QUICK HITZ & HOT LIX: PLANET FILMS PITTSFIELD DOCUMENTARY … GLOBE DIGS THE PLANET … TOUGH LOVE FOR THE BB … IS CRANE ON VERGE OF BEING SOLD? & OTHER RUMORS … OOPSIES! … LADY GAGA-GOO-GOO …$85 Gs and a PARADE … plus … THE COMMENT LINE IS OPEN
By DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEEKEND EDITION, JULY 3-5, 2015) — Time for some Quick Hitz and Hot Lix, THE PLANET‘s version of what we invite you to do each weekend, to address topics of concern to you. Yes, The Comment Line is open. Any and all subjects welcome. So is intelligence, good writing, sharp insights, wit, righteous anger, and inspiration. Stupidity can stay home or mosey over to Topix.
FILM AT SEVEN — On the last day of June, THE PLANET brought a film crew to downtown Pittsfield to shoot our documentary, InCITYous: Pittsfield’s Crisis of Confidence. This hour-long movie takes a look at a few of that many ways the city has lost belief in itself. This fish rotted from the top down, and city leaders, especially the current Administration, come in for a good look. The film will have its world premier July 9 at 7 p.m. on PLANET VALENTI TELEVISION. We shot in a tight radius of Wendell Avenue Extension, Federal Street, Allen Street, North Street, and Fourth Street. You won’t want to miss this unblinking look at a once-decent city.
GLOBULAR — When the media writer of The Boston Globe‘s business section wanted the scoop on what was happening at The Boring Broadsheet and the flack over an op-ed column on race, he turned to THE PLANET, quoting us at length. The business editor featured our words in the lift-out quote. Yes, it’s nice to know we are known and sought after on Morrissey Boulevard in Boston.
TOUGH LOVE — Having started our career in the newspaper business, we hold a fond place for these increasingly archaic print bearers. Our criticisms of The BB come from love. We would love nothing more than the paper to find its way back to local relevance as the once-fearless journal of record it used to be in the years up to and including the 1970s. Alas, ownership by a financially troubled, wispily weak investment group dooms the local efforts. Kevin Moran, the executive editor, is a solid newspaper guy. We’d consider him for our foxhole if we were adding staff. That’s how much we value his mettle. Unfortunately, Moran operates under the weight of a ponderously heavy yoke put on him by his publisher, who is under enormous pressure to “sing for your supper — or else.” Translation: Keep ad revenues heading back to HQ, or we shut you down.” You try draining the swamp when you have the alligators circling.
RUMORS — Is American Greeting Card Co. going to purchase Crane and Co. in Dalton? If so, you heard it here first. … Is there going to be a third candidate joining the council race in Ward 6? Incumbent John Krol wants to reclaim his seat. Bruce Wood has taken out papers, and THE PLANET reports Bryan Jones has done the same. Wood and Dan Bianchi are childhood friends. They grew up across the street from each other on Harvard Street in Pittsfield. As one local observer put it, “It seems like once again the mayor has a proxy candidate to run against his nemesis Krol.” Jones is a recently-married 30-year-old combat veteran, U.S. Marines, who fought in Iraq, a Republican, and offers a ton of credibility in his challenge, especially compared to the “favorite son” Wood. … Is Chris Connell, Ward 4 councilor, going to challenge Tricia Farley-Bouvier for Pittsfield state rep next year? … Is Supercitizen Terry Kinnas going to challenge Connell in Ward 4? … Is Dan Valenti in negotiations with Digital First Media to purchase The Berkshire Eagle?
OPPSIES! — This was high drama. Laurie Bassett, defender for England’s soccer team in the Women’s World Cup semi-finals, kicked the ball into her own goal in overtime to give Japan a thrilling 2-1 win over the Limeys. She’s a blond. As one writer put it, “It was a nightmarish play with a nightmarish ending.” After the play, the tears flowed. Bassett couldn’t speak through the uncontrolled, female stream. Her coach, Mark Sampson, spoke for her: “Laura Bassett’s name is on that score sheet, but she’s epitomized this England team this tournament,” Sampson said. “She’s been courageous, strong, kept this group together. She didn’t deserve that. But she’ll be looked upon as a hero, an absolute hero.” Uh, PLANET to Sampson, who must have been shorn of his hair: Bassett perhaps didn’t deserve that, but she’ll be looked upon as a goat, a choker. That’s what people will remember. She’s a blond. Men would have handled the situation differently. We wouldn’t have cried.
85 GRAND AND STUCK — Another July 4th. Another predictable Pittsfield parade. Another distraction for the “colleens” of the city. More importantly, it will be another $85,000 wasted on two hours of loud boredom.
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WIth that , we leave you with best wishes for a safe, fun, and restful holiday. Feel free to jump in with your comments on any and all issues.
Bing.
Bang.
Boom.
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“There is a time when the soul lives in God, and there is also a time when God lives in the soul. What is appropriate to one of these conditions is inappropriate to the other.” — Jean-Pierre De Caussade, “The Sacrament of the Present Moment,” (1966).
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
The views expressed in any comment section are not those of PLANET VALENTI or endorsed in any way by PLANET VALENTI; this website reserves the right to remove any comment which violates its Rules of Conduct, and it is not liable for the consequences of any posted comment as provided in Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and PLANET VALENTI’s terms of service.
DV Let me express my thanks for your writing. This is material of a quality that should be syndicated over the world. We are so thankful.
Bryan Jones must indeed be a remarkable man. He would have been six years old at the start of Desert Storm.
Good one Tom!
Love it! Yes, he was the most precocious soldier in the long, proud history of the Marines. Actually, he was in Iraq in 2003, around “Mission Accomplished” time.
Victory is the goal. Determination gets you there. Gaetani for mayor.
July 9th on Planet Valenti Television…sounds like must see TV. I know the mayor and gob will be tuned in. This one may go viral. I hope everyone takes the time to see it.
Please help me with the math here. According to an article in the Eagle the Mass lottery took in 4.97 BILLION DOLLARS and the PROFITS were 935 million which were sent to cities and towns. If those figures are correct does that mean that it cost 4 BILLION DOLLARS to operate this fools game? I must be missing something.
Maybe that includes the payouts.
PV Posters–two days since I talked to kevin moran at the eagle and my press release that I gave to city reporter jim therein 10 DAYS AGO has not been printed yet. I take mr. moran at his word and I still think he will come through. I HAD SOME TIME ON MY HANDS YESTERDAY SO I HAD MANY POSTS ON YESTERDAYS BLOG. TAKE A LOOK BACK YOU MAY FIND SOME THINGS INTERESTING.THE PRESS RELEASE I INTENDED TO POST TO ALL MEDIA YESTERDAY, I DECIDED TO HOLD BACK AS I HAVE A BOMB I PLAN TO DROP ON BIANCHIS HEAD THAT I ALLUDED TO IN YESTERDAYS POST. THAT WILL FINISH HIM ONCE AND FOR ALL.I HAVE TO PUT THE POST TOGETHER VERY CAREFULLY AS YOU WILL SEE THAT PRIVATE WELL CONNECTED FRIENDS OF BIANCHI ARE DICTATING WHAT TAX PAYERS CAN AND CAN NOT DO. THE PERSON LEADING THIS CHARGE IS NONE OTHER THAN THE MEANSPIRITED, BULLYING, OUT OF FAVOR WITH THE GOB NETWORK AND SOON TO BE EX MAYOR OF THE CITY OF PITTSFIELD, EVEN BEFORE THE ELECTION— THE CORRUPT DAN BIANCHI. STAY TUNED. FRIENDS.YOUR LIFE WILL BE MUCH HAPPIER AFTER MY POST NEXT WEEK AND THE BEAUTY OF THIS IS I DID NOT EVEN HAVE TO PUT THE FINAL NAIL IN HIS COFFIN–HE PUT IT THERE HIMSELF.—I HAVE SOME MORE TIME TODAY AND IF ANYONE WANTS ME TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE FOR ME –I WILL TRY MY BEST. I AM TRYING TO ESTABLISH MYSELF AS BEING AS OPEN AS I CAN BE AND I WILL CARRY THIS PHILOSPHY INTO MY TERM AS MAYOR. TALK TO YOU AS YOUR POSTS COME IN————-CRAIG
PV POSTERS–I JUST FOUND OUT SOMETHING I WASNT AWARE OF AND YOU MAY NOT BE EITHER. THE ONLY PEOPLE ALLOWED TO MARCH IN THE 4TH OF JULY PARADE ARE INCUMBENTS. THIS IS THE INDEPENDECE DAY PARADE. DOES SOME THING SOUND FISHY HERE? I JUST TALKED TO PETER MARCHETTI–THE PARADE CHAIRMAN AND TOLD HIM THAT AS SOON AS I AM ELECTED MAYOR WE SHOULD TALK ABOUT NEXT YEARS PARADE WHICH ALL CANDIDATES FOR OFFICE WILL BE ABLE TO MARCH IN THE PARADE.THIS CITY IS EVEN FARTHER GONE THAN I THOUGHT IT WAS. ISNT TYER AND BIANCHI CANDIDATES FOR THE UPCOMING ELECTION. INDEPENDENCE–IN PITTSFIELD–I THINK NOT. THE GOB CANDIDATES WILL BE MARCHING. NO PROBLEM FOR THEM.—–CRAIG.
