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!!PLANET EXCLUSIVE!! WE HEAR FROM PETER MOORE’S MOM and FAMILY … WHAT IS THE STATUS OF THE PPD APPEAL OF THE NILAN-MOORE DECISION? … plus … GUEST COLUMN TAKES ON HEALTH CARE

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By DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI News and Commentary

If you didn’t read the comments left on THE PLANET by Peter Moore‘s mother and his cousin, Heather, over the weekend,  we present them here. They are instructive and add a human dimension to the support that this website is pouring out for Peter Moore. This is from SUSAN MOORE:

As Peter Moore’s step mother, I have to thank you for keeping his case from being swept in the gutter where nobody can see what is happening. I have had similar neck surgeries that were not nearly as traumatic as Peter’s and I know what that injury alone will do to his long term quality of life. That the driver of the vehicle is getting off without even a traffic ticket boggles the mind. My husband flew up immediately upon hearing that his son was in the hospital and he located his son’s blood in the street and spoke to neighbors who heard the crash. After 23 years of being a cop in Hartford and retiring as a Captain, some years as head of the Traffic Division doing tons of accident reconstructions, I can tell you how angry we are that the system we both worked in has let down one of our own. It is not the Justice System, not today in Pittsfield, not for Peter Moore. A system that would allow for a closed hearing for only the defendant to present information is outrageous and is ripe for legislative changes. Peter, or any victim, should have been allowed to be present along with their legal representative.
Thank you Dan for keeping their feet to the fire! We read you every day here in Florida and post links to Facebook so all our friends can follow along. As for Peter, he says if this is his 15 minutes of fame, he wants a do over! His 10 year old daughter summed it up best when she said “it is like a giant game of Tug of War only one side gets to wear cleats!”

This is from Peter Moore’s cousin, HEATHER:

As a cousin of Peter’s in Atlanta, I would just like to say thanks to all who wish to see justice served correctly and to all those that are trying to make that happen.

This is far more reaching than just the Berkshires and I am certainly telling everyone I know about what happened here.

THE PLANET thanks Susan Moore and Heather, Peter Moore’s cousin, for their contributions.

———————————————————————

PETER MOORE’S FATHER, CAPT. TOM MOORE: AN EXPERIENCED TRAFFIC INVESTIGATOR FOR THE HARTFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT

We think it’s highly instructive and relevant that Peter Moore’s father is an experienced traffic investigator. He retired from the Hartford Police Department after a generation of service as Capt. Tom Moore, head of the traffic investigation department. Capt. Moore is an expert in accident reconstruction, another of the grand ironies in the Nilan-Moore case.

Capt. Moore  conducted an investigation at the scene, interviewed neighbors, made other inquiries, and on that basis, concludes that justice was not done.

Folks, and especially defenders of the Nilans, you can cry as much as you want about “witch hunts” and the like, but there’s no escaping the ONLY reasonable conclusion an objective party can reach when assessing all of the evidence in the case: It appears a near-certainty that Meredith Nilan crossed lanes, struck Peter Moore, knew she had hit a human being (not a “dog or a deer”), panicked, left Moore to die, called daddy, and rested in daddy’s ability to use his influence in the courts from that point to make it all go away.

Even the possibility that this has happened cannot be left alone, for upon it rests the the integrity of community life itself in the city of Pittsfield and — given that Pittsfield is the county seat — all of Berkshire County. We must not rest until officials step in and go to bat not just for the Moores but for all the good, decent, hardworking, law abiding citizens of Berkshire County.

‘Facts’ Must Always be in Service to Truth’

The Nilan apologists will say that none of this is certain or factual. We respond by saying, again, that a neutral third party, when digesting all of the information of this case, would have to conclude that the overwhelming likelihood is what we have just described.

No one can ever know EXACTLY what happened that night, except perhaps the driver. She would be a biased source, wouldn’t you say? That is why we have the courts, which presumably operate impartially so that we may, as best as humanly possible, arrive at the true understanding (if not the literal understanding) of what happens in the course of legally disputed human events, such as the Nilan-Moore case.

If a society cannot count on the courts be totally on the up and up, our democratic republic is a sham. We will have what President Obama mentioned in his State of the Union address: Two sets of laws, one for the Haves and the Powerful and the other for the have nots and the powerless. Is this what we have in Berkshire County? Is this the cesspool nature of the Pittsfield court house? THE PLANET cannot believe it.

Upon What Basis Can We Have Confidence in a Secret Hearing, Closed to the Victim, His Attorney, the Press, and the Public? 

When this case went to a hearing after the Pittsfield Police Department filed charges, it was not heard by the clerk magistrate in whose jurisdiction this case falls. A first assistant clerk magistrate from Westfield was brought in — by whom we don’t know. That’s one matter we would like cleared up. Who decided on Nathan Byrnes and why? If there is a good reason, an innocent reason, then tell us.

Why Nathan Byrnes was selected, of all the other options, we don’t know. Byrnes closed the hearing to the press and public. He also barred Peter Moore and his attorney. The date of the hearing was not made public, so smart-aleck reporters and scribes such as THE PLANET couldn’t stake out the courthouse.

Despite the overwhelming evidence in the case, Byrnes decided there was not enough to send it to trial. No transcripts of the hearing have been released.

And yet …

And yet we as a society (and the Moores as a family, who are dealing with a personal hurt we cannot imagine) are expected to shut up and feel comfortable that justice was served.

We won’t do that. There’s too much reasonable doubt to give the Nathan Byrnes hearing credibility.

What is the Status of the Pittsfield Police Department Appeal?

Another Great Secret, apparently, is the status of the PPD appeal. The filed an appeal of Byrnes’ decision, and we don’t know where it stands? Has the appeal been heard? Has a decision been rendered by a judge? If so, what was that verdict.

Why the secrecy? Why wouldn’t the Pittsfield courts issues a simple press statement updating the public on this question?

