WAS IT SIMPLE A NIGHT ON THE TOWN or A VIOLATION OF THE LAW? … plus … THE COMMENT LINE IS OPEN
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
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EDITOR’S NOTE: Here is the YouTube link for Dan Valenti‘s feature film, KENTUCKY FRIED PITTSFIELD … or … WHERE HAVE YOU GONE, COL. SANDERS? You’ll laugh! You’ll cry! You’ll flub-a-dub. Click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzflpEb_zQQ .
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(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEEKEND EDITION, AUG. 7-9, 2015) — A couple weeks ago our good friends at the Berkshire Theatre Group held their annual gala, a well-heeled evening of cocktails, dining, theater, and entertainment. The invitation listed a price of $500.
Each member of the Pittsfield city council was invited. The $500 was crossed off with the words “come as our guest” written instead.
The Law is The Law
We would remind our readers of the State Ethics Law (M.G.L. 268A Section 3):
Whoever knowingly, being a present or former state, county or municipal employee or member of the judiciary, or person selected to be such an employee or member of the judiciary, otherwise than as provided by law for the proper discharge of official duty, directly or indirectly, asks, demands, exacts, solicits, seeks, accepts, receives or agrees to receive anything of substantial value: (i) for himself for or because of any official act or act within his official responsibility performed or to be performed by him; or (ii) to influence, or attempt to influence, him in an official act taken; …shall be punished by a fine of not more than $50,000, or by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than 5 years, or in a jail or house of correction for not more than 2 ½ years, or both.
The law goes on to define “substantial value” as anything “$50 or more.”
Did any councilors attend the gala without paying? Sources tell THE PLANET city council president Melissa Mazzeo did, which Mazzeo confirmed. Did she pay for a ticket?
“I did not pay for my ticket,” Mazzeo told THE PLANET. “I was an invited guest. I disclosed that I was attending the event with the city clerk’s office. The letter is on file. … It was a great evening and show.”
Of that we have no doubt.
Does Disclosure Exempt One from the Law?
The letter Mazzeo filed with the city clerk said she was attending for the public good. As we understand it, the law doesn’t provide an exemption for “the public good.” The question for Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski to ask is how they, “the public,” could possibly benefit from the city council president getting a $500 freebie for a meal and show? Or was it about her rubbing elbows with rich people?
According to 930 CMR 5.04, “disclosure is a written statement that sets for all the relevant facts.” Regulation 5.04(c) further stipulates that an elected official “must make a disclosure to the … city clerk. This disclosure must be made “before the relevant event occurs.”
Mazzeo clearly fulfilled this part, but as we understand the law, disclosure in and of itself doesn’t mean the action was legal. Public officials cannot accept anything of value over $50.
Early Warning
Sources say that prior to the event, councilors were warned about possible ethics violation if they attended. There doesn’t appear to be a way around this. If Mazzeo attended by accepting a free pass, even if she filed disclosure, it would appear to be a violation. If she wanted to attend the gala, she should have written out a check payable to “Berkshire Theatre Group” for the requested amount. She would have been in the clear while supporting one of the city’s more important cultural institutions.
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With that, THE PLANET opens The Comment Line. Any topic is fair game. Keep the remarks at your highest level of wit, intelligence, and class.
Have a great weekend, everybody.
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“I love you. That is what my heart is saying.” — Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra, “Cuban Love Song,” (1940).
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
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I am surprised no one commented yesterday on yesterday’s letter to the editor in the Eagle, “Bianchi has worked for Pittsfield’s youth.” It was really a hysterical piece. I commented under it, not vituperatively but just correcting some facts, and it was moved off their opinion page pretty quickly. It is worth finding down the chain on the “Letters” site
Same thing happenedto me Mrg8811. And they call it a “newspaper”??
Mr.G,
Excellent Response to his letter,Best mayor in his lifetime? I’m curious how old Mr. Steinman is? How many mayors have served Pittsfield in his lifetime? I just got back from my sons house off Holmes and Pomeroy Ave. The road has been reclaimed for sometime now and no black top yet. You gave Mr. Steinman some food for thought on his declaration of the mayor.
Maybe the mayors secretary wrote this letter.
But whoever did write it has a very wry sense of humor and lord knows this city can use a good laugh about now.
i wrote a letter to the editor today suggesting that the debates be handled as follows –any citizen can send a question to be asked at the mayoral debates– that should be held in the city council chambers and televised. the question should be sent to the registrar of voters clearly labeled (question for mayoral debates). all questions should be put into a box and the candidates should draw the unopened letters and open the letter and answer it. when the candidate that drew the letter from the box answers the question and declares they have finished their reply— the other candidates can also answer that question if they so choose. when all the candidates say they are done with the question the next candidate draws a question and the process stars over again. by this method the moderator is taken out of the equation and bias of any kind is eliminated. this method is significantly better than any other format as it prevents a moderator from giving their favorite candidate soft ball questions and more difficult questions to other candidates.this clearly is the fairest method i can think of. if a question is off the wall– then the moderator will decide if the candidate must answer the question or not.– does any one out there have a fairer method? please post—craig
These councilors have probably all gotten together and agreed to refuse to participate in any aggressive style debate. they are going to be looking for a softball moderator or they will not do it. Pretty much guaranteed. Bianchi has the most to lose as he has not a leg to stand on but Mazzeo, Amuso, and Cotton have nothing to gain by opening up their accomplishments for review.
