange haired Ball of lard. He is the worst person on planet earth.

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Chuck Vincelette
5 years ago

Man from Mensa your last sentence is as wrong as wrong can be. Where is your reply to my questions??? I need your guidance. I want to be a man from Mensa also.

The school committee
The school committee
5 years ago

Crime is not about where Barry Clairmont feels safe.Crime is about a 6 year old and his mom live on Columbus Ave when they walk.when a tourist gets shot going into the Barrington Stage company we will see overtime patrols.What do BC and Mayor Tyer know about gang warfare on our poorest families in the hood.Nobody attends the Halloween parade on Tyler because of the danger.The last parade on North had 20k attending a great 45 minute parade.Pittsfield is now the most violent city in Massachusetts

Krol's Kronies
Krol's Kronies
Reply to  The school committee
5 years ago

If Barry can make it from his office to Burger King we are safe.

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  The school committee
5 years ago

the mayor would like to keep all posts about crime, gangs, muggings and aggravated assaults to a bare minimum please. Pittsfield is dependent on tourism and who is going to visit the Hotel on North if they know about all the gang infighting around here?

Pittsfield needs the tourists to visit and make the rich folk richer so they can get better tax breaks while elderly living on fixed income try to hang onto their homes with ever increasing taxes.

As far as I know crime in Pittsfield is the same now as it was in 1822 and it is not even worth reporting.

The school committee
The school committee
5 years ago

Why do we make poor and minorities stand in line for 4 hours to vote?I know why Pat and so do you.It took me 4 mins.How long did it take you to vote Pat,Planet,Chuck….

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  The school committee
5 years ago

TSC you are so correct. I answered your last post on older comments.

Chuck Vincelette
Chuck Vincelette
Reply to  The school committee
5 years ago

10-15 minutes. Had to request a second ballot!! I’m pretty certain there were non-minorites in line with the minorities. Where there’s lots of people voting there will be long lines.

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Chuck Vincelette
5 years ago

Man from Mensa. Your reply is very facetious. TSC asked about a 4 hour wait and you have the Gaul to say where lines are long there is longer waits. You just dont seem to get it Are you sure your not the man from putsa and not Mensa?

Pat
Pat
Reply to  The school committee
5 years ago

Stop calling everyone a racist School Committee. It’s really getting old. Liberals only care about dividing our country and they prove it constantly.

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Pat
5 years ago

Pat the only person who is dividing the country is your Scump and the only one who doesn’t know it is you. You are a fully indoctrinated scump ball. And no the dems are not trying to divide the country they are trying to unite the country and you also are the only one who doesn’t understand it. I though you would of saw the light by now. Are you aware that scump is going to be indicted in Jan. And soon after he is going to be impeached. Your not aware of this because your media sources are carnival barkers and only praise scump. Please get in the real world and change your media sources. Your sorely lacking the info you need to sound intelligent in your posts. Remember I said you are my favorite poster? Well you still are. I just want you to broaden your horizon.

Acute Angina
Acute Angina
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

The democrats and the fake news media divide the country.

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  Pat
5 years ago

I don’t think he was referring to everybody Pat. But those who are know who they are and might be a little sensitive about it.

Halo
Halo
5 years ago

The question is, will trump get laid in France while Melania is at the louvre.

Chuck Vincelette
Chuck Vincelette
Reply to  Halo
5 years ago

Classy!

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Chuck Vincelette
5 years ago

Scump spreads baseless voter faud claims. There is nothing this freak won’t do. Whether Mueller finds something or nothing this clown needs to go and will soon once he is indicted in the state of NY. There is only one question unanswered for me and that is WHEN.

Acute Angina
Acute Angina
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

FIBER.

Jae Hogan
Jae Hogan
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago
Essex Hogan
Essex Hogan
Reply to  Jae Hogan
5 years ago

Cool stuff.

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Akbar Fukwad
5 years ago

To all trumpists: scump is done. Remember I told you about scump being a co conspirator with Cohen in NY? He will not be prosecuted because he is president. But what is going to happen is that prosecutors who have all the info to hang him are going to submit a report to congress and remember as of jan1 the house is democratically controlled. Translation: Bye Bye scump. This is good info that everyone can bank on. He might even be indicted sooner as avanati is going to depose him and any lies will be deadly for scump. Knowing that he is a pathological liar avanati just might sink him. In any event I will repeat what I said earlier. Scump is in very very very serious trouble. I will go to bed now knowing positively that scump will be gone early next year. 200 million Americans are going to have the best party of their lives including me. To all scumpsters your guru’s days are numbered.

Are You Kidding Me
Are You Kidding Me
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

Who is this Art clown. What a chump.