As we stated, no one can ever literally reconstruct what happened on the night of Dec. 8 involving Meredith Nilan, driver, and Peter Moore, pedestrian. Our best shot at learning the truth is for the case to appear in open court, attended by the press and public. Our best shot at determining whether everything that went on procedurally prior to a court trial will be for Attorney General Martha Coakley to investigate.

We would make our appeal to the AG on the very survival of our democratic free institutions. If we cannot rely on the Courts as bedrock, we can kiss the quality of communal life goodbye.

Central Berkshire District Court, Pittsfield, Mass., New England, United States of America, the earth, the universe, is not the Star Chamber under Charles I of England. It’s not the show trials under Josef Stalin of the Soviet Union. It’s not the political kangaroo courts of North Korea.

We don’t hold hearings on secret dates.

We don’t keep out press and public.

We don’t keep out the victim and his attorney.

We don’t hide transcripts of the proceedings.

We just don’t do that.

And yet that’s what was done.

We cannot allow this to rest in peace. Even if — for the sake of argument — Byrnes conducted a great hearing that arrived at justice … even granting that possibility, which we do … how can anyone in Berkshire County believe that as things stand right now? Remember, no one wants to feel this way about their institutions, and no one does, without due cause. There have been cases, some recent, of abuse and corruption in the local courts, and people rightly ask — considering who is involved — why not here? Why not now?

A fair shake? Is that too much for We The People to ask?

————————————————————————–

ONE AMERICA, TWO SETS OF LAWS?

“We can either settle for a country where a shrinking number of people do really well, while a growing number of Americans barely get by. Or we can restore an economy where everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same set of rules.  What’s at stake are not Democratic values or Republican values, but American values.  We have to reclaim them.” — President Barack Obama, State of the Union address.

Yeah, right.

An America where “everyone plays by the same rules.”

What is your opinion: Do you think that is true in Pittsfield? Do you think that is true in the Nilan-Moore case?

——————————————————————

HEALTH CARE: WE THE PEOPLE VICTIMIZED AGAIN

Yeah, right. An American where “everyone plays by the same set of rules.”

Do you think that is happening with health care? Read this guest post”

Health Insurance Deductibles Doubled in 7 Years, Study Finds

If you’ve seen your health insurance premiums increase along with your deductible, you’re not alone. A recent study by the Commonwealth Fund shows just how much more consumers are paying for employer-provided health insurance.

Total premiums — the amount paid by both employers and workers combined — for family coverage rose 50 percent from 2003 to 2010, to nearly $14,000 a year, the study found. (The fund is a private foundation that researches health policy issues. The report includes an interactive map showing premium increases by state.)

Workers, meanwhile, are shouldering more of that burden. Their share of annual premiums increased by 63 percent over the same period. In 2010, employee premiums for family-plan coverage averaged about $3,700, up from roughly $2,300 back in 2003.

As a result, “many working families have seen little or no growth in wages as they have, in effect, traded off wage increases just to hold onto their health benefits,” the report found.

What’s more, employees are paying more for less, because of higher deductibles — the amount workers pay out of pocket before coverage kicks in. The average family deductible nearly doubled over the seven years studied, to almost $2,000 in 2010.

The study used annual employer data from the federal government to examine insurance cost trends in the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Whether the rate of cost growth can be slowed, the report said, depends on the Affordable Care Act, which was passed in March 2010 and intended to go into effect over several years. The act has, for instance, rules to limit what insurance companies can spend on administrative costs and can be “a platform for further action,” the report said.

In November, however, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a challenge to the healthcare overhaul law, throwing some of its provisions into question.

“With rising costs and eroding coverage, much is at stake for the insured and uninsured alike as the nation looks forward,” the report concluded

If you have employer-based health insurance, how are you handling increases in your premiums and deductibles?

———————————————————————————-

LIONS, TIGERS, AND ALL SORTS OF EXOTIC CREATURES WILL OCCUPY THE PLANET TODAY, AS WE GET KNEE DEEP IN OUR WORDS. WE THUS LEAVE YOU< OUR GOOD FRIENDS, WITH A FOND AND FAMILIAR:

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL.

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Richard
Richard
12 years ago

Make no mistake about it Dan it is about the haves and have nots and it always has been it is just more obvious than before. Some people always gets special treatment weather it is something serious like this hit and run or something simple as having some one put a fence on your propriety and the city wont do anything about it [building dep].

PITTSFIELD BELIEVER
PITTSFIELD BELIEVER
12 years ago

More supposition, inuendo, rumor, hearsay etc by a :journalist:” who’s only intersted in show-biz: ratings and readers. Valenti doesn’t care a hoot about the Moores. Hes using them at the expense of a harrassed young woman who hit a man by mistake and owned up to it. A court hearing vindicated her. What else does anyone need? Oh, also, at 3:14 or so an executive jet came in for alanding at Pittsfield airport on Sunday afternoon. Flight logs will show. Flight plan showed plane came from Tampa, Fla. One passenger aboard. Dan Valenti. Plane leased to Romeny For President Committee. That’s how much that prima donna, Valenti, cares about the Moores and the little munchkins who slavishly follow this site. There’s been injustice in the Nilan case, alright, injustice for Meredith Nilan and her father.

dusty
dusty
Reply to  PITTSFIELD BELIEVER
12 years ago

PB I think your spaceship came in for a landing about the same time.

But could you take the trouble to list in detail all the ways justice was not served to the Nilans? Cuz I feel real bad about the way they have been treated getting off Scot free and all.

Dave
Dave
Reply to  dusty
12 years ago

PB

Owned up to it?

Where in the ?????? did you come up with that?

Joetaxpayer
Joetaxpayer
Reply to  PITTSFIELD BELIEVER
12 years ago

@PB Don’t agree with your assement of the FACTS that have been put on this site.Don’t really care about Dans flight plan.Since you are a regular non-contributer I would like nominate you Mayor of Munchkin land.

