BULLETIN!! BIANCHI PAYS PLANET HIGHEST HONOR! HE BANS PLANET SITE ON CITY HALL COMPUTERS!! … plus … WELCOME, SKINS FANS, TO PC RUN AMOK
By DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI News and Commentary
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEEKEND EDITION, JUNE 20-22) — This news just in from our wires here in The Fortress.
BULLETIN!
Mayor Dan Bianchi has paid THE PLANET the ultimate tribute: He has banned PLANET VALENTI DOT COM from all computers inside city hall. We knew we had influence there via screen time, but to this extent? Not in our wildest.
A reliable source has informed us that all computers have been blocked, so that people inside the building may not access THE PLANET! Our source adds that “Many employees are pissed off.” As well that they should be at this severance of their First Amendment rights.
This is your proverbial good news-bad news story. The good news is establishes that our fair and legitimate criticisms of the current administration have taken deep root and that the mayor knows, deep down, that we are correct. Mark this one up and file it under “T” for “The Truth Hurts.” Our rhetorical persuasions are working! The bad news, of course, is the trampling of people’s First Amendment rights to free speech and access to information.
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Bianchi has been found out! Rejoice and hallelujah! As this action shows, TES doesn’t give a hoot about transparency, which he campaigned upon, and hates even more free public discourse, which is, after all, the lifeblood of democracy. Finally, we have caught him, red handed, attempting to enforce prosecution for what George Orwell called in his epic novel on dystopia, 1984, “Thought Crime.”
THE PLANET also notes with fascination and interest that the mayor, in doing us this favor, exemplifies a point we make below in our reaction to the Washington Redskins name controversy.
The point has been made that citizens should not have city employees surfing the Net on the taxpayers dime. Actually, we agree, but human nature being what it is, such a thing will happen. Banning our site will not affect that problem, if it is one, since — as maybe a few of you realize — the Internet has countless other sites that can serve as landing places for surfers, including those that may be in city hall.
Even the mayor’s supporters are decrying this action. As for THE PLANET, we are, as they say, “exploring our options.” We are delighted to know that this will drive even more readers to this website and to our TV show.
For that, we thank hizzoner!
——– 000 ——–
FORCES OF POLITICAL CORRECTNESS SKIN COMMON SENSE ALIVE
Speaking of political correctness run amok …
It’s a strange, strange world we live in, Master Jack. The forces of political correctness once more seek to disprove the adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.”
Actually, this will always remain true. Words, abstractions that they are, can never physically harm. It’s only when invest belief in the words being hurled your way that you give them nuclear capability. In politics, “names” tend to hurt only those who have thin skins and a lack of self-confidence — we might call it lack of self-esteem. Sometimes, which is often the case in Pittsfield politics, “names” have the power of sticks and stones because of the self knowledge that one has no integrity. If you are lying, if you are pulling some kind of scam, you will tend to be hypersensitive to any suggestion that you are doing so.
So how about these two words: “Washington Redskins.”
Are you offended? If you are, you’re taking life far too seriously. Nonetheless, in this day of censoring and “free” speech you don’t agree with, particularly if you’re way-leftward leaning, the “correct” response is to condemn the team moniker as racially insulting to native Americans.
As a solution to this tight-underweared perception of “ethnic stereotyping,” THE PLANET offers several suggested new names: “The Washington Thinskins” … “The Crimson Membranes” … “The Washington Numbskulls.”
Where do we stop? The Atlanta (and Taconic) Braves? The Cleveland Indians? How about the state of Oklahoma, derived from the native words okla humma, meaning “red people” — a reference to the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole tribes who were banished to the land by Andrew Jackson along the “Trail of Tears.”
The franchise began in 1933 in Boston. Yes, before the Washington Redskins, they were the Boston Redskins (to distinguish them from the Boston Braves baseball team). A tradition of more than 80 years, one originally designed to pave tribute to the native American tribes, has come to prickle the sensitivities of a tiny cadre of (generalizing) white, far-left, moonbats.
For that matter, how can we allow “Washington” to stand? The name refers to a slave-owning, white, patrician who thought so much of himself he had his mug printed on dollar bills? He’s a person, you say? Nonsense! “Person” is a sexist term, since “son” refers to the male gender. Washington wasn’t a “person.” He was a “perpeople.”
We leave you with a couple of thought-provoking quotes by two great Americans:
“I am a red man. If the Great Spirit had desired me to be a white man, he would have made me so in the first place. He put in your heart certain wishes and plans, in my heart he put other and different desires. Each man is good in his sight. It is not necessary for Eagles to be Crows. We are poor… but we are free. No white man controls our footsteps. If we must die…we die defending our rights.” – Sitting Bull
“My Father—Restrain your feelings, and hear ca[l]mly what I shall say. I shall tell it to you plainly, I shall not speak with fear and trembling. I feel no fear. I have no cause to fear. I have never injured you, and innocence can feel no fear. I turn to all, red skins and white skins, and challenge an accusation against me.” – Chief Black Thunder
The name stands for courage, honor, and bravery. In 2014, these have become qualities of shame.
