CHESHIRE SCHOOL VOTE AFTER MATH ILLUSTRATES GREED OF SPECIAL INTERESTS … plus … THE COMMENT LINE IS OPEN
By DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI News and Commentary
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEEKEND EDITION, JUNE 19-21, 2015) — On Thursday, THE PLANET informed you of how the courageous voters of Cheshire told its avaricious public school system: “Enough, already!” Voters rejected the school budget put forth by the school committee and Supt. Kristen Gordon that called for an additional $1 million in spending ($19 million+) beyond the current budget. Gordon called the $1 million hike “a cut.” Stop us if you’ve heard this one before.
Now the school officials are panicking. One can be seen in a letter to the editor in The Boring Broadsheet from a supposed “child” in the Cheshire system. This tactic is called: “The Children.”
Apologists Bringing Out the Scare Tactics
As one of THE PLANET‘s commentators notes, the letter doesn’t read like it came from the hand of a babe. Pat writes:
A young person wrote a letter in todays Berkshire Eagle complaining about the vote in Cheshire for the schools. It doesn’t sound like a young person’s writing, however, it sounds like an adult wrote it and signed a young person’s name. No young person I know uses the word “dumbfounded”. The lengths these school people will go to in order to get money is insane. It’s probably a teacher in the district writing it or someone on the school committee. They just don’t get that it doesn’t take tons of money to get a good education and/or they are afraid of losing their large salaries.
——– 000 ——–
Pat is on target. “The Children” tactic has been perfected in Pittsfield, which unfortunately is stuck with the authoritarianism of “representative” government. Cheshire, as most Berkshire towns, enjoys a “town meeting” form of government, where Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski have a direct say. When The Suits bring forth a larded budget, voters can say no, as in, “No, we won’t approve an override of Prop. 2 1/2, because our friggin’ taxes are too high already.” Pittsfield, on the other hand, has a “representative democracy.” This means that citizens are shut out of the process of government, so that The Special Interests can do whatever they want. Pretty neat, eh?
Another tactic of School Department Apologists (SPAS) is to attack the messengers who dare to question them. The SPAS organize fire teams to castigate differing views and spread misinformation. They present a “Sky Is Falling Down” scenario if the schools stand in danger of not getting their millions more.
For example, yesterday, THE PLANET had comment from Dumbfounded, who writes:
All of this makes me want to pour every cent I have into education so we can maybe avoid this level of ignorance!! Frightening!
You know two things about Dumbfounded. He or she is connected to a school department, most likely in Cheshire or Pittsfield. Also, he or she will deny it.
‘More Money’ for Schools Leads to More Waste, Excess
Dumbfounded clings to the illusion that “more money” will solve the massive underperformance afflicting public education, not just here in the Berkshires but wherever The Special Interests, The Suits, milksop politicians, greedy teachers’ unions, and the like conspire against what is best for education and focus primarily (often exclusively), on what is best for their own personal pockets.
Public education is broken in America. In Pittsfield, for instance, as performance and quality drops, the price to taxpayers keeps going up. That’s because the schools do not have to “please the customer.” They do whatever they want. If a company in The Dreaded Private Sector ran itself the way Pittsfield runs its public schools, it would go broke. There would probably be criminal investigations. Manipulation, misappropriation of funds, malfeasance, you name it.
How else to explain the massive drain of students opting out of the PPS for other districts via school choice? In one year, Pittsfield’s loss from school choice has jumped from $4.2 million to $4.95 million. That’s nearly $5 million for which taxpayers will have to compensate. The worst part is that the bungling, bumbling schools under Supt. JIV will not feel a penny of consequence. JIV is running a losing business, and he has impudence to call his department’s $100 million+ take of a $145 million budget an “investment.”
School Choice Loss Comes out of City Side, Not School Side of Budget
Schools will not lose one cent from the mass migration of pupils out of the Pittsfield district. The $4.9 million will come out of the city side budget.
You read that right. The nearly $5 million loss will come out of the city-side ledger. How many exclamation points does THE PLANET have to put after that sentence for citizens and taxpayers to get boiling angry? And when will they translate that anger into political participation — run for office, attend council and school committee meetings, speak at open mic sessions, write letters to the editor, and most of all, vote?
Voter turnout, you see, will be the key to the city’s fate. Low, that is, “normal” turnout guarantees same-old-same-old and the financial doom of Pittsfield. Large, that is, 60% and above, guarantees We The People taking back control of the government.
It will all come down to your single vote.
With that, THE PLANET opens The Comment Line. All topics are fair game, but be on your game. Be witty, intelligent, cogent, and advance the discussion. Morons and dolts, head to Topix. That’s it for now, folks. Have a safe, fun weekend.
—————————————————————————————————–
“Think not my virtue lost, though time has shed / These reverend honors on my hoary head.” — Alexander Pope, from January and May, (1709).
OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.
LOVE TO ALL.
The biggest economic sector in Pittsfield and Berkshire County is not public education, non-profits, or the few remaining private businesses. Rather, the biggest economic sector in Pittsfield is the thousands of local residents receiving welfare assistance benefits! I believe that about 70 percent of Pittsfield residents are on welfare. The actual Pittsfield taxpayers are shrinking or diminishing amidst increased taxes, fees, spending, and huge public debts that will never be paid off in our lifetime.
http://wamc.org/post/mass-lt-gov-talks-economics-education-berkshire-leaders#stream/0
Homelessness and hunger fuel the Pittsfield/Berkshire County economy!
Please cite a source for your 70 per cent figure.
Here is a cited source:
Pittsfield qualifies for free meals for school children. The entire Pittsfield School Department consists of 55.8 percent of students from low-income households. 63 percent of the elementary students are deemed low income so the multiplier factor used in the federal program will give the city 100 percent reimbursement for all meals. The city’s percentage is now locked in for four years before the eligibility is looked at again. Source: “New Pittsfield Program Feeds Elementary Pupils For Free”, By Andy McKeever, iBerkshires Staff, May 28th, 2015.
Note: This information does not include Pittsfield Senior Citizens on welfare.
More proof:
Pittsfield’s problems!
* Homelessness in Pittsfield
* Teen pregnancies in Pittsfield
* Thousands of welfare caseloads in Pittsfield
* Low median incomes in Pittsfield
* Job loss in Pittsfield
* Population loss in Pittsfield
Who pays for all of the teen pregnancies and welfare caseloads in Pittsfield?
Who pays for all of the homeless and at-risk homeless people in Pittsfield?
Who pays for all of the high school drop-outs in Pittsfield?
Who pays for all of the poverty and working class social problems in Pittsfield?
Who pays for all of the Pittsfield residents in jail?
ANSWER: The Taxpayer$!
Pittsfield is the #1 place in Massachusetts for job loss.
Pittsfield is the #11 place in the nation for teen pregnancies.
The Beagle has been publishing news articles and editorials (Spring, 2013) about teen pregnancies and welfare caseloads in Pittsfield. The #1 community in Massachusetts for pregnant mothers who smoke cigarettes is none other than Pittsfield. The #11 community for teen pregnancies in Massachusetts is Pittsfield. Year after year, Pittsfield has high per capita teen pregnancy and welfare caseload numbers.
The Beagle had a news article about teen pregnancy in Pittsfield today (March 13, 2013). I commented that Pittsfield profits off of all of the federal and state welfare dollars it receives from teen pregnancies. North Adams realized this decades ago. Pittsfield has caught up with the curve.
Pittsfield has become another version of North Adams!
