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CITY, MAYOR LOCKDOWN BOTCH FENN, ELM PAVING; TAXPAYERS ON THE HOOK … YES, HENRY, SCHOOLS EAT UP 70% OF CITY BUDGET … PROSECUTORS DROP CHARGES AGAINST ASSANGE … plus … THE COMMENT LINE IS OPEN

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By DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEEKEND EDITION, AUG. 14-16, 2015) — Mayor Lockdown, you better save up your Post Toasties boxtops and send in for your free brain. It’s obvious with the one you presently have that you know nothing about everything, including how to manage infrastructure. Take roads — please.

You recently ordered the paving of Fenn and Elm Streets. The first was incomplete at the gutters, and the second has taken forever to finish. It couldn’t be that you’re trying to make a political statement by dragging out the work to make it seem like the city is revitalizing, could it?

Workers dig up newly paved Fenn Street across from City Hall. The work, evidently, was botched, requiring crews at taxpayer expense to get in to correct the mistakes. The same thing happened to the newly paved Elm Street at the Holmes Road intersection. Blame Mayor Lockdown, who doesn’t care one bit. (PHOTO BY ANSEL ADAMS)

Folks, this inept mayor directed the repaving on Fenn and Elm. The Empty Suit obviously don’t have a clue after four L-O-N-G years on the job.

Of course, it’s hard to get better at a job if you spend half of your time playing hooky. That, itself, is an interesting tale. Don’t be surprised if it is told soon.

Days after the pavement was put down, crews were already digging up both locations, Elm near the Holmes Road intersection, one of the city’s busiest even under the best of conditions, and Fenn across from city hall.

Don’t know for sure why they had to get back in, but word on the street has it that the laying of either cable or piping was done incorrectly. Workers at the Fenn Street site said it had something to do with “what they laid.” He said “the specs were all wrong.”

This resulted in the need to bring back crews to redo what the Lockdown-led team screwed up in the first place. Taxpayers, naturally, are on the hook for the added expense.

Sir, as a man THE PLANET loves you, as we have for the past 30 years. But as a mayor, you are a disaster and a joke.

There is no way you will win re-election.

THE PLANET personally guarantees that. Trust us. It’s for your own good, and you’ll thank us in the end.

—————————————————————————————————-

Yes, Henry, the PSD DOES Eat Up 70+% of the City’s Budget, So Get Educated, Son

Yesterday, THE PLANET received a comment from Henry that read thusly:

It is so frustrating to see you intentionally mislead people with blatantly incorrect information. I’ve made this same correction many times in the past several years. The schools do NOT receive 70% of the city budget. That’s just untrue. A large portion of school funding comes from state and federal sources. Yes, the city owns the school buildings. Yes, the city pays for benefits for school employees. And yes, I know that state and federal monies originate as taxes on city residents. But NO, 70 cents of every city dollar does not go to the schools.

——– 000 ——–

THE PLANET now takes Henry to the woodshed to administer the wood shampoo. Henry, take notes.

For the privilege of receiving the great “leadership” and “service” that it does, Pittsfield taxpayers will cough up $86,768,074 to run all city departments. The FY’16 budget lists the PSD expenses at $59,212,153. That’s a grand total of $145,980,227 Using those figures, the school eat up 40.56% of the budget. But wait.  That’s not a complete picture. Buried in as “city” expenses are the cost of running the busses for the school department, the cost of school maintenance, and the cost of providing 85% of the heath insurance bill for all school department employees. The cost for these three expenses — busing, maintenance, and health insurance — comes to about 42 million.

This brings the total expenditures to operate the Pittsfield School Department to $101,212,153. That amounts to 69.36%. Given that we estimated conservatively for busing and health insurance, the bill tops 70%.

Henry, it will taste better with a little Mrs. Dash on top.

———————————————————————————————-

Prosecutors Drop Charges Against Assange

Finally, some sanity in the case of international hero Julian Assange, the Wikileaks founder who risked all to reveal the dirty truth behind how your federal government operates.

The prosecution of Assange epitomizes the paranoia that has swept government at all levels. As corruption rises, political “leaders” develop an evermore aversion to transparency and openness. In an alleged republican democracy such as the United States, this abhorrence of truth requires that great men of courage such as Assange must take cover and hide, in this case, for three years in Ecuador’s embassy in London. Praise be Ecuador for giving Assange asylum. Shame on the Brits and the U.S. Assange has consistently denied rape claims by two Swedish women, insisting the encounters were consensual. Time would appear to be proving Assange’s denial to be truthful.

Assange has compared living inside the embassy to life on a space station. His room, which measures 15 feet by 13 feet (4.5 by 4 metres), is divided into an office and a living area. He has a treadmill, a shower, a microwave and a sun lamp and spends most of his day at his computer.

————————————————————–

With that, THE PLANET opens The Comment Line for all who have something to say. Be intelligent. Be witty. Give us your best.

——————————————————————————————————

“If the sun has faded away, I’ll try to make it shine. There is nothing that I won’t do.”The Beatles, “Anytime At All,” (1963).

“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.

 

 

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spagirl
spagirl
8 years ago

Mayor Bianchi is a disaster and a joke, Dan. Always enjoy your Thursday editions For the People. And, the School Department Budget needs a firm hand. The very reason Voting is so important. A Big Broom to every sitting incumbant. A hammer over the head.

Also Shaking
Also Shaking
8 years ago

These are the questions the candidates must be asked. We need truthful answers to how budgets will be cut. I don’t believe it will be accomplished with ‘Problem Properties Task Forces’, ‘Culturally Appropriate Outreach Workers’, new West Side Community Centers or ‘free’ Daycare Centers for 3 & 4 year olds. We have to stop expanding the role of government to fix, or more descriptively, bandaid the ills of society. I have better uses for my money.

Linda
Linda
Reply to  Also Shaking
8 years ago

DV has given several excellent specific ways–my favorite is adjust the health insurance from 85-15 to 60-40. 60-40 is still a great deal more than most companies in the private sector, where you’re lucky to get 50-50.

I do havea question. For every 10 per cent adjustment how much do taxpayers save? It has to be a lot.

spagirl
spagirl
8 years ago

Regarding the Paving, on Fenn Street, how many have noticed the Manholes are receded below the pavement. Usually they are raised. The section of Deming Street right off of Elm never got paved. It is still Milled. Collingwood and Bianchi will long be remembered as the biggest screw ups the City has ever seen.

downtown dweller
downtown dweller
Reply to  spagirl
8 years ago

Not all of the manhole covers on Fenn are recessed into the pavement, some are raised. There’s no rhyme nor reason to any of it. There’s a raised cover right in the center of the intersection of Fenn & Fourth.