Bull Durham
Bull Durham
Reply to  PITTSFIELD BELIEVER
12 years ago

Where exactly is there any evidence that this “harassed young woman who hit a man by mistake OWNED UP TO IT?” She has never owned up to it. If she did, she would have been in court by now answering these charges, like anyone else. But she isn’t anyone else, is she, PB? She’s a protected harassed young woman, protected by her father’s influence, protected by a broken-down system that fears transparency and public scrutiny. Are Mr. Moore’s injuries supposition and innuendo? Were his multiple surgeries supposition and innuendo? Was a police investigation that found a car damaged to the extent that the driver had to know what she hit supposition and innuendo?

Also, Dan’s support of a presidential candidate, and any work he does for him, is his own business. I might not like Romney, and I don’t have to vote for him, but if Dan supports him, it’s his right to do so, and if he earns income from doing work for him, I do believe it’s all legal and above board… unlike the Nilan case, which stinks to the stars.

Irvin Corey
Irvin Corey
Reply to  PITTSFIELD BELIEVER
12 years ago

GOP is much better than a GOB

Molly
Molly
Reply to  PITTSFIELD BELIEVER
12 years ago

Flight logs. Flight plans. You are truly obsessed. You really need help!!!

“That’s how much that prima dona, Valenti, cares about the Moores and the little munchkins who slavishly follow this site.” Where is the connection? Because you are obsessed and follow him around and check flight plans and find that he flew in on Sunday night correlates HOW to his not caring about “the little guy”? Even IF what you say is true and he’s working for the Romney campaign (but who cares? other than obviously YOU), again – this correlates HOW to his not caring??? Could it be that Romney is a Republican and how could anyone who truly cares be backing or working for a Republican? Is that how you are trying to correlate the two?

Honestly – you need some serious help!

Joe Blow
Joe Blow
Reply to  PITTSFIELD BELIEVER
12 years ago

Why are you knocking him for writing for Romney? He must be real good at what he does if Mitt is flying him on a private jet. Are you jealous? Gov. Romney would not be my first choice but he has the best chance at beating Obummer and I will support him. Are you the former mayor who used to get drunk and throw your chicken wing bones over your shoulder at the brewery?

Jeff
Jeff
Reply to  PITTSFIELD BELIEVER
12 years ago

Just who gives two figs about Dan Valenti flying in on a Romney leased plane? Certainly, Mr. Valenti is free to take a plane ride if he wishes no matter who owns/leases the plane.

You state that Ms. Nilan has owned up to running down (human Bambi) Peter Moore? Have you seen the pictures of the car that hit Bambi? Do you really believe it could have been Rudolf the Red Nosed Raindeer that created that hole in the windshield? Do you really think justice has been served here? Who are you to call DV a prima donna? To ANYONE, he is the man looking
out for the little guy….. The little guy not connected to all the local GOB’s.

Apparently, you feel it’s wrong for Dan to fly in a Romney sponsored plane…. But it OK to run over an innocent man and leave him for dead at the side of the road! You are a total moron… And moreover I surely hope Romney hands Obama his ass! It will not happen in Massachusetts, but I pray the rest of this great country of ours has a brain unlike yourself!

Ron Jeremy
Ron Jeremy
Reply to  PITTSFIELD BELIEVER
12 years ago

In response to Pittsfield Believer, seriously Get a life and take [REDACTED] Meredith Nilan and her child molesting enabling Angelo Stracuzzi supporter of a father of hers to an edge of a cliff and jump off. She didn’t take responsibility and was probably drunk, ran home to daddy and tried to cover up what she had done, left a man and his dog for dead and now the courts here are enabling this wench and her loser father.

Irvin Corey
Irvin Corey
Reply to  PITTSFIELD BELIEVER
12 years ago

not a problem unless Valenti landed the plane and ht a pedstrian in another runway and once agan took flight.

Heather
Heather
Reply to  PITTSFIELD BELIEVER
12 years ago

Valenti certainly does care about the Moore’s. Sorry you do not understand that. Perhaps this is beyond your capabilities.

Sincerely,
Cousin Heather

Just Sayin
Just Sayin
12 years ago

Is it just me or does anyone else find it strange that a 24 year old woman with a good job is still living at home and driving dad’s 10 year old car? Does anyone know if she has her own car? If so, why was she driving this one? When my kids were old enough to drive, they worked and saved to get their own wheels. Just seems strange that a fashionable BYP would want to be seen in an old fuddy duddy car. For that matter, did anyone actually see her driving that car at any point that day or is it just her word that she was?

On another topic. Wasn’t it nice to see Berkshire Bank donate a prime piece of real estate to a non-profit? While it is a noble act and great for the agencies, once again the homeowners and business community will bear the resulting extra tax burden while the bank will probably enjoy a nice tax write off.

Molly
Molly
Reply to  Just Sayin
12 years ago

I agree on a 24 year old woman living at home with Mommy & Daddy and driving Daddy’s 10 year old car – strange indeed!

And no – BB donating their building to a not for profit is NOT a “noble act” at all! Think about what they are getting:
– A HUGE tax deduction (almost 2 million)
– Residence in a brand new, state of the art building in a location that is “the” most prime real estate in this city, rent free and tax free!
– After ~20 years, they get to buy the building for $1!!!
– The building is currently assessed for almost SIX MILLION DOLLARS.

And what do we get? Yet another ‘not for profit’ owning an almost 2 million dollar piece of real estate, paying no taxes.

This is noble how? This is just MORE SLEAZE!!!!

skier1
skier1
Reply to  Molly
12 years ago

I had put this on the eagle blog about what a sham 1berkshire was, the building donated to them. berk bank receiving rent, etc and the eagle pulled it!!!!! Why couldn’t BBank have donated it to a REAL non-profit that might do some good.

Molly
Molly
Reply to  skier1
12 years ago

Right! Donate it to The Christian Center, or the Brein Center, or some other REAL “not for profit”! I’m not surprised that the Eagle pulled it – they won’t print MOST of mine. That’s ok as I won’t purchase their paper!! Interesting to note that they have allowed all comments on Capeless today… LOL AND I DON’T EVEN LIKE CAPELESS! I’ve been one of his biggest critics! But I also see through the BB, too…

Just Sayin
Just Sayin
Reply to  Molly
12 years ago

Molly, I meant to put noble part in quotes to indicate disgust. The “donation” was obviously in the banks best interest … period.