Art seller
Art seller
Reply to  Are You Kidding Me
5 years ago

Are you kidding me? Another nut arrives on the planet. Please add to the conversation. Your batting zero. Post intelligently. We have too many short circuits on the planet already we dont need any more.

Acute Angina
Acute Angina
Reply to  Are You Kidding Me
5 years ago

Watch out. He’s quite delusional.

X-Lachs Lounge
X-Lachs Lounge
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

Good night numb nuts.

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Akbar Fukwad
5 years ago

Look at the 4 above posts. Between the four of them there isn’t even a single sentence. These idiots clog the site and stifle good dialog. Like I said many times there are a lot of kooks on this site. I hope they do not turn this good site into another topic. Its sad how shallow some people are. We all know of whom I am talking about.

Jae Hogan
Jae Hogan
5 years ago

Where is the party?

Wondrous
Wondrous
5 years ago

Just thinking locally, how in the hell the city is able to give away taxpayer dollars to places like Beacon Theatre, and Covanta. The other incredible one was the Museum art being sold. I don’t get it? This Mayor has been as dormant as the Hess Jungle and Linden Street 120 block blight.

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  Wondrous
5 years ago

Do not leave out Haddads car dealership. How many others are there that the mayor hopes you do not know about. Who can add to the list? Hint….almost all are millionaires.

Kermit Frog
Kermit Frog
5 years ago

If I could help the region I would want more support for all small business, not just the pet projects. That said, I love the Beacon and they must be going broke. I do t think any big employers are coming here any time soon. Taxes are too high and the public squabbling is a turn off.
There is also a strange bit of monopoly in healthcare. Does anyone know if you must be part of Berkshire Medical Systems if you are a Dr? It seems like that is the default, but maybe that is an economy of scale. I’m not sure how it all works but Icant see how single payer would be worse than we have. All these young people supporting the tourism should at least get healthcare.

H
H
5 years ago

Doesn’t the Beacon rent out there also? Is that income.

Kermit Frog
Kermit Frog
Reply to  H
5 years ago

Sure, it’s income. I just meant the movie theater business is tough, thus the big multiplexes etc.
I’m no expert but it seems like the most vitality in our economy is from small local businesses.
It would be good to have policies supportive of those local employers.

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  Kermit Frog
5 years ago

and if you are connected you might get some attention in that area. Otherwise…TAKE A HIKE BUDDY!!!

The school committee
The school committee
5 years ago

Why do Republicans repress minority voting?I know the answer Pat,Do you?Imagine Jack Welch standing in line 4 hours to vote,Mitt Romney standing 4 hours to vote Betsy Devos 4 hours.

Acute Angina
Acute Angina
Reply to  The school committee
5 years ago

Where did this happen?

The school committee
The school committee
5 years ago

Pat,what healthcare do you have in our greater than ever country of Trump.Im guessing if your happy you have state or Fed HealthCare which is what everyone would like.

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  The school committee
5 years ago

I held my post till now. Not a soul on this site remembering our veterans. I say thanks to all our courageous veterans especially Mr. Gaetani who is a decorated Viet vet and is a co founder of chapter 65 Viet vets of america. To all who have worn the uniform you are my heroes.

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

and let us not forget our Commander in Chief who got 5, count them (5) deferments from serving his country during a vicious war while his fellow countrymen were fighting and dying. so a big shout out to MR BONE SPURS….

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

Scump saying dems trying to steal two elections in Florida. The guy is insane. There isn’t a stitch of proof to his claims. It is another of his lies number ,6523. Pat you dont seem to keep track of scumps lies. You say warren is a liar and you said she told many lies. Can you substantiate those lies? We all need to be able to tell the difference between the truth and a lie. If not we will create the type of hisyeria that scump thrives on. Let’s all have reference for the truth. Without it we can go nowhere

Jae Hogan
Jae Hogan
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

There are none so blind as those who will not see.

U
U
5 years ago

Congrats to CosbiesLadies on being considered for the Orbit Award.

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  U
5 years ago

U I also think CL should win the award. The posts are short and to the point. CL is a good candidate for the award.

Shelly Liver
Shelly Liver
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

If he or she (CL) doesn’t get it, the fix was in. Many of his her quotes,’violence is only going to get worse’in U S. Happy Veterans Day Solders, all.

Bill Q
Bill Q
5 years ago

Agree that Cosbiesladies Is the front runner for the Orbit.Beilliant at times.

CosbiesLadies
CosbiesLadies
5 years ago

Jonathan should get it. Streets Jonathan?

CosbiesLadies
CosbiesLadies
5 years ago

Stay away from linden Dewey today,cops chasing someone, cops everywhere.

