!UPDATE! PLANET WAS FIRST WITH ELECTION … BIANCHI WINS MAYORAL TILT … CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR FOR MARCHETTI … AT LARGE, IT’S SHERMAN, MAZZEO, COTTON & CLAIRMONT … IN WARDs: MORANDI, CAPPY, CONNELL, LOTHROP (MAYBE) … KINNAS TOPS SCHOOL COMMITTEE, KING OUT, EVERYONE ELSE IN
By DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI News and Commentary
ADD 1 FORTRESS, WEDNESDAY NOONEY, Nov. 9. 2011
This morning THE PLANET has been busier than a fly swatter in an outdoor farmer’s market in Honduras, and most of it, believe it or not, non-political stuff. Nonetheless, we wanted to at least drop in on you today and see how you’re surviving Election Day +1.
THE PLANET was the first to announce definitive calls on all the races. We did this via Facebook. How did we do (predictions, not endorsements)?
* MAYOR — We corrected called Dan Bianchi‘s win over Peter Marchetti, narrow as that win might have been. Electoral happenings are not hand grenades, horseshoes, or scattering buckshot. Close doesn’t count. THE PLANET already heard from Team Marchetti (not from Peter himself, because he has too much class and intelligence) how we, your humble PLANET, cost their guy his victory. We let them vent; it is good for the soul.
* COUNCIL — Ward 1: We predicted Yon in a landslide. Of course, we add an asterisk. She was unopposed. We can say the same for Krol in Ward 6 and newbie Simonelli in Ward 7. Ward 2, we correctly called Morandi‘s destruction of White. Ward 3, we correctly called Cappy‘s handy win over Ferrin (remember, these are not our endorsements). Ward 4, we called Connell over Vincelette. Ward 5, we were correct in Lothrop over Breault.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE — Six ran for seven seats. One would be eliminated. We corrected predicted that it would be King. Terry Kinnas won the sixth spot, and brother, his win instantly makes the school committee meetings the place to be for political junkies.
In short, THE PLANET correctly called every race in every election this busy season: prelims and general for state rep and all municipal office. We were the only media outlet that can claim this: We were Don Larson on Oct. 8, 1956. We threw a perfect game!
Tomorrow, we will be back with some analyses, and we shall begin a two-part series on the state of the Pittsfield Public Schools. THE PLANET realizes we have been promising this for a couple of weeks, and now, with the tide of events having crested, we shall deliver at least the opening.
For the remainder of today, we invite any and all to weigh in with there reflections on what the electoral events of yesterday mean for Pittsfield and Berkshire County.
IN SAYING THAT, WE ADD THIS URGENT NOTE: WE WANT TO KEEP AN OPEN FORUM AND ENCOURAGE A SPIRITED AND EVEN RAUCUS DISCUSSION OF IDEAS.
IN SHORT, ALL COMMENTATORS ARE WARNED TO KEEP THEIR COMMENTS FOCUSED ON THE ISSUES, THE IDEAS, AND THE PERSONALITIES. AS FOR THE LATTER, PLEASE STAY WITHIN THE GROUNDS OF FAIR COMMENT.
CERTAIN POSTERS HAVE SKIRTED THE EDGE OF BANISHMENT FROM THE SITE, WHICH HAS ONLY HAPPENED TO TWO PEOPLE BECAUSE OF THEIR INSISTENCE ON STUPIDITY OVER SENSE. DON’T LET THAT BE YOU.
AGREE OR DISAGREE, AS STRONGLY AS YOU WISH, BUT DO SO WITH INTELLIGENCE, CLASS, ARTICULATENESS, AND GOOD WRITING, TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITY. WE RESPECT ALL OF THAT. WE DO NOT RESPECT EXCHANGES OF IGNORANCE.
We thank all of our readers, fans and foes, for making THE PLANET into what we hoped it would be: a marketplace of idea, and intellectual exchange, a bazaar of thought and viewpoints. Please respect, as much as you have it in you to do so, everyone who contributes to this site. We love that this site remains open to all and has not degenerated into a place that requires a political litmus test to enter, such as Fox News, MSNBC, or, closer to home, the Boring Broadsheet.
LOVE TO ALL.