JONATHAN I ALWAYS ENJOY YOUR POSTS. YOU ARE A WALKING ENCYCLOPIDIA. I WOULD SUGGEST THA YOU WRITE TO KEVIN MORAN THE NEWS DEPT. HEAD AT THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE AND DEMAND THAT HIS EMPLOYEE JIM THERIEN THE SO CALLED CITY REPORTER WRITE ACCURATE STORIES ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON IN THIS CITY. I HAVE SPOKE TO HIM IN PERSON ABOUT HIS BIASED REPORTING AND HE ALWAYS COMES BACK WITH THAT SILLY SMILE ON HIS FACE AND RESPONDS THAT THE ELECTION DOESNT START UNTILL AFTER LABOR DAY. THIS PLAYS RIGHT INTO THE HANDS OF THE TWO GOB CANDIDATES WHO WILL SAY NOTHING OF SUBSTANCE AND THEN PUT ON A MONEY DRIVEN CAMPAIGN THE WEEK BEFORE THE ELECTION AND SEND THE VOTER TO THE VOTING BOOTH WITH AN EMPTY HEAD. THIS IS PRECISELY WHAT BIANCHI AND TYER ARE HOPING WILL HAPPEN AND AGAIN THE CITY WILL BE CAUGHT FOR ANOTHER FOUR YEARS WITH INCOMPETENT LEADERSHIP AND THE CYCLE WILL CONTINUE. I DONT THINK THERE IS ANY WAY WE CAN TURN THIS LAZY REPORTER AROUND AND IT MAY FORCE ME TO GO HIGHER UP THE CHAIN OF EAGLE MANAGEMENT TO ASK THAT THIS REPORTER BE REMOVED FROM HIS POSITION AND THAT A REAL INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER BE PUT IN TO HIS POSITION. IF THE EGLE WASNT COMPLACENT AND REPORTED FAIRLY AS THE PRESS IS COMMITED TO DO, WE WOULD HAVE A VERY DIFFERENT CITY AT PRESEN. THIS IS AN EXTREME SITUATION AND MUST BE DEALT WITH. I WILL NOT GIVE UP ON THIS SITUATION AS OUR CITYS HISTORY IS GOING TO BE DECIDED BY EXTREME BIAS FROM THE EAGLE NEWS DEPT.–THOUGHTS AND IDEAS WELCOME—CRAIG
OH- I FORGOT TO MENTION ANOTHER VERY BIASED MEDIA SOURCE–WBRK AM AND FM. THE NEWS DIRECTOR IS LEONARD BEANE.AND I HAVE BEEN FEEDING HIM PRESS RELEASES FOR OVER 14 MONTHS AND HE HAS NEVER REPORTED ONE STORY. I WENT TO HIS BOSS CHIP HODGKINS AND HE SAID HE WOULD TALK TO MR. BEANE BUT NOTHING HAS CHANGED. I GUESS MR. BEANE IS STILL SORE AT ME FOR HAVING TO FLUNK HIM WHEN HE WAS A STUDENT OF MINE IN THE PPS. CORRECTION–HE FLUNKED HIMSELF, I JUST ADMINISTERED THE GRADE. LETS PUT THIS TO BED LENNY–YOU CAN DO BETTER BECAUSE I KNOW YOU. WE WILL SEE– ALL I AM ASKING YOU TO DO IS BE FAIR. NOW HOW HARD IS THAT?—-CRAIG
Craig, are you ruling out that Mr Therrien and others in the media might just be doing what their bosses tell them to do? He would probably be risking his job if he gave an independent candidate any assistance at all. I predict that Linda Tyer will get Eagle support and probably also from your friends at the radio station. Others will have to fend for themselves. But many in the city do know enough to vote the opposite of any Eagle endorsement as they always take the GOB …. I mean candidate.
Pittsfield = Welfare
Pittsfield politics = Good Old Boys
Pittsfield city government = Total Corruption
Pittsfield finances = Hundreds of Millions of Dollars
Pittsfield debts = Never will be paid back
Pittsfield pollution = Toxic Waste PCBs chemicals
Pittsfield rag = Beagle
Pittsfield downtown = slum
Pittsfield schools = failing & overpriced
Pittsfield roads = potholes
Pittsfield taxpayers = shrinking
Pittsfield businesses = outsourced
Pittsfield homeless = no hope
Pittsfield Seniors = Choosing between food and taxes
Pittsfield population = shrinking
Dusty– I am sure you are right. I know for a fact that I cant get anywhere with kevin moran at the eagle because I tried in the past. I am not sure if the eagle has been sold or not . I am following this and will decide whether to go to top management of the news group which owns the eagle or wait for a new owner. I know some of the people of the management group. I have been establishing a dosier of what I consider very biased reporting by jim therien — dates called , taped request of their secretaries for contact and most importantly reporting that was clearly false and very libelous. when I forced mazzeo to take a recess to go cry her eyes out at a city council meeting, the Pctv cameras were off for the recess and what therein reported happened in that untelevised dead time was clearly unfactual and did not happen. I have confirmation from other media that were there that night and they stated that what therien wrote in the eagle the next day was a lie. I have a strong case to go after therein and the eagle for defamation AND BEING A VICTIM OF INACCURATE REPORTING BY THE MEDIA.—THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE. I AM POSITIVE NOW THAT THE EAGLE NEWS DEPT. IS BIASED AGAINST ME. IHAVE WHAT INEED NOW AND I WILL DECIDE WHAT I AM GOING TO DO. EVERYONE HOPES THAT THE NEWS THAT THEY GET FROM THERIEN WOULD BE JUST THE FACTS AND NOTHING ELSE. A GOOD REPORTER REPORTS JUST HE FACTS AND KEEPS HIS OR HER OPINIONS OUT OF THIER STORIES, BUT THIS IS NOT THE CASE WITH THERIEN—HE IS AS MUCH A MEMBER AS ALL THE OTHER GOB PLAYERS WHO HAVE HAD THE TAXPAYER KEPT IN THE DARK FOR THE PAST 40 YEARS. THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE NEWS IS SOLEY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MESS THAT PITTSFIELD IS IN NOW. THIS IS THE CITYS BIGGEST PROBLEM. BECAUSE NO ONE HAS EVER GONE AFTER THEM THEY FEEL COMFORTABLE KEEPING THE PUBLIC IN THE DARK. WELL MY FRIENDS I AM NOT FEARFUL TO GO AFTER THEM AND I PLAN TO START TO MAKE MY MOVE SOON. I HAVE TO MAKE CLEAR THAT MY BEEF IS WITH THE EAGLE NEWS DEPT. AND NO OTHER DEPT. THERE ARE MANY FINE PEOPLE WHO WORK AT THE EAGLE WHO ARE FRIENDS OF MINE. MR. BILL EVERHART ,THE EAGLE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR AND I HAVE KNOWN EACH OTHER FOR 35 YEARS AND HE REMEMBERS WHEN I PULLED OFF THE WATER DEAL WHEN THE ODDS WERE A MILLION –ONE AGAINST ME. ON MANY TOPICS HE AND I DONT SEE EYE TO EYE BUT WE AGREE TO DISAGREE AND YOU CANT DO BETTER THAN THAT. IF IT WASNT FOR BILL BEING VERY DIPLOMATIC IN ALLOWING ME TO DO COMMENTARIES AND LETTER TO THE EDITOR I WOULD BE A VIRTUAL UNKNOWN. SOME TIMES BILL READS THE PLANET AND I FOR ONE WANT EVERY ONE TO KNOW THATI RESPECT HIM GREATLY AND IF IT WERENT FOR HIS DIPLOMACY I WOULD BE VIRTUALLY UNKNOWN——- THANK OU BILL–SINCERELY –CRAIG
Craig, on numerous occasssions you mention, such as above, that you taped “requests of their secretaries”, as well as conversations with public officials and department heads, etc.
