By DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI News and Commentary

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015) — Linda Tyer is running for mayor.

Tyer, Pittsfield’s city clerk, is no friend of Pittsfield’s current mayor. He for his part bears her little love. This comes as a relief to the more than half who voted against the mayor in 2009, when he won by a scant 100+ votes. Many others who voted for the mayor in that election have since defected because of the mayor’s disastrous service. In other words, things look bleak for the Current Occupant Of The Corner Office (COOTCO).

Early Announcement May Affect Mayor’s Musings

Tyer’s announcement may enter into the thinking of COOTCO and “his people.” We are hearing from deep with his team that COOTCO will not run for re-election “because he knows he cannot win.” Our source said this with a shaking of the head. Body language, too, channels useful information.

Tyer will make her announcement today at 5:30 p.m. on the steps of city hall. Wonder if the mayor will stick around to see it? He’s busy, you know, what with ribbon cuttings, Global, and all.

THE PLANET, via The Secret Squadron, also can report the announcement of a second candidate for mayor, to take place Friday at Soldier On at its West Housatonic Street location. The location gives you a clue as to how important his service in Vietnam meant, and still means, to Craig Gaetani. With Dr. Lawrence K. Wang, Gaetani designed and built the city’s water treatment facility.

We can also tell you that Barry Clairmont (at large) and Jonathan Lothrop (Ward 5) will not be candidates for re-election in November. Lothrop made his decision yesterday. We commend both for announcing early. Clearing the field is important in encouraging folks to run for office. Already, former Ward 2 councilor Pete White and ex-asst. city solicitor Donna Todd Rivers have announced at-large campaigns.

THE PLANET hopes to see more than just the usual suspects. This city needs as many qualified new names and fresh candidates as possible. Nomination papers will be available on April 2.

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COOTCO Gives Veteran Bum’s Rush

Speaking of Pittsfield’s present mayor, COOTCO attended a ceremony at Park Square Saturday honoring Berkshire County’s Vietnam veterans. Attendees included John Harding, Mike Case, Dick Laflamme, Rob Putnam, Dave Grover, Gaetani, and others.

Witnesses tell us that prior to the ceremony, Gaetani walked up to the mayor, offered to shake hands, and the mayor shoved that good-will offer back in Gaetani’s face. Those who saw it “felt the awkwardness” and expressed surprise the mayor would do this at such a solemn occasion.

THE PLANET asked Gaetani about the incident. He confirmed it as reported.

“Yes, that’s about what happened. I wanted to thank the mayor for coming out on such a cold, snow spring day to honor veterans,” Gaetani said. “I tapped him on the arm to get his attention then stuck out my hand. I wanted to shake his hand and compliment him for his appearance.”

Gaetani said the mayor kept his hands in his pocket and pulled away, with body language showing hostility. After the ceremony, Gaetani said he walked up to the mayor telling him, “You’ll be hearing from me in November. The mayor did not return our request for comment.

Event Speaks to Mayor’s Character

Gaetani, in addition to serving his country with honor, went on to become one of the co-founder’s of Vietnam Veterans, James E. Callahan Chapter 65, whose offices are on First Street in Pittsfield.

The mayor, left, watches at wreath is placed at Vietnam Memorial at Park Square. Prior to ceremony, the mayor disrespected Vietnam veteran Craig Gaetani as Gaetani offered his hand to thank the mayor for attending the event. Gaetani is a founding member of the local Vietenam Vets’ Chapter 65. (PHOTO COURTESY of iBerkshires)

The unfortunate event in Park Square speaks to the character of the mayor. His rude behavior at such a “come-together” event speaks of a man whose decency has been hardened by petty politics. It is, if the reports are accurate, disgusting.

What has happened to COOTCO since he took office?

Call it bitterness, except only he can know that for sure.

Call it the jaundiced spite that stems from a realization that his time in office is coming to an end knowing he failed miserably to advance the city he professes to love.

Call it the swindler’s time of reckoning. That, too, only he knows for sure.

If At First You Don’t Succeed …

Incidentally, THE PLANET sent the following message to the mayor’s office, c/o Julia Sabourin, on Thursday, March 26:

JULIA
I would like to set up a mutually convenient time for me to meet with the mayor. I am available almost any weekday, and, if needed, will juggle my schedule to accommodate the mayor’s.
I would appreciate your response.
Thanks,
DAN

We heard nothing.

We sent the note, of course, with scant hope of a reply. What do you think the mayor would say, though, if he knew THE PLANET had members of The Secret Squadron inside city hall, a daily basis, with access to the business of the corner office?  Truth is, as long as Hizzoner hides from us, the more we get the news elsewhere.

We shall leave future encounters to chance or forethought, their arm wrestling waging. Should forethought win, there shall be a camera on hand to record for posterity.

PROGRAM NOTE: BE SURE TO TUNE IN TOMORROW. THE SECRET SQUADRON HAS UNCOVERED A BOMBSHELL BURIED WITHIN THE UPCOMING VOTE BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON THE “NEW” TACONIC HIGH SCHOOL. THE BOMB IS LIVE. WE SHALL BE REVEALING ITS LOCATION TOMORROW.

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“Bother me tomorrow. Today I’ll find no sorrow. Doo-doo-doo, looking out my back door.” — Creedence Clearwater Revival, “My Back Door,” (1970).

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL.