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MORE TRASH TRAVAILS: PROPOSED COVANTA DEAL RAISES QUESTIONS

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BY DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, THE WEEKEND EDITION MAY 10-12, 2019) — News that Covanta, which operates the city’s trash facility on Hubbard Avenue, plans to sell out has raised eyebrows, especially given that the firm received $562,000 of GE settlement money for capital repairs.

Three years ago Covanta called Pittsfield’s bluff, threatening to pull out if the city didn’t come through with the money. The city fell for it, never giving sufficient rationale for why taxpayer money should be given to a private company. THE PLANET raised questions about the advisability of giving public economic development funds to a private firm, which by rights should have been expected to spend its own funds. Mayor Linda Tyer, however, thought differently. She authorized the deal, and the city council approved. Covanta had the money and in return gave the city a commitment to stay put.

Less than three years later, we now know how that’s going to work out.

———- 000 ———-

Covanta shocked the city when it notified the mayor of its intention to sell to an outfit called Community Eco Power. Tyer said she was satisfied, though none of the parties would reveal the terms of the planned sale, including the money involved. Neither would the city. Tyer justifies that by emphasizing that this is private sale between two private firms. Funny, though, that the private nature of the enterprise didn’t keep the Administration from handing over the $562K.

It gets more curious when you try to find out about Community Eco Power.

Who is Community Eco Power? A web search brings you to a home page with this message: “We’re developing our website, but we’re available if you want to reach out.” There’s no address, no list of officers, nothing whatsoever about the company or its operations.

THE PLANET contacted mayor Tyer about the planned deal.

“While I have not yet had the opportunity to meet with the potential new owners of the Pittsfield Covanta facility, I understand from Covanta’s representatives that Community Eco Power is a privately held company whose management team has significant experience in waste-to-energy facility development, management, and operations. As part of this transaction,” Tyer said, “they are also purchasing Covanta’s Springfield facility.

“If this private sale takes place, I look forward to welcoming Community Eco Power to Pittsfield’s business landscape. In the meantime, I am working to ensure that city disposal is not interrupted and that our economic development fund investment is protected.” (THE PLANET’s emphasis).

We asked if she knew enough about Eco to “vouch” for them.

“It would be hard to ‘vouch’ for them since I don’t yet have any experience working with them. However, the background of the management team gives me confidence that we will build a strong relationship. Here’s what I can vouch for — the employees currently working at Covanta who will remain in place if this private sale occurs. These hard working, experienced employees are the ones who operate the day-to-day activities at the facility. It’s my understanding that it will be a seamless transition from one ownership group to the other and that employees and operations will remain uninterrupted.”

———- 000 ———-

There’s good reason to share Tyer’s confidence about plant operations, given the continuance of current employees. That, though, isn’t the source of THE PLANET‘s concern.

Consider the facts:

(1) A $562,000 public handout to a private company.

(2) The company bails out of its commitment to stay.

(3) It surprises the city with an intention to sell.

(4) The buyer is a company with a footprint more hidden than Howard Hughes electric razor.

Now let’s look at the nature of the garbage disposal business.

———- 000 ———-

The Hubbard Avenue facility was built in the early 1980s. The plant has gone through a number of ownerships: Enercon Systems to Vicon to Energy Answers to Covanta and now to Community Eco. It’s a Tinker-to-Evers-to-Chance double play that causes reasonable concern and raises numerous questions. Each sale has gone through without the appropriate due diligence on the part of city officials.

This, after all, is the business that made Tony Soprano rich in Northern Jersey. It’s a business that has had great appeal to organized crime since the middle of the 20th century, when cities across America began pulling out of trash, especially commercial disposal. This created a huge need for private contractors. The mob was quick to jump.

Trash appeals to organized crime for many reasons:

  • The business is legal. Unlike traditional mob activities such as drugs, human trafficking, counterfeiting, protection rackets, and the like, trash can show up on the books with no problem.
  •  Trash is lucrative, especially when government contracts are involved.
  •  As a legal business, garbage provides a convenient vehicle through which to launder money.
  •  Like the funeral business and barrooms, there is and will be constant, growing demand.
  • When garbage goes on strike, cities become slums in a week. That’s a lot of leverage.
  • Trash companies are easy to start up or buy.
  • Lack of competition. When Covanta threatened to move out, the city went searching for a replacement. It couldn’t find one.