dusty the debates for councilors should follow the same guidelines i posted for the mayoral debates. can you think of a fairer way? please let me know as i intend to release these ideas of mine to all press in a formal press release tomorrow craig
i am very pleased that donna walto took my advise and jumped into the mayoral race. with her in the race it assures me of intellectual stimulation. if anyone out there thinks that donna is the light weight that bianchi painted her– when he smeared her campaign in a past mayoral campaign, they better think again. i have only met her once or twice but i can size up a person very quickly and she is a candidate who offers plenty to the city. she is a williams graduate and in case anyone thinks it is easy to get into williams— go look up their requirements for admittance. i can only tell you that in a debate with either tyer or bianchi she would eat them alive. in a sense she is very similar to me. there is no pulling the wool over her head as is the case with me. donna is no gob candidate by any stretch of the imagination and if i were beaten in the election by her i will be able to say my candidate won as i am going to vote for her in the primary or general election. she is fiesty and opinionated . her ideas are well thought out and clear and to the point. so you see pv posters you have two non gob candidates and for those of you who hate me you can vote for her and your vote will not be a wasted vote. go donna— thanks for keeping me interested in this boring campaign so far the intellectual stimulation is very much needed by me. thanks and good luck. –craig
PV POSTERS-PLEASE SEE MY POST AS A REPLY TO PAT 0N THE PAST POST SESSION BEFORE THE WEEKEND SESSION. I DISCUSS MY OPINION ON COUNSELING IN THE SCHOOL DEPT.—CRAIG
Pittsfield Officials don’t have to comply with anything. No one counters. It starts at the top. Bianchi thumbs his nose…..and gets a Salary ….He’s riding the taxpayers.
http://www.mass.gov/ethics/faqs.html
spagirl-you are right that no one counters except you forgot to name me craig c gaetani. i always counter the mayor. when was the last time you personally countered? posting is great as i am posting now but i have been at all city council meetings protecting the taxpayers rights and i always stand alone. you are very vocal on the planet but just posting will accomplish very little. you have to get out there every day and work work work with the citizens and listen to there ideas as i do. can you help me out tomorrow at the ethnic fair? i will be out there all day trying to get the votes so that i can do for you the things i hear you say on the planet.– can you help me out ? you wont be able to miss me i will have my gaetani for mayor shirt on. i need to take a 20 minute nap i am exhausted as i have another very demanding job as a scientist that takes up about 12 hours a day. can you help me? craig
How does a violation such as this come to the attention of the State Ethics Commission? Does a citizen need to file a complaint? does a simple forward of this blog suffice?
go to this page…http://www.mass.gov/ethics/faqs.html
to file a complaint or to report a violation…http://www.mass.gov/ethics/commission-services/complaints/file-a-complaint.html
It seems to me the top At-Large vote getter and Council President has deemed herself above the law once again. I would like an understanding of what public good transpired by her accepting a $500.00 freebie and attending the event other than enhancing her husband’s catering business. Was she representing the city of Pittsfield? And How? How do I as a taxpayer benefit from her attendance? Will it make it easier for her to vote for more funding for BTG? It is my understanding one of the councillors wrote a letter to everyone on the council stating it was a violation of ethics to accept the invitation, and Mazzeo in her arrogant way ignored the warning.
Makes you wonder about the other election campaign contribution violation’s her and her husband along with the Mayor and Don Davis were fined for.
Don’t forget she put the swoop to the group when she told LOw,Clairmont and Krol to be good boys or else.
Kinda thought the Mazzeos could afford a ticket to the gala Lol
I see no benefit to the Pittsfield general public from a councilor attending one of these extremely expensive events. This is one of the higher priced events in the area. The Berkshire Museum regularly has events for the well-heeled that usually are around $100.00 or $150.00 per person. It’s the same people that always attend these events. You can see the pictures of them on websites like Rural Intelligence.
If you go on the Berkshire Theater group’s website you will see that Mazzeo’s Ristorante will be providing the food for the August 15th Spoonful of Sugar Party at the Berkshire Museum. Proceeds from the $75.00 per person event will benefit Berkshire Theater Group plays. Obviously these events are out of the reach of the average person in Pittsfield even a lower priced event like this one, but it shows the relationship between Melissa Mazzeo and the BTG. Does her position as councilor, however, cause a conflict of interest in this case or an ethics violation?
And poor Jimmy Skinny Legs got chaffed cuz of some baseball tics.
What ever happened to the elderly woman who was arrested for defending herself when the police went to her house by mistake?
She couldn’t afford to attend the gala for the elite. Tickets were $500. She didn’t lock people out of a vote for the new $200 million dollar high school. She was just a victim of police going to the wrong house, plain Jane average citizen.
And The Pittsfield Police Officer on Paid Leave? No Talkie…. Lockdown.
They gave her a free burger at Mazzcot’s
[REDACTED]
Chris you know who you sound like?
I do believe this paragraph from the State Ethics Commission website answers this question in full…
Section 3 prohibits a non-profit organization from waiving an entrance fee to a fund-raising dinner where the beneficiaries of the waiver are public employees who have had, or likely will have, official dealings with the organization. None of the public officials involved were to participate in the fund-raising dinner as a speaker. In addition, the Commission found that, for purposes of determining whether “substantial value” has been obtained, it will look to the full cost of attending the event as opposed to merely the actual coast of the meal served.