craig
craig
Reply to  downtown dweller
8 years ago

SPAGIRL AND DWELLER I WILL ONLY POST ON THIS SITE OCCASSIONALY— ONCE IN A WHILE IF I CAN CLEAR UP SOME MISCONCEPTIONS DONT WORRY ABOUT MANHOLES ON FENN ST. THE ELEVATED ONES WILL BE FLUSH WITH THE SURFACE WHEN THE NEXT LAYER OF ASPHALT IS PUT DOWN. THE RECESSED ONES WILL BE MADE FLUSH EITHER BEFORE OR AFTER NEXT LAYER OF ASPHALT IS LAID DOWN. EITHER BEFORE OR AFTER –THEY MUST BE ELEVATED THE MILLED EDGES ON EITHER SIDE OF THE ROAD HAVE BEEN LOWERED A BIT SO THAT THEY ARE LOWER THAN THE CROWN OF THE ROAD– IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD TO ADDRESS PROPER DRAINAGE. RODE AROUND EAST SIDE OF CITY TODAY AND ELM ST AND EGGREMONT AVE. ARE DONE PERFECTLY. I REALLY CANT REMEMBER SEEING A BETTER JOB DONE ON CITY STREETS IN MANY MANY YEARS. I DONT UNDER STAND WHAT THE POINT IS IN THROWING STONES AT ANY ONE WHO WORKED ON THESE PROJECTS. IF I WERE MAYOR TODAY– I WOULD BE VERY PLEASED WITH THESE STREETS RESURFACING. WHO EVER DID THE WORK–I WILL BE LOOKING FOR YOU TO DO MORE WORK FOR ME WHEN I AM MAYOR AND IF ANY CITY WORKERS WERE INVOLVED KUDO’S TO YOU ALSO.– I WISH– DAN YOU WOULD HAVE CALLED ME BEFORE YOUR LAST TV SHOW WHERE YOU CRITICIZED THE WORK AT FENN ST. YOU ASSUMED IT WAS FINISHED AND MISSED THE POINT THAT IT IS ONGOING WORK AND IT IS BEING DONE PERFECTLY–YOU GOOFED ON THIS ONE DAN BUT DONT FEEL BAD– I GOOF UP SOMETIMES TO AND I JUST BRUSH MYSELF OFF AND PROCEED AND I AM SURE YOU WILL DO THE SAME. YOUR FIGURE OF 70% AS SCHOLD DEPT SHARE OF CITY BUDGET IS RIGHT ON AND TRYING TO GET THE EXACT FIGURE IS VERY DIFFICULT BE CAUSE SOME THINGS UTILIZED BY THE SCHOOL DEPT SHOWS UP ELSE WHERE AND IS HARD TO PINPOPINT. SUFFICE IT TO SAY– THAT THE SCHOOL BUDGET MUST BE COMPLETELY OVERHAULED AND WILL BE A TOPIC I WILL ADDRESS ON MY TV SHOW OR SHOWS NEXT WEEK. HAVE YOU SEEN MY CRAIG C GAETANI POLITICAL HOUR?— ANY HELPFUL HINTS WOULD BE WELCOME. THE SHOW FOR ME IS EASY. I THINK OF A TOPIC AND BREAK IT DOWN SO THAT ANYONE WATCHING FULLY UNDERSTANDS WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT–I TAKE THAT BACK– I MEAN MOST WILL KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT –YOU AND I HAVE BOTH BEEN TEACHERS AND I THINK YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN. I AM NOT IN FAVOR OF THE TELEVISED DEBATES SCHEDULED AT BCC. I HAVE A MUCH FAIRER WAY OR HOLDING DEBATES AND I POSTED SUCH IN PAST FEW POSTS. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE QUESTIONS COME RANDOMLY FROM THE TAX PAYER. YOUR THOUGHTS?–STILL NO IDEAS COMING FROM TEAR OR BANSHI—THANK GOD DONNA IS IN RACE TO OFFER SOME INTELLECTUAL STIM. FOR ME. ONE LOUSY DEBATE SCHEDULED THIS IS CRIMINAL. THE CAMPAIGN IS BEING RUN EXACTLY THE WAY THE GOB WANTS IT —SAY AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE AND SMILE NICE FOR THE CAMERA.AND DONT WORY ABOUT HARD BALL QUESTIONS– WE HAVE TAKEN CARE OF THAT ALSO. AND DAN HAS THE GOB GOTTEN TO YOU ALSO?–I HEARD YOU MENTION ME AS A DARK HORSE CANDIDATE AT BEST AND I WANT TO TELL YOU AND ANY ONE ELSE OUT THERE– THAT THE RESULT OF THE ELECTION IS GOING TO SHOCK A LOT OF DOOM SAYERS—–I AM A DARK HORSE AND. AND I LIKE THE LABEL AS ONLY A DARK HORSE CAN CAN PRODUCE A SHOCKING RESULT.– I AM WHO I AM I DONT APOLOGIZE TO ANYONE WHAT YOU SEE AND HERE FROM ME IS ME AND I STAND BY EVERYTHING I SAY AND DO AND WILL NOT CHANGE ONE IOTA.WHY SHOULD I– LOOK WHAT I HAVE DONE IN MY LIFE. MY BIGGEST PROBLEM IS TRYING TO HELP TOO MANY PEOPLE–MAYBE I SHOULD JUST SLOW DOWN AND SMELL THE ROSES BUT IF I DO WHO WILL PICK UP MY SLACK—-TO ALL MY SUPPORTERS OUT THERE ISTILL HEAR YOU LOUD AND CLEAR EVERY DAY I AM WITH YOU—CRAIG

eye in the sky
eye in the sky
Reply to  craig
8 years ago

You might be right about fenn st but when Chris Connell inquired about fenn st he’s was not give. Any explanation? How difficult would it have been for collingwood to explain it just like you did ? It’s like they don’t think the taxpayers business is anyone’s bussiness.

spagirl
spagirl
Reply to  eye in the sky
8 years ago

You are right. Lockdown doesn’t want the Taxpayers questioning anything. He wants them to go away.Presidents can be impeached. This guy can’t go soon enough.