Shakes His Head
Shakes His Head
12 years ago

There are subjective statements in the 77 “facts” listed in yesterday’s article. I am not stating that there is a wrong or a right here, just that the community was at peace when another allegedly ‘connected’ person was in somewhat similar tragic circumstances. The community needs to be patient while the same due process that each and every one of us, no matter how guilty or innocent, is entitled plays out. We the people should moderate our emotions with patience. If there was “wrongdoing” -then it will end up exposed. We the People must trust that the laws and rules function.

Each of us also has a day of reckoning, a burden that is much harsher than any of the conditions the mortal world places upon us.

Dave
Dave
Reply to  Shakes His Head
12 years ago

IF there was wrong doing?

IF thathad been anyone else, us little guys, we would be in jail looking out.

Shakes His Head
Shakes His Head
Reply to  danvalenti
12 years ago

Apathy is rampant everywhere. I trust that Mr. Moore’s counsel will know more about fixing this than I do.

Joe Blow
Joe Blow
12 years ago

The b.b. had a interview with d.a. Capless today and did not ask him about the Nilan incident……

Dave
Dave
12 years ago

Quote from above:
As a result, “many working families have seen little or no growth in wages as they have, in effect, traded off wage increases just to hold onto their health benefits,” the report found.

Sadly this is very true. With gas nearly $4/gallon and threating to be 4 or 5 this summer, a loaf of bread at nearly $4, the squeeze is on.

People in the middle class are making choices they had never to make before. Pay bills or eat.

Still wondering
Still wondering
12 years ago

PB has serious issues. Obtain help immediately.

rick
rick
12 years ago

as mothers, fathers,step mothers, cousins and extended family members chime in with their personal and passionate input to the accident and mr.moores recovery, has anyone even asked how the dogs doing? does anyone care? i do … hows the dog? i do agree that everything should be above board, thats why we have the court system, but everything can be tainted and infested and the courts are not excluded…i guess forums like this are needed to correct the wrongs of people hired to protect us,( police, d.a., judges etc….).. but corruption dons many faces and you never really know what face they are wearing when you talk to them.

Molly
Molly
Reply to  rick
12 years ago

I care about the dog as well. The article in the BB said the dog was ok although he can’t be walked anywhere near where the accident happened as the dog kinda flips out…

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
12 years ago

Cliff Nilan covered up for Angelo Stracuzzi for 5 years. Cliff Nilan is best friends with Carmen Massimiano. Cliff Nilan got his daughter off of the hook. Cliff Nilan is a Good Old Boy!

Silence Dogood
Silence Dogood
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
12 years ago

Correction Jonathan, in Massachusetts they are not good old boys they are G.O.Ds….good old democrats just like Tim Murray 108 mph.

Diana
Diana
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
12 years ago

Exactly.

Molly
Molly
12 years ago

I’ve been reflecting on just what that BB article likely did to Capeless – in my opinion, it made him look VERY bad!!! And also, just how “out of character” it is for the BB to do that! They just don’t do these types of things (as we’ve seen in the Nilan case!) So why now, why with Capeless? I’ve been one of the biggest “complainers” of Capeless recently, but is it possible that Capeless wasn’t going along with all of the sleaze of the Nilan case and this is his “punishment”, or part of it? This is what it is like when you no longer have THE GOB’S protecting you? They (Nilans, et al) were still able to achieve what they wanted to because it doesn’t go to the DA’s office until the “Show Cause Hearing” (or the appeal being approved) sends it to the DA’s office. So they “took care of it” prior to it even going to Capeless and perhaps even Speranzo wasn’t going along with it, either, and so they showed him and brought in the Westfield ringer? Speranzo could be ill from all the stress! Maybe I’ve been sending my barbs the wrong way?? Possible? This is just SOOOOOOOO unlike the BB – “something” isn’t right! And for them to not even ask Capeless about the Nilan case at all is a BIG, HUGE, GAPING HOLE!

Ray Ovac
Ray Ovac
Reply to  Molly
12 years ago

Molly is spot-on once again!

Ray Ovac
Ray Ovac
Reply to  Molly
12 years ago

DV, is DA Capeless precluded from empaneling a grand jury, especially in these extraordinary circumstances where there is obvious political interference with the judicial process?

Shakes His Head
Shakes His Head
Reply to  Ray Ovac
12 years ago

for a misdeameanor?

Ray Ovac
Ray Ovac
Reply to  Shakes His Head
12 years ago

It’s only a misdemeanor at this point because no one from Berkshire Young Professionals or Allium Bar is yet on record concerning Meredith Nilan’s sobriety the evening of BYP’s party.

Bull Durham
Bull Durham
Reply to  Ray Ovac
12 years ago

A grand jury can only be convened after the individual has been charged and arraigned in District Court on formal charges. The grand jury’s job is to decide if the charge rises to the level of a felony count, and if so, it then issues an indictment and the individual is then arraigned in superior court on the felony charges. There is no “investigative” grand jury solely for the purpose of getting into the details of a case like this. The charges the police have sought are misdemeanor in nature, and even if the appeal succeeds, no grand jury will be empaneled unless the DA then seeks felony counts. You can’t jump to a grand jury process from where this case stands right now.

Bull Durham
Bull Durham
Reply to  Ray Ovac
12 years ago

Also, Ray, the misdemeanor status has nothing to do with whether someone at Allium or BYP tells police they saw her with a drink in her hand or not. The police can’t charge her with OUI because they would need evidence, and someone saying “I saw her with a drink in her hand right before she left” is what’s called hearsay, it is not allowed in any court. If the police had been able to do a field sobriety test on her at the scene, which of course could not happen since she left the scene and was not interviewed until the next day, they could have gathered evidence as to her sobriety or not. No matter what you wish for, even if ten people swore they saw her staggering out of the Bar, it’s hearsay in criminal court, circumstantial evidence at best. Now… in a civil lawsuit… that’s different… if people testified in a lawsuit that she had clearly been drinking the night of the incident, a jury can consider it, because the defendant isn’t facing “charges” that would result in potential jail time.