That’s the section I was looking for Bull. It seems to be a clear violation. The council president should have known better.
At issue is the value of the services–$500 plus the question of how much her husband’s business does with the theater.
I just saw the Craig Gaetani political hour…..it was a pretty good show……it will be on again today at 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m…..try to catch it……..does anyone know when the debates will happen?
Tammy Ives now has a show too
eye in the sky–i am glad you saw my tv show i always try to put together a show that is directed to the taxpayer. many on this site have never seen it and i am positive of that by the questions that are asked on this site. you may find it interesting that the other two camps are grumbling that i have a tv show every week on ch16 at 10am 1;30 pm 5 pm and 8;30 pm. these other two could join me every week on the show to debate each other. they had a chance to be on the show every week but they didnt take the pledge. the gob money is more important to them than the tax payer. in a sense they are lucky they chose the gob money over the concerns of the taxpayer. because after one quarter of my first show they would have nothing else to say. after all in this whole campaign season so far we heard about blight only from tyer and nothing from bianchi. what kind of a person would vote for some one who says nothing? let me answer that for you—–many many many–the gob and gog. any questions? craig
Dan please redact the above attacking post.
I am not Allen.thanks for confirming you post should be redacted. It is full of lies
They are not. Dan this guy is harassing others
Who is Harris and you lie
Dan please remove the below post by “Chris”. I think it is high time you banned him.
Excuse me the above post
Likewise. Buh bye
Ha ha. Already gone
THANKS COOP–IF ANYONE THINKS THAT THERE IS NOT A LOT OF THESE TYPES IN SOCIETY BETTER THINK AGAIN–IMAGINE THESE TYPES WITH A GUN? WE ARE IN SERIOUS TROUBLE IN OUR COUNTRY THESE ARE THE TYPES THAT ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND WOULD DO HARM TO ANY ONE THEY DONT LIKE.–I NEED TO GET SO MUCH OUT TO THE PLANET BUT I HAVE BEEN SIDE TRACKED BY THESE IMBECILES. TOMORROW IS VERY BUSY WITH CAMPAIGN STUFF– SOON I WILL NOT HAVE AS MUCH TIME TO POST AS I HAVE HAD BECAUSE OF A FEW AILMENTS THAT HAVE ME SIDELINED. I HOPE EVERYONE WILL VIEW MY PRESS CONF.VIDEO ON EYE IN THE SKY AND SEE HOW MUCH WAS LEFT OUT BY THE MEDIA. IN A BETTER ERA THAN PRESENTLY A PRESS CONF WOULD BE REPORTED VERBATIM— I COULD LOSE THE ELECTION BECAUSE OF THE THINGS THIS THE PRESS DOESNT REPORT.. LETS LOOK AT THE MAYORAL RACE–TYER—BLIGHT BIANCHI–NOTHING– ME–YOU ALL KNOW WHERE I STAND BUT HERE IS THE BIG PROBLEM–THE PUBLIC DOESNT. I HOPE EVERYONE ON THIS SITE WHO SUPPORT ME WOULD TELL 10 PEOPLE EVERY DAY ABOUT ME AND MY IDEAS AND HAVE THOSE PEOPLE TELL 19 MORE ETC.THIS IS A MUST PEOPLE. I TRULY WILL BE EMBARASED TO LOSE TO EITHER BIANCHI OR TYER. IF I WERE BEAT BY AN INDIVIDUAL OF SUBSTANCE THAT WOULD BE ONE THING BUT EITHER OF THESE TWO–I HAVE TO GO NOW TO WRITE UP PRESS RELEASES FOR TOMMOROW–SEE YOU –CRAIG
Dear Dan Valenti,
I was NOT one of the 100 people invited to Governor Charlie Baker’s “ethical” political gathering this weekend on Cape Cod. But then again, I did not contribute one red cent to the former Gov. Weld’s “Big Dig” bureaucrat/former Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Insurance CEO’s campaign.
– Jonathan Melle
$$$$$$$$$
“Top Baker fund-raisers rewarded with golf, wine, food: Receive weekend retreat on Cape”
By Jim O’Sullivan, Boston Globe Staff, August 3, 2015
Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito are planning to treat their top political fund-raisers to a golf retreat at an exclusive Cape Cod resort this weekend, a two-day “thank you” replete with a wine tasting, cocktail hour, and clambake.
The invite-only getaway this weekend will take guests from Willowbend Country Club in Mashpee to the $6 million Osterville home of a Boston-based investment executive. Baker aides said between 75 and 100 guests are expected to attend, but declined to identify any of them.
The “summer retreat” itinerary, a copy of which was obtained by the Globe, begins with a 10:30 a.m. golf check-in and light breakfast on Saturday. Foursomes will be assigned in advance.
The governor, though, will not be swinging the clubs.
“He doesn’t play,” said senior adviser Jim Conroy.
After golf, guests are instructed to gather at the Osterville vacation home of Bill Carey, chief executive of FFCM LLC and a former longtime Fidelity Investments executive. There is valet parking promised at the Carey home, which was also the site of a 2012 fund-raiser for Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney.