Not long ago, New York and Jersey law enforcement officials investigated trash hauling in the NCY and NJ areas. The probe ended with dozens of arrests of people associated with the Gambino, Luchese, and Genovese crime families. A report by the New Jersey Commission on Investigations concluded: “Mobsters are still present in the trash business because state and local governments fail to put up resources, money, and manpower to close loopholes, enforce laws, and force them out.”

———- ooo ———-

THE PLANET makes no assertions that organized crime is involved with Pittsfield’s trash. There are no known facts to support any such claim. Until proven otherwise, we must assume the deal, the principals, and the business are on the up and up. That said, the Covanta-Community Eco deal seems to be happening with unusual quickness, suddenness, and without enough information. For example, was the GE money spent on its intended purpose? The public is owed details.

Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski’s $562,000 gives entitlement.  If Covanta or Community Eco writes a check to the city for $562,000, we shall withdraw this demand. Until then, we call on the mayor and city council to get involved. Get on the blower. Investigate. Conduct a public hearing. If everything is legit, no one should object.

Have a great weekend, everybody.

——————————————————————————————–

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced”James Baldwin.

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL.

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Johnny99
Johnny99
4 years ago

Here’s fact number (5) – Despite the lip gloss Tyer and Covanta are putting on this , the Community Eco CEO refused to comment. Sounds fishy to me.

Frankie
Frankie
4 years ago

The mayor considers the “deal” to keep Covanta operating here a major victory. I consider it extortion. Instead of falling victim to this “shake down”, the city should have played hardball and called their bluff, and if Covanta moved to pull out take over the plant.

Hugh G Rection
Hugh G Rection
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

If the city took over Covanta than the property would be off the tax rolls and I can only assume most folks would be upset about that. I believe the city also contacted its hauler, Republic Services to see if they were interested in taking over the facility. They declined.

B. Clairmont
B. Clairmont
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

Dan,

Are you sure you can just buy a private business? Especially if they are unwilling to sell?

If they were willing to sell, how would the City have paid for it?

Barry

Goodbye Krol World
Goodbye Krol World
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

I don’t think we want more city employees with the expense that brings.

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
4 years ago

Good article Dan. Was there an “on paper” written agreement between the city and Covanta when the money was handed over? I seem to recall that it would guarantee Covanta continuing operations for FIVE years. Does the city have legal recourse? This administration is becoming known as the Giveaway Gang – handouts to private businesses including Covanta & the Beacon, and private individuals i.e. the At Home in Pittsfield program.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
4 years ago

Pittsfield politics is the biggest shakedown operation in the World! No matter how bad things get, Pittsfield finds new ways to tax and spend taxpayer’s dollars!

Kermit Frog
Kermit Frog
4 years ago

A quick google search seems to indicate they have a local agent at 82 Wendell Ave. Names associated are Stephen T Kellet and Grace Chen. The Kellet name is associated with solar and Clinton Foundation donations. Not sure if they are the same people but it seems they might be.,

Kermit Frog
Kermit Frog
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

I suspected ‘Community Eco Power’was a dba name. I suspect they are the same people. I could be wrong. Apart from the gifting of $ I’m not sure it’s a bad thing.

Kermit Frog
Kermit Frog
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

The worst case scenario – that some connected buyer is getting a deal after the tax payers have propped up the business – that bears scrutiny. And you can be sure the BB won’t give it any. Again, you are the only one covering these stories. Good job. The mayor may be powerless apart from her role in dolling out money to business who largely haven’t stuck around 5 years after getting the $$. Red Apple Butcher, Namaste, this place, the Beacon. Who is next?

Harrison
Harrison
4 years ago

The deal with Covanta seemed very shady. I never understood what benefactors Crane and Neenah contributed, if anything. I remember Mazzeo wanted a long term commitment and believe she was the only councilor voting against. I also remember a suggestion (maybe Connell?) to increase out-of-town fees. Wonder what happened to that. It just seems like Pittsfield got the raw end of that deal. But hey, anyone for a game of pickleball?

shakes
shakes
4 years ago

Does it really matter whether the company is held privately or publicly?

shakes
shakes
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

Covanta Holdings is publicly traded. its okay to give half a million bucks to a company with $1.7 billion in annual revenue?