That being said, hit and run alone could be upgraded to the level of a non-misdemeanor count, I would think, if the evidence supports that. But the OUI aspect of this will never be proven in a criminal court. I wish that were not the case.

Molly
Molly
Reply to  Ray Ovac
12 years ago

I have to disagree with some of what you said on this one, Bull. Evidence other than a breathalyzer, for instance, witnesses seeing her displaying behavior consistent with being drunk, CAN be used in felony charges, and yes – circumstantial evidence. But murderers have been found guilty on circumstantial evidence!!!! I do agree that it would be very difficult to prove based on witnesses though – unless there were a LOT of witnesses, all saying basically the same thing. And at that, the defense lawyer would jump on any of those witnesses who also had even one drink, questioning their judgement of her.

And no – hit and run can only be a felony if OUI or death were involved. Otherwise, it is a misdemeanor charge – period.

Diana
Diana
Reply to  Molly
12 years ago

If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck. You are so right Molly.

Molly
Molly
Reply to  Molly
12 years ago

Leekwriter wrote that this interview with Capeless happened well before the Nilan/Moore case. That’s interesting… And likely true which answers the question of why they didn’t ask about the Nilan/Moore case. But why print it now? Perhaps to get everyone all hyped up and ticked off at Capeless, thereby deflecting the contempt for the Nilan case somewhere else? I just don’t trust the BB… at all!!! And they really tried to make Capeless look bad. Why? The BB just doesn’t do those things to their “favored” GOD’s!!!

Bull Durham
Bull Durham
Reply to  Molly
12 years ago

While you may be right that it cannot be a felony count, it can rise above misdemeanor status. The law specifically states:

Whoever operates a motor vehicle upon any way or in any place to which the public has right of access, or upon any way or in any place to which members of the public shall have access as invitees or licensees, and without stopping and making known his name, residence and the registration number of his motor vehicle, goes away after knowingly colliding with or otherwise causing injury to any person not resulting in the death of any person, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than six months nor more than two years and by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars.

You don’t get jail time for misdemeanors, and this comes with the potential for jail time in the county house. That means it has risen to the level of a formal charge and is heard by a judge or jury in District Court and not by a magistrate. A magistrate cannot impose jail time, only a judge can. My point is, hit and run is far more serious than a simple citation that goes before a magistrate.

Bull Durham
Bull Durham
Reply to  Bull Durham
12 years ago

Actually, Molly, while looking further, yes, you are right, all crimes not considered felony are labeled as misdemeanor in Massachusetts, so I apologize, and stand corrected. Still, at least if convicted of this misdemeanor, she would stand the chance of going to the county jail.

Molly
Molly
Reply to  Bull Durham
12 years ago

This is why I would’ve liked to have seen one of the questions to our Reps be, “are you willing to propose legislation to change the current hit and run laws in MA”? There is no way that hitting someone and causing such serious injuries and leaving him there to die should ever be classified as a “misdemeanor” and go before an Assistant Clerk Magistrate!!! This should be a very serious charge!

I have zero faith that she will ever see the inside of a jail cell – anywhere.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
12 years ago

Cliff Nilan covered up for Angelo Stracuzzi for 5 years. Cliff Nilan is best friends with Carmen Massimiano. Cliff Nilan got his daughter off of the hook. Cliff Nilan is a Good Old Boy! Cliff Nilan is the man behind the curtain in Pittsfield.

Pat
Pat
12 years ago

By calling the people on this board “munchkins” Pittsfield Believer shows the contempt that those in the “in crowd” of Pittsfield hold for we average citizens. Any opinion that differs from the “in crowd” of PIttsfield is looked upon with contempt and disgust. Any questioning of how things are done in this city is not allowed or respected. I call that the two Americas that Obama referred to in his State of the Union address.

If all of this is so wrong then people in the know should come forward and enlighten the rest of us because what we are seeing isn’t above board. A secretive court system is not acceptable just as a secretive Mass. Probation Dept. was not acceptable. Bringing Boston corruption to the Berkshires is not acceptable.

We the general public want honesty and above board dealing from our Court System which is fundamental to a free and open society. We should expect and receive NO LESS.

Ray Ovac
Ray Ovac
12 years ago

DV, isn’t it on the Pittsfield court clerk’s filing system the name of the judge before whom the PPD appeal is to be heard?

Unchy
Unchy
12 years ago

Winesap..how appropriate.

Ray Ovac
Ray Ovac
12 years ago

DV, has anyone considered setting up a picket line in front of the Pittsfield Court House and notifying Boston and Albany TV and radio media about this blatant miscarriage of justice and the obvious political interference with the local criminal justice system?
This whole thing reeks of failure by local DA David Capeless to take charge of this prosecution and to set this matter on its proper prosecutorial course.

outfox
outfox
Reply to  Ray Ovac
12 years ago

I think I suggested something like that three days ago.

Ray Ovac
Ray Ovac
Reply to  outfox
12 years ago

Great minds thinking alike, Outfox.

pjmh
pjmh
Reply to  Ray Ovac
12 years ago

I have jury duty tomorrow – something I would usually take seriously. If given the opportunity, I can’t wait to tell the judge why my ass is walking out of that courtroom and not participating.

Molly
Molly
Reply to  Ray Ovac
12 years ago

Although I haven’t researched this myself so don’t personally know it as fact, it is my understanding that it is against the law to hold any protest on court property or on public sidewalks near to court property. If it is, indeed, a law, then we should be able to look it up fairly easily. I’ll join a protest! But I don’t think it would do much good unless we had a HUGE crowd of people and got the TV news to cover it. BUT – that CAN be done!!!

Irvin Corey
Irvin Corey
Reply to  Molly
12 years ago

use the side walks of Park Square which has been used by many, many groups.