After checking in with Baker/Polito staff members at the veranda in the backyard’s “sunken garden,” guests are invited to a wine tasting kicked off by a champagne toast led by Massachusetts first lady Lauren Baker.
That will be followed by a presentation from Spencer Knowles, a veteran wine specialist who began working at Massport four months into the Baker administration as a “maritime project manager,” according to an online biography.
“All of the wine will be perfectly paired with light fare for a perfect match of flavors,” according to the itinerary. “The tasting will conclude at 5 p.m. and flow into our cocktail hour for the evening reception.”
Baker and Polito headline the cocktail reception, which in turn will flow into dinner, in “relaxed clambake style in the backyard of the Carey residence.”
On Sunday morning, back at Willowbend, the breakfast buffet will begin at 9 a.m., with briefings from Baker’s and Polito’s political staff to “begin promptly” at 9:30 a.m. with an introduction from the officeholders themselves. Baker advisers Conroy, Will Keyser, and John Cook are expected to appear.
“Guests are free to mingle with the political staff upon departure,” according to the itinerary.
Jim O’Sullivan can be reached at jim.osullivan@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JOSreports.
“Mayoral forum scheduled”
Friday, August 7th, 2015
All four Pittsfield mayoral candidates have been invited to attend a forum Monday, September 14 at Berkshire Community College.
The 7 p.m.event — open free to the public — will be in room K111 (lecture hall). Pittsfield Community Television will provide a live telecast.
The forum is the 2015 kickoff for a series sponsored by The Pittsfield Gazette, PCTV and BCC. In October, candidates for all contested municipal races will be invited to a series of debates over three nights. The two mayoral finalists will also be invited back in October for a one-on-one debate.
Bill Sturgeon will serve as moderator for the Sept. 14 mayoral forum.
http://pittsfieldgazette.com/mayoral-forum-scheduled-p3894-1.htm
“Mayoral candidate Donna Walto seeks economic overhaul for Pittsfield”
By Jim Therrien, The Berkshire Eagle, August 7, 2015
PITTSFIELD – “Economic development is the No. 1 issue,” mayoral candidate Donna M. Walto said this week, and she doesn’t believe the city has seen much progress on that score for more than a decade.
“Over the last 15 years, no [large] industry has been brought in, and many have left,” Walto said, adding, “There are not any sound initiatives for the city to turn itself around.”
As a result, she said, “we are depending too much on small entrepreneurial businesses. We need to get some big industry in here.”
Walto, 65, of Sadler Avenue, is one of four candidates running for mayor in the Sept. 22 primary, which will narrow the field to two finalists for the Nov. 3 city election.
She will face Mayor Daniel L. Bianchi, current City Clerk Linda M. Tyer and municipal water systems consultant Craig C. Gaetani in the preliminary contest.
Over the past 15 years, when both the mayor and Tyer served in the City Council, there has been little progress on economic development, Walto asserted. “I don’t think we have seen anything getting better,” she said. “If anything, it is getting worse.”
In an underperforming economy, “everybody is feeling the pinch, and they are not feeling as safe as they used to feel.” Walto said. “People have no hope.”
She said that coupled with a rash of recent violence, including two fatal shootings, the city appears to be “on a downward spiral.”
A Williams College graduate who created an entrepreneurial business (Berkshire BackRoad Tour Co.), and someone who raised three children as a single mother, Walto said she believes she has the right experience to take on the economic development challenge.
To shake up the status quo, Walto said she’d advocate that more city residents familiar with the area’s history be named to the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority board and staff. And she proposes a building at the William Stanley Business Park, which PEDA manages, that “would make a statement.”
She said gathering input from professionals, including younger ones, on the building’s design could lead to “something that says, ‘Wow, that’s a great building. That’s who we are.”
One idea, she said, would be to create a museum dedicated to William Stanley, the inventor whose company in Pittsfield eventually was purchased by General Electric Co. — once the employer of thousands in the city. The industrial park is located off East Street on former GE industrial parcels.
She also cited the example of former Williams College Museum of Art Director Thomas Krens, whose idea during the late 1980s for a museum at the former Sprague Electric Co. in North Adams became the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art.
Walto said “some of the best and brightest went to Williams,” and she believes her connections as a graduate could spark new development ideas for Pittsfield.
Walto said she has been a strong supporter of development of the arts community, “but we need more.” A Stanley museum honoring the inventor could compliment the cultural development successes, she said.
Walto graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1967 and from Williams in 1986.
She has made three other attempts for the corner office, losing in 2005 and 2007 to former Mayor James M. Ruberto and in a primary election in 2011, when Bianchi went on from the primary to win his first term as mayor.
Contact Jim Therrien at 413-496-6247. jtherrien@berkshireeagle.com @BE_therrien on Twitter.
“Pittsfield leaders need to rise to the challenges facing city”
By Clarence Fanto, Op-Ed, The Berkshire Eagle, August 8, 2015
LENOX – “Things seem crazy in Pittsfield,” an acquaintance in law enforcement told me this past week after reading about the Pittsfield father, 47, found dead with his daughter, 11, in what police first described as a possible murder-suicide at a home on Plunkett Street.
The mysterious case is the third major violent crime this summer. Many local residents appear to be badly shaken and there’s widespread concern elsewhere in the county about public safety and security in the city’s downtown area.