Gobsig
Gobsig
4 years ago

So you’re in organized crime?

Yes i am.

Ok, public or prvate sector?

The school committee
The school committee
4 years ago

Pittsfield is always got a cover-up on how money is spent.Schools wanted 2.5 million extra.They are in negotiations with a sneaker company to provide sneakers for administrators to walk their buildings to help teachers.If they are sitting in their office they are not doing their job.Go to the problem all day everyday.No principle should sit.

LoneGunMan
LoneGunMan
Reply to  The school committee
4 years ago

Look at the positions that the schools are hiring for this year. That 2.5 million is going towards more do nothing administrators, do nothing counselors, etc.

The state is “forcing” these crap recommendations because we are technically a level 4 school on the verge of hitting 5.

Are you telling me that more adjustment counselors, vice principals of “teaching and learning” and god knows what else are going to help make our kids safer, reduce rate of good educators leaving and clean house by those do nothings protected by the union waiting for their golden retirements

There are districts in the pioneer valley that are level 2 and have to fight their fiscally conservative towns for funding every year. They make do with what they have and increases, if they happen, are usually less than 2%.

Pittsfield has an overbloated, failing school department that increases funding substantially every year with no improvement in outcomes

Do the math… not pittsfield math… actual math.

The school committee
The school committee
4 years ago

Trump doing everything Puttin wants,when will you all get it.

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

Do you make your tin foil hats with Reynold’s Wrap or do use store brand?

CC The Maze Sun
CC The Maze Sun
4 years ago

Eco Power is a Russian company operating covertly under Donald Trump.

They need another 2.5 million of GE money to buy the facility.

The Russians are coming, The Russians are coming.

The school committee
The school committee
4 years ago

Maybe the Mayor needs to go on tv for a interview with Dan and if she won’t Mayor Mazzeo will.

Auto Phil
Auto Phil
4 years ago

Upon receiving the city money, Covanta agreed to stay in operations for at least 4 years, until its contract with the city is up on June 30, 2020.

Mazzeo was the one opposing vote from City Council approval.

Should Covanta shut down prior to its 4 year commitment, it would have to pay back a portion of the grant to the city. Pro-rated it appears, so in theory they will have to repay 1/4 of the grant for closing one year early.

This is from the Eagle and it is based on its closure, not transfer of ownership…knowing good ol’ City of Pity, the agreement is shoddy and Covanta won’t have to pay anything…

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  Auto Phil
4 years ago

Given the players involved this may turn out like the Stanley Beacon charity foundation. The mayor may write if off in the same whimsical fashion she did with the movie mogul.

It is only taxpayer money after all and she can get more of that with the stroke of a pen. Easy peasy as they say in the corner office.

Serendi
Serendi
4 years ago

The mayor doesn’t need a write off commitment, Convanta will burn the candle at both ends, on the sale or the give back, at a quarter? Sounds like a hell of a lot of lawyering and finance innuendo. We’ve talked about this months ago on here,when the four years is up, it’s up. Blame the gutless City Council. They can give two reasons it’s good, to every seven it’s not.

Svetnu
Svetnu
4 years ago

Boy, they sure like raiding that G E fund. Is peda involved with the fund for expenses and such.

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  Svetnu
4 years ago

Money burns a hole in their pockets.

Roe Weever
Roe Weever
4 years ago

Looks like conVanta already figured out the situation before pulling out,who they kidding. Should have let them die on the vine and get a turn key to come in. Impeccable timing I might say….the price of doing business. Other cities should beware of this.

Johnny99
Johnny99
Reply to  Roe Weever
4 years ago

Baby Roe,

ConVanta – that’s a good one right there. Perhaps company is related to the con man VanShields who fleeced the Berkshire Museum before skipping town. And perhaps VanShields was related to Sotille who campaigned for mayor years ago with a photo of his wife and kids in a red wagon. Not sure why candidates put their kids and wife in the picture cuz they ain’t on da ballot. Sotille scaddadled too after that.

Joe Blow
Joe Blow
4 years ago

Dan, You are the last REAL journalist we have left here in The Berkshires! Keep up the good fight!