Have a great weekend.
————————————————————————
“Oh joy! that in our embers / is something that doth live.” — William Wordsworth, “Imitations Ode IX,” (1807).
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
My tax dollars pat the city hall workers to work, not to screw off reading the Planet!
Our source adds that “Many employees are pissed off.”
As well as I am. What are City Employees doing on a blog during work hours on public property?
I was thinking the same thing.
Dan,
Free speech is under attack all over.
Even on the Federal level.
The US military has now blocked the following web-sites from all miltary computers:
http://www.prisonplanet.com
http://www.infowars.com
http://www.whatreallyhappened.com
US troops are no longer allowed to view such sites.
Some people have been thrown into prison for their facebook posts.
You can make the point that these sites are a waste of time or irrelevant but just look at what is happening.
The internet has been great for free speech but looks like that is all about to change.
Internet shills are all over social comment sections. You even have one here.
You were ordered by a sitting judge to remove some of your articles. No doubt this blog has been flagged.
There are bills floating in Congress for an internet kill switch and they are trying to ban annonymous postings. Even trying to ban proxy servers. There is talk of an internet ID where you cannot log onto the internet unless they know who you are.
They only want you to be able to read what they want you to read. Demonizing “conspiracy theorists” has been one of the most sucessful propaganda campaigns ever waged.
During the Spanish Inquistions and the Crusades, they used to torture and burn people for even owning a bible.
Banning free speech and the right to bear arms are top of the list.
It won’t be long.
The answer to 1984 is 1776.
“They” will never be successful. People are too innovative and resourceful. It’s the individual that effects change and inspires.
Scott I like your positive sentiment…..
However, take a look at reality.
All new Android and Microsoft devices will have “kill switch” built right in.
http://rinf.com/alt-news/sicence-technology/new-android-windows-phones-will-kill-switch/
Apple devices already have it.
The idea is stop thieves. Thats what is being sold.
If your device is stolen, they have the ability to remtotely wipe all its data and lock it so as to render it useless to thieves.
Sounds good right?
However, could this be used for nefarious purposes?
Bianchi has the ability to block PlanetValenti from all city computers. He is using it.
Go to the Pittsfield Public Library and see for yourself that there are many sites that you cannot access on their “free” wifi.
One of Obama’s campaign promises was “free” wifi all accross the USA. What kind of internet do you think we the people would get on a government controlled internet?
Thankfully he had to pull the plug on that horrible idea because the cost and logistics of setting up towers accross this nation would prove to be far too expensive.
The news media is controlled by the government.
That is why there are many stories that you will never hear about.
Damaging news that does get out is followed by “debunker” shills.
In a government controlled internet, there would be no PlanetValenti.com as a shining beacon of truth. This site would be squashed like a bug.
The suits would see to that.
Blocking Planet Valenti does not block anyone’s first amendment rights – they are at work afterall but apparently not working. They can still access it from their home PCs. My company blocks certain sites too and it’s perfectly legal. That being said, it’s a cowardly move by a cowardly part time mayor as I am sure access to many other sites still remain.
In regards to the Redskins thing – just another example of the over sensitivity and wimping out of American society. “Sticks and stones may break my bones…”. Racism will only go away when names like this are total non factors and ignored by all.
If I saw my employees spending time on a Political Blog during work hours I would fire them. (Says man at work)
Just political blogs Allen?
How about porn sites? Ebay? Amazon?
It would be very easy to put keylogger and tracking software on all city empoyee computers.
A city employee’s use of the internet can be easily monitored.
If they bought something on Ebay – fire them?
What if the mayor himself used city computers for his other job?
What if he checked his investments at BMM?
Double standard? Mee thinks so.
Did I miss something? Where was it stated that the Mayor is firing people for abusing internet rules?
Or what if he did Global Montello business from city hall computers? I’m sure t,h,a,t,’s never happened!
Joke people. Relax. This blog is too high strung at times. Plus. Who is ALLEN? You people are creepying me out. Makes for fun stories to tell people though who read this blog and
Joke people. Relax. This blog is too high strung at times. Plus. Who is ALLEN? You people are creeping me out.
Does it have to be a computer? wouldnt say reading the BB or some other publication be the same? screwing of on company time is screwing off.
just sayin
Good point Joe.
So if a supervisor sees a city worker reading a newspaper on taxpayer’s time and does nothing, are they not silently giving the nod of approval for this behavior?
Mr. Banchi, instead of issuing an edict or memo to all city employees requiring they are not to visit ANY web-site that is non-job related, with disciplinary action if caught do so, what does he do?
He blocks one blog page. The one page that exposes who and what he is.
Is he not silently acknowledging that it is OK for city workers to log onto websites that are non-work related on the taxpayer’s dime? Only not that one page.
Don’t Smoke:
Does anyone actually know if there is a memo or policy targeting a specific site? I’m assuming that it’s an enforcement of a policy that covers a broad range of sites which includes this one.
Until I hear otherwise, why should I assume PV is targeted by a memo?
I think using a computer that is taxpayer purchased is a separate violation of employment contract.
Reading a book on the job except for breaks/lunch is rarely tolerated.
Legal or illegal, it shows the work of a coward, afraid of a man’s views.
Know BALLS.
A company I once worked for had our computers locked down from peeking at the porn sites at all times. They did allow us to surf and gander at other sites during our hour lunch time and breaks. Otherwise it was for business and work related use. Texas would call anyone on their extension a.s.a.p. and let them know quite often about their use while they were on non related work sites. The people running the system from Texas were pretty sharp.
Hopefully this will blow up in the mayor’s face.
What web-site do you think city workers will log onto as soon as they get home?
What about smartphones and tablet pc’s that the mayor does not have control over independant internet access?
Telling people they cannot read something only makes them want to read it all the more.
It may turn the employees againt this dictatorial mayor.
It may make Dan Valenti into a superhero.
Students allowed to look at porn all day and sexting thier friends instead of learning in Pittsfield public schools are not being punished but are rewared with new IPads.
Dan it shows you are having huge success in getting the truth out there. This mayor wants to operate in darkness, secrecy and dirty backroom deals. While you are a beacon of light shining for all to see.
The reason people have turned overwhelmingly to the internet to get their news is because they don’t trust the lame stream media and skewed printing presses such as the BB.
The problem lies not in blocking blogs and opinion sites during company time but in a city government blocking certain blogs and not others. In this case, it appears that the blocked blogs are those whose opinions the mayor doesn’t like. If true, then it’s an abuse of power that might even have 1st amendment problems.
As for the Redskins, no matter how you feel about the name (and it no doubt IS offensive to lots of Indians), we should all be very concerned when the executive branch of the federal government says to a private company: “You are no longer protected by US law because we don’t like the name of your company.”
I asked this elsewhere above, but who verified that only 1 site is blocked?
Since trees are topic du jour (though a little stale now), its like a forest is cut down, and someone says they came for my little tree out there in the middle.
With smart phone technology it seems like a pretty futile effort. The redskins man they will always be that to me!
On internet free speech can’t the same argument be made like with weopons considering the internet wasn’t even thought of when the country and constitution we’re put in effect then free speech shouldn’t be extended to advancements in technology. The only problem I see with the internet is there’s a whole bunch of misinformation and anonymous trolls. People will adapt and overcome. The box has been opened the internet cannot be controlled. I’m willing to bet the majority of the time the govt figures out some 12 year old kid from the dinner a is the one havking thier systems they offer the kid a job and paid tuition to a school of thier choice.
Spank me Bianch me thought of the cell phone thing and will be borrowing Capt. Kirk’s force field.
That meant to read a 12 year old kid from the suburbs/hacking*
Just popped up on BB’s facebook: THREE shootings AND a stabbing overnight. Gang wars? How long until one of us it caught in the crossfire? We need strong leadership between City Hall and PPD ASAP!! No, not ASAP, yesterday! Political blogs should be the least of TES’s worries right now. On the upside, no North St. businesses were burglarized last night here in Dodge City.
OMG and who does the mayor think he is GENERALISSIMO.
That sums it up, Outfox. Bigger problems to worry about; it’s comical.
But, what isn’t reported is what else is blocked. We don’t have a story until that is disclosed. Might just be a crackdown on slacking off.
Ugh… wish there were an edit button.
It’s sort of like singling out individual trees and not reporting the condition of the forest.
Tom is at it again.
The One Man, TOM, has been pretty busy. -I have a theory. Maybe TOM is TES!!!
It’s another shameful act by the mayor. I voted for this guy, worst vote of my life for worst mayor ever for Pittsfield.
Go Dan Valenti!!
When I run, my slogan shall be, “you could do worse and already have.”
Anyone want to buy one of those new condos on Fenn Street?
Personally, I am preferring the Maplewood Condos. They are closer to the action….
Definitely a legal matter. Unless mayor banned all such websites and not just Planet’s he’s got a problem on his hands. Also raises an interesting internet Constitutional concerns. My guess is that the free speech lawyers will want to pounce on this.
Guess he doesn’t realize what a tremendous boost he has just given to this website.
mayor knowballs, if this is true is violating constitutional law. the web is a pandora’s box and mr. global montello needs to take care of our city. as mayor, this is his first priority.
Employees have a Constitutional right to read political blogs on public computers while engaged in public work? If you work for the Feds, you are not even permitted to write political letters to the Editor that involves Federal issues.
Which amendment recognizes and protects that behavior?
Personally the Washington Redskins is offensive to me, it conjures up the wrong image, how about just keeping the Redskins part of the name and dropping Washington right out of it ?