If they don’t print your press release everyone on this board to rise up against the BB. That would be very corrupt of them not to do so. Have you also contacted iberkshires with your press release? They are usually a little better than the BB , which isn’t difficult to do, for getting the word out on local issues.
pat releases were sent to everyone.wbec carried as well as wamc. the others nothing according to my people who track for me. wbrk am and fm have never ever reported any thing about me, even though I went there and had along talk with owner chip hodgkins. jim levulus of wamc is the best he has started to do investigative reporting which no other source does now. you can see what I am up against but the debates will be where I will shine. you and a few others on this site are not afraid to speak out. the rest are fearful of reprisals by the powers to be and the corrupt city govt. I have a story coming next week that is going to turn this city upside down but that wont change things much on this site. as I told you, I am going to have my own tv show on pctv and I would suggest everyone watch it and if people think I am tough at present wait to they see what tough is when I can speak at length without some one always trying to shut me down. It is a good thing I don’t get discouraged easily. all I can say is– god help the taxpayer if I loose. But remember the riddle I put out to the planet posters that regardless what happens I am going to be the king maker in the election and by doing so I win. unfortunately in this situation the taxpayers loose big big time. I am slowly chiping away slowly and stealthly and remember I wasn’t born yesterday and in my professional career I never lost a fight that I really wanted to win so that should instill some confidence to the sheep but this is politics and an idiot can win. look at what we have for elected officials now. not a one of them would ever get to first base in the private sector. where in the public sector could Melissa mazzeo ever attain gainful employment? the city is crying for change but they don’t know how to do it and unfortunately they will reep what they sow.any how lets see how things go. if we could get 1of 3 registerd voters who did not vote in the lqst election to vote in this election we would win and overcome the gob who get their puppet in with just a hand full of votes every time. this is what I am up against. lets see what happens. sincerely –craig
Wouldn’t your Facebook page also be a good place for your releases? There are 20 people who’ve liked the page. When you post something there, people who like it/share your view(s) can also share it on their pages. A lot of people check out candidates’ info on Facebook.
DOWN TOWN DWELLER– AM WORKING ON FACE BOOK PAGE AT PRESENT WILL BE UP AND RUNING SOON, THANKS –CRAIG
Craig this must be a mistake when you write “jim levulus of wamc is the best he has started to do investigative reporting which no other source does now. ” because this fits DV and The Planet WAY MOREe than wamc.
why don’t you spend some of your bottomless buckets of money to hire a real PR team?
I don’t think they can stop you if walk close to the curb and want to say hi to people. I remember that’s what former Mayor Sara Hathaway did. She walked the parade route staying out of the way of the parade and introduced herself and looked people in the eye and listened to their complaints. Whether or not she was a good mayor is up for debate at another time. The point being it was like knocking on 20,000 doors in two hours.
CAT–I agree. unfortunately I am recovering from foot problems. if anyone out there would like to walk the parade route for me before the parade I will get you t- shirts like you saw me wear at the last city council meeting. please call me I live on west street if I hear from you by 7 pm I can get shirts for you.—craig
K-MAN AND CAT-YOU ARE RIGHT K BUT I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE UNDERSTOOD THAT MY ALLEGIANCE IS TO DAN AND THE PLANET. WITHOUT DANS COVERAGE OF MY CAMPAIGN FOR THE PAST YEAR, I WOULD BE A VIRTUAL UNKNOWN.. LOVE YOU DAN AND THANK YOU FOR THE BIG BOOST YOU HAVE GIVEN ME– I AM VERY APPRECIATIVE. CAT—BAD FEET AND ALL I MADE MY WAY UP AND DOWN THE PARADE ROUTE JUST STAYING AHEAD OF THE PARADE.I wore my campaign tee –shirt and talKED to as many people as I could I was overwhelmed by how many people were calling out my name. I had to change my tactics and just put my hand out and walked slowly my hand is sore from all the people that reached for me just to touch me and for the first time I am starting to believe that many people know me even though I have had hardly any coverage by the mainstream media who actually have been very biased toward me.folks I think we have a shot—sincerely—-craig
spectator– if you stayed current you would know why–no sense talking to you please- please just remain a spectator as you bring nothing to the table today or in the past I will pray for you—craig
Marchetti and his backers are petrified that you may get elected and will stop at nothing to keep you in the shadows. May be dictating Morans actions as well. Perhaps the Albany and or Springfield TV stations might make a story of your being stifled. What happened to Independence Day? What happened to free speech? What are they trying to do to America?
DUSTY–AFTER HOLIDAY I AM GOING AFTER ALL THE SOURCES I CAN THINK OF. GOOD ADVISE. APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT AND COMMENTS–CRAIG
Sir,
Could you please consider typing in lower case? It doesn’t change the positions on the key board… it is very hard on my eyes. I’d like to read what you post, bu alas– I cannot.
RUSSELL-ARE YOU A WEST SIDE BOY FROM JOHN OR SOUTH JOHN ST? I KNOW ALL THE MOODYS WE ALL HUNG AROUND TOGETHER IN PIT PARK.I AM STILLLEARNING HOW TO TYPE BUT I WILL DO MY BEST. ILL SEE YOU AND AQLL THE GANG ONJULY 25TH AT THE GATHER IN AT PITT PARK. GET ALL THE BOYS TOGETHER AND TELL EVERY ONE I NEED THEM TO VOTE FOR ME ROR MAYOR. A LOT OF THE BROTHERS I KNEW AS A BOY HAVE MOVED AWAY. I AM GLAD YOU POSTED AND I AM PRETTY SURE YOUR THE MOODY I KNEW. WERE YOU IN THE CAVALIERS DRUM CORPS WITH LOWEL SCALES AND WILL STOCKTON AND I AND SEVERAL OTHER WEST SIDE BOYS.? GLAD TO SEE YOU POST ON THIS SITE CRAIG
You’re comments are pretentious. I am not the Moody you knew. Why would you assume I’d be at Pitt Park on the 25th? Because my name is Moody? Please don’t call me brother and I’m not telling “them” anything… dude, think before you speak, and think before you use racial generalities. West side phony. And lastly, stop using capital letters, it only makes your comments more difficult to stomach.
RUSSELL MOODY-EVIDENTLY YOU ARE NOT NTHE MOODY FAMILY I KNOW.SORRY AND YES I AM A WEST SIDE BOY LIFE LONG AND AM NOT A WEST SIDE PHONY.SPEAK THE TRUTH–CRAIG
ON SECOND THOUGHT GO BACK TO THE CAVE.COME SEE ME AT PITT PARK ON JULY 25TH AND YOU WILL SEE IF I AM A WEST SIDE BOY. ON THIRD THOUGHT DONT COME AT ALL. WE CAN DO FINE WIYHOUT YOU,YOU SEEM TO BE OFFENDED THAT I WOULD CALL YOU BROTHER. MY BLACK FRIENDS CALLK ME BROTHER ALL THE TIME. I AM NOT OFFENDED WHO DO YOU THINK IS RACIST? IT IS YOU. GROW UP—-CRAIG.
Good luck with the Mayor thing…
I too am west side boy, Tucker School graduate, Dewey park boy and wondered also if Mr. Moody was from the old neighborhood. We also called ourselves bros and still do to this day. In fact I was at Dewey park the day our own Dan Valenti became an honorary “brother” for life. I do not know you Mr. Moody but it looks like you have the problem. A simple “no I am the Russell Moody you know” would have been enough. I think Craig was just trying to reach out to an old neighborhood friend.
Craig, It seems that if an inuimbent is also a candidate for reelection or for a different office, like Ms. Tyer is, they should be subject to fair election practices like all candidates.