“A sleeping and indoctrinated population that has no diversity of thought, is very easy to control and manipulate. It also makes it much easier to demonize, smear and destroy rivals.” ~ Imperator Rex

Joe Blow
Joe Blow
Reply to  Joe Blow
4 years ago

Does the City honor FOIA requests? We bought the city council iPads are the text messages and e-mails public record? So many questions that need answering….it would be funny if a PAC donated some funds to local patriot to get the answers though the courts.

“Citizens have taken their freedom for granted. Citizens who fell asleep and let foxes into the chicken house.
They forgot the meaning of the phrase, ‘eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.”~ Imperator Rex

Johnny99
Johnny99
Reply to  Joe Blow
4 years ago

How many IPADs, where are they now, were they turned when people left office? How many laptops are unaccounted for? What about the great school computer giveaway that was going to turn little Johnny into a rocket scientist? Who’s watching the store????

Johnny99
Johnny99
Reply to  Joe Blow
4 years ago

Diversity only applies in the progressive sense of the word. You are not allowed to have thoughts of your own or you will be excommunicated.

The school committee
The school committee
4 years ago

Most cities and towns are discussing ways to cut the cost of schools.Pittsfield is increasing the cost by 2.5 million new dollars hiring 25 more positions each with retirements and healthcare.Taconic lost a Auditorium and a Gym that both provide the city with a place for large functions…..121 million plus the 600k cleanup of oil when the demo was complete of the boiler room

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

and that is why the city needs an independent audit of the school system. This situation begs for it. Who can give us a cost figure for it?
Oops, we need an independent estimate of the cost of an independent audit..

Merry & Bright
Merry & Bright
4 years ago

Read in the BB that the City’s Road’s Chief has been put on leave. Of course that is all the information that will be given out to the taxpayers. I am very curious as to how many City employees are currently out of paid leave, how long they have been on leave and how long they intend to keep them on leave? As taxpayers Mayor Vibrant/Dynamic and BowTie Kerwood should be providing this information, but then again our elected City Council should also be asking these questions. Also hearing that there is a lot of turmoil going on in the Fire Department this week.. Supposedly three of the newly inducted candidates lied on their employment applications about their residency and they are being let go. Meanwhile the taxpayers have been footing a lot of their training costs. Where is the City’s Human Resource/Personnel Department in all of this? There doesn’t seem to be one department under this administration that isn’t totally dysfunctional.

Sojourner Truth
Sojourner Truth
Reply to  Merry & Bright
4 years ago

All citizen concerns and city transparency and accountability has always been thwarted by the over used excuse that there is;”No comment. It’s a personnel matter”.
All city department heads especially the Mayor and Chief of Police repeat this refrain like a trained seal in a Barnum and Bailey Circus.

X-Lachs Lounge
X-Lachs Lounge
4 years ago

Which mayoral candidates will release their tax returns for the last 10 years?

doomiedodger
doomiedodger
Reply to  X-Lachs Lounge
4 years ago

Probably none. But I will vote for the one who can access and publicly print what should be common public knowledge. I want to know why the Eagle will not dig out a complete list of ALL entity’s who have or are currently receiving tax write offs or GE TIFS. Should be a 10 minute workload for Kerwood to provide.

Why is there such secrecy about this subject? Which mayor candidate would like to gain public trust by digging this info out? And which one will want to keep it hidden in the file cabinet?

Trump Derangement Syndrome
Trump Derangement Syndrome
4 years ago

Comey headed for prison.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Trump Derangement Syndrome
4 years ago

Comey has some serious explaining to do that’s for sure as do so many in the FBI like the lovers Page and Struzck who started this Mueller investigation on President Trump and knew so much about this “insurance policy” if Trump won the election.

I want Mueller to testify and I want a Republican to ask him if he had President Trump’s taxes to pore over for the past 3 years. There is no way that Mueller did not have his taxes and that would end this obsession on the far left to demand to see his taxes. I don’t think a presidential candidate or an actual president needs to show their taxes to the general public, but this question would end this obsession once and for all.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Trump Derangement Syndrome
4 years ago

It’s for sure that Comey has some serious explaining to do as do so many in the FBI like the lovers Page and Struzck who started this Mueller investigation on President Trump and knew so much about this “insurance policy” if Trump won the election.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Trump Derangement Syndrome
4 years ago

I want Mueller to testify and I want a Republican to ask him if he had President Trump’s taxes to pore over for the past 3 years. There is no way that Mueller did not have his taxes and that would end this obsession on the far left to demand to see his taxes. I don’t think a presidential candidate or an actual president needs to show their taxes to the general public, but this question would end this obsession once and for all.

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  Pat
4 years ago

I hope Trump ships all those liberal left leaners back to their own country. If we only had a wall they could not have gotten in hear to mess up our great country. If the country was all republicans it would be like living in heaven I betcha.

Brody Hooper
Brody Hooper
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
4 years ago

Matt enough with the Trump Derangement Syndrome

Trump Derangement Syndrome
Trump Derangement Syndrome
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
4 years ago

JA, what brand of aluminium foil works best for headgear to prevent Trump from using your brain as a transistor?

Mr. X
Mr. X
4 years ago

DV—
In your response to Mr. Tyer, is that the same $121 million brand new school whose gym is too small for graduation? Wait until the news about the DPW in turmoil hits the news. Their winter budget is $2 million in the hole, Superintendent Ostrander is on a 2 week paid suspension pending some kind of investigation and has 1 foot on a banana peel and the other one out the door. Recently a number of DPW workers have quit with more to follow. DPW Commissioner Turoucey is quitting in October right before the election and stuffing the City with that $2 million debt he created. Recently hired back and then retired police officer Eason received a $1 million settlement in back pay and law suit against the City. His new job is road details at $44 an hour as a retired cop. You can’t even make this stuff up. Time for Mrs. Tyer and her band of buffoons to go away. Bring on Mayor Mazzeo.

doomiedodger
doomiedodger
Reply to  Mr. X
4 years ago

If you go the nepotism route for key positions it almost ALWAYS backfires. You need QUALITY EXPERIENCED people not your buddy from the gym.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Mr. X
4 years ago

Upheaval in the DPW? Does this explain why it’s nearly June and many roads are still in terrible condition with potholes not being filled? There was some activity this week, but Springside Avenue still remains in bad shape as do so many of the side streets and even large holes in some main roads.

Mr. G
Mr. G
Reply to  Pat
4 years ago

LOL Pat. I believe that the quote I read said that this guy’s…suspension(?) …”would not affect the pothole filling.” And the only thing I could think was…an empty seat can do just as crappy a job as what’s been done!

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

Not unless the mayor approves the story will you see it in print. It is a personnel matter ya know. Has nothing to do with the stupid nosy taxpaying public trouble makers

Reignbow
Reignbow
4 years ago

Where is the Leadership? Run the ship, don’t just steer it ! Start with the two potholes at the corner near St. Marks,been there for a month, surprised no one from the Church hasn’t complained about it?

Mr. G
Mr. G
4 years ago

Hey…uhhhh, Dan? Questioning, even badgering city officials is one thing. It’s all good fun among friends. Peeking in the windows of the Luchese or Gambino family operations and trying to shed light…well, we like having you around big fella so I hope you know what you’re doing. Remember, the first visit is always cordial!

Mr. G
Mr. G
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

Leave the gun…take the cannoli.

12 Gauge
12 Gauge
4 years ago

The trash issue will be part of the mayoral debates. Who will do best with this issue and for that matter, who will be the best debater. Who will have the best policies?

Paris
Paris
Reply to  12 Gauge
4 years ago

Tyer is useless. The race is between Gaetani and Mazzeo. Tyer is yesterday’s news. Who the hell are Kalinowski and Graves?

Kicabuc Pauly
Kicabuc Pauly
4 years ago

Major Accomplishment
Tyler trash cans
Potholes of America
Raise in home assessments
Lower tax rate- two cents
crime,well it’s a crime
New School- no gym
B B guns galore-summit
Carmel to housing authority
Progressively stalled trash pick up
Covanta 550 g
Beacon-money pit….thanx Di
Wahconah Lake…still there
Street Lines not on time
Winter works two mil over budget
Terrocy leaving…hooray
Shot sputter
Water rates sky high
O P E B millions in arrears
PEDA fund drying up
Pickle ball thriving
Old people dying
S S Alley- North Street
Everybody suing ppd

Sonny
Sonny
4 years ago

Every tax paying citizen should have been part owner of Covanta.
What is their net worth? A 500k investment of tax payer money is significant. Of course this mayor only agreed to a 4 year window. She is not for the real tax payers in this city. Look no further than her last attempted grab at the GE Fund. Time to get someone in that office that will attempt to try and ease the tax payers burden

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
4 years ago

I believe the lovely Linda Tyer is the best Mayor of Pittsfield, EVER!