You must be aware that Massachusetts is a two party consent state and that all parties must agree to be voice recorded, See Mass gen law ch 272 para.99.Secret recording is illegal. How do you manage to get so much permission? Charm maybe ?
Charlie Baker seems like he wants to reign in spending run a muck. I wonder if he or his people might take a look at the Pittsfield school system and its efficiency or lack there of. i am sure he does snot want to be bailing out Pittsfield a couple of years from now.
No one from the democratic side is going to look at it that is for sure.
DUSTY–Good idea.–maybe I will call him. I called MIKE DUKAKIS AND JOHN KEERY AND T0LD THEM PRETTTY MUCH WHAT YOU ARE SAYING WHEN I PULLED OFF THE WATER DEAL. THEY WERE VERY CONCEREND . I INVITED THEM TO LENOX, THEY LIKED WHAT THEY SAW . THEY SUPPORTED ME AND WE BUILT LENOX, LEE AND PITTSFIELD. AND SAVED ALMOST TWO HUNDRED MILLION FOR STATE TAXPAYERS WITH JUST THOSE THREE PROJECTS. I DO NOT KNOW GOV. BAKER SO MAYBE I WILL CALL MIKE OR JOHN AND ASK THEM TO INFORM HIM THAT I AM NOT SOME CRACK POT AND I CAN DELIVER WHAT I SAY I CAN.
IT WOULD BE A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR ME TO TAKE HIM TO THE PLANTS I BUILT AND SHOW HIM HOW THE B IG DOLLARS WERE SAVED BY USING OUR KROFTA PATENTED SANDFLOATS. OF COURSE, I WILL TELL HIM WHAT DR. WANG AND I CAN SAVE AT THE UPCOMING SEWER PROJECT. MAY BE I WILL FORCE BIANCHI AND COLLINGWOOD –ALLOWING DR. WANG AND I TO GIVE GOV. BAKER A TOUR. BIANCHI AND TYER ARENT INVITED. THIS IS THE MEETING OF THE MINDS OF SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS AND HIGH LEVEL POLITICIANS IN TRYING TO ALLOW THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND PUBLIC SECTOR TO WORK TOGETHER TO GIVE THE OWNERS OF THE GOVT.A WAY TO HAVE UP TO DATE FACILITIES USING THE MOST ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY THAT THE TAX PAYER CAN AFFORD.I KNOW THE OTHER TWO WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THIER PICTURE TAKEN WITH THE GOVERNER BUT THEY ARE LIKE A DUCK OUT OF WATER IN THIS SITUATION AND WOULD ADD NOTHING TO THE CONVERSATION AS THEY HAVE OFFERED NOTHING SO FAR IN THIS CAMPAIGN FOR MAYOR. THANK YOU DUSTY ,I WILL TRY TO GET ON THIS RIGHT AWAY.GOV.BAKER SEEMS TO BE A POLITICIAN WHO WANTS TO SAVE THE TAXPAYERS AS MUCH MONEY AS HE CAN. I WILL REMIND HIM THAT BOSTON IS BUILDING A 3.7 BILLION DOLLAR WATER TREATMENT PLANT USING KROFTA TYPE TECHNOLOGY THAT WOULD HAVE HAD A PRICE TAG OS 23 BILLION IF OUR TYPE TECHNOLOGY WERENT BEING USED. THANKS FOR THE IDEA DUSTY. YOU CAN SEE THE VALUE OF HAVING A MAYOR LIKE ME WHO IS A SCIENTIST AND ONE WHO CANT HAVE THE WOOL PULLED OVER MY HEAD LIKE THE OTHER TWO. THIS ASSET WILL PAY HUGE BENIFITS FOR THE TAXPAYER —-SINCERELY–CRAIG.
DOWGERHAT—I RESPONDED TO EVERY POST THIS SESSION SO I WILL ANSWER YOU NOW. WHENEVER I CALL ANYONE AT CITY HALL AND THE TOPIC IS IMPORTANT ,I ALWAYS ASK FIRST IF I CAN RECORD OUR CONVERSATION. ACTUALLY 98% OF THE TIME THEY SAY IT IS OK. THE EXCEPTION IS THE MAYORS OFFICE. HIS FORMER SECRETARY MRS. STANTON WAS ALWAYS VERY RUDE TO ME BUT SHE WAS FOLLOWING BIANCHIS ORDERS.SO WHAT CAN ONE EXPECT. YOUR QUESTION ABOUT MY USING MY CHARM, WELL I WILL TELL YOU .MY MOTHER AND FATHER WERE TWO OF THE NICEST PEOPLE I EVER KNEW. THEY DIDNT HAVE AN ENEMY IN THE WORLD. SOME ONE ON THE PLANET SUGGESTED I TOUT MY MOM AND DAD AS THEY KNEW MANY PEOPLE. MY MOM AND DAD WHO ARE DECEASED WERE LIKE A MOMAND DAD TO MANY IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD. IT WASNT UNUSUAL TO HAVE 40 OR 50 PEOPLE AT THE TABLE ON ANY GIVEN OCCASSION.MANY OF OUR FRIENDS WERE POORER THAN WE WERE. ON FRIDAY MY MOTHER AND FATHER WOULD GIVE ME AND MY THREE BROTHERS AND MANYOF OUR FRIENDS A QUARTER AND SEND US TO THE BOYS CLUB TO SEE THE MOVIE. WE FIRST STOPPED AT THE PITTSFIELD RYE BAKERY TO BUY A BAG OF STALES AND PROCEEDED TO THE CLUB TO SEE THE MOIES AND EAT OUR STALES. AT INTRER MISSION , WE WOULD GO ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE CLUB AND BUY AN ORDER OF FRENH FRIES .AFTER THE MOVIES WE HEADEDHOME WITH A NICKLE EACH IN OUR POCKET. THE NEXT DAY WE POOLED OUR MONEY TOGETHER AND BOUGHT A PACK OF CIGARETTS. MY MOTHER OF COURSE DIDNT KNOW THIS.—–AH-THE GOOD OLD DAYS —WHAT WE WOLDNT DO TO GO BACK TO THOSE GLORIOUS DAYS AND BE WITH OUR LOVED ONES. I HAVE TO STOP HERE AS I HAVE A TEAR IN MY EYE.A GOOD TEAR.——CRAIG
Cheshire school dept:
We need a prop 2 1/2 override.
Those cheap taxpayers.
Let’s send in “the children”.
I am going to donate all my money to override this level of ignorance.
Lets have another vote.
You can’t make this stuff up!
My son Jacob “Coby” Tarjick wrote the Letter to the Editor on his own. He is going to Stonehill College in the fall. He is a very bright and articulate young man. So I take offense to the post that it was written by an Adult.
He is 18years old.
He was a scholar athelete.
If you would like to talk to him about his letter that he felt He Needed to write without anyone knowing let me know.
When the phone doesn’t ring you’ll know it was DV.
I would like to know real facts concerning the process, while leaving taxpayers with an absentee ballot concerning a referendum vote for funding. I believe it was flawed,as it was passed by the Council without due diligence involving taxpayer input. Was the renovation part it fully vetted? Does the state reimburse the City for that? One Council Member said it was the easiest vote ever taken. You have to be kidding.