craig
craig
Reply to  danvalenti
8 years ago

DAN THANKS FOR THE REPLY–I WOULD LIKE TO REMIND YOU AND ANYONE WHO READS THIS POST OR ANYONE ELSE OUT THERE IN THE PUBLIC– THAT I WAS AN EVEN DARKER HORSE IN 1982 WHEN I DEMOLISHED JERRY DOYLE SR. AND METCALFF ANS EDDY ENGINEERS AT THAT TIME JERRY DOYLE SENIOR WAS TAKING ODDS OF 5 MILLION TO 1– THAT THE PUBLIC WASNT LISTENING TO ME BUT GUESS WHAT? NEED I TELL ANY ONE ELSE ON THIS POST WHO WON THAT BATTLE? OF COURSE NOT ALL BUT A FEW OF YOU KNOW THAT AND LET ME TELL YOU HOW I DID IT– I ENTERED THE RACE FOR CITY COUNCIL AT LARGE WITH NO INTENTION OF WANTING TO BE A CITY COUNCILOR AT LARGE.- I WANTED THE WATER PLANT CONTRACT AND I GOT IT JUST AS I EXPECTED I WOULD AND THANK GOD I DIDNT GET ELECTED BECAUSE I DONT KNOW WHAT I WOULD HAVE DONE. INCIDENTALLY, I THINK I WAS ONLY BEATEN BY A FEW VOTES LESS THAN EITHER PETE ARLOS OR JOE RYAN AND I RAN NO CAMPAIGN WHAT SO EVER–NOT BAD –HEY?. DOING THE SAME EXACT THING THIS TIME AND THIS TIME THE ELECTION ISNT FOR.– ME– IF I LOSE I DONT LOSE– I AM THE ONLY CANDIDATE WHO MAKES THIS ELECTION EVEN REMOTELY INTERESTING. AND IF I LOSE LET ME REPEAT I DONT LOSE.–I NEVER LOSE –THE ONLY LOSER WILL BE THE TAXPAYER AND –AND HOW WILL THEY LOSE!!!!! THEY WILL LOSE HORENDOUSLY IF EITHER OF THE TWO GOB CANDIDATES GET IN. WHAT AM I DEPENDING ON TO HELP YOU THE TAXPAYER WIN?–I KNOW THAT THERE ARE MANY RESIDENTS STILL ALIVE WHO REMEMBER WHAT I SAVED THEM IN THE 80’S AND GENERALLY THEY ARE THE PEOPLE WHO VOTE. I ALREADY HAVE THE WEST SIDE VOTE– BROTHERS OF WHOM YOU ARE ONE DAN-WHO HAVE NEVER VOTED ARE GOING TO VOTE FOR ME. THEY FEEL THIS IS THE FIRST TIME ONE OF THERE OWN IS RUNNING. AND I HAVE BEEN SHAKING THEM UP IN THE WEST SIDE AND I HAVE BEEN INVITED TO SPEAK AT A FEW CHURCHES DOWN THERE–. THAT HAVE A LARGE FOLLOWING. I PLEDGED NOT TO SPEND A DIME AND I WONT. I HAVE ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED MY GOAL OF SHOWING INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE A BRAIN THAT THEY CAN MOUNT A SERIOUS CAMPAIGN JUST LIKE I HAVE WITHOUT SPENDING A DIME. REMEMBER DAN I TOLD YOU AND ALL YOUR FOLLOWERS I DO NOT NEED TO BE THE MAYOR I AM AFTER SOMETHING MUCH LARGER THAN THE MAYORS OFFICE AND ONLY POSTERS WHO HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING ME ON THIS POST KNOW WHAT I MEAN—YES– THAT IS WHAT I AM AFTER.– BUT IN WATCHING BANCHI RUIN THIS CITY AND SEEING ANOTHER PERSON TYER WHO EVEN IF ELECTED WILL BE NO DIFFERENT THAN BIANCHI–I THREW MY HAT IN THE RING SO THE POOR SHEEP IN THE CITY CAN HAVE SOME HOPE AND IF I WIN –THOSE POOR SHEEP ARE GOING TO HAVE A NEW HEARDER WHO IS GOING TO TAKE CARE OF THEM ALL..– YOU SHEEP OUT THERE– I HAVE ARRIVED AND AM READY TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOU BUT YOU THE FLOCK MUST ASSEMBLE SO I CAN LEAD you OUT OF YOUR MISERY. IF YOU THE FLOCK DO NOT COME TOGETHER IN LARGE NUMBERS TO CHEW YOUR WAY INTO CITY HALL– THeR WILL BE NO GRASS FOR YOU AFTER JAN3RD . IN FACT YOUR RATIONS ON THAT DAY MAY BE LESS THAN WHat you are surviving on now .- dan you know that what i have posted is the absolutely true and if you confirm it TO your flock l they will also become my floCK and all the flocks will be cELEbrating together on jan 3rd 2016.– it is time to draw the battle lines and get behind your candidates of choice and not be afraid to mention.– back to campaigning all by myself but that is ok as long as the flock is assembling and getting ready for me to lead them.– ANY QUESTIONS? CRAIG

craig
craig
Reply to  danvalenti
8 years ago

DAN RE; YOUR REPLY CITY BRUSHED CONNELL OFF AND HE THOUGHT FENN ST PROJECT WAS FINISHED– THAT SHOWS YOU WHY CONNELL SHOUD HAVE BEEN RUN OUT OF TOWN BUT INSTEAD HE GOT A FREE RIDE FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS . IF HE BELIEVED THE FENN STREET PROJECT WAS COMPLETE— THEN WE HAVE SERIOUS PROBLEMS ON ANY VOTES THAT COME BEFORE HIM IN THIS AND THE NEXT COUNCIL. TALK ABOUT IGNORANCE!!!!!!! WHAT COULD BE CLEARER–CRAIG

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

It is heart breaking to see the choices we have for mayor. Craig has the best platform but is a lousy communicator. Walto is not ready for prime time and the two with the most money and special interest support, Bianchi and Tyer, are running for all the wrong reasons. Just sad. No light at the end of this tunnel.

Pummelin Pam
Pummelin Pam
8 years ago

Agreed. Also spending money to repave mountain drive $1,000,000, $500,000 for moving offices to 100 North street, $150,000 for Monterosso, $100,000 to Spectrum, $90,000 to polish the dog turd floors in City hall. The crown jewel of them all $130,000,000 new school.

spagirl
spagirl
Reply to  Pummelin Pam
8 years ago

Pam….wreckless spending from this administration. Zero Accountability.

Southeast
Southeast
Reply to  Pummelin Pam
8 years ago

the million dollars on Mountain Drive is for drainage. Apparently, a couple of people who live in the area where Sackett Brook has ALWAYS flooded, do not like that their flower beds and gardens get washed away in big storms. Now the brook has always gone from tame to a torrent sionce3 I was a kid, but now they have Counselor Connell as their champion – and no expense for Ward 4 is too stupid for the master of all things road.

they are raising the structures on Fenn St now. usually, they mill the street, raise the structures and then pave. LB knows how to fix a road, so I doubt this was their chosen order of operations.

allegedly the Deming and Elm intersection is awaiting the handicap access at the two sidewalks. of course, we all beat up our tires in the meantime.

and Verizon released the job AFTER the paving was complete at Holmes and Elm. they seemingly did their fiber optic cable without digging up the street yesterday. I was talking to the Verizon guys and they heard a lot of grief from neighbors. of course, yelling at these guys is pointless – they are not the decision makers!!

a lot of bad planning all the way around it seems.

K-Man
K-Man
Reply to  Southeast
8 years ago

I heard that Mountain Drive has to be dug up again because the city screwed up with the size pies they installed for water. Another million bux down the drain because of incompetence in mayor’s office and DPW management.

urinetown
urinetown
8 years ago

How is Open Comment Friday different from any other day? Lol

craig
craig
Reply to  danvalenti
8 years ago

DAN HOW ABOUT THIS ONE– SAME NUT- SAME WRAPPER AND VERY STALE—-

Chuck Vincelette
Chuck Vincelette
8 years ago

Dan your analysis is essentially correct. The percentage of the school budget to Pittsfield’s total budget is about 70%. This will increase by another 2 or 3 % when the full impact of the Taconic project hits the books in fy 2018 or fy 2019.
Henry I believe your analysis is also correct IF you are looking at Pittsfield’s share of the TOTAL school budget. That percentage would be much lower due to the large amount of state aid we receive.
I don’t see this situation changing until we reach our tax ceiling which once reached will require an override for any significant capital expenditures. It is important to note that because of the actions of this city council future city councils now have the authority to increase the budget of the school department over the objections of a tax reform mayor (should one ever be elected).

Henry LaMere'
Henry LaMere'
Reply to  Chuck Vincelette
8 years ago

Tell us Chuck how to you feel about the man in office you helped to get elected? How do you feel about being part of the transition team you helped to setup?

Chuck Vincelette
Chuck Vincelette
8 years ago

To Henry LaMere’:
I’m not sure how your questions relate to my post. However since you asked let me answer you directly. When Mayor Bianchi was first elected I was much more interested in my campaign to beat Chris Connell than who was elected mayor. If Pete had been elected I would have offered to help him transition. I have known both men for a long time and maintain a cordial relationship with both. You seem to imply that I was or am a part of mayor Bianchi’s inner circle which is not true.
How do I feel about the way things are going? Not good. I always felt that the councilor Bianchi would transition into a fiscally sound mayor. As a key member of the transition team (NOT) I must have failed.