Also, if a voter parks in the Pittsfield city hall rear parking lot and uses the designated city hall entrance and stairs, you run straight into Ms.Tyers’ reserved and marked parking space and just across from her office’s parking space is the clearly marked mayor’s parking space. Both their vehicles, parked in these reserved spaces on city hall property have very visible campaign stickers for themselves and other candidates.
Again, this is city hall property and is political campaigning allowed at city hall ? it doesn’t seem fair and equitable to the other candidates by taking a political campaign advantage by virtue of one’s office.
ED–good thought maybe I should park my 27foot small yacht in front of city hall in a paid for parking spot. the boat is lettered GAETANI—-THE HELEN—CHARLES named after my deceased mom and dad. all I would have to do as add the words for mayor. maybe I will park it in front of the mayors side office window. I think I will go pay for parking for the whole period up front until the elections. what do you think ED and PV POSTERS?. I HAVE OWNED THE BOAT FOR A LONG TIME BUT I NEVER WAS OUT IN IT BECAUSE I AM TOO BUSY. AND IT MIGHT AS WELL SIT OVER THERE RATHER THAN TAKE Up ROOM IN MY DRIVE WAY—-IF ENOUGH OF YOU ON tHE PLANET THINK THIS WILL FLY I WILL HAVE IT BROUGHT OVER THERE VERY SOON—THANKS FOR THE IDEA ED. THIS SHOULD BE SOMEWHAT EQUAL TREATMENT BUT NOT REALLY BECAUSE I WILL PAY FOR MY SPOT THE OTHER TWO ARE GETTING IT FOR FREE LIKE ED SAID BY USING THE POWER OF THIER OFFICE LETS SEE WHAT PEOPLE THINK.——–CRAIG
Russell–thank you, I told you we would be friends soon.do come to pitt park on july 25th .you will meet many nice people just trying to hang on with excessive taxes poor services but always hopefull that things will improve. The lower west side is one of the last places where you can walk down the streets and see people on their porches who will invite you to have a drink of tea and maybe a snack. I have lived the past 25 years in the very rich section of outer west street and I don’t even know my neighbors and they don’t know me or care to. we still have my mom and dad”s home on robbins where my sister was born and has lived there her entire life.my house on west street I bought for my mom and dad but they loved their home and neighbors so much that they spent their life and died while living in the home they loved on robbins ave. Ihave another beautifull home with full views of onota lake that I want my sister and my brother in law to move to but–nope they love robbins ave and guess what so do I and I plan to move back to our family home on robbins ave also in the future. Fancy houses don’t mean a thing to me as they are just material things that mean nothing what makes me happy is people.all my friends live down on the lower west side and I love them all ILL BE BACK HOME SOON MY GOOD LOWER WEST SIDE FRIENDS—LOVE YOU ALL —-CRAIG
It can’t be said often enough that a big reason for the downhill slide of the city is the fact that many who benefit from the high taxes in Pittsfield don’t even live in Pittsfield. They work here, but live in much wealthier South County where the quality of life is much better than here in Pittsfield. Everything from better roads to quiet neighborhoods exists in South County. Pittsfield, being a very poor community, is being destroyed from very high taxes relative to what poor people in the area are able to pay.
All of this should be talking points for during mayoral debates. We have serious questions to ask these candidates that involve much more than blight in the city, the arts, and all of the usual topics asked during mayoral campaigns. Questions to ask:
1. What do you plan to do about increasing poverty in Pittsfield?
2. What are your plans for job creation?
3. How do you plan to rein in spending on the schools? If you don’t plan on reining in spending on the schools, why not?
4. One more bad winter could completely destroy many local roads. What is your plan?
5. How do you intend to improve quality of life in the city?
6. What do you plan to do about crime in the city?
7. For Linda Tyer specifically would be the question: You are going out of your way to let voters know you are a progressive. Progressives are typically all about high taxes. Do you intend to raise taxes even higher than they already are for a poor city like Pittsfield?
Without great answers to these critical questions, the candidate would not deserve to be mayor.
I think you will find that the people in the small towns are paying more taxes than Pittsfield residents and getting less services. Lower income people who want to live in those towns can’t afford the cost of the housing, Kevin Morandi moved to Pittsfield because he couldn’t find an affordable house in Lee.
True. South County is very expensive to buy a home, but many Pittsfield city employees and school employees such as the higher paid teachers and administrators can afford to live there. True there are less services provided, but the quality of life is better in these smaller towns. Many are two high income couples who are able to afford the higher costs. My point is that Pittsfield taxpayers are paying the salaries of many of these higher income people who don’t even live in the city. This doesn’t benefit poor Pittsfield residents and in fact hurts them. I can think of many who work in Pittsfield, but can afford to live in South County and even Williamstown.
Many many Pittsfield taxpayers are elderly and on fixed incomes just clinging by their thumbnails to keep their family home. These are the people the mayor is milking to pay for his toys.
dusty-I like your wording of your posts–are you a west side boy? the milking of the taxpayer is the most important issue of this coming election. we have to put a stop to the flow of this precious commodity to the incompetents who have drank to much of our milk. we need to let the poor cow dry out for a while to recoupe.. we can turn her out to greener pastures next spring or maybe a day or two outside after jan 3rd 2016. the grass should be a lot sweeter for her next year as opposted to now—sincerely craig
Tom 20 years ago Pittsfield was a good deal for home buyers. But today, not so much. We have experienced tax raises continually, and are gurantted 28 years of the same. Thanks to a new Taconic that was not even put to a vote. Now there’s nothing we can do about that expenditure, but there is something we can do at the ballot box. Everyone currently on the council and the Mayor must go. Don’t care where, but you can’t stay here.
Pat Why would you want to increase poverty?
Putting more money in the pockets of taxpayers helps the poor. The poor are the overburdened taxpayers at least here in Pittsfield.
PAT- Look through Horace manns last post–he has a good idea about a local tax for people who work here but don’t pay taxes here. local residents who pay taxes here are exempt from this tax. I hope horrace can get us some more information and post us again with some details—craig
As for Crane & Company in Dalton being purchased by American Greeting Card Company, that would be huge news for this area. Layoffs could happen. What about the fact that they print money for the government?
I agree that the Pittsfield parade is a waste of money. Too long and so many people don’t even like parades. I think most people would be interested in a much shorter parade and then a barbecue after the parade. The only places offering public barbecues are in South County (Shakespeare & Co. ) and in Williamstown after their small parade. I’m not aware of any others. Independence day used to have really fun events like giant public bonfires in a big field with lots of great food.
Pat maybe you weren’t here when we had a parade, carnival at Wahconah Park and drum corp competitions. Those were the days:-)
I was here. It was great. Just a parade is boring in my opinion.
Well don’t go to Onota lake unless you have confidence in your swimming ability. Bianchi gave the lifeguard money to Monterresso so it is every man (and child) for himself.
Also Dan V. I can’t wait to see the hour long documentary of Pittsfield. I’m sure it will be very eye opening.
Pittsfield politics is totally corrupt! Pittsfield is in a never-ending downward spiral. No rational middle class family would move to Pittsfield. Taxes are high, while the people are poor and on welfare. Over 600 students per year choice out of Pittsfield’s public schools. The rest of the children have maladaptive behavioral problems in school. Pittsfield’s streets are unsafe, especially after hours. Pittsfield has crime, violence, drugs, and gangs. Pittsfield has become another version of North Adams. Pittsfield is like “George Bailey” was never born.
Dan, Happy Fourth of July Weekend and Keep up the Great Work. Just one Problem with a post you wrote earlier,
“Love it! Yes, he was the most precocious soldier in the long, proud history of the Marines. Actually, he was in Iraq in 2003, around “Mission Accomplished” time.”
Never, Ever, Call a Marine a “Soldier”. They are Once and Always “Marines”
Semper Fidelis…….
Thanks, CHESTY. Go, Gyrenes.
chesty perhaps we should use the word ground troops as every one knows that soldiers and marines are predominately ground troops. if a soldier saves a marine or a marine saves a soldier which was the case many times when I was in viet nam, I didn’t care what he was called if he or she or it would save my life, that’s all I care about. I am a soldier and you are a marine but in war we all are together and I bet you agree. absolutely—- semper fidelis my good marine from a proud soldier–thank you for your service—-are you a viet vet chesty? I am cofounder of ch–65 viets of America and if you are not a member, please join us as we are all dying off very quickly and we need as many new members as we can get—-again thank you for your service to our country comrade in arms forever sincerely –craig
Yesterday a post was put up by crites stating that the reason why people don’t stand up for themselves is because of a corrupt government.
They aren’t wrong! A lot of these ” politicians” and people who work for the city think if they put enough pressure on then the citizens will back down. They make things up in their head and try to throw out fines left and right.
The Pittsfield politicians love people to be silent because free speech is just to much for them they can’t stand people who ride against the grain.
This is one of the reasons I must run for office.I have been a target of the cities antics for trying to provide for my family. They want me to go away and shut me up but it only makes me stronger. No one should feel they way that I have felt for the last two years and this all starts with Lisa Tully. She only lives here part time and the people she has sent after me aren’t even local residents yet we the citizens still pay roll them.
I promise you that if elected I will not leave you standing alone and wondering what to do next. I will guide you as best as I can and will not allow you to be bullied by local government. As far as I am concern Ward 1 is all of ours.Every voice counts even if you think its not important I would want an email or call. I won’t sit here and act on something because I think it’s what you want no I will want input from all of you and discussion.
Please realize that I am one person and when I vote we still have the other seats to convince and that is where everyone else comes in because we need to put pressure on all of the others and that will mean overload of calls and emails and any other way to get their attention.
Local government the way it was before I know didn’t work for me and by what I have read here and seen it doesn’t work for many others only the conformist and conformity hasn’t worked so far. City politics should be a group effort of change and not just the people we put our hopes in per ward or at large.
Tammy, start by treating your neighbors with respect. Maybe then you can get more that 50 votes. Just saying because I am one of the neighbors.
Thanks Larry it’s funny I didn’t have a problem with neighbors until about two years ago when I finally stood up for myself and requested No Parking signs. The “neighbors showed their lack of respect many times over I have no regrets and if I only get 50 this time which I doubt then this ward isn’t ready for change. You see I am not expecting to get any from my street or neighborhood.that’s why I must move on to other areas.
Tammy. Please state your qualifications to be elected to the council. Please convince me why I should vote for you.
Tammy, standing up to these bullies is enough qualification for me. You have my vote.
Yes.and writing FU on your fence makes me vote for Tammy! You go girl!
Lol I will answer your question why you should vote for me but since you brought the infamous FU up again I must answer this first. Believe me when I first wrote it I had no idea people will comment like this and that’s not why I did it but the FU has taken on a life of its own! Maybe if more people said FU to people in the city this would be a better place. Justice comes in all different ways. If the FU works to associate me with it and to get votes then I guess it helped both ways.
Everyone has a breaking point with nit picking. People can only poke a bear so many times and eventually the bear gets angry. Well I got angry and up went the FU and the numbers and the sole initials. It all has meaning and those people on it know why and it wasn’t just one incident. There is a point in time when you get sick of repeating yourself.
As far as using FU for the campaign I may switch the meaning to FED UP with the current city political game time for a change. Ives Got It!!!!!!!!!!
Tammy your reply to FJlowry is great. You ahve my vote. Vote for Tammy Ives in One. Like you, she’s Fed Up!
Tammy, you have my vote and my husband’s vote. I love a person who lives by their principles…works for me.
What are her principles?
TAMMY I AM GOING TO TELL THE POSTERS A LITTLE ABOUT you.–MY PRESS COnF. FOR MAYOR WAS FOR PRESS ONLY AS I WAS EXPERIENCINg VERY SEVERE FOOT PROBLEMS ANS HAD TO HAVE THE EVENT AT MY HOUSE . TAMMY AND HER HUSBAND A MAN WITH VERy LONG HAIR AND BEARD WHO I THOUGHT WAS MY FRIEND ROLLAND NICHOLS MY PARTNER WHEN WE ESTABLISHED CH–65 VIET VET OF AMERICA HERE IN PITTSFIELD SO MANY YEARS AGO THAT I HATE TO THINK OF IT BECAUSE IT REMINDS ME HOW MUCH OLDER I AM GETTING—-WELL IT WASNT ROLLAND IT WAS TAMMYS HUSBAND CORREY. THEY WERE GOING TO LEAVE BUT I INSISTED THEY STAY. AND AM I GLAD THEY DID. WE HAVE STAYED IN TOUCH AND THEY HAVE BOTH BEEN INVALUABLE TO ME IN HELpING ME WITH MY CAMPAIGN AND TEACHING ME HOW TO TyPE—-HOW AM I DOING –TAMMY? AND RESEARCHING THINGS FOR ME AND TONS OF OTHER THINGS.THERE ARE PEOPLE ON THIS SITE WHO WILL GO TO ANY LENGTH TO DISCREDIT HER BECAUSE SHE TELLS IT LIKE IT IS AND YES SHE DOES HAVE A SIgN oN HER GATE WITH LETTERS FU BUT THESE ARE ONLY WORDS THEy DONT HURT ANYONE. THE PEOPLE CRITIZING HER HAVE REAL HATE AND WILL TRY TO SMEAR AND HURT HER .THESE ARE THE PEOPLE YOU HaVE TO REALLY BE AFFRAID OF BECAUSE THEY ARE VISCIOUS AND WILL HURT YOU . TAMMY WOULDNT HURT A FLEA. SHE IS JUST A DOWN TO EARTH YOUNG LADDY WHO WANTS TO DO THE BEST FOR AS MANY PEOPLE AS SHE CAN AND I AM VERY PROUD SHE GAVE IN TO MY PERSISTENCE TO RUN AND I AM SO GLAD SHE IS RUNNING. I ENDORSE HER 100% and am telling all of you to go to the polls to vote for her. look at the other choice—lisa tully- a person with no agenda no concern for the poor taxpayer and as stupid as they come lisa tully couldn’t shine tammys shoes as they are cut from different cloth.i could go on for hours praisinf tammy but suffice it to say she is the only choice in ward 1 and if she lacks a little political savy—-well working along side of me she will be a polished star in no time. everybody get out and get tammy elected she will make you proud you voted for her—–craig
I hope you defeat Bully, Tammy!
Dan Bianchi Cannot be re-elected. 4 More Years. The damage he has done is irreparable. City Council.. the same. School Committee..the same.
Nothing is every truly irreparable…
I agree, RUSS.
Russell- the best short post I ever heard-never impossible if there is the will—craig
*ever
One question nobody high up in The Eagle organization ever seems to answer (or perhaps is never asked) is whether or not the local newspaper, with all the cuts made over the years, makes a profit? And if so, how much?
It also begs the question of whether The Eagle would have survived and even prospered had The Miller Family in the 1980’s merely decided to resist the urge to switch to in-house full-color printing?
What if The Millers had never decided to take on major debt to finance a new ultra-expensive high-speed multi-color printing press (a machine far too large for the firm’s then Eagle Street headquarters) which purchase necessitated the added expenses of acquiring, renovating, and moving into far larger accommodations to hold that new press?
Prior to purchase of the new press, weren’t the Eagle Street headquarters fully paid for?
Looking back with the benefit of 20/20 hindsight, would not The Eagle have fared better in the business and media environments faced from the late 1980s thru to the present day had the organization just decided to stay put on Eagle Street?
I hear that Charmin will be buying the Berkshire Eagle and convert it to a toilet paper factory. Bill Everhart will be in charge of quality control. Everhart stated that he would wipe the slate clean with all employees and he will continue to be a rump swab for the GOB network.
Breaking news! TV Land pulls Dukes of Hazards. Hogan’s Heroes getting worried.Whats next MLB network will not showing any baseball footage after 1947. Welcome to the new land of the free. Happy 4TH!
Breaking news! Indian groups won’t Long Ranger pulled from TV. Don’t like depiction of Tonto,”he should of had more lines”.
I think it’s an odd choice by the city to combine precincts 5a and 5b and have them vote a the Berkshire Athenaeum. Linda Tyer says parking spaces will be designated for voting but we all know that is a joke. Looks to me like they are trying to discourage voting. Am I wrong here? Thoughts everyone!
That is a joke. There are hardly any parking spaces for library patrons in that parking lot at times never mind adding voters on election day. That would be a disaster and I think it would discourage many people from voting.
I think Camels should be provided for people who don’t have transportation. Money for them could be provided from Free Cash.
Happy Birthday America!!!!!
My wife and I met Mr. Craig at the 4th of July parade and I had the opportunity to talk with him for a short time. We signed his election papers, since we believe everyone deserves an opportunity to be on the ballot, so we always sign these papers. However, after even a short conversation, I have serious reservations about him as mayor. His choice of words makes him a poor communicator. Rather than dialogue he moves into attack mode. While he may clean house people wise, who will be replace them with? He does not listen well, and I cannot imagine who will work with him long term. I can imagine a city hall also afraid to dare say anything critical of him. While he may have a couple of good ideas, he seems to have very poor listening skills unless you are in complete agreement with him.