H
H
5 years ago

Trump will be served with sumpenous when he arrives back from his trip. Planet exclusive Also,dog racing banned in Florida.

Colin O'Scopy
Colin O'Scopy
Reply to  H
5 years ago

Did you ever have the Sumpenous from Taco Bell?

wutever getsuthruthanite
wutever getsuthruthanite
5 years ago

Agree with above.

Wondrous
Wondrous
5 years ago

They ought to ban all sports. Especially in the high schools, why should taxpayers pay for that, it is extra curricular.

mi
mi
5 years ago

Over seven million Viet Vets still alive.

Acute Angina
Acute Angina
Reply to  mi
5 years ago

There were 2.5 million who served there . Where did the other 5 million come from?

h
h
5 years ago

I’d like to see the Barry get the Orbit. Anyone who can get a secretary elected for Mayor is a shrewd character..he should have been a car salesman,though.

Art Seller
Art Seller
5 years ago

In six weeks the good dems are going to make a very big pot of scump stew. No matter how they try to season it the stew will have a rancid smell and taste but dont worry scumps disciples will swallow it and once they do expect us to bring them to the hospital. Not me. I know the scump stew is a pot of swill and have brains enough to stay away from it. Those who are sick on jan1st will tell us who the city’s idiots are.

Jae Hogan
Jae Hogan
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

Members of Congress begin their terms of office on January 3 chrome dome.

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Jae Hogan
5 years ago

You get the drift dont you tenth wit?

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

Scumps firing of sessions might turn out to be obstruction of justice. Even if this charge doesn’t stick that case of being Cohen’s co conspirator is all that will be needed to sink scump and look for the house to subpoena him on Jan 2 or 3 By mid January look for scump to be packing to maybe be going to the big house. This miscreant draft dodging SOB who has turned Americans against Americans and have most of our world allies holding their noses is going to get his and there will be no one to come to his aide. All dictators end up the same way and this idiot will end up like all other dictators. Scumps days are numbered and I hope he takes all the trumpists with him. They do nothing for the country.

Wong
Wong
5 years ago

U me we fix water chop chop

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Wong
5 years ago

A terrific first lady Michelle Obama on channel 49 tonight at 10 pm. Compare her to the present clown Malania Trump. There is absolutely no comparison. Obama a genius trump an idiot.

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Wong
5 years ago

Yes Mr. Gaetani may be able to use you. Thanks for your offer to help. The Gman has a lot of respect for the Chinese and has worked with them for 40 years. The only problem is each doesn’t know what the other is saying but they are engineers and scientists and they understand that lingo marvelously. You may get to see this soon.

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

Scump embarrassing us in France. He is an international disgrace. Putin loved his snubs of our allies. Six weeks and counting. He has told 26 confirmed lies since Friday till right now. Only scumps supporters are not alarmed by these lies but the dems are counting them and will address them starting Jan 1

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Art Seller
5 years ago

Just about everyone who posts on the planet should be ashamed of yourselves. I mentioned that we should salute our veterans and only one or two others shouted out a salute. Even you Mr. Valenti couldn’t find it in your heart to salute our veterans. These brave men and women gave their lives and suffer from every medical problem conceivable both physical and mental and this site could only muster two individuals who remembered our veterans. There are a lot of crack pots who post on this thread and not much is expected of them but what about the rest of you. Those who totally forgot about our veterans are the smallest among us. There is no excuses you blew it

CosbiesLadies
CosbiesLadies
5 years ago

G Man, you are correct about Veterans Day, sure the Planet will have something Tommorrow when it is officially celebrated,as it is the weekend.

AgentSmith
AgentSmith
5 years ago

The new DA elect is forming up her plans as we speak. In a strategy meeting with her core election team, she is planning how to hire and what to do with existing staff.

First up, new positions in communication and community outreach. Expect the election sycophants to get first crack at some sweet jobs. Edgerton, Moon, Kroll, all primed and ready for jobs. Existing and long times comms guy will be out.
How’s she going to pay for it?
Staff will have to apply for their jobs, there will be a re-evaluation of staff positions, some consolidation, and some staff will be assigned to jobs at lower pay. Update your resumes.
Second, she has her eye on a first assistant DA and he is NOT from the office.
There are questions as to wether she can move the MSP out and have them at her beck and call without having them on staff. Also she doesn’t want to carry the cost but wants to keep the money. There was also talk about farming some of the work out to local PD’s or billing back to cities and towns for certain aspects of the work they do.
The sheriff is out, he’ll see his role diminished significantly, there’s political discussions on how she can lower his budget for “those policing toys” and roll that money into her budget. “He doesn’t need that stuff he runs the jail.”
Lastly she’s looking to expunge non-violent drug crimes from peoples records. The list of people include a “family and friend” component but will apply to the entire criminal population. The fsmily and friend part sets the bar for minimums expunged.