Southeast
Southeast
Reply to  Chuck Vincelette
8 years ago

good answer Chuck. The current Mayor has disappointed a lot of people. with the benefit of hindsight, many of us would not have backed him – but remember, the alternative in that race was a nice guy who was basically a continuation of the Ruberto administration.

Looking back, maybe that would have been OK, but remember – the school we are getting was proposed under Mayor Ruberto – so we may have some of the same complaints (tax increases, misplaced spending priorities, etc.) if Bianchi was never elected. we just would have had better management, and at the day’s end – maybe that would have been worth it.

Ort, maybe Marchetti would have been his own man and surprised us and pissed off his supporters!!

Gene
Gene
Reply to  Southeast
8 years ago

Nice comments Southeast.
If Pete had been elected the budget would have been as bad or even worse. But as Chuck V pointed out Bianchi promised fiscal conservatism. He had the ability to stop the THS project its tracks but chose not to.

Nota
Nota
8 years ago

Craig Gaetani Political Hour 10 am Channel 16 PCTV.

eye in the sky
eye in the sky
Reply to  Nota
8 years ago

I will be watching. I can hardly wait to hear what he has to say.

Discreet Cat
Discreet Cat
8 years ago

Someone will be going DOWN.

joetaxpayer
joetaxpayer
8 years ago

L. Tyer will spend just as much as Bianchi.The only difference will be different pet projects. Were screwed either way.

PC 31
PC 31
Reply to  joetaxpayer
8 years ago

What you call pet projects can make a big difference though, no? Ruberto gave us the Colonial Theater, Beacon Cinema, and Barrington Stage. Bianchi moved a few offices across the street.

Guess what
Guess what
Reply to  PC 31
8 years ago

A few offices that will cost the tax payers over $500,000 thousand dollars in rent, water damage to City Hall basement and more. Who are we kidding? Water damage? When? We all know that it all stated right after they dug into the foundation. You don’t need to be a scientist to know that if they found files from the 1900 hundreds in the cellar, it means that they never had water damage before. If so, not a bad as they claim.

Discreet Cat
Discreet Cat
8 years ago

Kojak states the water leaving the Krofta sites is the cleanest in the WORLD, yet could be dirty because of the Pittsfield PIPE system. I use a filtrated system on my faucet and without it get DIRTY water, all the time. So, what good is a GREAT water system, when the WATER is dirty by the time it gets to the HOME? The WATER with the SANDFLOAT is just cleaner when leaving the Resevoir. Craig is a GENIUOS, even if he doesn’t make any HEADWAY on his SHOW, he is able to not only TRASH his adversaries, He gets to market the SANDFLOAT? That is why Craig is GREAT.

eye in the sky
eye in the sky
Reply to  Discreet Cat
8 years ago

GENIUOS?

eye in the sky
eye in the sky
Reply to  Discreet Cat
8 years ago

If BIANCHI spent this money on a water distribution system instead of$1,000,000, $500,000 for moving offices to 100 North street, $150,000 for Monterosso, $100,000 to Spectrum, $90,000 to polish the dog turd floors in City hall. The crown jewel of them all $130,000,000 new school….the water would be great everywhere.

Dee Vipero
Dee Vipero
8 years ago

Craig Gaetani stated unequivocally, besides calling several public officials, stooges and incompetent, that Trica Faley Bouvier, Melissa Mazzeo are in his exact words; “Criminals”. These verbal indictments were publically made on a taxpayer funded television station ! He also said on the air that all eleven members of the Pittsfield city council are; ” Criminals”.
Craig is a certified mayoral candidate and should have reasonable suspicion or proof to accuse elected public officials of being “Criminals”.
If they are as Mr. Gaetani alleges, “Criminals”, then why aren’t they being prosecuted ? Should they be ?

dusty
dusty
Reply to  Dee Vipero
8 years ago

I think it is a fair assumption that many or most politicians are criminals. I feel that way because not a week goes by when at least one of them is being indicted for one thing or another. And so if you factor in that they make most of the rules and laws and cover for and protect each other so that most of the bad things they do never see the light of day, well,l do the math.

Or they could all be saints.

Donny
Donny
Reply to  dusty
8 years ago

Spectrum payout is going to look like ashtray money if this guy gets elected. Although I assume since he’s so very, very, very, very wealthy that he’d be willing to pickup the tab from all the settlements that result from his antics.

Guess what
Guess what
Reply to  Donny
8 years ago

Don’t forget Donny, as Mr. Gaetani stated in a prior post he is keeping Ms Degnan as his Solicitor.

craig
craig
Reply to  Guess what
8 years ago

GUESS WHAT–BETTER READ THAT POST AGAIN. YOU SEEMED TO MISS SOMETHING.

B
B
Reply to  Guess what
8 years ago

Because Mr. Gaetani plans on keeping Ms. Degnan an as his Solicitor, he will not be getting my vote. In my opinion she is not worth her salary, she seems to be costing us money.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  dusty
8 years ago

I think they are criminals for stealing our right to vote, taking gifts on the side and ripping off taxpayers. If a certain councilor did not use theater gala tickets she wasn’t supposed to use then she should come forward and set the public straight. It’s the public’s right to know the behavior of its elected officials and whether or not they are acting ethically. She wouldn’t be doing the public any big favor to do this either as it is her duty as councilor to do this. The right to vote on the new Taconic was criminally taken away from voters who will now have to foot a large part of the bill not to mention cost overruns. Taxes are raised each year to pay for an underperforming school system that has a declining student population. This is criminal. So yes, I think they are criminals.

spagirl
spagirl
Reply to  Pat
8 years ago

What can be done in this City to get the City Charter amended. This Sitting City Council has done a huge disservice to the Citizens of Pittsfield. Bunch of Sheep.Melissa Mazzeo should be sanctioned for her defiance.

craig
craig
Reply to  spagirl
8 years ago

SPAGIRL– THE FIRST AND QUICKEST WAY IS TO GET AN ENTIRELY NEW COUNCIL- TWO A——S WILL DEFINITELY BE A PROBLEM AS THEY WILL MARCH IN UNAPPOSED THE SECOND WAY WILL BE TO CONVINCE THE NEW SEATED COUNCIL THAT THE CHARTER AMENDED BY THE PRESENT PACK OF A——S WAS NOT DONE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE TAXPAYER WHO VOTE FOR A MAYOR TO BE THE TOP ELECTED OFFICIAL. THE ONLY REASON KROL AND CONNELL AND OTHERS AMENDED THE CHARTER IS BECAUSE THEY KNEW THEN AS THEY DO NOW THAT I AM GOING TO BE THE NEXT MAYOR AND THEY DID IT TO HANDICAP ME BUT BE ASSURED I KNOW A FEW THING THAT I CAN DO WHEN I BECOME MAYOR– AS I TOLD YOU– I ONLY WORK TO PLEASE THE TAXPAYER AND WITH THE TAXPAYER BEHIND ME WE WILL DO THINGS NEVER BEFORE SEEN IN THE PAST AS I AM A NEW KIND OF A CANDIDATE NEVER EVER SEEN HERE BEFORE WITH ALL THE NEW IDEAS THAT WILL BE TRIED. IF WE FAIL WITH AN IDEA WE WILL TRY ANOTHER.– WHAT WE WONT DO UNDER MY ADMIN. IS STAGNATE–NO POSSIBILITY OF THAT IN A MILLION YEARS. DOES THIS ANSWER YOUR QUESTION SATISFACTORALY SPAGIRL?. I LOVE QUESTIONS FROM REASONABLE PEOPLE LIKE YOU AND MOST ON THIS SITE. I WILL NOT BE ANSWERING QUESTIONS FROM WACO’S AS I DID IN THE PAST. I ADMIT IT WAS A MISTAKE AND I HAVE NO QUALMS ADMITTING A MISTAKE AS A MISTAKE TEACHES US NOT WHAT TO DO THE NEXT TIME–SINCERELY–CRAIG