It was a easy vote for one whose upscale house was bought for him, and whose wife’s position was political patronage, and who began his career as a political sycophant, and whose financial security is through nuptials and for one who holds no real job and has shown a revolving door syndrome in the private sector even though those positions were also gained via political connections.
As Alfred E, Newman said, ( It’s never my money),” What me worry”.
True. All of these overpaid politicians and the other suits can’t relate to what overburdened taxpayers are having to endure. I was even disappointed to hear our Lieutenant Governor say yesterday when she was visiting Pittsfield that she is all for the new Taconic HIgh School. I voted for Baker, but he and his Lieutenant Governor need to know what is REALLY going on here in Pittsfield. They swoop in and they swoop out. They only hear the feel good news from the corner office and maybe are not even aware of how Pittsfield taxpayers are NOT HAPPY about the new Taconic High School. We should really update them on the real situation here in Pittsfield.
DOWGERHAT – AND OF COURSE NO MILITARY SERVICE JUST LIKE THE REST OF THEM ON THE COUNCIL. KROL IS TRULY THE BENEFACTOR OF WEALTH . HE DOESNT KNOW WHAT IT IS LIKE TO HAVE TO WORK HARD JUST TO GET BY AND HE IS THE SOURCE OF MUCH PAIN FOR THE HARD WORKING PITTSFIELD TAXPAYER. I WOULD HAVE LOVED TO HAVE HIM ALONG SIDE ME IN THE JUNGLE IN VIET NAM. ON SECOND THOUGHT–NO, IT WOULD BE NO PLCE FOR A COWARD. I CERTAINLY THOUGHT HE WOULD RUN FOR MAYOR AND THAT OTHER POWER HUNRY INCOMPETENT MELISSA MAZZEO WAS SAID TO BE A CANDIDATE BUT WHEN THEY SAW ME IN ACTION AT THE COUNCIL MEETINGS THEY THOUGHT OTHERIZE AND THEY DIDNT RUN FOR MAYOR BECAUSE THEY KNEW I HAD THEM ON MY RADAR. PEOPLE LIKE THESE TWO SHOULD BE ASHAMED TO RUN FOR OFFICE AS THEY HAVE NO ACOMPLISHMENT WHAT SO EVER AND ARE ONLY THER TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT THE GOB TELLS THEM TO DO. CAN YOU PICTURE THEM AS A CORPORATE CEO AT THE HELM OF A 150;000DOLLAR BUSINESS? THEY WOULDNT LAST FIVE MINUTES. MAZZEO WAS THE FIRST CHOICE OF THE GOB NETWORK BUT WHEN THEY SAW HOW INCOMPETENT SHE WAS IN DEALING WITH ME AT THE COUNCIL MEETINGS, THEY RULED HER OUT. THEY HAD A COUPLE OTHER CANDIDTES THAT THEY THOUGHT WOULD BE ABLE TO GO HEAD TO HEAD WITH ME. , THEY RULED THEM OUT ALSO. ALAS MS.TYER–I DO LIKE LINDA. I THINK SHE IS A SWEET PERSON AND HAS B EEN VERY HELPFUL TO ME WHENEVER I NEED DOCUMENTS FROM HER OFFICE..WITH THE SHARKS THAT ARE GOING TO BE COMING TO THE CITY TO FEAST ON THAT 70 MILLION AT THE SEWER PROJECT –SHE WOULD BE EATEN ALIVE. I AM RUNING FOR MAYOR TO PROTECT HER AND ALL THE TAXPAYERS AND RATE PAYERS WHO THESE SHARKS WOULD RUN ROUGH SHOOD OVER BUT THAT WONT BE THE CASE WHEN I AM MAYOR AS I WILL BE THE GUARD DOG OF THE TAXPAYERS MONEY. LINDA CAN WATCH ME STRAIGHTEN OUT THIS CITY AND TAKE NOTES, WHEN I AM TURNING THIS CITY AROUND AND SHE CAN FOLLOW ME TO THE MAYORS OFFICE IN 2019 BUT ONLY IF SHE DISAVOWS THE GOB NETWORK. I HAVE MANY PLANS AND STRATIGIES FOR MAKING THE CITY BETTER BUT ONE OF MY MAJOR GOALS IS TO BREAK THE STRANGLE HOLD THE GOB HAS ON THIS CITY.EVEN IF I LOOSE,IF I FLATTEN THEM IT WILL HAVE BEEN WELL WORTH IT—SINCERELY CRAIG
DISCREET CAT– I am still working on how to best insure that the public has a chance to be heard regarding the new THS. I AM WAITING TO HEAR FROM CITY SOLICITOR I am goping we could get a binding vote as to what the public wants and this may be difficult but if we have to settle for a non binding vote or a write in vote , whatever we can get to show where the public stands we will take it. If the public is against it and the city still proceeds full speed ahead we may have to have a class action suit brought by city of Pittsfield taxpayers. I will keep on this. ON another topic–I released to all the media a challenge to Bianchi and Tyer to join me to make the upcoming election fair by agreeing to accepting no donations from any one especially the GOB network, no use of personal money and no lawn signs or purchase of any paid advertising. the media {most} seemed to like this format. we will see what happens. who ever doesn’t conform to this we can insure that the public knows who doesn’t want a fair election based on fats and established platforms. THE DAYS OF THE GOB BUYING THE ELECTION NEEDS TO BE STOPPED IN THIER TRACKS. I am going to have a lengthy televised program on TWC news with reporter JIM VASIL SOME TIME NEXT WEEK WHEN I GET HOME FROM LAKE ONTARIO. I have to get all the media coverage I can because most people don’t really know who I am and what my platform is. I am trying to have the election as fair as it can be so that everyone can get their ideas across and most importantly the taxpayer can be involved on a daily basis. Lets see how this goes. IF it doesnt work, we will try something else. The main goal is to stay in front of the voter as much as possible —Have a nice and safe weekend –YOUR humble servant–CRAIG.
I agree Waterman. Until they start the actual construction, it’s not too late to stop this ridiculous project.
Discreet cat–I am still working on getting a question on the ballet to ask the public for their in put on building a new THS. I don’t think we can get a binding ballot so we may have to go non binding or write in. whatever I can get as long as it surveys the tax payer is how we will go. IF we are successful and public says no and council goes forward then we may need a class action suit brought by the taxpayers. we will see. Another topic –I contacted all media and sent a press release asking bianchi and tyer to agree to accepting no money from anyone during campaign and also no infusion of personal money, no lawn signs and no paid advertisements. This is the only fair way to run an election and I also asked the media to set up at least weekly some forum that everyone can participate in. I dont exPECT that they will agree and that is exactly what I am looking FOR as it opens the door for me to go after them in the media. THIS THE WAYTO BREAK THE BACKS OF THE GOB. THEY WILL HAVE NO REST WITH ME IN THE ELECTION AND I WILL EXPOSE THEM EVERY OPPORTUNITY I GET. NOW WE WILL WAIT A FEW DAYS AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS. I will have a feature story on TWC NEWS NEXT WEEK WHEN I GET HOME AND WE WILL HAMMER FOR A FAIR ELECTION BASED ON FACTS AND POSITIONS WITHOUTOUT THE RAH RAH AND CANNED AUDIENCES . IT WILL BE JUST ME AND THEM AND IT WONT TAKE ME LONG TO DISMANTLE THEM.SINCERELY CRAIG
Craig, Please be honest, You have said several times at DD, that you can be elected mayor without having to spend any money, using only the free media for daily press releases. And there’s nothing wrong with this strategy, if it works for you, but other candidates may feel differently.