The first incident involved a pair of late-night July 4 shootings that left Ronald Pinel, 25, dead and four other people wounded on the city’s West Side, a block from North Street. The circumstances and motives remain mysterious, apparently because people who may have information have not cooperated with police investigators.
‘SILENCE IS THEIR ALLY’
As District Attorney David F. Capeless put it, “gunplay and violence are abhorrent to any community, but silence is their ally.” As of this writing, no arrests have been made.
If anything, the midday shooting near 147 Tyler St. on Friday, July 31, was even more disturbing to people in the commercial area adjacent to the Morningside residential neighborhood. The outbreak claimed the life of Keenan S. Pellott, Jr., 18, and wounded a second male victim, 17. It took place near a popular ice cream stand and other businesses frequented by many passersby, including Berkshire Medical Center workers on their lunch break.
At least in that case, a suspect, Thomas Lee Newman Jr., 18, is being held locally without bail after his arrest in Utica, N.Y., last Sunday.
But people in the area, and beyond, were deeply upset at the thought of bullets flying at lunchtime in the downtown area’s second-busiest main drag.
“There’s a lot of people coming in here saying they’re fed up with it,” an employee of a nearby variety store said. “These kids are getting out of hand. And that’s the thing: They’re kids. [Authorities] need to start going after the guns and busting up these so-called gangs.”
After the incident, Mayor Daniel Bianchi was quoted as saying he did not consider the shootings “to represent a threat to the general public.”
That aroused the ire of a Dalton resident who works at the BMC emergency room. In a letter to The Eagle, she wrote that she and her colleagues were “working frantically under a lockdown in fear that there may be retaliations at our workplace. Resources are desperately needed to turn this level of violence around! It’s time to take your head out of the sand!”
In fairness to the mayor, he probably meant that he believed there was no shooter at large in the city bent on targeting random citizens, though the suspect was still being sought. But some people considered his reaction tone-deaf at best, and complacent or uncaring at worst.
IMAGE TARNISHED
The image and perception of Pittsfield is in sad shape. One can only imagine how the owners of the newly opened Hotel on North feel, as well as the leaders of Barrington Stage, whose second, small playhouse is uncomfortably close to the scene of two late-evening July 4 shootings, less than an hour apart.
The city’s downtown resurgence, aimed partly at tourists, is jeopardized if potential patrons of the theaters, cinema, restaurants, shops and the hotel believe they are not safe.
Complicating the issue is the campaign season with its hotly contested mayoral race. Any effort to turn the summer of violence into a political football only adds to the sense of unease.
In my opinion, city leaders have to snap into action. Bianchi and his leading challenger, City Clerk Linda Tyer, should put partisan differences aside and convene a task force of highly motivated leaders. The 10 or so members must include Police Chief Wynn, Berkshire County Sheriff Thomas Bowler (a former city police detective), DA Capeless, city councilors representing the West Side and Morningside areas, and carefully selected representatives of churches and neighborhood groups.
They should hold a series of emergency sessions, with at least one open to the public under strict rules of civility, and meet as long as it takes to come up with a multi-point, credible action plan that commits more resources to public safety and forges closer connections with community members who can offer constructive suggestions.
There are gangs in the city and a scourge of heroin and prescription drugs. Citizens will be reassured only when they see specific steps being taken. Additional “zero tolerance” patrols in the two neighborhoods, announced Friday by the mayor, could help, but beefing up the understaffed city police force should be seriously considered.
Candidate Tyer’s proposals to step up code enforcement, fight neighborhood blight, and commit up to $500,000 for a crime prevention program are worth exploring. Her ideas carry the endorsement of the esteemed former police chief and ex-City Council President Gerald Lee, and that carries a lot of weight, in my view.
Granted, it may be unrealistic to expect that politics won’t play a role.
After all, voters will judge severely an incumbent if he’s perceived to be all talk and no action — as unfair as that may be. They will be unimpressed by challengers who fling accusations at the mayor without following through on their own specific proposals to restore calm to a roiled city by enhancing public safety. Never mind the well-intentioned reassurances.
If leaders are serious about restoring the city’s damaged image, the burden of proof is on them to confront and deal with the reality that Pittsfield is seen as crime-ridden.
Our communities have always been considered a relatively safe harbor from so much that’s wrong elsewhere. Let’s keep it that way.
Contact Clarence Fanto at 413-637-2551.
Notice how Fanto does’t even mention Gaetani or Walto? And Clarence let me tell you, the last people you want at your high-level “emergency task force” are them like Bianchi, Bowler, Capeless, Wynn, and councilors. These are the people who have been in charge while the city has gone to hell, drugs and gangs. Your column reveals everything about you and your paper’s kissing up to what DV calls the Suits.
Wouldn’t you think that the city clerk would have had a clue when Mazzeo gave her the letter?
Ethics oversees these violations. I doubt it is the city clerks job. Clerks usually aren’t lawyers. Maybe the solicitor is supposed to handle these things. Degnan is in the Bianchi/Mazzeo camp. Maybe that is why nothing was done.
the point is they both took the training and one of them at least should have figured it out . Maybe M&M was advised by others on the council and the clerk that it wasn’t a good idea. Mazzeo shouldn’t have involved the clerk. Now they both look bad
Its not the city clerk’s job to advise on the law. The clerk receives the letter. The article says councilors were warned not to attend. This is all on the council president not hte clerk.