Also what is his vision for the city?
There are also many people in this city that have a wealth of experience and ideas that will not want to get involved with him.
So I guess I would compare Craig to a bull in a chinà shop. He will leave a path of devastation and perhaps even clean out some old and obsolete inventory, but what happens then? Who will deal with the fallout?
Craig asked me for my vote. If he even qualifies to get on the ballot, which may be questionable, since he had lesss than 20 signatures that I saw (including ours), I do not think I could in good conscious vote for Craig. While he has some good attributes, I cannot see him managing the complexities of the office of the mayor.
(Lest any one question, I am not associated with any mayoral candidate, nor have I contributed to any mayoral candidate. I am also a science teacher (chemistry) in the Pittsfield Schools. This is after a 30 year career in the DPS (dreaded private sector))
Unfortunately we have a City Hall right now that is afraid of speaking out against Mr. Bianchi. He has created an atmosphere in which people are afraid to speak their minds. Not sure what the answer is, but I haven’t heard much from the other candidate Eric something or other. I don’t even remember his last name. All of these mayoral candidates are running such low key campaigns that nobody knows much about any of them except for Mr. Bianchi who everybody on this board knows we don’t like.
Somebody said that the candidates don’t really start their campaigns until September. Really? For a mayor that we will be stuck with for 4 years, I think they should start seriously telling us their ideas right now unless of course most of them don’t have any ideas which in this city is probably true. I think Linda Tyer thinks she will win by just family and friends voting for her so she isn’t even bothering to campaign, sadly that may be true in this city where so few people actually bother to vote.
And Dave would I be correct that you would be less than happy if Craig cut into your ginormous school budget as he is proposing?
Just curious.
Dusty here is something you will enjoy. LAST week I went to the school dept and asked for a list of every employee of the school dept–name ,residence ,salary and certification of everY teacher especially those teachers who are teaching courses that they ARE NOT CERTIFIED IN. As I told the planet last week that I was willing to bet that at least 20% of teachers are teaching courses that THEY ARE NOT CERTIFIED IN. HOW DO I KNOW THIS? HOW DO I KNOW THIS? WELL IT IS A WELL KEPT SECRET THAT A TEACHER CAN BE HIRED AND TEACH 2 COURSES OUT OF FIVE COURSES A DAY AND NOT BE A CERTIFIED IN THOSE TWO COURSES THAT THEY ARE TEACHING. NOW DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILD BEING TAUGHT BY SOMEONE NOT CERTIFEID BY THE STATE IN THAT COURSE? THIS IS THE ABUSE AREA IN THE PITTS PUBLIC SCHOOLS WHERE THE GOB NETWORK GETS THIER KIDS AND RELATIVES A TEACHING POSITION EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE NOT FULLY CERTIFIED. DO YOU GET IT PV POSTERS? NOW BACK TO MY REQUEST OF THE SCHOOL DEPT AND THIER RESPONSE TO ME.==THEY PROVIDED ME WITH THE NAME OF THE EMPLOYEE AND THIER HIRE DATE. NOTHING ELSE. THEY FURTHER STATED THAT IF I WANTED THE INFORMATION IT WOULD COST ME 6,930DOLLARS AND THEY SAID IT WAS A BARGAIN AS IT WOULD BE DONE BY THE LOWEST PAID CITYS SCHOOL DEPT. SECRETARY BEING PAID19.25DOLLARS PER HOUR AND WOULD ENTAIL18,OOO PAGES. DO THESE ASS HOLES THINK WE ARE STUPID THAT IT WOULD TAKE18 THOUSAND PAGES TO GET THE NAME ,SALARY,CERTIFICAYION AND COURSES TAUGHT BY EACH TEACHER? DO YOU SEE WHY I HAVE TO BECOME THE MAYOR. IS THERE ANY BODY ON THE PLANET NOT THINKING ABOUT VOTING FOR ME?. I WANT EVERY PLANET CONTRIBUTOR TO LOG IN YOUR OPINIONS ON THIS TOPIC AND I WILL READ THEM TONIGHT WHEN I GET HOME. ALSO REMEMBER=== I PROMISED YOU A BOMB THAT IS GOING TO HAVE ALL OF YOU SCREACHING FOR JOY WHEN I LIGHT THE FUSE. THE FIRE WOKS ARE GOINGTO MAKE LAST NIGHTS FIRE WORKS LOOK LIKE A KIDS GAME. THERE ARE A FEW WHO ARE NOT GOING TO BE SLEEPING WELL AS THEY KNOW WHO THEY ARE AND MY PROMISE TO THEM is I am coming to sweep you awaY with the rest of the garbage. put your diapers on we don’t want you dirtying up our city any further than you have all ready dirtied it.mY armor please Watson!!!!!!—-CRAIG
Dave– I do recall our talk . I assure you I am an excellent speaker. just watch the debates. I do have a great capacity to work with others and work very well. Do you think I would have been so successful if I didn’t know what I was doing?.your condescending remarks about me having 20 signatures is also a red flag as to what you are trying to do — to just smear me. Doesnt work with me Dave. I see you were hired on 8-27-07. How many classes are you teaching which you are not certified to teach in? Your scared to death of me because I am the only one you and your kind have to worry about keeping your jobs. with me out of the way you can continue to live comfortably and not be concerned about any one else—the poor tax payer who pays your salary. when was the last time you gave any thought to the poor people here hanging on by a thread? well dave now you really have something to worry about. when I become mayor I will come over and give your students a real class in chemistry, coming as an inventor, designer and builder of mega chemistry facilities. you teach your students about me and DR’S. Wang AND. KROFTA. WE ARE THE PIONEERS. YOU JUST STUDY TO LEARN WHAT WE HAVE BEEN DOING AND PASS IT ALONG TO YOUR STUDENTS. WE ARE DOERS YOU ARE OUR FOLLOWERS.NEED I SAY MORE? YOUR WIFE WAS VERY PLEASANT AND RESPECTFUL. I SUGGEST YOU TRY TO BECOME MORE LIKE HER.I KNOW YOU AND YOUR WIFE WILL BE VOTING FOR ME AFTER ALL YOU ARE SMART, CANT YOU SEE THE DIFFERENCES IN THE MAYORAL CANDIDATES?.FOR A SMART MAN IT SHOULDNT TAKE YOU LONG TO DECIDE. NOW GO VOTE AND STOP THINKING OF YOU AND YOURS ONLY–. WE ALL NEED TO SURVIVE.–NOT JUST YOU. INTIENDO?–MUY-BIEN–START THINKING WE AND NOT JUST ME THAT MAKES IT BETTER FOR ALL OF US.—CRAIG
Dave WIECeki–I want to ask you one more thing–you first said you were a science teacher in the pps and then you put in paranthesesis CHEMISTRY TEACHER. I AM CERT. CHEM.TEACHER and I am also a certified science teacher. unless I am WRONG,YOU cant TEACH CHEM WITHout being certified in chemistry. are you certified in chemistry by the state of mass. as I am? I AM ALSO CERTIFIED IN BIOLOGY AND AS A TEACHER BACK THEN– TAUGHT CHEMISTRY AND BIOLOGY AT THE SAME TIME AND TAUGHT PHYSICS IN THE HOME BOUUND PROGRAM IN THE PPS.ARE YOU ONE OF THE 20% of teachers I mentioned in another post who are teaching courses you are not certified in? please post ,—– IF YOU ARE NOT CERTIFIED IN CHEMISTRY YOU SHOULD WRITE TO YOUR STUDENTS FAMILY AND LET THEM KNOW AS I THINK THEY MAY NOT BE ALRIGHT WITH THAT.I KNOW I WOULDNT BE ALRIGHT WITH THAT,–WAITING FOR YOUR RESPONCE—–CRAIG
Fireworks are out of control in my neighborhood this year. Not sure where people get all of these fireworks. Last I heard they are quite expensive and supposedly most people in the city are poor. My neighborhood sounds like a war zone. It used to be that each year there would be a half hour to 45 minutes of fireworks. Now they go on the night before and the night of the 4th of July for hours. It’s easy to see why they just aren’t special when people just blast them off continually it just becomes so much noise!!
In complete agreement, Pat. The people lighting them claim poverty, take welfare checks and the good living provided for them by taxpayers and waste their money on booze, drugs, cigarettes, lotto tickets and fireworks.
