MORANDI ‘SURFACES,’ RESPONDS TO ‘PROMISE’ and ‘MUSCLED’ STORIES
By DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI News and Commentary
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015) — Ward 2 city councilor Kevin Morandi checked in with THE PLANET responding to our questions about a couple of stories that came to light following the city council 11-0 vote to approve $120.8 million in bonds for a new Taconic High School.
One story had Morandi telling seniors at the Froio Center that he would vote against the bonding. Morandi, of course, voted in favor, helping make a unanimous tally. The other story claimed Morandi switched positions because of outside pressure — muscle — from forces allied with the pro-school constituency.
Promises, Promises …
As for what he “promised” seniors on the vote, Morandi said, “The only thing I will promise anyone in my ward is that I will work hard for them, get them an answer, and return phone calls and e-mails. I just was discussing the pros and cons of the project and listening to the seniors’ input. I didn’t know how I was going to vote until I spoke and gave my reasons why I would vote yes just before the roll call vote was taken on the school bonding in the council chambers.”
As for the second question, Morandi said, “I wasn’t muscled by anyone. I am my own person as I have proved by my voting record. I have shown that I am not afraid to stand alone if I feel it is the right thing to do. This was by far the hardest vote I have had to cast as a councilor.”
There it is. According to our Right Honorable Good Friend, no promises were made and no one from Tony Soprano‘s outfit paid him a “friendly visit.”
THE PLANET takes Morandi at his word, though this episode illustrates the fraught, jittery nature of Pittsfield politics in this campaign year. It also provides a lesson in press relations. Over the past two days, THE PLANET sought comment from two councilors, Morandi and John Krol, on two developing stories. Because these two men were straightforward, responsive, and timely in responding, we were able to provide stories with updates in service to the truth while meeting the competing and complimentary needs of both readers and newsmakers.
Nixonian in Podunk
Contrast this to the paranoid, Nixonian method of press relations practiced by the mayor. He refuses to respond to our inquiries while at the same time forbidding city employees from talking to any members of the press without his office knowing. This policy would be expected in dealing with the NSA, for example, but for city affairs in Podunk? The mayor might as well gum his corn pone with a single tooth. He’d be taken more seriously.
This is the type of “leadership” we have now in the corner office. And you wonder why Corporate and Manufacturing America isn’t beating down the gateways to locate there.
Perhaps the mayor thinks if he doesn’t respond, we won’t get the story, but as THE PLANET has demonstrated countless times, that is not the case. Fact is, we have hot sources in every city department and in most offices. We know those who know. Same is true with out network of correspondents throughout the city, a group of local patriots we dub The Secret Squadron. You can count on it. If THE PLANET decides to go after a story, we will get it.
The Truth and Nothing But
In our pursuit of the story, we have one goal: the truth. In going after that sometimes elusive quarry, we have no personal loyalties, friendships, special interests, or favorites. THE PLANET doesn’t have bosses to please, advertisers to stroke, or owners to propitiate. We and we alone among local media can make a beeline to veracity. If there is an occasional explosion or two, let the chips fall where they may.
Why do we do it? it is our form of public service.
THE PLANET is not our living, but it’s a fair chunk of our life. We toiled a good number of years to get into this position, and we’re going to squeeze the agave out of the cactus. We had a plan, and the plan worked out. We won’t be around forever, and we might end THE PLANET as you know it as the thief comes in the night. For now, revel in this unique journalistic experiment.
We wouldn’t have it any other way.
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“My kisses are his daily feast.” — John Lyly, “Rosalind’s Madrigal,” (1632).
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
As for Morandi “ Where do they teach you to talk like this? In some Panama City ‘’sailor wanna hump-hump“ bar, or is it getaway day and your last shot at his whiskey? Sell crazy someplace else, we’re all stocked up here…
This whole school project has been out there for a very long time. It is hard for me to believe someone privy to all current information as it comes about makes a last minute decision on how to vote. Does not pass the smell test.