With that, please tell us what you make of the events of yesterday.
—————————————
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, ELECTION NIGHT, 9:09 p.m., Nov. 8, 2011) — Dan Bianchi won a squeaker over Peter Marchetti in the battle for mayor in Pittsfield today. With all precincts counted, Bianchi topped Marchetti by 93 votes. Keep in mind that all totals at this point are unofficial and remain so until certified by city clerk Linda Tyer.
It was a photo-finish, with Marchetti holding a 12-vote lead with one precinct left to report. Literally, all the marbles rode on the numbers from 2B. There, Bianchi won by more than 100 votes.
In the other races, Kevin Sherman, Melissa Mazzeo, Churchill Cotton, and Barry Clairmont finished in the money, with Rick Scapin just missing and finishing fifth; Ward 2, Morandi over White; Ward 3, Capitanio over Ferrin; Ward 4, Connell over Vincelette; Ward 5, too close to call, but Lothrop over Breault by six votes, with a recount all but certain; school committee: Kinnas, Yon, Amuso, Barbalunga, Elias, and Conant (King eliminated).
Let is also be know that THE PLANET was the first to call the races, via Facebook. Tomorrow, we will have more.
WITH THAT, SEE YOU SOON, IN THE A.M.
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
Clairmont really Dan? This will only allow to let the ‘Good ‘ol Boy’ system continue with him there. That is a disappointment for the city of Pittsfield…. sorry to say, but only time will prove it. What a shame.
Dan
First and foremost thank you for the public support encouragement and confidence for me and my campaign over the last several days.
I did lose and have no regrets at all. The people have spoken and I must respect the process of democracy.
I want to take this time to thank those bloggers here who did support me and gave me words of encouragement and support. I also want to thank my beautiful wife Sherry, and my family for there endless support and encouragament. I also want to be sure to thank all 672 residence of Ward 3 who did vote for me.
I vow to stay involved and hope when I decide which office to seek in two years.
Dan
This venue and forum which you have provided all of us even as controversial as you may be in your writing at times with readers is a very important source of information that creates much dialogue for those of us who do read it. You and I even do not always agree on issues, but I know we also respect that those views are just that. Views and opinions. Out of different views and opinions as well as dialogue is what helps to create resolution to those controversial issues.
I wish Cappy well and hope he takes the advice I offered when I called to congradulate him on his victory tha he become more self opinionated, involved in conversation and independant from the GOB’s. He thanked me for running a clean race and assured me he would try to be more vocal on the council and the issues. “We will see”
Jeff Ferrin
Losing a political race is a bump in the road and assure you I will remane involved and I encourage all residence of Pittsfield to take advantage of mayor elect Bianchi’s offer to become more involved in “YOURE” goevernment.
I also want to congratulate all the winners of the municipal racees including school committee. We must now as a community make it a point to be involved in our city.
JEFF
Thank you for your gracious statement. You ran hard, ran with everything you have, and lost to a popular and deeply entrenched opponent. There is no doubt if you stay active in the next two years, you will force Cappy into being a better councilor. You will also get two years smarter, two years better, and two years more prepared. You, Jeff Ferrin, are the epitome of what it means to be an Engaged Citizen, which is still the highest office in the land. Look forward to the next two years. Now you and your lovely wife, take a little time off together. You earned it. — DAN
jeff, you gave it a great run against the gob stronghold ward. even if melissa ran against paul she would lose. also, with bianchis win , be it 100 votes or 1 vote, to beat out that network was a feat of its own…..49% voted, maybe next voting cycle 50% or better. then we will know if people have shaken off the gobs. my figures were bianchi by 1000 votes…gobs are still a force to reckon with………..
Rick Mellisa did lose to Paul remember?
Correct. Steve, THIS is the type of comment that will keep you as a member of this site. You have much to contribute, so please, do so.