You are completely wrong. What makes you think that? I know of people that are not on welfare or else and were lighting up. They all work and use their money not yours. This is a free country and people just wanted to celebrate their freedom by lighting this own fireworks. The 4th comes once a year. Just enjoy and stop being a sourpuss. And by the way why is it that every time someone does something illegal and commits a crime, the less fortunate or poor gets blame?
Maybe the WATER WIZARD can get the problem FIXED . He can fix everything LOL
larry–nothing to fix just a few people blowing off a little steam. Day or two we will aLL BE alright. who says we cant disagree? we all have to learn how to agree to disagree. noise from guns killing people like last night—THERE IS WHERE WE HAVE TO AGREE BIG TIME WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO. IT SEEMS THAT THESE MAY HAVE BEEN PLANNED ATTACKS USING COVER OF FIRE WORKS TO PERPETRATE SUCH HEINOUS ACTIVITY. NO BLAME ON ANYONE IN COMMUNITY FOR THESE BARBARIC ACTS AS THEY CAN HAPPEN IN ANY CITY ANY TOWN ANYWHERE IN AMERICA. THESE ARE LIFE THREATENING EVENTS THAT COULD STRIKE ANY ONE OF US. WE HAVE TO POOL TOGETHER AND DO WHATEVER WE CAN TO STOP THIS INSANITY. THIS IS A TRAGEDY FOR THE WHOLE CITY. STEPPED UP FOOT PATROLS IN MANY HOT SPOT AREAS WHERE COMMUNITY PEOPLE HAVE GOOD WORKING RELATIONS WITH THE POLICE WOULD BE A GOOD FIRST STEP. IF PEOPLE TRUSTED THE POLICE AS THEY DO NOT IN MANY CITIES INCLUDING OURS ACTUALLY PITS THE PEOPLE AND THE POLICE IN JUXTAPOSE POSITIONS AND THIS IS VERY BAD.WE HAVE TO CONVINCE THE PEOPLE THAT THE POLICE ARE HERE TO HELP US AND THE POLICE NEED TO LET THE PEOPLE KNOW THAT THEY ARE HERE TO HELP THEM. SHORT OF THIS, THERE CAN BE NO CONTROLING OF EVENTS LIKE THIS,–NO MATTER WHAT WE DO. THE POLICE ON FOOT EVERY DAY INSTILLS PEOPLE TO WANT TO HELP AND THEY WILL FEED INFO TO POLICE HOPEFULLY BEFORE THE CRIME OCURS AND SAVE LIVES.WE NEED TO START SOMEWHERE. WE CAN START TOMORROW IF WE HAD THE RIGHT CITY ADMIN. WHICH WE DONT AND BECAUSE OF THIS OTHERS MAY DIE. IF ELECTED MAYOR THIS WILL HAVE TO BE OF THE HIGHEST PRIORITY FOR ME WHEN I TAKE OVER CONTROL OF THE CITY. THIS IS A FIRST STEP AND IF IT DOESNT WORK, WE WILL TRY SOMETHING ELSE. DO NOTHING AND WAIT IS NOT AN OPTION, WE NEED TO START IMEADIATELY.——CRAIG
I agree with you Pat. Same thing in my neighborhood. It just goes on and on. Not just the 4th anymore, it’s every holiday. Gets old.
I know. I mean I’m all for celebrating, but really let’s make the fireworks special and not something that becomes annoying.
5 adults shot in Pittsfield last night. Nice. Mr. Bianchi. You want Pittsfield to be a destination.
Well I sure hope the Eagle keeps a lid on this because this is tourist season and the rich folk might not want to hang around here if someone starts a rumor about violence and drugs and gangs.
Dan I would ask you to please erase the previous post so that we may remain ignorant of the realities of our la la land city.
They might get around to it by Tuesday. They don’t do any real weekend reporting, just the arts. Nobody works weekends there. The weekend reporters name is AP Feed.
It’s almost like you take. Pleasure of this news.
No disrepect intended, but where is our chiel of police ? Does he have a statement ?
Officers have repeatedly told me that they never see him and that he is usually on vacation or out of town for training schools.
Check his real itinerary fo the last month for example. He is qualified but is he needed in Pittsfield ?
Not sure how well the link will work but it’s a brief piece about last night’s shooting. One dead. Happened in the area of Dewey & Linden.
http://m.wnyt.com/article.html#!/62971/7e4ad7e8ddfbe55873e5b4bf8a625eb0
The TV Stations from Albany had this news Hours before The Hometown Berkshire Eagle.. Now that’s pretty bad.
The Berkshire Eagle has slightly more info that they put up.
http://www.berkshireeagle.com/local/ci_28435940/reports-1-shot-dead-four-wounded-pittsfield-shooting
This town needs an enima.
and you need spell check – its ‘enigma’ and it has one
Enema. Spellcheck Thomas More.
Enema!!!
More shootings in dangerous downtown Pittsfield.
PUBLIC SAFETY ALERT!
Stay off of:
North st.
Tyler st.
Lincoln st.
First st.
Second st.
Linden st.
Dewey ave
Cherry st.
Burbank st.
Kent ave
Madison ave
And Seymour st.
And you might survive.
Jonathan,
What part of this country doesn’t have any dangerous streets? Why continue to dredge on the past. I live and work in Pittsfield. I love Pittsfield and I will not let a few bad apples ruin my life here. Your city is what you make it. Your life is what you make it. If you lay with dogs then you get fleas.
GUESS WHAT
It’s an old and failed argument to dismiss one’s problems by pointing to others that have the same problem. The murder and mayhem that took place Saturday night is not “the past.” It’s now. Your last line is true, and it is the city that has welcomed in “the dogs.” Citizens and decent taxpayers have no choice but to lay with them.
And wouldn’t you be surprised to learn what upstanding Berkshire County citizen invited the dogs. Follow the money.
Lots of truth in this statement from ES, folks.
No I know nothing about him. At this rate, he won’t get many votes since he isn’t making himself known.
guess what—you love Pittsfield–then I love you. we all have to love our city and turn it around. the place to do it ? the voting boot this fall as simple as that—-craig
I totally agree.
Pittsfield politics will never change for the better. There are shootings, murders, violence, crime, drugs, gangs, poverty, corrupt state and local politicians, taxes, spending, massive debts, future bankruptcy, poorly performing public schools, PCBs.
“Challenge posed to Pittsfield mayoral candidates”
By Craig C. Gaetani, Op-Ed, The Berkshire Eagle, July 5, 2015
PITTSFIELD – Because the upcoming city elections for mayor, City Council and School Committee are so important to the taxpayers and ratepayers of Pittsfield, it is imperative that the citizens have every opportunity to hear from all the candidates, who those who are not politically connected to the Good Old Boy (GOB) network and their monetary influence.
I am running for mayor and actually could buy the election outright if I chose to do so, but that would put myself in the same category as the GOB network that I despise.
To make the election fair and open to all candidates, I propose the following:
No fund-raisers. No infusion of personal money. No lawn signs. No paid political advertising. I will take this pledge to prevent myself from buying the election.
BATTLING GOBS
Linda Tyer, a GOB candidate, apparently will not take this pledge. Mayor Daniel Bianchi, when pressed by WAMC reporter Jim Levulus, did not answer. Being an out of favor GOB candidate and former puppet of the GOB network, he will not have as much money, as the GOB has decided on its new puppet, Ms. Tyer.
This is what I propose to all candidates running for any office in Pittsfield who will take this pledge.
I have contacted the media in the Berkshires and asked them to set aside one day during each week of the campaign season to allow these pledged individuals to present their goals and ideas to the citizens of Pittsfield. Those candidates who refuse to take this pledge will not be allowed free air and print time, and when you hear or see a paid political advertisement from anyone who doesn’t pledge you will know that they don’t support an open, fair and democratic approach to give everybody a chance to be heard. I also will be airing my own TV show on PCTV at least once a week. Only candidates who take pledge and welcome to their goals and ideas to Pittsfield citizens.
LEVELING FIELD
I am a serious candidate and I am up against two candidates who clearly are establishment candidates supported and funded by the GOB. I am trying to show all present and future candidates that there is a way to run even if you don’t have money or political connections.
One need only look at state and federal elections where there is no chance to beat the GOB network and its money. It is an established fact that brilliant people without money and connections cannot be elected. This is sick, and if you don’t agree, then there is no sense talking to you.