I can recall on a election day when Pete White was the Ward 2 CC…we were all standing across the street from Somerset Fire Station where they hold the signs…Kevin Morandi was all over PW for continuing to raise his taxes
I guess it’s hard to stand up straight in Pittsfield Politics. But I wouldn’t go to my grave with that vote on my conscience. This is a huge pile of ……
If one is muscled the worst thing they can do is talk about it to the press. The thugs hate rat finks.
Looks like Morandi lost the elderly vote. A typical politician in Pittsfield is to say one thing and do another, depending on your audience.
The one thing that all this has proven beyond any shadow of any doubt is they use the school dept. to extort money out of the taxpayers. Anyone who develops a spine and crosses them will have their back broken.
OK Hillary.
Politicians will say what ever you want to hear to get your vote once they’re in they care less for what you think. Is up to you the voters to see through some of these people and make a difference during this election. But guess what? We have already lost because the damage was already be done.
” Please elect me because I really want to give back to my community.”
so funny
Haha, his platform is “returning phone calls”, and he only knows which way he will vote after he has voted. At least taxpayers get some entertainment for their money, maybe Bianchi and Morandi can have a pie fight to decide whether taxes should be increased by a lot or increased by a bunch.
Did Morandi ever state why he voted for the unneeded school? Just heard about another school district in our area who is also losing their student population and they are combining and closing their excess while looking at new ways to educate and stay relevant…sorry to say it is not in Pittsfield.
Morandi’s a spineless coward who can’t even get out of his own way.
He tried to tell everyone what they wanted to hear from him. Yet it’s too late and now he is trying to back track because he knows he did wrong. It’s not like he will come out and tell the truth about how weak he is he is full of b.s.
At least Mr Morandi knows when the new fiscal year starts.
Lol…zzzzing
r u sure about that? Kevin doesn’t know anything without his buddy Tully and even that is laughable. He probably should just stick to cutting hair, at his little shop in lee
Did the hairdresser give you a decent haircut and thats why you stick up for him.
By the way it really doesn’t matter hen the fiscal year starts. Has it ever made a difference “knowing” when it does start? Kinda sad you are still hung up on that…. i guess stick to what you “know” like kevin should do.
Sorry kevin, Im not buying it. Why were you and the mayor in heated conversation shortly before the vote?
was it because he threatened to break your arms if you voted no? and is that the real reason you voted no? fear?
Cmon. Give it to us straight.
Jamie, that’s a little bit of a stretch. Mayor Dan would have a hard time crushing a rotten grape.
LOL Joe. Yeah, Tes couldn’t take a wimp. i only meant the expression figuratively
Hey – great boxing match in the making -TES vs the Planet – these guys ain’t Rocky Grazioni, Tony Zale Jake LaMotta or Rocky Marciano or even Carmen Basilio. Nothing like the truly great Italians of the last century. One guy’s only asset is name calling. The other is “Sticks and stones may break my bones etc.” Fabulous match in the making – One guy would wag his finger, the other would put up those knuckles wirh “FEAR” on them,
Amuso and nichols already brought their paper for at large back and Tully just took out papers.
Someone has to run against her.Take incumbents out
I’ve known Mr Morandi for a few years. He listens and has his own opinion . Most of you people on this blog aren’t half the man Mr. Morandi is. Thank God most of you don’t vote if you did this city would be in worse shape than Detroit.
Jimmy drive around town a little more we passed Detroit awhile ago. That is one of the reasons our Rep is talking about the Heroin problem.
I agree. We are in worse shape than Detroit.
The only difference between Kevin and the rest of them is that he wavered. The rest of them sold out from the get go. No point making him the scapegoat. They are all attached at the hip to the special interest folk.
Too bad their is nothing special about the people who elected them.
Dusty I get that your a retiree and don’t want your taxes raised. We need to provide for our next generation to be able to make this a better place for further generations. I’m for the new school and my children are grown . I want my children to have it better than I did.
Seriously? Then tell your children there is a whole big world out there and they might want to look around because a new school in Pittsfield probably is not going to raise their station in life. It is a pretty sure bet.