Victorious last night, Dan Bianchi is quoted by the Eagle saying, ‘I believe we have a bright future.’ Okay, Bianchi, you got two years to put actions behind the lofty words. The day you get sworn into office, order the City Solicitor to file a motion in federal district court to reopen the GE Consent Decree. Then, GE or no GE, take direct action and begin the legal and technical process to get Silver Lake dredged of its Cancer-cluster producing PCBs, Chromium Hexavalents, VOCs and SVOC’s, along with getting Hill 78 and its poisonous burdens excavated. Pittsfield’s ‘bright future’ is dependent upon being made non-poisonous to those living within city limits. Dan Bianchi, congratulations on winning, the celebration’s over, plan on hitting the ground running.
I’m with Ray O. Be strong, Dan Bianchi. You got your chance. Now we expect you to act. Good luck to all who won and thanks for runnig to all who lost. the people are made better for contests, rather than the ward counselors that got in unopposed.
I voted Breault because he was opposed to the transfer station by my house and he’s a small business guy who according to him is smart with money even in tough economic times and a tight budget. Dan you really took that comment to heart about the eagle scooping you I love it when I can get to someone and rattle their cage a little it was all in fun.
SCOTT
I enjoyed the needling, actually. Thank you for your participation in this website.
I think it’s funny and a very STRONG statement that a little over 1,200 votes went to the biggest bum kissing, bobblehead, known to man-kind, John Krol, and there were over 450 “no candidate voted for” votes. Over 1/3 of the voters did not want you back, John Krol. [REDACTED]
Real Deal, how about the write in votes that some people wrote in Ward 6 instead of voting for Mr. Krol. Do you know what the count is for that?
I have to agree regarding John Krol. All he had to do this time around was NOTHING. He couldn’t keep his mouth shut and he damaged his reputation as a result. Look for opposition in 2 years John.
Seems like the gob’s are still the new council majority, even more.
Perhaps. It remains to be seen, but they lost the most visible, important office, which is the corner one.
Although the Ward 5 results are still out, thought Joe Breault could have done a couple of things to assure victory. One was being so honest., as he said he wasn’t internet or cell phone saavy. Right there, ten votes. Another was the zinger Lothrop and the pro Munchies comment concerning the strip club, Joe was unable to respond as it was at the end of the debate. Joe is a good man. Lothrop is a skunk.
I loved Joe’s honesty on the high-tech stuff. He HAS to seek a recount. A six-vote difference is actually the difference of three votes. If J-Lo loses three, they are subtracted from his total and added to Joe’s. That’s well within the standard deviation of polling results. THE PLANET would not recommend a recount in the mayoral race. 100 or so votes will almost never, to the point of virtual certainty, be overturned.
On WBRK Joe did say he will be asking for a recount. I believe there were over 80 “blank” votes and with the race so close, it definitely makes sense.
Pete Marchetti also phoned in. Even though he fell short by over 100 votes, he did call City Hall and is considering asking for a recount. He related that he will be thinking it over for the next 24-48 and then make a decision. I’m sure he will ultimately decide to accept defeat with grace and class rather than putting the city through an unnecessary process. The count two years ago proved that the initial count was quite accurate. A couple votes one way or another is not going to change the outcome. Why put himself through a second loss.
The Good Ol’ Boys have been chasing Jake and Elwood across the back country roads until they ran into the Private Citizen police, who stopped them. And the quote was, “Boys, you’re in a lot of trouble.” So what happens next?
Tell you what, PP. As interesting as it is to see what Bianchi does with the keys to the car, what Kinnas does at the first school board meeting will be even more fun. THAT’s what happens next.
got that rite – kinnas ‘l havem there ’til 1 A.M.
Do watch that deliberate misspelling, AB.
@ pp… we’ll have to wait.
Interesting that the push card slate of candidates Sherman, Clairmont, Caccamo and Cotton worked pretty well. Melissa was a sure bet and add the likely 3 to the mix.
Remind me, what was the margin you predicted in the mayoral race?
DA
C’mon, your memory can’t be that bad!
I just have to say that the Planets election coverage this season was out of this world. This website went above and beyond what any informed voter needed to know. Whether you love him, hate him, or fear him, Dan always has the pulse of the people and holds the city of Pittsfield close to his heart. Thanks Dan for a job well done and continued success.
He is the salt of the Earth. Truly.
H
We gave it 100% percent and left it all out on the field. Your remarks are gratifying and most appreciated.
pulse of the people – he had a landslide for beyanki and cost me $100 – he wasn’t even close
I want to thank all of you that voted for me, including the purported Lanesboro resident. If you any questions about the Pittsfield school(s) I will try to give you the information as accurately as I can.
yuh, if i any qwestins i”ll aks yuh trerri
Terry why do they suck so much? I have the answer there’s not enough parental involvement and school programs for kids to get into. It’s why I send mine to private. you guys shouldn’t take it personal no amount of money can change “inner city” schools. I voted for everyone but Alf just because I won’t give my reasons why.
SCOTT
In a lot of ways, Terry Kinnas’ win was the most significant of the night.
Well maybe if he’s against wasting money anyways, although I do enjoy the bill board advertisements for PPS when I’m commuting out of town to bring my child to his learning center. Guess I can’t knock them too much I am after all a product of their system but in their defense I read a lot.
TERRY
A Huge congratulations on an even bigger win.
I would also like to commend Mr. Valenti for a unique yet satisfying portrayal of the candidates. His insight was beyond reproach and quenched every concern for the political novice voter and beyond. His eloquent and refreshing portrayal of certain candidates refrained from tyrant excuses to a genuine approach into the deepest depths of the candidates inner souls was devasting to the eye. Mr. Valenti has truly taken this blog to a new level as it continually gets fifty and sixties for replies wheras the Berkshire Eagle collectively gets zip!
I AGREE
Thanks, Beez. Much appreciated.
Hey beezer, is your name John and did you play goal for the Devils among others?
@ Jim….yeah and my goal in life is to play on Silver Lake… the puck would melt before it hit the net. John Vanbiesbrouk winninest American goalie in history! Lets go Rangers,those were the days, hey Jim?
@ Jim .. “It wasn’t a question of whether we’d get to the quarterback, it was how many times”….Marty Lyons… New York Jets Sack Exchange. One of the greatest quotes in sports history!
Along with Mark Gastineau, Joe Klecko and Abdul Salaam, the greatest D-Line in JETS history.
The NY Sack Exchange.
Bianchi almost lost this race due to a late push by Marchetti and I believe too much focus on Ward 4A/B. During the last week we rec’d a mailing and 2 phone calls from Pete himself asking for our votes. We rec’d nothing at all from Bianchi or his camp. If we had not already decided on voting for Bianchi those attempts may have swayed us. A misguided campaign strategy almost cost Bianchi the race.
KRAKEN
An astute observation. Bianchi is a smart man, and when the celebration dies down, he will make note of this for apply two years from now. You have to have some dry powder in the horn for the last crucial week.
I made 500 calls for Dan, including 200 on election day, so he didn’t lapse in that dept. You can’t call everyone and if a few are missed it’s a shame. Pete had more big money and it seems the GOB’s support so Dan’s victory is amazing in itself.
What’s amazing is that he won with idiots like you on his campaign.
It is sad that people might actually be waiting for a last minute mailer or phone call to decide who to elect as the person to run the town they live in. Maybe not sad..maybe more like pathetic.
DUSTY
The best way to get many people to procrastinate is to give them more time.
Back in 2001 or so Jim Arpante lost by 1 vote in Ward 2. There was a recount and Brassard ended up winning by 2 votes. That was with the old style machines. No way Pete M. Picks up a gain of over 100 votes with the new optical machines.
KEVIN
I remember that election well. Great memory and reminder.
Dan,
Just read on BB.com about a Pittsfield fireman who was passed over for promotion because he spent to much time defending the country in the Navy reserve, Cant wait for you to get the details and sort this all out. So far it sounds pretty bad, and yet again the taxpayers will be holding the bag.
What the hell is wrong with this city? A war vet gets screwed, and a steroid addict/dealer gets let off the hook? priorities?????
@ Jeff….Why should Cappy change anything? he just won the election hands down. People think he has done the job,period.
Question: Did Angelo Stracuzzi graduate from PENN STATE??????
Well, he loved Pittsfield High School enough to stay there year after year after year after year after year aft…..
That’s f-in beautiful.
I think Rick Scapin’s total votes was a shoker to alot of people….that would have been a hell of an upset…I was pulling for him
Me too, I voted for him.
I also voted for Rick