Santanio Valdez
Santanio Valdez
8 years ago

I just wasted 1 hour of my life that I’ll never get back. I watched Craig’s show until the end! It was pure torcher! I can’t believe he is allowed to spew his dimented views. Any sane person who happened to see the show will defiantly NOT vote for him.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Santanio Valdez
8 years ago

Sane people will vote for the likes of Bianchi or Tyer who want to continue to keep putting the city and its taxpayers in debt? I think we have a disagreement about who is sane and who isn’t. I think people who would vote for Tyer or Bianchi are insane.

Morgan Stern
Morgan Stern
8 years ago

I just finished watching it too. At least he admitted his mind was damaged from serving his stint in Vietnam. How he gets away with threatening people is beyond me. I grew up on Robbins Ave and he and mostly his brothers were getting into trouble all the time and he has the nerve to say that only a few of Pittsfield’s residents are causing all of the drug activity and crimes? He needs to honestly look at where he came from but I don’t believe his injured brain has the capacity to do so. His brother, Dave, will tell you himself about his addiction to drugs. Check the police logs over the past several years and see how many times the cops were called to Dave’s residence either for him disturbing the peace, threatening to shoot people, and all the times he called 9-1-1 and wouldn’t let the cops inside his house. Gaetani wants to become mayor so he can tell the cops they can no longer arrest his brother.

dusty downer
dusty downer
Reply to  Morgan Stern
8 years ago

So you got access to the police logs huh?

Joe Blow
Joe Blow
Reply to  dusty downer
8 years ago

You can goto the ppd website and read all of the logs…http://www.pittsfieldpd.org/presslog/

Morgan Stern
Morgan Stern
Reply to  Joe Blow
8 years ago

Thanks Joe Blow. Dusty is such a downer.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
8 years ago

Dan Valenti’s recurring point of view about Pittsfield politics is that if the municipality’s finances continue to increase, then Pittsfield’s city government will go insolvent within the next decade. Dan Valenti wants a fiscal conservative to reform the municipal tax system. Dan Valenti wants a candidate for Mayor to take on the vested interests and win for the constrained and diminishing local taxpayers.

Bill Sturgeon
Bill Sturgeon
8 years ago

CV – as always – respond to his posts and others concerned with what he had he posted in a gentlemanly way. CV is correct in pointing out that many of us have grown-up with or have known many of the candidates, elected or appointed officials for many years. We (I) might not agree with the how they deal with issues, but that doesn’t mean we have to hate them.

It has always been my experience that if you go after someone out of spite, hatred or envy ultimately you will fail.

joetaxpayer
joetaxpayer
Reply to  Bill Sturgeon
8 years ago

Very well put Bill, I think all candidates deserve respect for putting there names in the race.

eye in the sky
eye in the sky
Reply to  joetaxpayer
8 years ago

Mr. Sturgeon, can we suggest questions to ask the candidates on this blog? I’m sure many readers have really important questions.

Discreet Cat
Discreet Cat
8 years ago

Craig is GENIUOS and his Brothers are quality Indivuals. Craig served are Country with HONOR and has a GAME PLAN for the CITY.

eye in the sky
eye in the sky
Reply to  Discreet Cat
8 years ago

I’m certain everyone in the families of his oponents are perfect people.

Morgan Stern
Morgan Stern
Reply to  eye in the sky
8 years ago

They very well could be.

silence dogood
silence dogood
Reply to  Morgan Stern
8 years ago

Wbat color is the sky in your world.?

eye in the sky
eye in the sky
8 years ago

Many of you think it’s funny to trash Gaetani but the laugh will be on the taxpayers if Bianchi is re-elected or Tyer is elected. You all know what Bianchi is all about and Tyer has not said much about what she will do and she has not said how she will pay for any of the pie in the sky (no relation)

Do any of you Bianchifiles or Tyerfiles actually think your taxes will stay the same or go down under either of these two?

If you are retired and on a fixed income how will you be able to fund this City? Gaetani in the only candidate to talk reality and all you want to do is give him a hard time. So sure call, him names and vote against him. The last laugh won’t be yours.

larrybirdsofafeather
larrybirdsofafeather
Reply to  eye in the sky
8 years ago

I miss Craig! Will he post again.

Morgan Stern
Morgan Stern
Reply to  eye in the sky
8 years ago

I don’t think it is funny at all. I speak the truth and if I knew the same about the other candidates I would post comments on them as well. I have known Craig for a good number of years.

craig
craig
Reply to  Morgan Stern
8 years ago

I NOR ANYONE I KNOW WHO LIVE ON THE WEST SIDE KNOW YOU OR EVEN RECOGNIZE YOUR NAME I BELIEVE THE POSTER WHO STATED YOU ARE A FICTITIOUS PERSON HAS TAGGED YOU CORRECTLY. COME VISIT ME MY ADDRESS IS IN THE PHONE BOOK. – AFTER I MEET YOU I WILL POST AGAIN AND EITHER CONFIRM YOU OR MORE LIKELY WILL CONFIRM YOU AS A LIAR

Pat
Pat
Reply to  eye in the sky
8 years ago

I doubt it because the people who would vote for Bianchi or Tyer are upper middle class or wealthy. They don’t feel the pain of rising taxes. It’s pocket change to them. They won’t suffer. Only the rest of us living under the forced Progressive Democrat philosophy of “living simply and living green” will feel the monetary pain while the politicians who force this progressive nonsense on us will be living lives of wealth and ease.

An example of this would be Deval Patrick who was all about the progressive movement, but who joins Bain Capital after leaving Massachusetts in a mess of debt. Patrick has made sure that his nest is feathered. Do you think he will give away 70% of his income in order to live the progressive dream of living simply that the progressives want the rest of us to live? I think not.

PC 31
PC 31
Reply to  eye in the sky
8 years ago

“Bianchiphile”

xyz
xyz
8 years ago

It only appears that “many” posters here are attacking . Such is not the case. In fact urinetown, Donny, Morgan Stern, larry, larrybirdsfather and Santanio Valdez are the very same person.

This is the same person who has been banned/redacted/removed from this and other sites under other names. He is simply using different email addresses and proxy servers to make you think its many people.

Day after day. Week after week. He’s been on here attacking Craig in a somewhat pathetic attempt to get you to not vote for him. He views Craig as a real threat to the GOB’s of Pittsfield politics.

Use your own mind in voting for whom you think is the best candidate running for office, who will truly have the best interests of the people at heart.

dusty downer
dusty downer
Reply to  xyz
8 years ago

Maybe you can add Pummlin Pam to that list. Pam seems to have a vested interest in Gaetani s departure from the scene. Has to be from one of the special interest mayoral camps. Which shows that yes they do very much fear the oversight he would bring to the budget they like to fatten and then feed off.