All public employees are required to go through an online training session every year regarding such ethics
Correct Silence! Ms. Mazzeo should not of taken the ticket, just like Roberto shouldn’t of taken the ticket to a ball game. He did get sighted if I remember correctly. I have to go through this training every year and accepting a $500 ticket is a BIG NO NO.
Silence is right all public employees are required to do online trading on ethics. I don’t like the relationship that seems quite apparent between them and the BTG,If they are catering functions.i think they are benefiting greatly on both ends.
Have to agree with Silence and Deb, surprised this is playing out so low key? Did she actually get a ticket, or was just a spectator?
If I am reading it correctly Discreet all councillors received an invitation with the 500 dollar price tag which was crossed off and written in as guests. I think because she accepted the invitation as a councillor she was in the capacity as representing Pittsfield. Ms. Mazzeo certainly could of attended the gala as a private citizen and paid the 500 dollar price tag.
Although I admired Mazzeo for making life miserable for certain Councilors, this is a no and I mean no, brainier. anyone in public office accepting any free gift, and that’s what this is, has clearly violated not only ethics law, but has also the taxpayer who pays her salary.
nota— mazzeo has clearly violated the tax payers and as you know — my whole aim in runing for mayor is to return the city to it”s rightful owners the tax payer. this type of thing that mazzeo did clearly and certainly violates the taxpayer who pays her salary. because she did this to the taxpayers– the individuals i am runing for mayor to protect — she has a won an opportunity to be taken to the wood shed on aug 11 ccm by me the champion of the taxpayer–stay tuned—thank you nota for your continuous support of me .—craig
Typos….PPS’S sorry.
Last nights debate kind of touched on that issue with a question from Bret Baier: Mr. Trump, it’s not just your past support for single- payer health care. You’ve also supported a host of other liberal policies. Use — you’ve also donated to several Democratic candidates, Hillary Clinton included, Nancy Pelosi. You explained away those donations saying you did that to get business-related favors.
And you said recently, quote, “ When you give, they do whatever the hell you want them to do.“
ron–right on the mark—dear loyal pv posters-the election is fast approaching and because i am a one man show—i have plenty to accomplish in the very short time left until the primary on sept.22. i will be arraigned on the trumped up charges on aug 19. at an arraignment you plead guilty or innocent and that is it. i am fully prepared to present evidence that will clearly clear me but i may not be given the chance and that will put me in the position of runing for mayor with these false charges hanging over my head. does any one remember this gang doing this to donna walto? they got away with it with her but i assure you they will not get away with it with me. neverthertheless i still plan to win the election only it will take me going all out to expose the rot we have in this city. back to the campaign–did you see wynn and bianchi in the eagle. both looking lost without a clue as to how to address the violence we saw recently in the city. they want to step up police patrols in cruisers. the result of that move will cost taxpayers an additional fortune. i told wynn and the mayor that the first step in ending violence in pittsfield is to let the police get to know the residents or those high crime areas and vice a versa—relationships is what is needed and without relationships between the cops and city residents in those areas -there is no chance to stop violence–period and everyone knows that. my survey in the west side indicated that the people over there want foot patrol police and they want to see it and they havent seen it. well when i am mayor they will see it plain and clear and we wont need any studies or rah-rah or have to spend an additional dime on police as repositioning is all that is needed. i will post this now and continue latter–craig
We’ll see which of the THREE has the balls to pursue this.
cosbiesladiies- of course i will persue this. who were you thinking of when you asked the question who of the three will persue this? my name is craig c gaetani–did you forget my name?- i have been waiting for a chance to dismantle her for a second time and i guarantee you there will be no one from this site standing with me when i take her apart. do you want to take her apart with me? . oh –your busy that night. just in case you can break your important plans call me and i will tell you what you have to do that night. did you see my tv show or my press conference on face book. oh you were too busy. lady–i am extremely busy but will take the time to expose her and again all by myself mazzeo cant follow her own rules at ccm meetings what makes you think that she is worriede about you? she isnt worried one iota of you but now she knows that the champion of the tax payer will be showing up on aug.11 with teeth sharpened and i can assure you she will worry over the weekend knowing she will be hearing from me on aug. 11 at ccm. any other questions??–craig
Way to go Craig. Be careful they do not set a trap for you. They would love to have you on camera losing your cool.
Craig for mayor….the one not owned by special interests.