Perfect.
I’ll second that!
Dan, another Nilan scenario? To the best of my meager knowledge there are only two areas that the internet police can be used: pornography and national security. Either the mayor thinks you are a threat to national security (The Generalissimo) or the mayor considers you political pornography. Did the mayor ban all blogs and news web sites? No problem to keep the city workers working. Was that an oxymoron? Did the city hall ban also include the fire department? Tim, where are you? More breaking news to follow.
P.S. levitan, you did not answer my questions from the other day.
Payroll, I’m in LOVE wih U.
Sorry for neglecting you.
I don’t think so. So just answer the questions, If it is not too difficult.
Actually, I’m not sorry at all. Whatever your question was, I’m not answering it unless you perform the courteous gesture and ask it.
If it’s a date, I’ll decline.
(I’m not in love with u, and your preoccupation with me is creepy.)
Payroll Patriot
June 18, 2014 at 3:43 pm #
levitan, are you familiar with MGL and non indemnification for civil rights violations by public officials? Just a reminder that civil rights also includes the right to due process.
What is MAIG?
Reply
levitan
June 18, 2014 at 7:18 pm #
No Civil Rights were violated. No Human rights are even disputed. In this nation, human rights are handled by legal recourse.
Subject A discovered confined to a box for 30 years. Perp tossed in jail.
Ok, I recall that question. No, I am not familiar with MGL pertaining to civil rights.
I answered the question just fine. It’s utterly irrelevant. No civil rights were violated. She walked into a meeting on her own account. She sat in the room for a period of time and had an argument. She got up and left.
No civil rights were violated, and no human rights were violated either. I don’t get the offense.
MAIG: Mayors against illegal guns, aka Bloomberg everytown for the private funding his ticket into Heaven. Since folk are all puffed up over human rights, I’m surprised that no one is questioning the Mayor’s membership in a PAC that is committed to uprooting the Bill of Rights.
To really make things simple. The Mayor Sucks, we need a new Mayor! Anyone who wants this job, please take out papers, we the people need you.
Barney Frank wants to call them the Washington Foreskins
Tom is at it again. There were stabbings and shootings last night after Third Thursday here in Pittsfield.
Go TOM!
The Cultural Diva created a monster. Third Thursday has now turned into a Wild West free for all. Who in there right mind wants to come to a downtown full of shootings and crime?
Third Thursdays is supposed to be a family event. People should be able to feel safe when they go there. Eighteen year olds should not be getting stabbed. They should be having a fun time without any threat of violence. This is not acceptable Mr. Bianchi.
a family event for the Manson Family
Or the Adams family. Great job Bianchi.
Where to start on this one, it looks like this year’s start to the third Thursday season has surpassed the one with the melee a few years back. Where have you people been every good family friendly event ends with a brawl or a shooting. All the stops were pulled out we got the bonus stabbing as well.
I haven’t seen the media clamoring for an all-out ban on knives yet; oh the humanity.
Has anyone wondered how much fun Mrs. Wade’s Attorney is going to have with this, .. Yes Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, the City has an internet policy that weeds out websites that contain porn etc., but the Mayor reached out and banned of his own accord without a policy a single website because that website pointed out what it sees as flaws in the local operation of government. Mind you this is the same website that presented my clients view of a meeting that all agree occurred in the Mayor’s office. While we might not be able to draw an absolute connection we can start to see a pattern emerge, another case in point the City’s own legal personnel and the terminology used in a case regarding Americans with Disabilities, after the judge reprimanded her did the Mayor Take action? NO can one conclude he has very strong and irrational behavior when any one from a different perspective or background disagrees with him? That Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury is a question you must answer after looking at the evidence brought forth.
I hope us taxpayers are ready to write one hell of a check.
In keeping with the good news bad news theme, the Mayor has now done something without creating a committee.
Maybe hes banned it for the sake of the children
just sayin
I hope Eric Holder at the DOJ is notified about this !! Was this mayoral decree made via e-mail to all those affected? Keep your eyes open for a hard drive that crashed and came from the corner office at the city landfill or the bottom of Silver Lake. John Riggins a football life was on the other night and was great. Sonny Jurgensen was fun to watch.
I am envisioning a scene with TES on a couch talking to a shrink. He may be teetering on the edge of reality.
Dan
Just thought you might be interested in this:
There is a plugin for the web browser firefox called
The dark side of the prism
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/dark-side-of-the-prism/
When you install and activate it what it does is alert you that the NSA is monitoring and tracking the web page you are on by playing Pink Floyd in the background.
The idea is to let you know so you can decide to get off or stay on that page.
Some may find it useful.
Some may find it scary.
I wouldn’t let it worry me.
What is interesting is that http://www.planetvalenti.com is being montored and tracked by the NSA. Yes it triggers the Pink Floyd warning.