It’s political payback time in the DA’s office.

Silent Cal
Silent Cal
Reply to  AgentSmith
5 years ago

No doubt about it. She’s going to make a huge mess. Do you think Healey is advising her?

Silent Cal
Silent Cal
Reply to  AgentSmith
5 years ago

What budgetary connection is there between the DA’s office and a County Sheriff?

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  AgentSmith
5 years ago

Judy. Edgerton moon and Krol are some of the lightest weights in the city. If you took all their nervous tissue combined you couldn’t fill a sewing thimble. Same for tyer and her cohorts. We should rename pittsfield brainlessville. The poor taxpayers are in for a very rough ride. Did you see how secretary tyer got us a big reduction in property taxes? A house assessed at 186 thousand dollars gets a nine dollar and fifty cent reduction. Pittsfield is the most mismanaged city in the country. All incompetents holding top jobs all gobsig elected. God help us all things couldn’t be worse than they are now. Maybe time to go to city manager type govt. Tyer could never have a chance with that type of govt.

Outcast
Outcast
5 years ago

Planet Is insanely correct on the blight like Chicken Coop,Hess Forest,Milt Plum museum.he did a remote video from those locations, Tyer campaigned exclusively on this, exclusively.

Maybe the West Housatonic woodworks can open up a Ghetto Board factory. To board up the wi dows like on Robins,Linden.

Acute Angina
Acute Angina
5 years ago

Doesn’t the legislature set the sheriff’s budget?

AgentSmith
AgentSmith
Reply to  Acute Angina
5 years ago

And the legislature is run by what party, that just blindly backed a candidate with ZERO law enforcement or any real legal experience?

AgentSmith
AgentSmith
5 years ago

The “logic” behind these talks center around the sheriff doing “policing” and buying equipment like night vision, assault rifles for “in vehicles”, extra vehicles, equipment that is enforcement related and not incarceration related.
Through political back channels and with her new found friend AH plans on asking that budgets be “realigned with the priorities of modern law enforcement”.
As the “top law enforcement” officer/agent in the county she plans to politically set priorities. She wants more money, and thinks the sheriff can do with less because he buys “toys”.
That’s the way I understand it.

Silent Cal
Silent Cal
5 years ago

Bouvier will probably lead the charge but I understand that Bouvier is not well respected at the state house. How likely is it that anyone will listen to a nitwit like Harrington? Bowler must have made friends in Boston by now.

The school committee
The school committee
5 years ago

School choice really is school shopping with parents getting their children out of the most violent city in the state of Massachusetts.
Those responsible for this are Eberwien, Massimiano, Bouvier,McCandless, Yon ,Amuso,Kroll,Moon,White,Rivers,Tyer………We need school consolidation plan so that in 5 years we are not spending the city budget on the same stupid thoughtless programs.Joe Curtis makes 125k wasting millions of your hard earned money.I want 130 police on the streets.I don’t want police getting grant money overtime on Sundays pulling over Senior citizens so they can make double time.Waste waste,waste,waste.
Instead of keeping students we need to help them get to Wahconah,Lenox,Lee,Mount Greylock these people are abandoning Pittsfield because the above leaders sit and lie to each other and they thank each other alot for what they do.If you want to know what in the 1960s was called white flight from New York and Boston was this is Pittsfield now except you don’t have to move.School choice is economic racism and citizens of Pittsfield are practicing it led by the do nothing’s above

AgentSmith
AgentSmith
Reply to  The school committee
5 years ago

Pittsfield is the 10th most violent city in MA, it’s working hard to be number 1. School choice is a state program. The rest is true.

CosbiesLadies
CosbiesLadies
5 years ago

Wasn’t it Boucier who was the original TIF cheerleader for the Beacon? And Jimmy the gent had very close ties with the owner,and that Joyce at the restaurant, he also was on the Oard at the Museum, wasn’t he? Also heard a former Mayor was trying like hell to get Wal Mart in here….just sayin. Photo pops with Angie at the Beacon,staunch supporter of Tyer, Bouvier,and ticket recipient at face value for Red Sox series? Just sayin. And wasn’t it the Gent who stated the Beacon would draw up to two-thousand downtown, could have sworn that?

Do they still do checks for snacks at the Beacon. Send this Clown down the road,now you know why Queen Di came back here. Private TIF means Public loses.Wheres Caccamo on this? Why doesn’t the Mayor fight for granny losing her home T I F.