Dusty you’ve said you can’t afford to live in Pittsfield taxes are too high. If you move to say Hancock yes your taxes will be lower but you will not have a police force, garbage pickup or ambulance service. If your house catches fire you will have to wait at least triple the amount of time for them to show up. You won’t have town water or sewer and you will have to drive at least a half hour just to buy groceries
Yes Jimmy Gee those are all legit concerns for some people. But you need to list the pros to your cons. One reason there isn’t a police force is it is not needed. Most small towns around Pittsfield have one or two police officers that’s all that is needed. The State Police do a great job in these areas. There may not be an ambulance service, but there are volunteer Emt’s and firemen who actually live in town. they get there faster than you think. They truly are your neighbors. Water and sewer are no big deal . Really nothing to it. Taking garbage to the transfer stations, dump or landfill. Gives you a little exercise and takes 15mins.. I guess it comes down to if you like convenience, then the city is for you. If not, then head for the hills.
PLease. This is not just about retirees. Even young low income people are hurt by this stupid new school project. You know the same ones with little kids in the Pittsfield schools who the superintendent was complaining about because they are so poor. Yet he contributes to their poverty by raising their taxes to pay the overinflated salaries of himself and his overpaid teachers. It’s called hypocrisy. Don’t make this an issue about seniors who are interfering with the growth of the young. That is baloney!!!!
Why do you think a new building will transform idiots into geniuses?
The old buildings certainly didn’t.
Wavering? Counsilly or Lothrop said it was the easiest vote he had to make! Morandi, not so much?
Anyone check out the dust bowl on north street today, the wind appeared and the crappy city sweeping reared it’s nasty head.
I actually considered running for Ward 1 but realizing the incumbent is such a great liar, I would be no match as I believe in telling the truth before and after election. But our complacent voters really don’t give a s–t and will put her back in office. I loved her comment that voting for the new Taconic was a no-brainer. In so doing, I’m beginning to wonder if she really has a brain.
I was forever a fan of Morandi but his recent vote tells me he is part of the pack of liars who call themselves city councilors.
I wonder how many of your readers are aware that there was no chance of a citywide vote for the school. Our city charter gives the sitting council the supreme rights to vote for large capital expenses and they alone make all decisions regardless of voter concerns. Someone or a group of residents could collect signatures of 90% or more of the population against something as rediculous as a new school when our present economy has tanked and shows no immediate signs of improving. Presenting your petition to the council would be like putting a newspaper in the fireplace to start a fire. As previously stated, the council makes the rules. PERIOD!
If you don’t like the city charter and want to change it, you will have to persuade every member of the city council to change it. GOOD LUCK !
So many of your readers are constantly critisizing our politicians and never consider running for office to replace the bast–ds presently in office . Like I said I considered running but I have a conscience and would not lie just to get in office so that I could ignore my constituents once in.
Robert that would be perfect I think that you should run. You would get the votes because everyone is done with this admin. We can’t let her back in. Give her a run for the votes
I am done with Lisa Tully. The only people voting for her will be school people that she is all cozy with, but most people will not be voting for her. Who knows. She has done her dirty work. Maybe she won’t even run again.
she just took out papers friday
If nobody runs against her, there is a problem. Somebody please run, but you must be responsible about taxpayer money and against Pittsfield Public school greed.
The city charter was just changed recently. Was this a new rule they just put in the charter in order to hurt the taxpayers with this new school and to get around having a vote? They wanted their new school for the “children” when we all know it’s for the greedy adults.
Of all the people on the Clowncil, it was Morandi that was the last hope for the little guy. Even the School Block vote won’t save you. Nice knowing you Kevin.
Councilors I will endorse are Simonelli…that’s it. And only because of his effort to fix the roads.
Does anyone know what the cost of the pothole machine. And what is it’s function as we speak? When they relieve Clapp of those sand mounds?
What’s the last on the new P P W building?
And the Police Station?
When will contamination inspection begin at the New School site?
What is the latest on Allendale School toxic waste dump?
Sweepers, where are they, it’s time.
How much will my tax rate go up because of the new school?
What’s the latest on the former Vet Agent? Is there a lawsuit, who’ll pay for it?
How much was the Monterosso mess settled for, who pays that?