I also checked your site for the heartbleed backdoor and your site is free & clear of that.
Just thought I’d let you know as you may not be aware of this.
Probably written by the ennessayy. Install it on your computer and it most likely provides a backdoor.
Afterall, the common defense of the spying is that if you’re not up to trouble you have no reason to fear.
Third Thursdays is supposed to be a family event. People should be able to feel safe when they go there. Eighteen year olds should not be getting stabbed. They should be having a fun time without any threat of violence. This is not acceptable Mr. Bianchi.
What were the conditions of the altercation? You speak as if this guy was just walking down the street and was stabbed for no reason. People involved with drugs are shot and stabbed everyday. It doesn’t make life for us any less safe. Of course I have no clue to what transpired but I know this I don’t feel unsafe downtown. I am alert, I pay attention and I don’t partake in drug use or associate with criminals.
It happened outside of Family Dollar on North Street. There were bullet holes in the store, but the 18 year old was believed to have been stabbed in the parking lot of the store. He admitted himself to BMC and refused to talk about who stabbed him. The details are sketchy at this time since it’s the BB that is reporting the story. Might be more info on other news sites. Also lots of reports of shootings last night throughout the city. Reportedly nobody was injured in the shootings.
Men maybe do feel safe on North Street, but many women do not.
Maybe if these guys are too macho to tell who shot them or stabbed them maybe they should stitched up their own wounds.
It is not like they are going to pay the bill anyway.
I agree with that. Those wimps could take care of their own wounds. Silk thread, morphine is what sailors use on boats. These boys have all the heroin they need to make a messy job feel fine.
Im with you on that. Freeloading drug scum. Refuse to treat them if they don’t talk or if they can’t pay.Or don’t have insurance.
Pat, I understand woman have reason to be more cautious everywhere for sure. But I hate to see someone live in fear. Have you ever considered martial arts training. There’s also weapons training which I’ve trained with pretty extensively but the thought of shooting someone makes me cringe. If they just want your wallet give it to them. If they come for your liver that’s a different story.
Thanks. Yes, it’s the liver part I’m worried about mostly. I have a little alert type warning thing that I carry with me when going on long walks. It gives off a loud piercing sound when you press it. Others have suggested that women carry things like various sprays that can slow down an attacker.
Until Pittsfield gets its crime wave under control, it seems like living this way will become the new normal.
Mugging stategy. wrappe a $10 around a bunch of singles. If mugged – produce the wad and throw it separation distance.
Then run. If they chase you, you have a good reason to seize his liver, otherwise you spend $15 to save thousands in legal or hospital fees.
Pittsfield politics will never change. Pittsfield keeps getting worse and worse over the years. It is a never-ending downward spiral. Dan Bianchi is just the newest hack starring in Pittsfield politics.
Keep it classy, Pittsfield!
NEWS ARTICLE:
“Three shootings, one stabbing within 6 hours overnight in Pittsfield”
By Andrew Amelinckx, Berkshire Eagle Staff, 6/20/2014
PITTSFIELD — Police responded to three shootings and a stabbing within the span of six hours overnight Thursday and Friday. No one was hit by the gunfire, but a man was treated for stab wounds.
Detective Capt. Patrick F. Barry said the shooting incidents took place between 9 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the area of Dewey Avenue, North Street and Burbank Street in Pittsfield. The stabbing also is believed to have occurred on North Street.
No arrests have been made in connection with these incidents.
In the stabbing, an 18-year-old male was treated at Berkshire Medical Center for “non-life threatening wounds,” according to Barry.
On Thursday, at about 8:50 p.m., police responded to the area of Dewey and Robbins avenues for reports of shots fired, but were told by area residents it was only fireworks. Investigators later learned that a shooting had occurred.
A witness told police the shooting was on Dewey Avenue.
Barry said a silver sedan was seen turning onto Dewey Avenue from Linden Street “at a high rate of speed” at the time of the shooting.
“The vehicle is believed to be involved in the shooting,” he said.
No physical evidence was recovered from the scene.
Less than two hours later, police responded to the vicinity of the Family Dollar Store at 631 North St. for reports of shots fired and a stabbing. But when they arrived, neither victims nor perpetrators were located at the scene.
A short time later, the 18-year-old turned up at the hospital with stab wounds. Barry said the teen was “less than cooperative” with investigators.
Police believe the stabbing happened in the store’s parking lot.
There were bullet holes in the store’s window, said Barry, and both shell casings and projectiles were recovered at the scene. Investigators are treating the shooting and stabbing at this location as related events.
Barry said it was too early in the other shooting investigations to determine if they too are related to the stabbing and shooting on North Street.
The third shooting occurred at 3:22 a.m. in the area of Tyler and Burbank streets.
According to witnesses, two black males were seen walking east on Burbank Street arguing, the shots went off and the men fled the area.
No physical evidence was recovered.
The 3 a.m. shooting marked the ninth confirmed incident of gunfire in the city this year.
Police are asking that anyone who has information about these crimes to call them at (413) 448-9700.
To reach Andrew Amelinckx:
aamelinckx@berkshireeagle.com,
or (413) 496-6249.
On Twitter: @BE_TheAmelinckx
Link:
http://www.berkshireeagle.com/news/ci_26002511/three-shootings-one-stabbing-within-6-hours-overnight
Jon,
From where do you think all the future Methadone customers to keep the Methadone clinic in downtown Pittsfield thriving will come from?
The mayor wanted it so bad he was willing to fork over $100,000.00+ of taxpayer money to get it.
It simply must succeed.
Hey, let’s give out raises to City Hall people and city councilors, and then start paying school committee members, instead of taking all that wasted money and putting it towards more police resources to help win the wild wild west. Awesome!
Great idea Mr X, then lets tell everyone things are great, and finally lets ban the one source of journalistic integrity and truth from city hall because TES is offended.
For those who think that corruption is not going on in Pittsfield and there are no such things as kickbacks:
Longtime Berkshire County banker faces 9 charges in alleged kickback scheme
By Tony Dobrowolski, Berkshire Eagle Staff
Posted: 06/20/2014
PITTSFIELD — A former commercial loan officer with long ties to the Berkshire County banking community has been charged with tax fraud for his alleged part in a kickback scheme involving a Pittsfield-area businessman.
Michael Dicenzo, a Pittsfield native who worked at Greylock Federal Credit Union from 2004 through 2009, is facing nine criminal charges, including four counts of tax fraud, four counts of receipt of money through transactions of a credit union with intent to defraud, and one count of making false statements to federal officials, according to papers filed in U.S. District Court in Boston.
Dicenzo is scheduled to appear before Judge Mark G. Mastroianni at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, in U.S. District Court in Springfield. Dicenzo is represented by Attorney Alan J. Black of Springfield, who did not return a telephone call Friday seeking comment.
If convicted of any of those charges, Dicenzo will be required to forfeit to the federal government any property or proceeds that he obtained directly or indirectly from the results of the alleged violations.
The name of the local businessman is not provided in the court documents. He is listed only as a “Pittsfield-area businessman” who owned and operated five construction and real estate development companies that each had loan accounts at Greylock that Dicenzo supervised.
In a written statement, Greylock’s Executive Vice President John L. Bissell said the county’s largest credit union cooperated with authorities during the investigation.
“For Greylock, this incident is nearly five years in the past,” Bissell stated. “We discovered and reported the fraud, and we cooperated with authorities to complete a thorough investigation. Insurance has covered most of this loss and we are entering into a restitution agreement with the former lender for most of the rest.
“We have invested significant resources in ensuring that this type of incident does not happen again,” Bissell said. “Our overnight procedures are very stringent. We have intensified our attention to risk management because of our experiences and because we recognize that crimes like these are impacting the industry as a whole.
“These types of crimes have impacted credit unions and banks both in our region and around the country — it is an industrywide challenge.”
According to court documents, Dicenzo authorized 20 loans and several loan modifications to the businessman and his companies in violation of Greylock’s loan approval, loan aggregation, loan modification, and documentation policies. By circumventing the credit union’s policies, Dicenzo provided the businessman and his companies with funds “far in excess” of what the businessman and those entities could reasonable receive or repay. Dicenzo authorized these loans and loan modifications between March 1, 2005, and Sept. 5, 2008, according to court documents.
In 2007, Dicenzo was promoted from assistant vice president to president of business banking at Greylock, according to Eagle files.
In exchange for improperly authorizing the loans, Dicenzo received money, property and benefits from the businessman, including check payments, the free use of a home, and the free use of a BMW automobile, court documents indicate.
From 2006 to 2009, Dicenzo deposited $134,773 from the businessman’s various businesses into a GFCU checking account that he opened in the name of a home design company.
Between 2007 and 2010, Dicenzo filed personal federal income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service for the years 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, which contained “false and fraudulent” profits or losses from business for the home design company, by intentionally not reporting the funds from two organizations and the businessman’s companies that he had deposited into that checking account.
In March 2010, Dicenzo falsely stated to IRS criminal investigation agents that the loans he authorized for the businessman were “properly collaterized”; that he authorized loans for one of the businesses to help small companies “stay in business to benefit the community”; that he rented property from the businessman for $2,000 per month; and that the businessman wrote him checks to the GFCU checking account for work that his wife was doing on the businessman’s newly constructed home, according to court documents.
Dicenzo’s roots in the Berkshire banking community date back to 1977, according to Eagle files. Dicenzo joined Greylock after spending 10 years as a commercial lender at Legacy Banks, where he helped underwrite and manage Berkshire County’s largest portfolio of U.S. Small Business Administration loans during that decade.