I disagree that the tagline “Blame Linda” should be used for all of Pittsfield’s problems.

I hope the lovely Linda Tyer will be reelected to a second term as Mayor of Pittsfield in 2019!

– Jonathan Melle

X-Lachs Lounge
X-Lachs Lounge
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
4 years ago

What’s the air pressure for your Linda love doll. Pssssssss.

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
4 years ago

Melle,
List 5 significant accomplishments of Mayor Tyer during her term of office.
I can’t come up with one. Tyler St trashcans don’t meet the “significant” qualification. Neither does the “ tax cut” as it amounted to chump change for most people.

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
4 years ago

I think her generosity and compassion towards Mr. Stanley concerning the Beacon theater was laudable. It showcased her big heart and concern for hungry millionaires.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
4 years ago

What has the lovely Linda Tyer accomplished as being the best Mayor of Pittsfield, EVER?
* She added more police officers to fight crime
* She managed budgets well, including the first tax cut in 25 years
* She took progressive stands for all of Pittsfield’s residents
* She added jobs with the Wayfair announcement and new marijuana dispensaries
* She saved the Beacon Cinema from closing
* She saved Covanta from closing
* She believes in Pittsfield amidst all of the negativity
* She didn’t participate in the Berkshire Museum shakedown
* She fights against blight
Linda Tyer stands for everything I believe in when it comes to politics and governance. If I was a Senator, she would be the first person I would hire to be on my staff. Pittsfield doesn’t know how fortunate the community is to have the lovely Linda Tyer as its Mayor!
– Jonathan Melle

Gus Withers
Gus Withers
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
4 years ago

Very fake news. Museum,negativity,BeaCon, blight? The roads and filthy streets are blight,crime increased.

X-Lachs Lounge
X-Lachs Lounge
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
4 years ago

Psssssssss

Merry & Bright
Merry & Bright
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
4 years ago

Jonathan – I suggest you pack up and move back to Pittsfield. Maybe Mayor Dynamic Vibrant will find you a job. Then let all of us know how you feel about the goings on in Pittsfield in 6 months.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
4 years ago

Jonathan,Pittsfields number 1 job is safety and number 2 is cut increasing budgets.

Mr. X
Mr. X
4 years ago

Scott Graves is a hard working entrepreneur with apartments and buildings in Pittsfield including the Rusty Anchor. Karen Kalinowski is a recently retired Pittsfield police officer. Both nice people but capable on running a $100 million plus yearly business???

Ted
Ted
Reply to  Mr. X
4 years ago

So who is?

Wilson
Wilson
Reply to  Mr. X
4 years ago

Closer to $200 million, but of course it’s a racket not a business, so no skills or qualities are needed; in fact, the fewer abilities and virtues the better, which is why Tyer will win in a landslide

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  Wilson
4 years ago

It is not like the mayor makes the decisions anyway. Many big decisions are made by people (advisors) who are non political on the surface. They are knows are mystery puppeteers in the world of politics.

Knew Humpshire
Knew Humpshire
4 years ago

What exactly does,saved Covanta from closing mean? That’s just it,Covanta didn’t need to be saved from anyone.

The school committee
The school committee
4 years ago

Jonathan,Pittsfields number 1 job is safety and number 2 is cut increasing budgets.

Reignbow
Reignbow
4 years ago

On this Covanta gfe away, here is a scenario…you buy a house,the boiler craps out after sale? Do you ask the seller to ask seller to replace it’s?

Ron Kitterman
Ron Kitterman
4 years ago

(Kelo v. City of New London ) I fail to see how the city would be misusing its power of eminent domain, especially if we already ponied up $562,000 of the GE settlement money wasn’t it last week this money was fine to use so a few could fix up their homes with new siding

Rule 27
Rule 27
Reply to  Ron Kitterman
4 years ago

If you do new siding and a pickle ball court you should be ok.

Shakes
Shakes
Reply to  Rule 27
4 years ago

You fail to understand the nuances of Kelo. This community is hilarious… use Federal law on a whim, but the Clean Water Act shouldn’t apply to us. Ridiculous