Pat
Pat
12 years ago

Also Dan Valenti isn’t the reason why the general public is disgusted with this decision by this secretive court system. Dan’s website provides a place for people to gather and discuss this and get the latest info on what is going on, but if the Planet Valenti site didn’t exist, the public here in the Berkshires would still be just as concerned with what has been going on with the injustice being done to Mr. Moore, the victim of the accident.

Four in one
Four in one
12 years ago

If Planet VAlenti dind’t exist we wouldn’t know about the dirt dealing that we think has happened in this case all along since the moment of the Suv plowing into poor Peter Moore. It’s this website that kept the story from disappearing

Diana
Diana
12 years ago

Keep Going DV. It appears you are ruffling some feathers.

dusty
dusty
12 years ago

How many lawyers are there locally? These guys have to know the law and what is probably going on behind the scenes. They sure could be a big ally if they cared enough to get in on pulling this train.

It would be a super scary thought that they were all somehow being discouraged from getting involved in true justice in this case. Isn’t that what they are all about? Most of them? Some of them? One or two maybe? Are their hands all tied from speaking out even?

Diana
Diana
Reply to  dusty
12 years ago

Yes Dusty, I believe they are. Speaks to why so many people get lawyers from outside Berkshire County when they are pursuing justice from PPD, BMC. no Pittsfield Lawyers will stand against any of the GOB networks including CPS.

CONCERNED
CONCERNED
12 years ago

DAN Don’t forget what This idiot clerk told the Police Officer when asked why he didn’t find cause for complaint ” you could never win this in court. Thats would be for a Judge or jury not the clerk.

CONCERNED
CONCERNED
12 years ago

A grand jury can be called in for an investigation with a complaint thru district court. Don’t think its called for in Miss Nilan case. HOWEVER it should be brought in to investigate a Officer of the court obstructing Justice. Mr. CAPELESS do your job here, the people voted you in for JUSTICE, and it need you to do just that.

Diana
Diana
Reply to  CONCERNED
12 years ago

Concerned, Fat chance of that happening. How much would we really know if not for The Planet. Totally disgusts me at the thought of what we are not aware of. Bunch of perverts running Pittsfield is my take. vote out the whole lot next election.

No Reply
No Reply
12 years ago

Thanks, Dan VAlenti, for being the only writer and journalist in the entire area to dare take on The Local GOB Mob in this case. Sturgeon show, which I know you do regualrly will not discuss this. Sturgeon says he’s for the people, but he will not say peep on this case. Why>? We all appreciate having the Planet here for us.

Unchy
Unchy
12 years ago

Sturgeon has no balls.

PITTSFIELD BELIEVER
PITTSFIELD BELIEVER
12 years ago

I am one of the few who need to bring reason to this sensational and irrational sewer of a blog. Ms. Nilan reported the incident. Police investigated. Evidence was given before a clerk magistrate, who determined, after exhaustive hearing, that there was not enough evidence in the case. Yet, Valenti and his hypnotized follwers keep this going. I can understand his reasons, purely selfish. But the rest of you? You are the ones who have kept Pittsfield back, beginning with the Civic Authority vote to this date.
Valenti practices magic and he has a known reputation as a seducer. You have all fallen under this Little Napolean’s spell. We aren’t making up the stuff about Romney, Deval Patrick, and James Taylor. These are the circles he keeps. Your “hero.” [REDACTED]

dusty
dusty
Reply to  PITTSFIELD BELIEVER
12 years ago

Cliff….Cliffy is that you? and was that last line a threat?

Joetaxpayer
Joetaxpayer
Reply to  PITTSFIELD BELIEVER
12 years ago

Thank you P.B(AKA Mayor of Munchkin land) for your insite.I dont agree with you and anything you write.A like the part about Ms Nilian reporting the incident to the police.We know it was Cliff who called hours after Mr.Moore was left at the side of the road.

Diana
Diana
Reply to  PITTSFIELD BELIEVER
12 years ago

Really? Like the leaders of Pittsfield have been so trustworthy? You are wasting our time with your nonsense.

Molly
Molly
Reply to  Diana
12 years ago

I don’t even bother replying anymore…

Ray Ovac
Ray Ovac
Reply to  PITTSFIELD BELIEVER
12 years ago

PB, after exhaustive hearing, you say? How would you or anyone else know it was exhaustive if no one from the public or press were allowed into the courtroom to observe what evidence was actually presented to the magistrate?
Heck, no one even knows whether the magistrate saw the pictures Valenti posted here.

Dee
Dee
Reply to  PITTSFIELD BELIEVER
12 years ago

@PB If this was such an exhaustive investigation, then why are the Pittsfield Police appealing the decision of the Magistrate? Could it be because they know a miscarriage of justice when they see it?

Perhaps you need to show some empathy for the victim of this crime (yes, I’m calling it a crime) and put yourself in the place of Mr. Moore. How exactly would you feel if you were mowed down while jogging, left to fend for yourself with horrific injuries, facing months of rehabilitation. Would you still have this polly-anna attitude that Ms. Nilan is a poor innocent soul who just made a little boo-boo?

Jeff
Jeff
Reply to  PITTSFIELD BELIEVER
12 years ago

I can honestly say that I do not know Valenti from a hole in the the wall…… But from what I read here Pitts Believer, your quite the idiot.

Also, hooray for Valenti if he is indeed a Romney supporter. The Keystone Pipeline foe has got to go!!!!

Scott
Scott
Reply to  PITTSFIELD BELIEVER
12 years ago

u suck

Jigga
Jigga
12 years ago

Keep up the fight Dan!

Pat
Pat
12 years ago

Nobody has held Pittsfield back. Mayor Ruberto did everything he wanted with the blessing of the GOB’s for all his years in office. Where has this led Pittsfield? Let’s see.

A complete lack of jobs in the area, a complete lack of any new companies coming into the area except for retail stores, corruption in our courts, a serious crime problem, and corruption in general in many of those in positions of power here in the city.

I really don’t care who Mr. Valenti hangs out with as long as he shows compassion for people…..that’s what matters.

You’re right that the GOB’s would love it if all of this just went away because then they could continue on as they have without any interference from the annoying public, for whom they are the servants and not the other way around.