Let’s level the playing field for all candidates. All candidates can call me at [413] 442-5466 and let me know if you are yes or no on this pledge and I will give the media your response. Good luck to all candidates.
Craig C. Gaetani is a candidate for mayor of Pittsfield.
If the other candidates don’t accept your challenge will you then use your own fortune to win the election? You do want to win, right?
URINE TOWN YOU AND ALL TAXPAYERS AND PEOPLE ON THIS SITE AND EVERYWHERE ELSE ARE GOING TO MAKE SURE MY PROPOSAL WOKKS. I AM YOUR CANDIDATE I AM OUT THERE TAKING THE ABUSE AND WORKING DAY AND NIGHT AND NOW YOU WANT ME TO FINANCE THE CAMPAIGN MYSELF????? WHAT THE HELL DIFFERENCE WOULD THERE BE BETWEEN ME AND THE GOB NETWORK?. I AM GOING TO TRY TO WIN THIS ON BRAINS. I INVESTED IN THEM VERY HEAVILY MY WHOLE LIFE. LOOK HOW MANY PEOPLE ON THIS SITE HAVE NEVER GIVEN ME A DROP OF ENCOURAGEMENT– THATS 90% of you. if you don’t break the gob network through me then you might as well kiss your city good bye. I am your tool and I can not win this by myself but I must admit most of the time I feel I am swimming against a strong current that may wash me away but unlike a lot of you out there I don’t quit. just think– if I quit this race. all of you will be up shit creek without a paddle. you would be finished. am I mad? yes might I win it all by myself? well watch what I have coming for you next week. I set a trap and I have three fish in it and when I fry them— you are not going to get a piece of them and I may have another whole group behind me who will go out and help me instead of postinG every god damn day and doing nothing else. Do you know how small our group is here on the planet. THERE is but a handful of us but if it were a handful of craig gaetani”s we would swipe the slate clean. am I mad? you bet your ass why? because I could be beat by individuals who couldn’t hold a stick to me because people are afraid to come forward. where are letters to editor? where are you at city council meetings?. when I was on Dans show, two of you remarked–the rest nothing. I do thank you few for encouraging me and if I loose I will feel really l bad for you. remember I have all the toys in the world and could play on any playground in the world but Im here trying to help you all, even if I have to go it a lone–I have done it in my professional life and id like to be able to win here also but this is politics were your enemy is your enemy and your friend is an even bigger enemy. look ,we have to make the pledge work not just for this election but all future elections otherwise what you have now is what you will have until the day you die if there is a city left here for you to die in. I have to do some hard thinking now good night—craig
Craig It’s spelled LOSE. not LOOSE !
FJ I DONT NEED SPELL CHECK WHICH I DO NOT EVEN KNOW HOW TO USE BUT WHAT DO I NEED SPELL CHECK FOR—I HAVE YOU THANKS CRAIG
Captain Barry reports there was a second Shooting on July 4 in the 220 Block of Robbins Avenue. This is still being investigated with the assistance of the Massachusetts State Police.
Thanks, SPAGIRL. This is a reprehensible development, and the mayor must take ultimate responsibility.
Taxes went up more than 6% from last year. This increase does NOT include the construction costs of the new high school. Expect a similar increase ( contractura responsibilities )over the next 2 fiscal years and then when the Taconic project hits the books we can expect at least a 9% increase.
Taxes at an all time high and property values at s 15 year low. Not a good combination.
CHUCK
Thanks for the posting. You sounded the warning when you were a member of the School Building Needs Commission. The Suits ignored you, just as they ignore and/or try to marginalize anyone who dares to point out where the city is heading.
No community can withstand 9 percent per year tax increases, especially Pittsfield, where a majority of residents rely on welfare assistance benefits. Pittsfield has over $400 million in OPEB debts. Pittsfield’s municipal finances are unsustainable. Pittsfield is heading over the fiscal cliff (nilan) of bankruptcy in its near future.
Breaking Bad. The Mayoral equivalent of Breaking Bad.
JONATHAN THANKS FOR HEADS UP ON MY COMMENTARY THAT WILL APPEAR IN THE EAGLE TOMORROW ON TH OP ED PAGE THIS IS THE ARTICLE THAT I DISGUSSED WITH KEVIN MORAN AT THE EAGLE AND WAS WAITING FOR ALL TO SEE. THIS IS WHAT MR. MORAN AND I DISCUSSED WHEN I WENT TO SEE HIM ABOUT MAKING THE PAPER MORE TRUST WORTHY WHEN IT COMES TO THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE NEWS. I MET WITH MR. MORAN HE PROMISED ME THE COVERAGE AND HERE IT IS,I WILL IN THE FUTURE SEND MY PRESS RELEASES TO MR MORAN DIRECTLY AND A COPY TO JIM THERIEN WHO I HAVE MO TRUST IN WHATSOEVER BEING THE CITY REPORTER.MR. THERIEN IN MY OPPINION IS VERY LAZY AND INTERPRETS THE NEWS INSTEAD OF REPORTING THE NEWS.I DISCUSSED THIS WITH MR. MORAN AND HE SEEMED GENUINELY CONCERNED. I THINK MR MORAN CAN TURN THE NEWS DIV, AROUND AND DO IT QUICKLY TO MAKE THE EAGLE A BETTER PAPER THAN IT IS NOW. AFTER ALL WE ALL READ THE EAGLE AND ESPECIALLY THE SENIORS WHO RELY ON IT HEAVILY TO GET THIER NEWS FROM. MR . THERIEN WOULD LEAD YOU TO BELIEVE THAT EVERYTHING HERE IN CITY GOVT, IS HONKEY DOREY AND THAT PLAINLY IS NOT THE CASE. MR. MORAN SEEMED LIKE A DECENT ENOUGH MAN TO ME AND HE COULD DO NOTHING BUT GOOD THINGD\S BY HAVING THE CITY NEWS REPORTED AS NEWS AN NOT AS MR.THERIENS OPINIONS. I TOLD MR. MORAN THAT I ASK NOTHING FOR MY SELF AS ALL I CARE ABOUT IS THE TAXPAYER. WHEN IAM MAYOR WHAT EVER THE TAXPAYER WANTS THEY WILL GET. WHAT THEY DONT WANT WE WILL NOT GET. THIS CLEARLY IS NOT THE WAY THINGS ARE HERE WITH THIS PACK OF CRIMINALS HOLDING CITY HALL. I KNOW MR. MORAN TOOK EVERYTHING I HAD TO SAY SERIUOSLY AND I THINK WE HAVE TO GIVE HIM A CHANCE , HE EVEN GAVE ME SOME ADVISE THAT I AM GREATFUL FOR. IT BEHOVES US TO GIVE EVERYBODY A CHANCE. I TOLD MR. MORAN THAT WHEN I AM MAYOR I WILL HOLD PRESS CONFS. AS REGULARLY AS NECESSARY TO MAKE SURE THERE IS A HONEST AND ACCURATE STREAM OF NEWA REACHING THE RESIDENTS DAILY. WE SHOOK HANDS AND I LEFT. LETS GIVE THINGS A TRY DAVID WIECHECKI–DO YOU SEE HOW I TRY TO CONSENSUS BUILD? I ENGAGE I DONT THROW STONES I AM JUST STRONG AT DEFLECTING THEM . I LOOK OVERBEARING BUT ANY HOW YOU CAN BET EVERY DIME YOU HAVE THAT I KNOW WHAT I AM DOING AND WHEN I BECOME THE MAYOR MANY WILL BE FLOCKING TO MY OFFICE TO JOIN MY ADMIN. PERHAPS EVEN YOU BECAUSE YOU MAY NOT HAVE A JOB AND YOU MIGHT NEED YO APPLY.START POLISHING UP YOUR RESUME. I AM GOING TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY MAYOR. ONLY THE BEST NEED APPLY. WHAT DO YOU THINK? MIGHT YOU MAKE IT INTO MY ADMINISTRATION? YOU SUPPOSEDLY TEACH CHEMISTRY AND THAT TELLS ME SOMETHING ABOUT YOU ALL READY. YOU ARE ON STEP 1—DAVID–. TELL YOUR STUDENTS THAT THIER NEW MAYOR IS A CHEMIST ALSO–AN INVENTING DESIGNING BUILDING CHEMIST. TELL THEM WHEN I AM MAYOR THAT I AM GOING TO TAKE YOU ALLTO THE PLANTS TO SHOW THEM WHAT THEY COULD DO WITH A GOOD SCIENCE BACKGROUND.I WANT THEM WELL PREPARED WHEN THEY GET THER SO THEY KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN THEY GET THERE. I KNOW YOU HAVE A HARD JOB–I HAVE BEEN DOING IT FOR OVER 40 YEARS PLUS TRAVELING ALL OVER THE WORLD AT THE SAME TIME AND THINKING OF NEW IDEAS ALL THE TIME–THIS IS A ROUGH YOU EITHER LOVE IT OR HATE IT, I LOVE IT GOODLUCK WITH CLASSES NEXT YEAR——CRAIG
I would love to see the personal attacks on this website stop, and in their place – a rational discussion of how to fix the city’s deep issues.