No plan Dan
No plan Dan
Reply to  dusty downer
8 years ago

Don’t add Pam. It’s absolutely hilarious that Craig thinks it is really TFB.

eye in the sky
eye in the sky
8 years ago

the last chance to see Craig Gaetani’s TV show is tonight at 8:30. I saw it this morning and it was very good.

Dave
Dave
8 years ago

Every press release coming from Ms Tyer has the same solution to the problem she is addressing–form a commission to study it. I read this as I have no solutions but elect me and we will talk aboutv it some more. I hope she adresses the parking issue in the downtown….that hasn’t been studied nearly enough. Maybe that canbe a follow up question when Bill S asks the candidates about the major issue of jaywalking.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
8 years ago

[Dan] Bianchi says he didn’t know Gaetani was facing charges until contacted by The Berkshire Eagle.

“I think Mr. Gaetani really has to examine his behavior,” Bianchi said. “You can’t be threatening people. Just because people are public employees doesn’t mean people can threaten them or frighten them. It shouldn’t happen.”

http://wamc.org/post/four-candidates-heading-pittsfield-mayoral-primary#stream/0

craig
craig
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
8 years ago

JONATHAN– MANY MAY NOT GET THE POINT YOU ARE MAKING IN YOUR POST.I HOPE WHEN THEY RED IT A FEW TIMES THEY WILL GET IT.—-CRAIG

GMHeller
GMHeller
8 years ago

Pittsfield is following in the footsteps of Detroit, Stockton, and San Bernardino, bankrupt municipalities run for decades by Liberal Democrat tax-and-spend orthodoxy.
Not one of the candidates presently running for Mayor shows any indication of even comprehending the nature of Pittsfield’s current ‘death spiral’ let alone possessing a plan or the ability to change the city’s trajectory.

spagirl
spagirl
Reply to  GMHeller
8 years ago

GM Heller
The best and the brightest have moved to the areas that are thriving. Pittsfield has no vision, and no one to take the reigns. It is Shameful what the Liberal Democrats have done to this town. You reap what you sow.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  spagirl
8 years ago

I agree it is shameful what the liberal democrats have done to Pittsfield and the Berkshires. Basically they have made it a dumping ground for social service agency cases. There is no real economy since we have social service agencies as substitutes for real companies that offer jobs. The politicians are clueless and their major concern is promoting the progressive agenda. Sounds a lot like what is happening at the federal level also run by progressive liberal Democrats.

craig
craig
Reply to  GMHeller
8 years ago

GM–YES I DO–YOU HAVENT BEEN PAYING ATTENTION–CRAIG

pemetina
pemetina
8 years ago

The change we need. The voice we deserve. Gaetani

Discreet Cat
Discreet Cat
8 years ago

Lock the door, and throw away the BiaNKEy.

Nota
Nota
8 years ago

Can’t wait for the debates. Craig will make mince meat of Tyred and Byankees.

Chuck Vincelette
Chuck Vincelette
8 years ago

I think the debate will be a standoff between mayor Bianchi and Ms Tyer. Donna will comport herself well. Craig will score some points but will be a distant fourth. The preliminary will be the same with the mayor and Ms Tyer proceeding to the actual election which is too close to call.

craig
craig
Reply to  danvalenti
8 years ago

CHUCK AND DAN– YOU ARE GETTING FURTHER OUT IN LEFT FIELD WITH EACH POST–DAN YOU KNOW POSITIVELY THAT THE FENN ST PROJECT IS ONGOING AND NOT INDICATIVE OF A BOTCHED JOB AS YOU CLEARLY TRIED TO MAKE IT OUT TO BE– IN YOUR LAST TV SHOW. I THINK ANYONE WHO SAW THAT SHOW WOULD AGREE YOU WERE LESS THAN HONEST IN WHAT YOU WERE TRYING TO DO. YOU SEE –I AM VERY HONEST AND THE TRUTH SHOULD WIN OUT EVERY TIME. I HAVE NO USE FOR BANCHI AND CIRCUS WOOD BUT WHEN THEY DO SOMETHING RIGHT– I WILL GIVE THEM CREDIT. AND YOU SHOULD ALSO.– WHEN FENN ST. IS FINISHED IT WILL BE AS BEAUTIFUL AND BUILT TO THE HIGHEST ENGINEERING STANDARD POSSIBLE. YOU DISPARAGED DONNA WALTO IN I BELIEVE A POST FROM AGAIN –CHUCK VINCELET. I AM A MAYORAL CANDIDATE JUST AS DONNA IS AND YOU KNOW EITHER OF US WILL DO A FAR SUPERIOR JOB THAN EITHER BANCHI OR TEARED AND THATS WHAT YOU SHOULD BE TRYING TO GET OUT TO YOUR POSTERS. NONE OF THEM WANT BANCHI OR TEARED AND YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO THEM. CHUCK YOU HAD YOUR TURN AND DIDN’T ACCOMPLISH MUCH AND I AM HOPING TO HAVE MY TURN AND I WILL NOT ACCOMPLISH WHAT YOU DID. FURTHER YOU ARE DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR WE THE TAXPAYER HAVING YOUR BUDDY IN OFFICE TODAY I SEE YOU ARE HAVING SOME FUN PREDICTING THE ELECTION RESULTS BEFORE WE EVEN GET INTO THE STARTING GATE BUT I THINK YOUR PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH IS WAY OFF AND BEING A BETTING MAN MYSELF– I WOULD LIKE TO BET YOU THAT YOUR ORDER OF PREDICTED RESULTS IS NOT EVEN CLOSE. I LIKE HAVING A LITTLE FUN MYSELF AS IS EVIDENT IN MY POSTING HERE AND I WAS WONDERING IF WE COULD HAVE A LITTLE FRIENDLY WAGER THAT YOUR PREDICTED ORDER IS NOT ACCURATE? DAN I NEVER SAW YOUR BLOG OR POSTED ON THIS SITE BEFORE I BECAME A CANDIDATE BUT SOMEONE WHO WE BOTH KNOW TOLD ME THAT NEVER HAS THERE BEEN A CANDIDATE THAT YOU BACKED IN PITTS. POLITICS WHO EVER WON ANY OFFICE IN THE CITY OF PITTSFIELD AND IF THAT IS TRUE I HOPE YOUR STRING OF LOSSES CONTINUE– AS YOU PICK ME TO COME IN FOURTH WITH YOUR BUDDY CHUC V CHUCK AND DAN WHO IS YOUR CHOICE FOR MAYOR ANY WAY ? YOU CANT HAVE IT BOTH WAYS AS ONE WAS IS DEFINITELY WRONG ANSWERS PLEASE. DAN FOR THE UMPTEENTH TIME HAVE YOU SEEN MY TV SHOW?IM TOLD IT MIGHT BE THE BEST WATCHED SHOW ON PCTV BUT I JUST HOPE THAT THE STATEMENT IS TRUER ONE THING I KNOW IS THAT IN MY OPINION IT IS THE BEST SHOW ON PCTV. I TRY TO BE TRUTHFUL TO THE POINT INFORMATIVE ALITTLE BIT FUNNY AND MOSTLY DEADLY SERIOUS AS TO WHAT I PLAN TO DO WHEN I AM MAYOR AND MAKE NO IFS AND AND BUTS ABOUT ANYTHING I BELIEVE IN . MY MOTHER AND FATHER BELIEVED 100% IN EVERYTHING I DID AND WHAT I TRIED TO DO AND WHAT YOU SEE IS THE SON WHO IS TRYING TO CONTINUE TO MAKE MY DECEASED PARENT MORE PROUD. NO IF’S ANDS AND BUTS ABOUT IT. TODAY IS BEAUTIFUL OUTSIDE SO I WILL GO DOWN ON THE WEST SIDE AND DO SOME CAMPAIGNING. I AM THE NEW OLD MAN IN TOWN DOWN THERE AND I PLAN TO KEEP EVERYBODY DOWN THERE INFORMED AS THEY HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY MISINFORMED BY THIS ADMINISTRATION AND MANY PAST ONES BUT THEY ARE SOMEWHAT EXCITED BECAUSE I AM IN THE RACE. I HAVE TO GO NOW HAVE A NICE DAY AND PEACE BECAUSE I DO INDEED LIKE BOTH OF YOU AND I AM SURE YOU BOTH LIKE ME.– WHY WOULDN’T YOU?–CRAIG

joetaxpayer
joetaxpayer
8 years ago

Can’t vote for Tyer. Anyone that wants to add another layer to the Pittsfield public schools is out of touch. Early education and Blight are the least of our problems.

craig
craig
Reply to  joetaxpayer
8 years ago

THAT A BOY JOE–WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND COULD?–CRAIG

GMHeller
GMHeller
8 years ago

If voters choose Bianchi for another four years after the guy has accomplished literally zero during his current term, what does that say about the average Pittsfield voter?

dusty downer
dusty downer
Reply to  GMHeller
8 years ago

As bad as the options are, who would vote for Bianchi besides his own family? I am serious. Who? What group? Who benefits if he stays in office?

craig
craig
Reply to  dusty downer
8 years ago

DUSTY DOWNER– I MIGHT BENEFIT IF BIANCHI OR TYER WINS. WHEN I GET BACK FROM THE FRENCH RIVIERA. ABOUT 7 -9 MONTHS LATTER –THERE SHOULD BE A LOT OF FIRE SALES ON HOUSES HERE.– HEY– I MAY BUY THE WHOLE CITY AND NAME IT GAETANIVILLE. ANY ONE WHO WANTS TO COME BACK –I WILL LET YOU BUY YOUR OWN HOUSE BACK FOR FAR LESS THAN YOU PAID FOR IT–THE FIRST TIME AND I WILL STILL BE MAKING A PROFIT. OF COURSE YOU MAY NOT WANT TO COME BACK TO A GHOST TOWN. IT WONT BOTHER ME MUCH AS I AM NOT HOME MUCH ANYHOW. I WILL COME BACK IN THE SUMMER.I WILL ENJOY THE PEACE AND TRANQUILITY LIKE THE PEOPLE IN STOCKBRIDGE DO. I AM TOLD THAT IT IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL—CRAIG

craig
craig
Reply to  GMHeller
8 years ago

GM– I THINK OR AT LEAST I HOPE THE AVERAGE PITTSFIELD VOTER WHO IS ONE PAYCHECK AWAY FROM DISASTER WILL PUT THE BLAME WHERE IT SQUARELY SHOULD BE BUT I COULD BE WRONG. I HOPE NOT– BECAUSE IF THEY DONT– IT IS ALL OVER FOR ALL OF YOU OUT THERE. FOR ME— I WILL BE HEADING TO THE FRENCH RIVIERA BUT I WILL GET BACK IN TIME TO BUY PITTSFIELD PROPERTIES AT PENNIES ON THE DOLLAR. I GUESS THERE WOULD BE PEOPLE THROWING STONES AT ME FOR DOING THAT ALSO. OH WELL– WE’LL SEE—CRAIG

amandaWell
amandaWell
8 years ago

Got the same feeling Glenn.

joetaxpayer
joetaxpayer
8 years ago

If it comes down to Tyer vs Bianchi, I will vote for the evil I know, as opposed to the evil I don’t know. Be careful what you wish for.

Nota
Nota
8 years ago

You screwed Joe and so aren’t us all. Craig must be sipping brews on his YACHT today.

joetaxpayer
joetaxpayer
Reply to  Nota
8 years ago

Personally I think we’re all screwed, not just in Pittsfield but the whole state. The Democratic sheep have blocked some of Gov. Baker’s cuts. They want to continue the foolish spending of last administration.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  joetaxpayer
8 years ago

What is the game plan of these progressives? Do they want to soften us up so our enemies can take over? Do they want to weaken the public to the point where they can take over? Nobody can be this stupid. They have to know they are weakening the country and this is part of their plan.

joetaxpayer
joetaxpayer
Reply to  Pat
8 years ago

Pat, spend then spend then when they get tired spend. After all its free money.

craig
craig
Reply to  Nota
8 years ago

NOTA I SHOULD BE BUT THIS MIGHT BE THIRD ROW IN A YEAR I HAVE HAD NO FREE TIME . I DONT DRINK OR SMOKE BUT A NICE ICE TEA OUT THERE SOUNDS MORE INVITING EVERY DAY. SEEING DAN VALENTI GIVES ME NO CHANCE OF WINNING AT ALL AND HE AND CHUCK V. SAY I WILL COME IN FOURTH– I SHOULD GET OUT OF THE RACE NOW BUT THAT WONT HAPPEN BECAUSE WHO WOULD ALL OF YOU OUT THERE HAVE TO VOTE FOR? I AM REPOSITIONING THE CARRIER FOR A DEAD HIT. A FEW MORE ADJUSTMENTS AND WILL LET THE TORPEDO OUT TO FINISH THE SINKING SHIP CAPTAINS AND BOARD SHIP AND BRING IT BACK TO LIFE. I LOVE THIS GAME. MAYBE I WILL RUN FOR TWO TERMS. IT WOULD BE THE FIRST LIGHTWEIGHT JOB I EVER HAD AND I THINK IT WILL BE SO MUCH FUN– I JUST MIGHT STAY IN OFFICE UNTILL THE DAY I DIE. HAVING A LOT OF FUN—CRAIG

May Hemm
May Hemm
8 years ago

DON’T wait for the Berk Eagle..Babe Ruth World Series..Lawrenceburg,TN 14. Pittsfield. 1

Gene
Gene
8 years ago

I aree with you, DV, about Julian Assange. A hero.

craig
craig
Reply to  Gene
8 years ago

GENE HE IS

CosbiesLadies
CosbiesLadies
8 years ago

Imagine the rinky dinky Planet gets the score from Tennesee Babe Ruth event before the big Eagle.

joetaxpayer
joetaxpayer
Reply to  CosbiesLadies
8 years ago

Please, anyone who wants to can watch or listen to the games live. Love Dan, he will find information, before most. Sports is a different animal, they our actually transperant, sometimes.