In addition to Legacy and Greylock, Dicenzo also held commercial lending positions at Berkshire Bank & Trust, the First Agricultural Bank and with MountainOne Financial Partners. He served as vice president of commercial lending for Hoosac Bank and Williamstown Savings Bank, both affiliates of MountainOne.
In the community, Dicenzo was active in UNICO of Pittsfield, the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation and the Jimmy Fund Council of the Berkshires. He was elected financial secretary of UNICO’s Pittsfield Chapter in 2005, and served as acting president of the Berkshire County Chapter of the March of Dimes in 2000. He is also a former president of the Kiwanis Club.
According to court documents, Dicenzo also supervised accounts at Greylock for the Pittsfield chapter of a social service organization, and another local social and service organization that are not named.
In 2002, Dicenzo was one of the featured speakers in a forum hosted by the Berkshire Enterprise Center titled, “What Your Banker Can Do for Your Business When You Are Not Looking for a Loan.”
Wondering who the “Pittsfield businessman” whose name is left out is? The empty suit network.
The sign “Entering Pittsfield”
should read “Enter at your own risk,
High concentration of toxic material,
Crime running rampant,
Corrupt to the core.”
After 5 years, Michael Dicenzo has finally been charged with tax fraud. Dicenzo, a former Greylock Credit Union employee was involved with a Pittsfield area businessman. (see today’s BB)
Who is that businessman and why isn’t his name revealed?
Can’t be too many local business men that own five construction and real estate companies.
But leaving that info out of the picture may put unfair suspicion on others.
But it is not like anyone is going to get a real penalty for any of this anyway. Connected in Pittsfield means you eventually walk.
This only scratches a surface and subculture that is well engrained. Someone ask the mayor whatever happened to a locally owned large politically connected construction company that owes mega bucks in back personal property taxes. Swept under the carpet, never to appear again….
Interesting.
I am a man, and I too sometimes feel unsafe on North St., certainly enough so to not go to a later show at the Beacon! I worry about the crossfire issue, where I am an innocent bystander caught in someone else’s altercation, and also worry about being mugged, robbed, whatever else by junkies or thugs just looking to make my money their money. Doesn’t matter which race, thugs are thugs.
Relative to the Washington football team discussion, neither the Cleveland team nor the Atlanta team use derogatory names to characterize their mascot. Redskins is, and was always intended to be a slur just as much as any other racial slur. The fact that it has existed for 80 years doesn’t make it right.
What’s the mascot’s name?
If any of you want to go to the beacon just give me an email I’ll walk you to your car! (Hey guided downtown sexurity! It’s always been a fantasy of mine to pull private security.) Or maybe you all who don’t feel safe can get together it’s always safer in larger groups. It’s unfortunate that the damage although not irreversible is done. It’s going to take a few generations to overcome from the starting point which we won’t reach until crime plateaues.
Downtown seXurity” “It’s always been a fantasy of mine to pull private security”,” safer in larger groups”, I think Scott wants to go back a few generations to free love baby!! I’m in, cant wait for the spray park to open at the common!! Late night fun!!!!
Gotta have humilty I guess. Stupid autocoerection.
I love your characterization of the name “Redskins”. There are people here who are loudly insisting that it is a slur. The quotes you used were wonderful but what are the references? I would like to “re-quote” them (and you) in our local (Bloomington IN) debate..
Here’s a sample of the debate here over “Redskin”:
“Charles, You can scan all you like for the rare instance of non-pejorative uses, but you can’t wish away the history of the term “redskin.” The term has been derogatory as long as I’ve been aware, which would reach back to the middle of the last century when I used it in playground games.
“Redskin” never in my lifetime has stood for courage, honor, and bravery (and the distinction between courage and bravery is itself a mystery to me). Native Americans could stand for these values, once we had annihilated them as a threat and appropriated them as a symbol, but not the word “redskin.”
As for your quotes, the only use of “red skin” in any of them is in Black Thunder’s speech. The Internet informs me that the speech was rendered into English from French, and the French was a translation from the original Meskwaki. The choice of term was not Black Thunder’s. Do you think Mr. Valenti knew that?”
I’ve got the politically correct very upset…
I think Valenti knew that. Valenti knows sooooo much. I think he is destined to be the leader to lead Pittsfield out of its decline and back into prominance.
I think he is a charismatic leader. I have watched his tv show and have realized he is Pittsfeld’s destiny.
I am loyal to Dan Valenti 10000 per cent. He is for us, the unimportant people, the middle class, who are getting screwed from below and above.
Wow I just watched the last episode of Planet V TV. Chuck Garivaltis you are amazing. I actually shed tears listening to yoiu and Da. What this city was .. what it can be.
Thanks to Chuck and DV. Chuck. Please run for mayor.
Dont you think your glorification of DAN VALENTI is a bit excessive. I tell you I fear Valenti, for he is on the verge of a cult of hero worship.
Mayor Bianchi is a great man and has done his best for the people of Pittsfield. Can’t you people see that Dan Valenti is only fanning the flames. ?