We need some fiscal conservatives to step forward and run against the incumbents in wards 3 & 4. Is there anybody out there?
Also, does anyone have any information on the 4th mayoral candidate – Eric Bassett?
gigi–what ward do you live in? do you have some ideas? post. —could you run for office? its easier than posting.–craig
Gigi,
It’s highly possible that the “deep issues” to which you refer cannot be ‘fixed’, and will continue to plague Pittsfield.
At least for another generation as it stands now.
Look at Detroit, Cleveland, and St. Louis. (All run for decades by Democrats, by the way.)
How close to ‘fixed’ are any of these once thriving urban centers?
Violent crime in Pittsfield continues its upward climb.
Widespread drug addiction is the rule now not the exception.
Environmentally, covering Silver Lake with a layer of sand hasn’t ‘fixed’ it, no matter what so-called ‘experts’ at GE or USEPA claim.
There’s no political will to initiate any of the changes necessary to improve quality of life in Pittsfield no matter if the City were to sponsor ‘Happy Hour’ Thursdays every night of the week.
It’s no wonder Berkshire County is losing population, and in many places ‘aging in place’ (as the US Census Bureau defines it).
Sorry to be so pragmatic, but can you say you honestly disagree?
GMHeller,
How can improvements be made if no one is willing to try? I’m not ready to throw in the towel on the city – this is my home. As long as there are elections and people willing to sacrifice their time and effort to make a difference, there is always hope! Once you give up hope, the battle IS lost.
GIGI—-AGREE ABSOLUTELY—CAN YOU LEND SOME SUPPORT??. I COULD USE A LOT OF REAL SUPPORT——CRAIG
Gigi,
Pittsfield is historically run by ‘The gang who couldn’t shoot straight”. They’re the laughing stock of Massachusetts. Hoping and trying only work when there is political will for real change and that’s just not about to happen given the make-up of Pittsfield City Council and the GOB’s behind-the-scenes.
GM HELLER-YOU HIT THE NAIL RIGHT ON THE HEAD. EVERYTHING YOU SAID IS THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH.WE NEED NOT TALK TOO MUCH MORE ABOUT THE PROBLEMS—WE NOW NEED TO TALK ABOUT THE SOLUTIONS. WHAT ARE YOU DOING OR GOING TO DO TO MAKE A CHANGE. JUST POSTING HERE ON THIS SITE IS NOT GOING TO CHANGE ANY THING .CHANGE WILL TAKE ACTION. LOOK WHAT I HAVE BROUGHT TO THE TABLE AS A ONE MAN SHOW ALREADY IF I WERE NOT IN THE RACE .THIS ELECTION WOULD BE A NON EVENT AND YOU COULD BET THAT YOUR TAXES ARE GOING TO GO THRU THE ROOF.—ONLY BECAUSE I AM IN THE RACE IS THERE A CHANCE FOR REAL CHANGE. I AM WILLING TO PUT IN THE WORK. DO YOU WANT TO WORK ALONG SIDE OF ME .CALL ME I DONT NEED NEW POSTERS I NEED NEW HELPERS——-CRAIG
Nobody wants to throw in the towel on the city. We love the city and want it to be the nice place to live that it used to be. This is why we complain on this board. Not to complain, but to urge the public to force these do nothing politicians to act on solving the problems of this city. Bianchi comes out with a ridiculous statement, “We never expect these things to happen, but they do, and they are never very pleasant.” Huh? No statement about how this has to be stopped and how it will not be tolerated. Even John Krol has stronger words and said this was unacceptable to happen in this city. The mayor’s words just were not strong and outraged enough in my opinion.
PAT–ARE YOU REALLY SURPRISED WITH THE MAYORS RESPONSE.?—-YOU CERTAINLY KNOW THAT AS FAR AS THAT ASS HOLE IS CONCERNED, EVERY THING IS FINE. HE IS SURE THAT CHIEF WYNNS HANDLING OF THE CASE IS GOING TO BE JUST FINE. IN FACT, HE HAS ALREADY PRAISED THE CHIEF BEFORE HE HAS DONE A THING. IN FACT, WHERE IS THE CHIEF? I WAS TOLD LAST WEEK WHEN I CALLED HIS OFFICE ABOUT A SERIOUS MISTAKE HE HAS MADE HERE IN THE CITY WHICH YOU WILL READ ABOUT SOON— THAT HE IS SCHEDULED TO BE AWAY FOR 2 WEELS BY HIS RUDE SECRETARY MAGGIE B ILOTTA FORMERLY MAGGIE GREGORY.I KNOW POSITIVELY HE WAS HERE IN PITTSFIELD AT THE PARADE ON THE 4TH AS I STOPPED HIM TO QUESTION HIM ABOUT A BIG TIME SCREW UP HE COMMITTED AND HE WOULDNT EVEN STOP TO TALK TO ME.. AM I AFRAID OF THE CHIEF? OF COURSE NOT’ I HAVE A BIG SURPRISEFOR HIM COMING UP.HE HAS THE SAME ATTITUDE AS THE FIRE CHIEF CZWERENSKI WHO INCIDENTALLY HASNT HAD THAT UNREGISTERED CAR REMOVED YET THAT I TOLD YOU ALL ABOUT. ITS NOW 5 WEEKS AND COUNTING– – REMEMBER I TOLD YOU I HAVE EARTH SHAKING INFO COMING FOR ALL OF YOU. I AM SITTING ON IT AND WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT—–BOOM—-YOU WILL HEAR IT THROUGHOUT THE CITY LOUD AND CLEAR.STAY TUNED—MY ARMOUR WATSON——CRAIG
Pat,
Has that strategy worked thus far?
No, but I think people are beginning to wake up to the issues and not be afraid to speak out about the problems. That’s the first step that needs to happen before change can happen. Ignoring problems by pretending they don’t exist and everything is great and getting better in the city as the GOB’s want everyone to do is what makes the problems gets worse. There was a big community meeting at Morningside School when a young boy was involved in a shooting at 8 am in the morning. Everybody agreed to report to the police any suspicious activities in the city. It seems, however, that the police are so overwhelmed with calls in the city that they don’t always respond to all of them if they are not life threatening. Lots of people called about the illegal fireworks, but there were so many in the city on Saturday night that a friend of mine who lives in Dalton said a cloud of smoke hung over the city and you could see it from Dalton. It did seem like a war zone last night here in Pittsfield. I can see why gunshots were easily fired and the criminals got away. Nobody could tell the difference. Personally I think there should be hefty fines enforced for these illegal fireworks to deter people from going crazy with them. As it is the police just ignore all of the illegal fireworks around the 4th of July or so it seems. It creates a lawless atmosphere in the city when so many people are illegally setting off so many fireworks. That’s my opinion anyway.
PAT-YOU ARE CLEARLY WRONG MY NEW NICE GOOD FRIEND–YOU AND A FEW OTHERS ARENT AFRAID TO SPEAK OUT– THE MAJORITY IN THE CITY AND ON THIS SITE ARE AFRAID TO SPEAK OUT. LOOK HOW MANY POST UNDER PENN NAMES HERE. I DONT FAULT YOU PEOPLE WHO ARE FEARFULL OF GOB REPRISAL AS I MYSELF HAD TO CLEAR THEM OUT OF THE WAY TO BUILD THE WATER PLANTS. BUT REMEMBER THE OLD SAYING DO NOT LET A BULLY BULLY YOU STAND UP AND HOLD YOUR GROUND–YOU HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE —PERIOD–CRAIG
Pittsfield politics is totally corrupt. Pittsfield has shootings, murders, and violence. It is a destination city …. for lowlifes!
Last week Lady Ga Ga and Old Tony were at the Crown Plaza
I saw them there…they actually visited into Downtown Pittsfield
Basement of City hall has extensive Radon Contamination while road work on Elm Street is underway to find a solution to
dirty soil at former Mobil Station and Friendly Ice Cream.
PCB’s !