Shakes His Head
Shakes His Head
Reply to  Pat
12 years ago

While I do not agree with most of PB’s comments, yours are equally unfounded.

ambrose
ambrose
12 years ago

got that right unch – he berated collingwood fot the umpteenth time and preached for an hour about transparency and openness in government while he’s got the biggest cover-up in the county going on right under his nose but no one is allowed to talk about it – he’s been to south africa, england, china, viet nam but he’s never been to tiffany’s because he’s got no jewels – why doesn’t he just stick to megan and kate and forget his fearless talk show – call ‘m as i see ‘m

Dee
Dee
Reply to  ambrose
12 years ago

Ambrose – so right you are. I heard so many slurs today I actually had to tune the radio out. First he crucifies Collingwood for not cleaning the roads. Then when he finds out it really is Bruneau’s job, he backtracks and still finds a way to blame Collingwood. Then, weeks ago he said that Bianchi needs to control his departments, then today he said that he needs to stay out because it is not his purview.

I agree, if he cannot be unbiased in his show (and we know it is HIS SHOW), then he needs to stay out of politics. He has no idea what happens in City Hall, yet portrays himself an expert. He was so rude to a caller today, talking over him and demanding to know if he worked for the government. Obviously the only people who know anything about government are the ones who work there. Yeah, right. Isn’t that how we keep getting ourselves into trouble?

Hilly Billy 2 in Ward 4
Hilly Billy 2 in Ward 4
Reply to  ambrose
12 years ago

agreed!!

Dave
Dave
12 years ago

PB

Who is PB?

Whomever he is, he really has a twisted sense of reality.

A boyfriend of Merideth? Probably more on target, a boyfriend of Angelo.

PB

My perception is you made a threat against Mr. Valenti. That is just wrong. You had better pray that nothing happens to him now.

Jimmy Cho
Jimmy Cho
12 years ago

Hey its been about six months, Isnt it about time for Dan to go for his Jones 2 tune up?

Jimmy Cho
Jimmy Cho
Reply to  danvalenti
12 years ago

Dave you say to write only facts. Isnt what I wrote fact?

Dee
Dee
Reply to  Jimmy Cho
12 years ago

Jimmy – It’s always fun to watch the witless attempt a witty retort. Why not add another ‘o’ to your name and send us all some kinky stilettos.

DV – you are obviously shaking the tree. Seems like a few people are getting a bit nervous. You can almost smell the flop-sweat.

Unchy
Unchy
12 years ago

I’d say 98% love of the peeps love the Dan Meister, you can’t beat those numbers.

PITTSFIELD BELIEVER
PITTSFIELD BELIEVER
12 years ago

No threat, just saying that Valenti is not what he portrays himself. He is in with the highest levels of state govt and in like Flint with Mitt Romney. Valenti was also strangled once at the WBRK studios by a city councilor. Too bad the job didn’t get done. That’s a joke. Seriously, Meredith and Cliff Nilan do not deserve this kind of treatment, especially Cliff, who has been a giver to this community. [REDACTED]

Diana
Diana
Reply to  PITTSFIELD BELIEVER
12 years ago

C’mon PB? You can do better than that. Your spineless.

Joetaxpayer
Joetaxpayer
Reply to  PITTSFIELD BELIEVER
12 years ago

There are worst things he could be doing.Like running over people and leaving them on the side of the road or writing for Obama!

CONCERNED
CONCERNED
12 years ago

Pittsfield Believer. Your comments will just make the good people be more determine to find out the truth to this case. So please continue with your bathetic comments. As far as Cliffy goes he never gave nothing to this community that he didn’t get something out of it. He been nothing but a LITTLE suck ass all his life. We could all go back to Camp Russell and Carmen and what went on there, but I’ll stick with this case for now.

Albert Prince
Albert Prince
12 years ago

PB you have hit a new low. You are a sleaze bag. Valenti has singlehandedly brought the facts of this case out and w./o him, none of this gets out. A bunch of you have made threats. You have slandered a good man. You folks have crossed the line. DAn we are with you.

HadToSaySomething
HadToSaySomething
12 years ago

PB…..
At Mitt Romney’s last speech I thought I saw Dan standing behind Mitt whispering in his ear what to say. I think Dan could be the leader of the free world except Mitt has better hair. So Dan let’s Mitt do the talking. VIVA VALENTI..

Browning
Browning
12 years ago

The escalation of the rhetoric here is getting creepy. I just thank God we have a man like Dan VAlenti who won’t back down with these threats and innuendos and smears. I don’t like the tone of
PB though.
Yes, Concerned, you are correct. Let’s go revisit Camp Russell, and Carmen, and Cliffy, and Angelo, and all the little boys there. this ring of child lovers runs free. There is truth here for anyone who dares to look.

WE LOVE PITTSFIELD
WE LOVE PITTSFIELD
12 years ago

Dan Valenti is an egomaniac, bi-polar, Napoleaonic delusional man who must be stopped for his own good. He has tried to make a mountain out of nothing. Meredith Nialn is a good, strong, positive woman, who holds an important position in the financial industry, and she is the victim here. No one else. Dan VAlenti [REDACTED].

skier1
skier1
Reply to  WE LOVE PITTSFIELD
12 years ago

Meredith holds an important job in the financial industry?? Since when does an entry level job at the chamber that her family connections got for her elevate her to an important job in financial industry? You are definetly a GOB. Alot of people love Pittsfield but are disgusted as to what its become. And as far as making fun of someone with possible mental health issues you are a BULLY. Meredith drove the car with the windshield smashed not Dan. Victim my ass.

Scott
Scott
Reply to  WE LOVE PITTSFIELD
12 years ago

I know it’s very important that you get it right when I say I want all hundreds for my $3,500 check not all 20’s. Seriously that’s why I left that bank they tried handing me four grand in 20’s one time and I was like are you kidding me? Every time I went in there with a big check they acted like it was an inconvenience to give me large bills even on Tuesday morning.

steve wade
steve wade
Reply to  Scott
12 years ago

How many small business men take cash instead of depositing it into thier checking account? Maybe the kind that are trying not to pay taxes on it or hiding it from ex wives for child support?