DOWGERHAT– I HOPE TO DO JUST THAT. I AM TRYING TO BE A TEST CASE THAT ANYONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO RUN FOR OFFICE AND NOT BE CONSTRAINED BY LACK OF MONEY. THIS IS WHY I AM CHALLENGING CANDIDATES FOR ALL OFFICES TO TAKE THIS PLEDGE. THE ELECTION FOR ANY CITY OR TOWN SHOULD BE ABOUT ISSUES -ISSUES –ISSUSES AND NOTHING ELSE. PITTSFIELD CITY ELECTIONS HAVE TURNED THE ELECTIONS INTO A CIRCUS . WEAK CANDIDATES HOLDING RAH-RAH RALLYS AND NOT ADDRESSING THE ISSUES WHATSOEVER. THIS MUST BE STOPPED AND I AM DOING EVERYTHING IN MY POWER TO END THIS CIRCUS. LETS SEE HOW CANDIDATES FEEL ABOUT THIS .I WILL BE CONTACTING ALL CANDIDATES SOON AND GET A YES OR NO ANSWER THEN I WILL REPORT IT TO THE MEDIA. LETS SEE WHAT HAPPENS. CRAIG
Does the School Department know the guy replacing Krol and his show ie political advertisement, is bloating about his son being some kind of investment guru and how he himself lived in South Africa. Haven’t we heard this dribble a thousand times, who selects the criteria and the format for student funded radio and should it be used for advertisement and personal accolades for the hosts on these taxpayer funded shows?
Dan,
I read your comments concerning so much corruption in Pittsfield politics and couldn’t agree with you more. In your article you used the phrase “representative democracy”, a choice statement that completely describes Pittsfield politics.
You also say in so many words that we the people in Pittsfield should vote to the bums out Again, I totally agree with you. But the present “bums” were responsible for updating the city charter adding a clause that only the 11 members of the city council determine major expenditures for the city,e.i. Taconic High School, new police station, etc.
My question to you is even if we had 60% or greater residents voting this year, how will they, the majority of Pittsfield voters have any say concerning the city charter?
As I understand the new charter, only those 11 councilors will decide whether to change the charter. Even if 90% or more of city voters seek the charter to be changed, the present 11 members of the council are the only residents who will initiate a change regardless of the majority of Pittsfield residents. We, the people could initiate several referendums to change the charter, but if the 11 members of the council dis-agreed, all the referedums would be a total waste of time and effort. So says this 75 year old Pittsfield resident and taxpayer, why bother voting? Your voice is heard but nothing will change the GOB network or their crooked politics.
I have always voted, but after voting for Bianchi and Tully, expert snake oil salesmen, they both lied as to their intentions. I am now thoroughly disgusted with the 11 bums of Pittsfield. Voting them out and receiving a new slate of bums, how does that improve the stature of Pittsfield?
Pittsfield politics is totally corrupt! You have to part of the Good Old Boys club to have a say at City Hall. A great majority of Pittsfield residents want nothing to do with Pittsfield politics. It is a toxic arena filled with political hacks and wanna be’s. If you speak out about the corruption and toxicity in Pittsfield politics, you will lose your job faster than you can snap your fingers. If you continue to participate in your so called democratic system of local government, you will never find a full time, living wage job in Pittsfield. Pittsfield’s tax base is shrinking or diminishing. Thousands of people are on welfare assistance. Pittsfield has become another North Adams. It didn’t have to be that way. People tried to change Pittsfield politics over the years, but the local political system is so corrupted, nothing changed. Pittsfield politics is in a never-ending downward spiral!
Tammy is running against Lisa in Ward 1, and I’m sorry, but I can’t remember her last name, but she blogs on here all the time. She is running against Lisa and I will definitely be voting for Tammy.
Right now I like Gaetani’s ideas because I already know Bianchi’s ideas (bad for taxpayers) and I know next to nothing about Linda Tyer except that she will get rid of blight. The worst blight right now in the city is this current crop of councilors and the mayor. We need to get rid of that blight and quickly.
Its Tammy Ives and she would make a fabulous councilor. They don’t come any better than Tammy.
Rotten ROBERT—-I can tell that you are very disgusted with the present political administration as you should be. We never know anything about a newcomer to political office but we do know about what we have now, Anything would be better than what we have now. This bunch in city hall from the top down are confirmed failures. ANY NEW CANDIDATE NEEDS TO ZERO IN ON THE BUDGET AND START TO PERFORM RADICAL SURGERY. The election is about this one main issue. The city is close to the tipping point and if rescuers don’t show up the patient will die. It is just that simple. look at the two of the other three candidates. one is a confirmed bully who has no idea what he is doing and is the primary cause of the citys demise ,who has never had a clue how to rescue the city and thinks that going for photo opps and ribbon cuttings is the most important part of his job. He has no balls at all to stand up to the school dept. and say enough is enough. Can anyone say that we want a continuation of this rot? one would be out of their mind to say we need him back in office. The other candidate is the GOB’S NEW PUPPET. They have abandoned their other puppet as they know he is finished and they will loose their power if they don’t get their new puppet in. well GOB NETWORK—THERE IS A NEW MAN IN TOWN WHO IS GOING TO DO EVERY THING HE CAN TO CLEAR YOU OUT OF DODGE. I AM SORRY FESTUS IS OUT OF THE COUNTRY AS I AM SURE HE WOULD HELP ME CLEAN UP DODGE BUT HE HAS PUT TOGETHER A GOOD POSSE FOR ME BEFORE HE LEFT AND WE WILL SEARCH AND DESTROY THESE CRIMINALS WHO HAVE HURT THE TAX PAYERS OF PITTSFIELD. MY FATHER ALWAYS USE TO SAY THAT YOU KNEW WHEN JESSE JAMES WAS ROBING YOU AS HE HAD A GUN TO YOUR HEAD.THIS NEW CROP OF CRIMANALS ROB YOU WITH A SMILE ON THIER FACE AND ADD INSULT TO INJURY BY BRAGGING ABOUT IT LATTER (KROL AND TULLY}. THE SHERRIF HAS ARRIVED. WE ARE GOING TO RUN THEM OUT OF DODGE OR DIE TRYING——ENOUGH——–CRAIG.
I remember when this guy ran for mayor a few years ago and he was full of fish stories just like Gaetani LOL
http://www.berkshireeagle.com/local/ci_28339499/man-allegedly-defecated-near-pittsfield-christian-center
This guy appears to have mental issues. But the local paper will run rough shod over a mentally disadvantaged person if the story might sell an extra paper.
What they won’t do is go after a story concerning a special interest person. i.e. The whole city council could take a dump in unison on the main stage on third Thursday in front of the local chapter of nuns and it would not get written up in their paper.
(and I think they have done the dump in unison just minus the stage)
Was he the one Pam sat next to on a dais and was gagging?
I believe he was the candidate that said he wold get some 300 million from some government agencies. That’s a lot of toilet tissue.
Sorry to change the subject, but that defacator at the Christian Center has been getting a lot of press. Maybe Downtown Inc.can make some hay out of this. Pittsfield where shit happens! Not a bad slogan.
Maybe one of Pittsfield’s artists could polish that turd and pass it off as a art piece.
And it might make a nice tribute to the Bianchi era.
JOE BLOW AND JOE TAXPAYER -THE GUYS ON THE BOAT AND I ARE STILL LAUGHING OUR HEADS OFF OVER YOUR POSTS. I AM LAUGHING SO HARD I CAN HARDLY STEER THE BOAT. THOSE HAVE TOBE CHERISHED POSTS AND ENJOYED FOR GENERATIONS TO COME—THANKS FROM THE CREW AND I .YOU HAVE MADE OUR DAY SINCERELY CRAIG
Excellent article Dan as always. Everyone I know is boiling mad and will be heading to the polls to get rid of these arrogant city politicians and school committee members. All I can say to them will be “Good Riddens and don’t let the door hit you on the way out”. Everyone who was in favor of the new school and keeps demanding more money for the schools, which is just about all of them, will all be in trouble on election day!!!
PAT–You are correct about the many many many residents who do not want a new high school. In the only pole taken on the topic by the Berkshire Eagle of 400 participants , 320 said no new school and 80 said yes to a new school. That is a 4-1 ratio against the building of a new school. I wonder how ms. Tyer explains that when she campaigns at the senior center. when I go there, which is often to campaign, I have found unanimous support against the new THS. IF this 4-1 ratio against building the new school as reported in the Eagle pole holds up—then we may win the election This reminds me of the pole that was also Taken about whether the town of Dalton should bar the circus to come there. That pole was 3-1 for allowing the circus to come to town. IF one went by all the letters to the editor and paid political advertising to kill the circus, one could conclude it was a done deal and the vote would be for no circus. surprise—-the vote was pretty much as the pole. had predicted and the and the circus is coming to town. I hope the eagle pole for the school is as accurate as the circus vote —if it is —- the so called progressives will be run out of town and I will be right there with my truck to insure they are far away from Pittsfield. I think this pole should give us all confidence that the election will go this way and that we will win our city back. I am ready to give it my all and I need everyone on my side to help me win this election so we can clean up the mess we have here now.——CRAIG
NEWS ALERT!
“Boys & Girls Club Appoints Permanent Executive Director”
1:18PM / Friday, June 19, 2015
http://www.iberkshires.com/story/49433/Boys-Girls-Club-Appoints-Permanent-Executive-Director.html?source=arts_block
1. Peter Bell
2. Rene Champoux
3. Bill Tobin
4. Colleen Blache
5. Linda Therrien
6. Dave Harte
7. Kate Brazeau
8. Chris Keegan
9. Alyssa Duane
10. Jon Gattuso
Just like in the Agatha Christie novel, And Then There Were None. Thank you to the Club Board, Terry Hughes, and Tina Wixsom for killing off the Club one by one.
I was really enthused to read that John Krol is being challenged from Bruce Wood for Ward 6 seat. Krol is seeking a 4th Term and is very proud of the huge success for approval of the $120.8 Million Taconic High School. Donna Rivers seeking Ward 5 sees a City out of Balance.Deterioration in Neighborhoods, Streetwork. Voters need to rise to the Occasion this Year! Streetwork is the very basic expectation from a taxpayer. It makes a Huge statement whether or not your taxes are being put to good use. That’s just the Basics in any town. As a Taxpayer, you should also have a say whether or not a huge project flies. This Political Community is corrupt. The deck is stacked. No matter what the Incumbents need to go!!
Word is Krol’s challenger is another Bianchi stooge just like Tully.
I could be wrong but Mr Krol strikes me as the kind of guy who is grooming himself for a much larger roll in politics. And he may be willing to do and say exactly as he is told as he climbs the ladder of good old boy politics. It worked for Tricia and a host of others from the area.
Like a Kaiser or a Bulkie?
what’s the real reason Barry Clairmont decided not to run again for at large , could it be that if he was reelected and Linda Tyer was elected one of them would have to give up there position to avoid a possible conflict of interest because they are a couple ??
It is not a conflict for them to be a couple. However, it does call in to question the continuing attacks on Bianchi that Clairmont engaged in over the past two years.
No one should have been questioning Bianchi on anything. The man is a saint.
(Though I do not mean to suggest that he has a bats chance in hell of being reelected, in this city or any other for any position overseeing public funding.
NEWS ALERT!
“Pittsfield Mayoral Candidate Calls On Other To Decline Donations And Engage In Debates”
By Jim Levulis, WAMC Northeast Public Radio, June 20, 2015
A mayoral candidate in Pittsfield is calling on his opponents to refrain from engaging in many facets of a modern day political race.
A constant critic of the current administration, Craig Gaetani is calling on Mayor Dan Bianchi and City Clerk Linda Tyer to refrain from personal spending, putting up lawn signs and accepting donations from the city’s political class.
“My impression is to try to make the election as far as possible is to take the money out of the election and the good ‘ol boy network and then let the cards fall where they may,” said Gaetani.
Gaetani is also requesting weekly media debates among the candidates. Bianchi is running for his third term. Political newcomer Eric Bassett has also taken out nominating papers.
In response, Bianchi says he is happy to discuss issues and campaign guidelines with any certified candidate.
Tyer says she welcomes any type of forum to debate and discuss issues.
“I appreciate the desire to limit fundraising and the use of personal funds,” Tyer says. “However, it is very important that I communicate my progressive message to voters. I will be using many of the traditional campaigning methods to encourage voters to participate in this year’s election including the placement of lawn signs when the time is right. Many of my supporters have already invested in our campaign. I have a great deal of respect for their financial commitment. Therefore I will not accept restrictions on fundraising, making campaign expenditures, or using personal funds.”
link:
http://wamc.org/post/pittsfield-mayoral-candidate-calls-other-decline-donations-and-engage-debates#stream/0
Dear PV posters—we got a big break from JIM LEVULUS OF WAMC radio. The press release I sent him was the same release I sent to all the media in the city. MR.levulus did what a good reporter would do and that was to investigate the release and report only the facts of the investigation. As I released the press release last Friday, all the media had it. In the very distant past a press release would appear front and center in the news. ,some times the same day or the next day at the latest. Iwill check all the media sources and report who did and didn’t carry the release and report to you soon. good job mr. levulus. now we know another source other than the planet where we can find unbiased news we need to know about. Iam not throwing stones at any of the remaining press until I find out who posted and who didn’t. all candidates can and should expect that their opinions are released to the public exactly as stated. NOW—MS. TYERS REPLY—-I DONT BUY IT–WHAT I HAVE REQUESTED YOU TO DO IS THE FAIREST WAY TO RUN AN ELECTION FREE AND CLEAR OF THE GOB NETWORK AND THIER MONEY. WE COULD SET A PRESIDENT FOR THIS ELECTION AND ALL FUTURE ELECTIONS THAT THE ELECTION IS FAIR AND OPEN TO ALL CANDIDATES REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THEY ARE RICH OR POOR. WE HAVE HEARD ONLY ONE THING FROM YOU IN SEVEN WEEKS THATYOU EVIDENTLY THINK THAT BLIGHTED BUILDINGS IS THE MAJOR PROBLEM IN THIS CITY—REDICULOUS. FOR YOU THE CAMPAIGN HAS JUST STARTED . YOU COULD ADOPT MY SUGGESTIONS EASILY BUT YOU CHOOSE NOT TO BECAUSE YOU EXPECT THE GOB NETWORK TO BUY IT FOR YOU. THINK ABOUT IT FOR A FEW DAYS—–SIMPLE FACTS AND IDEAS FREE OF THE GOB AND VERY DIPLOMATIC. NOW TO BIANCHIS REPLY–NO REPLY AT ALL . JUST THE SAME OLD SAME OLD—–YOU WERE ASKED THREE SIMPLE QUESTIONS AND YOU COULDNT RESPOND TO EVEN ONE OF THEM—NO WONDER THE GOB NETWORK IS CUTING TIES WITH YOU AND PUTTING ALL THIER EGGS IN MS. TYERS BASKET. MY STRATAGY HAS WORKED —HOW ABOUT THE FIRST OF MANY MANY DEBATES NEXT THURSDAY ON THE PV SHOW. THERE IS NO GOB OVER THERE AT ALL. REPLY ASAP AS WE WILL WELL ADVERTISE IT ——WAITING WAITING WAITING—-FUTURE MAYOR –CRAIG C GAETANI
Craig. Much like the folk at the media outlets I doubt that Linda Tyer can say anything or make any decisions without first checking with her backers and superiors. Like Doyle and Ruberto she is probably just the front person for the machine.