Chuck Garivaltis
Chuck Garivaltis
8 years ago

I hope many agree with me the tombstone in front of Pittsfield High School has outlived its usefulness, or whatever its purpose is supposed to be. It’s bad enough overgrown trees cover the beauty of this beautiful building, but to put a monument on the front lawn that totally resembles a burial plot is just ridiculous.

craig
craig
Reply to  Chuck Garivaltis
8 years ago

CHUCK– HOW ARE THINGS GOING FOR YOU IN HOUSING COURT? ANY THOUGHTS ON UPCOMING ELECTION? HOW IS WATER AT YOUR HOUSE? ARE YOU STILL ON VELMA AVE? CAN YOU BELIEVE MY DAD HAS BEEN GONE ALMOST 19 YEARS? I REMEMBER AS A BOY EVERY BODY AT THE BARBERSHOP INCLUDING YOU . IT WAS THE HIGH POINT OF MY DAY EVERY DAY. WHAT I WOULDN’T DO TO HAVE THOSE DAYS BACK AGAIN HOW IS CARMEN ?SAY HELLO. LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR RETURN POST—CRAIG

craig
craig
Reply to  danvalenti
8 years ago

DAN I CAN CONCUR WITH YOU TO THE LETTER. DO YOU REMEMBER MY POST WHEN I ASKED JIV FOR THE NAMES OF EVERY EMPLOYEE IN PSD AND CERTIFICATIONS OF EACH TEACHER? HE CAME BACK AND SENT ME A LETTER THAT IT WOULD COST 6920 DOLLARS FOR MY REQUEST. I WENT TO SEE BANCHI’S ASST WHO SAID SHE COULD GET THE INFO AND INFO ON ALL OTHER SCHOOL DEPT EMPLOYEES FOR 140 DOLLARS.– YOU AND NO ONE ON THE PLANET CAUGHT IT BUT IT JUST GOES TO SHOW HOW FAR OUT OF IT THIS SCHOOL DEPT AND CITY ADMIN ARE. THE RIGHT HAND DOESNT KNOW WHAT THE LEFT HAND IS DOING AND IF I DONT WIN THIS RACE– THE CITY WILL BE RUINED. HOW MUCH LONGER CAN THE TAXPAYER TAKE THIS CRAP—-CRAIG

Ron Kitterman
Ron Kitterman
8 years ago

Craig thanks for the reminder that you were a dark horse in 1982, If history is the best indicator of the future, however let’s examine your 1981 November election returns, when you ran for City Councilor At Large in the November 4, 1981 final election.

Straccuzi 12,369 22.23%
Arlos 11,868 21.33%
Ryan 9,617 17.29%
McCafferey 8,495 15.27%

Gaetani 5,246 9.43 %
McLaughlin 5,043 9.07%
Jackson 2,992 5.38%

craig
craig
Reply to  danvalenti
8 years ago

DAN I THINK YOU GET THE POINT DONT YOU.? THIS ISNT FENN ST I ASKED YOU A FEW QUESTIONS AND YOU HAVENT ANSWERED BUT LIKE I SAID I AM HAVING A BALL AND STILL WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A LITTLE WAGER– MAYBE RON WOULD LIKE A PIECE. YOU SEE DAN YOU DONT LIKE TO BE PUT UO AGAINST A WALL LIKE I HAVE BEEN ON THIS SITE FOR A LONG TIME BUT NOW YOU SEE WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO HAVE TO BE SLAUGHTERED BY PREPOSTERS WHO YOU KNEW WERE NOTHING BUT HATE MUNGERS BUT YOU LET THEM SPEW ANYHOW.– LIKE I SAID– I LIKE YOU AND CHUCK V– WHY WOULDN’T I AND I AM SURE YOU DONT HATE ME AND YOU WILL BE WELCOME AT MY HOUSE FOR A DRINK OF TEA AFTER I WIN THE ELECTION. WHAT SHOULD I SAY THAT I AM GOING TO LOSE THE ELECTION!!!!!COME ON DAN. YOU HAVE TO SEE MY SHOW –I ALWAYS SPEAK WELL OF YOU ASK ANY OF THE POSTERS WHO HAVE SEEN IT AND I ALWAYS WILL SPEAK WELL OF YOU WHY WOULDN’T I?—CRAIG

craig
craig
Reply to  danvalenti
8 years ago

DAN EVERY TIME–NOW YOU ARE PICKING I AM SURE YOU KNOW WHAQT I MEAN–CRAIG

craig
craig
Reply to  Ron Kitterman
8 years ago

RON I TOLD YOU I WON THE ELECTION–YOU JUST DONT GET IT. I CANT BABY SIT FOR YOU ANY MORE . ONE MORE TIME. I DID EVERYTHING TO LOOSE THE ELECTION BUT I WON ANYWAY. NOW YOU ARE GREAT AT RIDDLES OR A LEAST YOU THINK YOU ARE– TRY TO FIGURE THIS ONE OUT. WHO ARE YOU VOTING FOR RIDDLER? RON I HAVE AN ELECTION TO WIN AND I PLAN TO WIN IT BUT EVEN IF I DONT I STILL WIN. GET IT? COME ON RON I KNOW YOU ARE GOING TO VOTE FOR ME YOU KNOW TYER AND YOU KNOW BIANCHI AND YOU KNOW ME .PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!-CRAIG. I AM HAVING A BALL ARENT I MAKING THE RACE INTERESTING RON? —CRAIG

Discreet Cat
Discreet Cat
8 years ago

We get it Craig, we got Your back.

craig
craig
Reply to  Discreet Cat
8 years ago

CAT–I HAVE HAD SOME TIME PAST 8-10 DAYS TRYING TO REST THIS BROKEN SHOULDER AND I WILL HAVE TO GET BACK TO WORK TOMORROW PAIN OR NO PAIN. IT HAS BEEN FUN I WILL POST WHEN I CAN THANK YOU AND ALL OTHERS ON THIS BLOG WHO HAVE SUPPORTED ME. I LOVE YOU ALL –CRAIG

spagirl
spagirl
8 years ago

I think the nicest spot in Pittsfield is Park Square. It is capturing, and has so much history. So far they haven’t messed this one up.

Chuck Garivaltis
Chuck Garivaltis
Reply to  spagirl
8 years ago

Be on your guard Spagirl. A few years ago grossly out of proportion metal rowboats honoring Canadian fishermen were placed in Park Square and were removed after a public outcry of disgust. So it is possible that even this one can be messed up.

Shelly liver
Shelly liver
8 years ago

Babe Ruth team is down 3 0 bottom of second. Pitcher for Williamsport looks pretty good.

GMHeller
GMHeller
8 years ago

Craig,
If you did decide to return from the Riviera, and if you have any money left after that, why would you want to invest any money whatsoever in distressed Pittsfield properties?
The city would of course assess all such property at far more than it was worth and you’d then be paying sky-high taxes — and for what?
You’d be far wiser to invest that capital in South County property where real estate values in many towns have shown increases averaging 7% per annum or better these past 50 years.
Can you say the same thing for real estate in Pittsfield even in the toniest sections?

craig
craig
Reply to  GMHeller
8 years ago

GM. THE REASON I WOULD INVEST IN PITTSFIELD IS BECAUSE I LOVE PITTSFIELD AND I HAVE A PLAN TO MAKE IT A PLACE EVERYONE WILL WANT TO COME TO LIVE. BUT FIRST WE MUST TEAR IT DOWN (FIGURETIVELY) THE PROPERTY TAXES——THE PERSONAL AND BUSINESS TAXES ARE BOTH TOO HIGH TO ATTRACT ANYONE OR ANY BUSINESS I AND YOU AND EVERY ONE KNOW THIS IS TRUE—CRAIG