TRANSLATION:
PITTSFIELD BELIEVER
“I am getting very nervous about Dan Valenti’s popularity. Bianchi is my friend. I am a tax and spend liberal and I don’t want to see this gravy train end. Dav Valenti is a threat to us suits.
I know: I will plant the thought that Dan is a cult leader in hopes to get some to stop listening to him”
“Can’t you people not see that I am Allen”
Dear Pittsfield Believer,
There are situations where someone is SO VERY WRONG that no evidence, no example, no reality will change their view. If you think Dan Bianchi has the interests of the people of Pittsfield as the basis for his actions you are following a cult of unreality.
I don’t know Dan Valenti, but I see no personal gain for him, no “payoff..” HE didn’t ask for a huge increase (retroactive); HE didn’t apoint an unqualified director of administrative service; HE didn’t do a one week posting of a 94,000 a year job so as to limit the applicant pool, HE didn’t try to cover up Monteross’s political connections and misdeeds.
At a time when the mass of people are suffering from the greed and power needs of people such as the mayor, and the failure of the main stream media, it is unfortunate to attack someone who is trying to provide honest information which is the basis of how a democaracy functions.
If you feel the Mayor is so focused on the people of Pittsfield and meeting their needs, may be you can explain how some of these actions support that notion:
1. Hire a Director of Administrative Service for the City of Pittsfield who main experience is 5 years as a 7th grade English teacher? Who were the other candidates? What affirmative action reviews were complete?
2. Post the position of Execitive Director of Berkshireworks for one week. 7 days.. Last time it was vacant it had to be posted several times. What isw the advantage to the city of 5 work days to recruit applicants? Where did the city advertise?
3. How is the mayors retroactive raise proposal going to meet the needs of the people of Pittsfield? The same questions can be asked of his other top officials when the “workers’ get little or no raise?
4. Why is the web site of Planet Valenti blocked for city workers? Are there no other unacceptable sites? In fact, are ANY other sites blocked?
I could go on.. but your answer to this small sample of questions which challenge your assertion would go a long way to changing my view.
Let’s hear from you? The blog is open.. the tv show takes calls and would likely invite the mayor or his top staff to his show for a debate on the issues.
Let’s have a discussion on the facts.. steop up and demonstrate the facts on the mayor’s tenure.
Thank you Denise for defending not DV but the truth. This site has presented more of The Truth than any other media outlet.
This is a battle. Lines are drawn. The phony mayor and We the people as championed by this website.
We are behind Dan Valenti 100000%
Dan Valenti is the future of Pittsfield. We love him and what he is doing. Down with Bianchi. Down Down Down with Bianchi.
We support and thank this wiebsite.
I am new to this site but I caught Dan V on TV. I am in love with him. He is Everything. He is the truth.
Oh my.
Whomever it is was, was a reason given as to the secrecy? Was it a personnel matter?
Not buying the City has the power to block reporting and it serves the editors’ interest to grant such requests.
If the businessman was “involved” with Dicenzo, and Decenzo is being charged with a criminal offense, why wouldn’t the other guy be charged as well?
Sure hope that DV can use his connections and get to the bottom of this and give us facts.
Obviously “The suits” are willing to throw Dicenzo under the bus, but the mystery businessman they are not. They are pulling out all stops to prevent his name from getting out there.
If the allegations prove true, he was the one giving kickbacks to Dicenzo which makes him equally if not more guilty. They won’t be able to stop his name getting out but will try to down play it or bury. Just like they already have.
You can bet your sweet bippy that Mr. Dobrowolski was ordered by the suits NOT to print his name. A good reporter would easily be able to find out who he is.
Remember the way things are run in Pittsfield …. its not what you know but who you know and how much you can steal “to pay yourself one way or another” and how much you can cover up and sweep under the rug.
Well I wonder what the mayor has to say about all the crime, the drugs ccrime behind all the shooting and stabbings and the white collar crime involving people it’s likely he has done business with.
I too am outraged that the allegations did not name the businessperson or company involved in the alleged kickback scheme.
To the Generalissimo: Caramel says she wouldn’t fund contracts with employees until it was approved? I could have sworn she said about a month ago she had earmarked monies for pay raises? When was that approved? I’m not sure that is what ever Approved?
Krol feels good about the future of Downtown Inc. Why is everyone cow towing about the new bird, she hasnmt done anything yet. She’s an actor.
Mr Krol and the rest had better get their head out of the sand about the downtown. The first step in solving what has become a big problem is admitting the problem. As for another Greylock exec facing serious corruption charges, I’m glad we pulled out accounts after the Stracuzzi incident.
True. What is going on with Greylock Federal?
Just like an alcoholic has to admit there is a problem in order to get help and recover, Pittsfield is in the same boat. City leaders need to acknowledge the crime and violence problems, gang related or otherwise, and stop pretending it doesn’t exist.