The odds of Gaetani losing his cool. 100%
The odds of Steve being redacted 100%
dusty– it is for you and many others that have supported me on this site that i have decided to post again on this site. before i begin let me make something very clear. my resume i posted on this site and elsewhere–is as i have stated in the past is 100% accurate.several individuals on this site i have identified as confirmed liars are horace mann . dowgerass ed McClelland steve hyland and morgan stern. i do not know any of them as they claim .this is not my web site. i dont make the rules but if i did –those who post as fact that which can be confirmed as a lie would not be allowed to post again i think this is only fair. craig
He is not lying
dusty and friends–i hope you saw my tv show and saw my press conference that was posted on eye in the sky. one thing i must clear up is a post from dowgerass. i showed the letter to me from general colin powell at my press conference. everyone can read it by viewing my press conf. this nut dowergas tries to marginalize the letter because generall powell says he doesnt recognize my name or the other names i referenced in the letter i sent to him. i explained at the press conf. that this is true—when you read further in general powells reply he notes clearly that we did work together daily. the only thing that general powell states is he cant remember the names no more than i can remember the names of soldiers i served with in viet-nam. in fact– it wasnt until 3-4 years ago when a friend of mine from viet nam called me to tell me that the major powell we worked with in viet nam was general colin powell. i near fell on the floor. when i was on a business trip to Mclean virginia last year— i went to general powells house and left a letter for him and thats how our correspondence started. and is ongoing now. if you want to keep listening to the lies of the individuals i named in another post as confirmed liars then go right ahead .you have heard the truth from me right here believe it or not–craig
Craig please send the letter to the planet so he can post it on this site. I was told the letter only said he doesn’t know you. Nothing about serving with you.
Craig we know they are real
I feel Mr. Gaetani did indeed get a response from Colin Powell and that Gaetani’s posted letter is a polite reponse to Gaetani’s overtures to General Powell. The general’s response clearly states that he did not remember Craig Gaetani or the other names Gaetani submitted for the general’s recollection.
Gemeral Powell graciously ackmowledged that Gaetani’s physical description of a military post was accurate. The general then stated that becuse of Gaetani’s description of this post that there is a good likelihood that they worked at the same location. This is possible, for example a Walmart cashier often works in a Walmart building and sees the same hardware stocker regularly in the same Walmart building but does not have a close working or personal relationship with the hardware stocker and probably doesn’t know the stocker’s name. Again, the letter is more likely than not genuine.
.
Chris you don’t seem to want to advance the conversation and instead put others down. Why is that?
pumelin pam–my press conf can be viewed at eye in the sky and hit facebook,– you can read the letter for yourself. i see you are doing damage control for tyer. she must be hurting to have to use you. you are a trainwreck. remember now i was nice to you recently telling you my opinion of what you may need to do to file criminal charges. i know you and the tyer camp view my tv show with envy. you and the bianchi camp could be with me there every friday but neither camp took the pledge as you people arent interested in a fair campaign free of the gob money and their candidates tyer and bianchi. never the less without spending a dime, i will expose them for the phonies they are. could i still lose the election? sure there are people like you who will vote. do you understand that? do you want to join me i have no staff –just me— here is a chance to raise your credibility–what do you say?
The only politician worth anything in this town is Melissa.
I would say about $500.00
PAM —WITH YOU ON MAZZEO”S SIDE SHE IS IN REAL TROUBLE DID YOU READ GENERAL POWELLS LETTER? DONT YOU OWE ME AN APOLOGY FOR TRYING TO MAKE ME LOOK LIKE A LIAR?–I AM A VERY FORGIVING PERSON AND WOULD EVEN FORGIVE YOU . AN APOLOGY PUTS YOU BACK IN GOOD GRACES WITH ME– I DO NOT HOLD GRUDGES– GRUDGES CAN SHORTEN YOUR LIFE—AND YES MELISSA IS IN DEEP DO-DO. A PUBLIC OFFICIAL DOESNT ACCEPT GIFTS FROM ANYONE. ANY PUBLIC OFFICIAL WHO DID WHAT SHE DID SHOULD RESIGN ASAP–I WILL BE LETTING THE PUBLIC KNOW THIS AT TUES CCM THAT IS A PROMISE—EVEN I THOUGHT SHE WAS SMARTER THAN THAT. ONE MORE TIME –A PUBLIC OFFICIAL DOESNT TAKE A GIFT OR MONEY FROM ANY ONE –SHE IS DEAD IN THE WATER SHE WAS WRONG AND HER REPUTATION IS NOW UNQUESTIONABLY AND RIGHTFULLY -TARNISHED.–I WILL MAKE SURE THE PUBLIC KNOWS ALL ABOUT THIS BECAUSE SHE IS THE TYPE OF PERSON I AM TRYING TO RID THE CITY OF–SHE HAS DUPED THE TAX PAYER AND I AM ALL FOR THE TAXPAYER —SHE HURT THE TAX PAYER AND NOW SHE IS GOING TO PAY–AFTER ALL I LOVE MILISSA –SHE HAS CONTINUOUSLY KEPT ME FROM SAVING MONEY FOR THE TAXPAYER BY CONTINUOUSLY BLOCKING ME FROM THE WATER PLANTS I BUILT–I HAVE BEEN WAITING TO PAY MELISSA BACK AND HERE IS MY CHANCE TO EXPOSE HER FOR THE FAKE SHE IS AND AM I GOING TO HAVE FUN DESTROYING HER? ABSOLUTELY– BUT REALLY SHE DESTROYED HERSELF– I WILL JUST BE THE CRYER OF BAD NEWS.– YOU HAVE COMPLETELY MARGINALIZED ME AT ALL CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS— MELISSA– AND I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS CHANCE–NOW GO OVER AND TELL CHIEF WYNN I THREATENED YOU–YOUR BUDDY BIANCHI AND THE CHIEF ARE GOOD AT THAT BUT THIS IS NOT A THREAT THIS IS A PROMISE–I AM GOING TO DESTROY YOU POLITICALLY YOU HAVE HURT THE TAXPAYER ENOUGH AND REMEMBER MY ONLY GOAL IN RUNING FOR MAYOR IS TO PUT A HALT TO WHAT YOU DID TO THE TAXPAYER–SEE YOU TUESDAY–CRAIG
Craig just ignore”Chris”. He has used so many names and been redacted so many times here it’s laughable. The rest of us simply pay him no mind
allen thank you for jumping on these wacos theh offer nothing to the conversation at hand and they are dangerous when they believe their own lies . i am glad to see that dan v has homed in on them and has redacted them already for their confirmed hatred. in a free country there are millions and millions of these types that we have to put up with day after day but thank god they eventually burn them selves out and then good riddance. thanks for coming to my aid allen do i know you?–craig
He does own patents and did not forge the letter
You know he has them and you know the letter is real
This is a baldfaced violation. This must be pursued. shame on Mazzeo for again thinking of herself above the law.