And the photo op on the city hall steps indicates that it is the same team as Mr Ruberto had. Ironically the only reason Bianchi got elected was because the people had had it with Ruberto and now she may get elected because the voters are desperate to get rid of Bianchi. What a sick little whirlwind Pittsfield is caught up in.
I believe I read in the Eagle that Ruberto broke all campaign spending records for the city and she make break his if you get a full head of steam up in your challenge and become a formidable threat. They are in it to win it and money won’t be a problem.
I agree Dusty. I’m afraid that Ruberto and Tyer have similar ideas. They are both extremely progressive. She even stated just the other day again that she is running as a very progressive candidate. We need to run and run quickly away from her type of governing. It’s all about high taxation and lots of ideas that nobody knows where the money is coming from EXCEPT from very high taxation. They are all about green energy, climate change, and no ideas on how to create real jobs.
DUSTY– I certainly hope you think I am a formidable threat. The water is getting hotter and when it reaches 212 degrees, this train is headed right to city hall. Remember, very little stops a train and this one is coming full bore. DO YOU WANT TO BOAD THE TRAIN? I will pick you up. Thanks for your support Dusty. IF loose it certainly wont be for lack of trying. I am loving every minute of it . I love being the underdog as sooner or later people gravitate toward the underdog, especially an honest one—What color should I paint my office when I take over city hall? you see I am having a lot of fun even though this is very serious. IF Lose I will feel bad but I will know I gave it my all. NO matter what happens I will not lose but the taxpayer will loose, if I don’t win. So you see— it is a win win situation. Let me let you in on something—-I am going to be the king maker in this election no matter what happens. Do you get my drift? you are smart dusty —I am sure you will figure this phrase out.—–SINCERELY CRAIG
”I have a great deal of respect for their financial commitment” Thanks LINDA FOR ADMITTING THAT YOU RESPECT THE GOB FINANCIAL COMMITMENT. THINGS WILL BE VERY DIFFERENT FROM HERE ON. YOU HAVE REFUSED TO GO ALONG WITH MY IDEA OF AN ELECTION FREE OF MONEY CONSTRAINTS AND YOU HAVE NOW CONFIRMED YOU ARE THE GOB CANDIDATE. YOU ARE PROUD TO BE PROGRESSIVE? THE PROGRESSIVES HAVE BROUGHT US TO WHERE WE ARE NOW. I AM A MODERN DAY CONSERVATIVE AND WILL BE A MAYOR WHO LOOKS AFTER EVERY TAX PAYER DOLLAR. I WILL RUN MY CAMPAIGN EXACTLY AS I HOPED YOU WOULD ACCORDING TO MY PROPOSAL. I WILL HAVE TO PROVE TO FUTURE CANDIDATES THAT SOME ONE WITH NO MONEY OR CONNECTIONS LIKE YHE GOB NETWORK CAN WIN HERE IN PITTSFIELD THE CAMPAIGN BEGINS.
Waterman please give the caps a rest. It’s really annoying.
You’re out Paul?
Jean’s Cleaners on North Paul. They will get the stains out.
GAETANI KIND OF RAMBLES AND WANDERS LIKE A SHIP WITHOUT A HELM, BUT AT LEAST YOU KNOW WHERE HE STANDS
Ron Kitterman,
Absolutely.
Ronnie -I definetly ramble wide and far. but like a ship without a RUDDER [ GOT YOU )—–no no no no no no. I know exactly where THIS ship is going—first call –the mayors office.–good to hear from you again—keep up the good posts and remember that I am trying to save you from OPEB which could significantly impact your life. you have many friends on the police force who may not understand what a sleeping giant OPEB is and it is up to you to inform them AS TO what I am trying to do as many of them don’t follow politics and they don’t realize that they are directly in the eye of the political hurricane which is coming if I AM NOT ELECECTED Hope you are enjoying your retirement get the word out that someone who loves Pittsfield and feels that we can make it better for everyone is running for mayor believe it or not there are very many that don’t know—CRAIG
AGREE. But will someone please introduce him to spell check and english composition 101. It must not have been a core requirement at the top secret “local colleges” that he refuses to name where he allegedly holds multiple degrees from. (tic).
Horace—-We have moved on.where have YOU been. YOU HAVE GOT TO KEEP UP YOU ARE BRINGING NOTHING TO THE TABLE. I AM AN HONORS GRADUATE OF TWO LOCAL COLLEGES—–YOU HAVENT FIGURED IT OUT YET? DONT EVER APPLY TO BE AN INVESTIGATOR AS YOU COULDNT FIND A WAY OUT OF A ROOM WITH 20 DOORS. THE PEOPLE ON THE PLANET KNOW THAT I AM LEARNING TO POST AS I NEVER IN MY LIFE LEARNED HOW TO TYPE. YES SOME TIMES I PR?OCEED VERY FAST AND MAKE MANY MISTAKES BUT EVERYONE KNOWS CLEARLY WHAT I AM SAYING. I WOULD SUGGEST STRONGLY THAT YOU TAKE A FEW DALE CARNIGIE COURSES AND LEARN NOT TO LOOK AT A SLIVER IN SOMEONES EYE WHEN YOU HAVE A BRANCH STICKING OUT OF YOURS—-MAYBE I HAVE THE QUOTE WRONG BUT YOU GET IT DONT YOU? I SHOULDNT ASSUME WITH YOU BECAUSE MAYBE YOU DONT. REGARDLESS, I KNOW YOU WILL VOTE FOR ME I HAVE NO DOUBTABOUT IT. I GUESS YOU LOOK AT ME AS THE LESSER OF THE FOUR EVILS.ITS BETTER TO BE POSITIVE HORACE —YOU WILL LIVE LONGER AND BE HAPPIER THAN YOU ARE NOW—YOUR GOOD FRIEND —-CRAIG
Craig, you’re correct. I’m not an investigator, but why can’t you be more forthcoming with verifiable credentials about youself. Yes, Charlie Smith gave you a plaque. Even on tv you didn’t show your DD form 214, you read a standard accommodation. As a member of MCLA alumni association, I checked and you aren’t shown as a alumni. Where ? I checked for active teacher license; nope. Where ? In patent office; nope. Where ? Secretary of state business registration in MA & NY; nope. Where ? And take my words, just like you expect the world to accept your speech and words only, there is more. Where ??
As far as investigators are concerned, when and if you become a certified candidate, experienced, professional, private investigation firms, just may be hired to do in depth and extensive background, CORI, IRS and fitness checks.