What’s the latest on the unfunded liabilities?
Is repair work on the Taconic roof complete?
Is the gas pipe line a dead issue?
Will Park Square officially be known as a Semi Circle?
On a recent production of Consider It’ interview,was the newspaper guy pull of crap?
What was the total expenditure including private plowing, for the fiscal year?
Is the P E D A head honcho still employed,Why?
What is the city doing to help fill the empty storefronts on North St.?
Did the City hire a Kentucky resident to maintain our roads, no one else in Berkshire County was qualified to do that job?
is there a city ordinance on flicking cig butts on north street, sitting on curbs, jay walking, speeding down north?
I’ve got more, one final one. When the former Director of Public Health who left town former more money, gets before the Board of Health and goes on the radio, and newspapers, to tell us to keep away from seconds and thirds at the all you can eat restaurants, then gains a ton of weight himself. Now that takes the cake.
How about the run down blight? Hess Gas Station on Tyler. Kentucky Fried Chicken on East Street. The rundown strip mall on West Housatonic Street across from McDonalds. Dan Bianchi hovers over Silver Lake like it’s a Crown Jewel. He is the biggest jackass that ever walked in a pair of shoes.
How much money will the city save not painting lines on the roads this year? It would be just plain stupid to paint lines on pothole infested roads because people dodging holes won’t care if there are lines or not.
Did anyone ever find out how much the city saved on lower oil prices for all its buildings this year? By the way who is the lucky oil contractor the city uses? Councilors, are you privy to this info?
Did the city auction off all the tax delinquent properties yet? What is or was the date for that?
Pittsfield is an unequal community. There are elite rich residents, and then the rest of us who are “have-not’s”. The “have’s” and the ruling elites (Wojtkowski v. Del Gallo factions) serve the vested interests. They keep power through high taxes and spending. If you speak out against the systemic corruption, you will lose your job and may be blacklisted from finding future employment in Pittsfield. The “have-not’s” are falling behind. Thousands of them are on welfare. 2/3rds of school children receive free lunches. They are ignored by the elites in Pittsfield politics.
Will Bianchi ever try to act like a mayor and make sure the city sweeping is done and roads fixed? That this guy even has the nerve to run again is unbelievable. I don’t like Linda Tyer either when the first words out of her mouth are that she is a progressive like that’s something to be proud of.
Ma. unemployment rate 5.3….U S unemployment rate 5.5 …..Pittsfield 5.6.
Pittsfield needs something other than social services jobs and fast.
Is this senario a possibility ????
The Pittsfield city council has sold its soul and integrity to the United Educators union and all other enitities leveraged to the public schools.
This same city council voted to allow itself to become the only muncipal council in the commonwealth with the power to vote to increase any proposed city budget as it pertains to additional school funding.
A Pittsfield school committee member, named Pamela Farron publically stated that there is $ 8 million more potential tax dollars beneath the proposition 2 1/2 cap that can and should be taxed and added to the already outrageously high school dept. budget.
This same school dept./ union pandering city council can vote to place a proposition 2 1/2 overide initiative on a voter referendum ballot.
The politically active and powerful teacher union voting block which has controlled past elections could vote this proposition 2 1/2 overide in and manipulate the city council to increase the school budget to infinite and astronomical amounts.
How does an average property tax in the $20-$35 k a year sound with the average teacher compensation package of $ 400,000, sound ?
Nice scenario, maybe it could happen. Speaking of the council vote allowing the school department to bypass the mayor and bring a higher budget directly to the city council…
I find it ironic that the 4 most bashed councilors by the commentators on the Planet in fact were the only 4 to vote against this measure. They were Morandi, Tully, Amuso and Mazzeo. These 4 stood up against the school department proposal. Seems to be some disinformation going around.
Rotten Robert or Tammy Ives – Please take out papers for school committee. You will win and earn $4 grand.
Maybe they will increase the stipend to attract a better quality of candidate.
How much does councilors and mayor get?
Councilors earn $8,000.00 per year and the mayor currently earns $87,787.00, but it will go up to $95,000.00 after the next election in November.