FOR PITTSFIELD, AGAINST VALENTI
FOR PITTSFIELD, AGAINST VALENTI
12 years ago

Valenti [REDACTED] is dangerous. [REDACTED]

Irvin Corey
Irvin Corey
Reply to  FOR PITTSFIELD, AGAINST VALENTI
12 years ago

I would rather face Valenti’s pen than the Meridithmobile.

Jeff
Jeff
Reply to  FOR PITTSFIELD, AGAINST VALENTI
12 years ago

For Pittsfield, Against Valenti

Looks like this blog is right on target here! You appear to be sweating it out pretty good making threats like that!

Irvin Corey
Irvin Corey
Reply to  FOR PITTSFIELD, AGAINST VALENTI
12 years ago

Never pick a fight with someone who buys ink by the barrel

Scott
Scott
Reply to  FOR PITTSFIELD, AGAINST VALENTI
12 years ago

Dan you should have left this idiots post up to show their ignorance by redacting it you only do them a favor.

levitan
levitan
Reply to  FOR PITTSFIELD, AGAINST VALENTI
12 years ago

A day or two ago, I was using the fictitious Jane Doe as an example of libelous talk. Funny that. I should have waited for this edition; we could have used the actual citations for clarification.

eric Fehrnstrom
eric Fehrnstrom
12 years ago

Please, everyone, calm down. Please. Let’s stay on track. don’t like the tone of this. There is a quetion in this casew. Let the suthorities pursue it. Don’t crucify Dan Valenti or muddle the issue. As someone said before this is getting creepy.

gEE Whiz
gEE Whiz
12 years ago

Please, everybody back off. Dan, I wish I could hold you now. I am a woman, and I do not understand what men get out of this type of combat.

dusty
dusty
12 years ago

in a way it seems analogous to a mother bear protecting her cub at any cost. Things must be getting desperate in the bowels of the justice buildings

Scott
Scott
12 years ago

Anyone who posts a threat should at least have the sack to use their real name otherwise you just look like the pathetic loser you come off as.

Dave
Dave
Reply to  Scott
12 years ago

You got that one right Scott. There have been a lot of threats on today’s blog. Makes you wonder if a nerve is being struck.

Dan, you are the man. Keep up the great work and thanks for maintaining this site!!!! This is the only face of truth in Pittsfield.

I am convinced, if Dan is working for Mitt, then I support Mitt.

Joe Pinhead
Joe Pinhead
Reply to  Dave
12 years ago

So Let’s look at job creation then, Pittsfield Believer , We love Pittsfield, and For Pittsfield against Valenti with all their connections to the vast array of high powered executives and wealth of knowledge they brought us EV worldwide. Who was found guilty on a number of counts like fraud, tax evasion etc. How many jobs has that created after substantial “investment” besides prison guards ? None Despite your politics Dan has at least created a “revenue stream” of his own, based upon his own skills and Creativity. Isnt that what you fearless leaders desired? A creative economy? Or was that too supposed to benefit just the chosen few? Now ya have to resort to making threats? Is your game that thin?
Why would a company relocate here? I can hear the speech now… Were moving our operations to Pittsfield, where you will have no hope of being treated as an equal, You and your family will not have equal protection under the law, and you can and will be pummeled for looking to be treated as an equal.
Progressive? Ya right

Irvin Corey
Irvin Corey
Reply to  Joe Pinhead
12 years ago

good place to locate a body shop, emergency room or funeral parlor

New to PV
New to PV
Reply to  Scott
12 years ago

Sorry Scott, but not everyone has the luxury of using their real names when posting. Especially when their employers monitor blogs and expressly threaten them against speaking out regarding certain current events.

Scott
Scott
Reply to  New to PV
12 years ago

You shouldn’t say anything then that you wouldn’t publicly say. If this is the case like you say there is whistle blower protection maybe you should start where you work with the corruption. It’s sad that america has become a place where people are afraid to speak kind of goes against what we stood for fought for and died for in the first place.

Ed Shepardson
Ed Shepardson
Reply to  New to PV
12 years ago

By signing the Declaration, all were guilty of high treason under British law. The penalty for high treason was to be hanged by the neck until unconscious, then cut down and revived, then disemboweled and cut into quarters. The head and quarters were at the disposal of the crown

Ed Shepardson
Ed Shepardson
Reply to  danvalenti
12 years ago

Maybe the problem in America now is that few are willing to stand up. People hide behind their “handles.”
Just read the names of all who signed the Declaration. Not a Joe Pinhead or Pittsfield Believer to be found.

Scott
Scott
Reply to  Ed Shepardson
12 years ago

Yeah and we kicked their ass’s when they tried.

Joe Pinhead
Joe Pinhead
Reply to  Scott
12 years ago

While, I do enjoy the Planet very much it does have slightly less weight than the Declaration. I don’t think the issue with the City, or Country for that matter is anyone hiding “behind handles” See that wouldn’t be the problem at best that would be a symptom of a larger problem. I think one of the larger issues facing our City and Country is the inability to correctly identify the issues separate them from the symptoms and rectify the problem thus correcting the symptom. Identifying the problem as “hiding behind handles” is as wise as chopping off a head to alleviate a headache.
:=)

Irvin Corey
Irvin Corey
12 years ago

@PB and other Pittsfeld hacks……Never pick a fight with someone who buys ink by the barrel.

Unchy
Unchy
12 years ago

“Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something”

Scott
Scott
Reply to  Unchy
12 years ago

That explains you and Pittsfield deceiver perfectly.

bt
bt
12 years ago

dan you r doing a great job keep up the good work

outfox
outfox
12 years ago

After I realized that yesterday’s BB headline was * not * a hallucination, after reading the Capeless crusader’s non-answers, I began to wonder if he might not be as afraid of this guy Hall as everyone else is. As for a protest about this Nilan thing, when & where, as it’s probably overdue.