So, since I can’t find 20 doors, guarantee the pros will. Have a great day, AH !!!
HOR–ACE—RHYMES WITH—- HORSES—ASS. YOU ARE FILLED WITH HATE—I WILL PRAY FOR YOU. ONE LAST TIME—-100% ACCURATE. BY THE WAY–WHO DO YUO WORK FOR?–BIANCHI OR TYER–DONT YOU DARE QUESTION ME ABOUT MY MILITARY SERVICE-SIXTEEN MONTHS OF HARD TIME IN THE JUNGLE– PTSD SO BAD I HAD TO HAVE SHOCK TREATMENT TO SAVE MY LIFE. I PRODUCED MY DOCUMENTATION ON THE PV SHOW AND I MENTIONED ON THE SHOW THAT THESE WERE FOR YOU. YOUR A DISGRACE OF A HUMAN BEING AND TO THINK I PUT MY LIFE ON THE LINE EVERY DAY IN VIET-NAM FOR YOU AND OTHER ASS HOLES JUST LIKE YOUR SELF. YOU ARE IN THE SAME LEAGUE WITH THOSE WHO UNFAIRLY QUESTIONED JOHN KERRY’ S DEPLOYMENT IN VIET NAM. HE WAS FACTUALLY THERE IN A VERY ROUGH POSITION AS A RIVER BOAT PATROL SPOTTER–ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS JOBS YOU COULD HAVE AS THEY ARE FIRED AT 24 HOURS A DAY. HE IS A MAN AND YOU ARE A COWARD. NOW GO BACK TO YOUR CAVE. I STILL AM GOING TO PRAY FOR YOU PLEASE VOTE FOR ME–SINCERELY –CRAIG.
Ron, I have told Craig that when he gets his signature validated I am having him on my show. He presents another voice and another way of thinking.
I must admit that, I believe at times, he can “carried away”.
BILL—I AGREE, I DO BUT I GET CARRIED AWAY WITH THOUGHTS AND IDEAS AND I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO COMING ON YOUR SHOW. I HOPE EVERYONE REALIZES THAT CANDIDATES HAVE UNTILL JULY 23RD TO TURN IN THIER NOMINATION PAPERS. YOU CAN BET EVERY CENT YOU HAVE THAT I WILL BE A CERTIFIED CANDIDATE AND I AM READY NOW TO COME ONYOUR SHOW. I DONT HAVE TO BE A CERTIFIED CANDIDATE TO AIR MY POSITION —I HAVE BEEN RUNING FOR MAYOR FOR 14 MONTHS. I WILL COME ONYOUR SHOW WITH NO ADVANCE NOTICE, I AM READY TO TALK. THAT IS WHAT THE PUBLIC NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT ME. HOW ABOUT NEXT WEEK? —CRAIG
Way to go Bill. Someone needs to open some doors so that the people will have a voice and a choice. You will probably be threatened with the loss of a few advertisers though huh? Isn’t that the way they work?
Agree it would be great if Craig could reign it in a little bit. His enemies will exploit that and paint him as unfit. Not everyone is open minded.
DUSTY—I got you. I have opened the doors and now I can go back to my normal self—–cool calm and collected and confident. DUSTY—I answered every post this session and by doing so, I learned how to type. How AM I DOING?—–CRAIG
It always helps to give a post a bit of time before you mash the submit button. Also, stop using the caps lock button. if you cannot write express yourself without bold or underlined or regular, non-caps type then you are using the wrong words.
Do you know the reason you can’t tell Bianchi to get spell check on here? Do you know the reason you can’t tell Bianchi to get some english composition lessons?
Do you know why you can tell Craig?
Do you know why Bianchi is spending the city of Pittsfield into bankruptcy? Do you know why Craig Gaetani wants it to stop?
Because:
Craig is here, willing to answer questions. Trying his best to communicate his vision for a better Pittsfield and its residents.
His heart is in it.
Bianchi is not here.
Bianchi has no heart.
Bianchi has no love for the taxpayers of Pittsfield.
Bianchi is only in it for the money.
Bianchi only cares about himself.
Question is:
Would you rather have an honest man who cares about the taxpayers
Or
A GOB/SOB who only cares about himself and is willing to spend the city into bankruptcy?
As your Mayor.
I agree Dusty. I’m afraid that Ruberto and Tyer have similar ideas. They are both extremely progressive. She even stated just the other day again that she is running as a very progressive candidate. We need to run and run quickly away from her type of governing. It’s all about high taxation and lots of ideas that nobody knows where the money is coming from EXCEPT from very high taxation. They are all about green energy, climate change, and no ideas on how to create real jobs. If you like what Obama is doing then vote for Linda Tyer.
To all marathon posters—-This has been a marathon weekend .I have learned to type this week and if I go just a little slower, I will be able to put together posts you can read. I wasn’t concerned this week with grammatically correct sentence structure as I wanted to post post post. Thanks for putting up with me. I hope everyone realizes that I am very much engaged with the campaign and will become even much more engaged. I am convincing some of the media that it is time to start investigative reporting. I am a scientist and I deal with facts only. IN any and all debates to come I will make sure we are dealing with facts. You can bet that in the debates when either of the other candidates start talking in generalities I WILL REMIND THEM THAT THE TAXPAYER WANTS SPECIFICS. I am satisfied with this weeks accomplishments and I feel that I will get better media coverage, which I desperately need, as the Berkshire Eagle has done a good job so far, in making sure the public doesn’t know who I am and what my platform is. I am very grateful to all of you who have posted positively about me and I am very grateful to those who have posted negatively about me, as you may see something that I am doing wrong and I will proceed to correct it. I need to get back to work as I am starting to get backed up. Thanks everybody—–sincerely—CRAIG.
Think about it, when Craig talks on here most voters are wondering, does he really have a chance?. If he does lose, Bianchi or Tyer will also lose, you can’t have two mayors. So, he has already accomplished something here!
I don’t know whether it’s a compliment or an insult that you don’t think an 18 year old can write as well as I did. I do find it insulting that you have tried to take credit away from me by making false accusations that hold absolutely no merit. I wrote that letter because I have experienced the need for increased spending in our schools first hand these past 13 years and still have siblings in the district; not because the school district coaxed me to.
Sorry Jacob if you did indeed write that letter, but the use of the word “dumbfounded” certainly didn’t sound like an 18 year choice of language. The problem is that the schools don’t know how to properly budge the money they do have not that they don’t have enough money. Many don’t know what a budget is. There would be more than enough money for all that the schools require without hurting taxpayers with higher taxes if the schools would learn to prioritize their needs. Pittsfield schools are out of control because they take and take with no thought of where the money is coming from. They use the money for higher salaries for teachers and administrators, but it’s never enough. Other school districts in the area have refused to give in to these mercenary demands of their school districts and many Pittsfield people are proud of them for winning the good fight against the greedy school systems in their city or town.
A twelve year vet on the silly council said it was one of the easiest votes he had ever taken.
Craig the word Modern Conservative just doesn’t seem to make sense but wishing you well in your plight, it takes a lot of courage to stand for public office.
Discreet cat. If you have something to say, say it! Save your riddles for someone who wants to play games.
Craig, tomorrow night is when there is a public hearing on the municipal budget. There is a public comment period before the council takes it up. THIS COMMENT PERIOD HAS NO TIME LIMIT! This is the opportune time to say whatever you need to say regarding the budget for as long as you would like—public hearings give you that opportunity. Hope to see you there!
UNLIMITED! It’s going to be HUGE!!