ALLEN THANK YOU AGAIN.IT IS REFRESHING TO SEE PEOPLE LIKE YOU STAND UP TO THESE NUTS. IN TE 80s I COULD NOT GET ANYWHERE WITH MY ATTEMPT TO SELL THE KROFTA TECHNOLOGY TO PITTSFIELD. I DID NOT KNOW WHERE TO LOOK NEXT SO I WENT TO VISIT GOVERNOR DUKAKIS AND HIS LT.GOV.JOHN KERRY. I TOLD THEM THAT I COULD BUILD A WATER FILTRATION PLANT FOR PITTSFIELD FOR AROUND 20 MILLION DOLLARS THEY KNEW THAT PITTSFIELD WAS LOOKING AT A 150 MILLION DOLLAR PROJECT AND THEY TOLD ME I MUST BE WRONG IN MY FIGURES. I ASKED THEM TO COME TO LENOX MASS WHERE BY— I WITH MY CREW OF KROFTA EMPLOYEES HAD BUILT FOR FREE A WATER PLANT FOR THE TOWN OF LENOX . THEY DIDNT BELIEVE WHAT I WAS SAYING BUT FORTUNATELY THEY AGREED TO COME TO LENOX AND SEE THE PLANT AND I ALSO INTRODUCED THEM TO DR”S MILOS KROFTA AND LAWERENCEK WANG. THEY ADMIRED WATCHING ME AND KROFTA AND WANG COMMUNICATE AS WE DIDNT HAVE A COMMON LANGUAGE BETWEEN US BUT THEY WERE CONVINCED THAT WE KNEW WHAT WE WERE DOING AND EVENTUALLY THEY WOULD APPROVE FOR PITTSFIELD OUR TECHNOLOGY. THEY WERE STUNNED AT HOW INEXPENSIVELY WE COULD BUILD THE PITTS PLANT AND BECAUSE THE PLANT HAD STATE MONEY APPROVED FOR THE FACILITY THEY ALSO COULD SAVE TAX PAYER MONEY WITH OUR TECHNOLOGY. I SAW BOTH OF THEM ON SEVERAL OTHER OCASSIONS WHEN THEY WERE IN PITTSFIELD ON CITY MATTERS. ON ONE OF THOSE OCASSIONS I TALKED TO KERRY ABOUT OUR VIET NAM SERVICE. HE TOLD ME ABOUT HIS SERVICE AS A GUN BOATPATROL CAPT IN THE RIVERS IN THE DELTA IN VIET NAM AND LET ME MAKE CLEAR RIGHT NOW –HIS JOB IN THE VIET NAM WAR WAS ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS JOBS ONE COULD HAVE. THEY WERE CONSTANTLY UNDER FIRE AND AS A GROUP THEY HAD MORE KIA–KILLED IN ACTION THAN MOST OTHERS SERVING IN VIEY NAM. WHEN I WATCHED HOW HE WAS SMEARED DURING HIS PRESIDENTIAL RUN I WAS LIVID. HE WAS MADE OUT TO BE SOME KIND OF A WIMP BUT ALL I CAN SAY IS —THAT I WAS OUT IN A RIVER PATROL ONLY ONCE AND THAT WAS ENOUGH FOR ME. HE IS A HERO AS ALL MILITARY PEOPLE ARE WHO SERVED INN\ THAT WAR. THE ENEMY WAS EVERYWHERE — BY DAY YOU WORKED WITH THEM BY NIGHT THEY WERE LOOKING TO KILL YOU. ONE MORE TIME–IN MY OPINION ALL MILITARY THAT SERVED IN VIET NAM ARE HEROES. MANY OF THE INFANTRY THAT PROTECTED ME HAVE BEEN IN THEIR GRAVES FOR OVER 45 YEARS. THEY WERE KIDS JUST LIKE ME 18 AND 19 YEAR OLDS WHO NEVER CAME HOME TO EVEN START THEIR LIVES ARE THEY HEROES. ABSOLUTELY TIMES A TRILLION ABSOLUTELY—-CRAIG
Mellisa, there’s an old saying in Canada, you can’t suck and blow at the same time, good luck weasling out of this one.
Sorry Melissa for the typo
For fair assessment. Gaetani
PEMETINA–THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNWAVERING SUPPORT. IF I BECOME THE MAYOR I WILL DO EVERYTHING I SAY I WILL DO.THERE IS ONE WORD THAT DOESN”T EXIST IN MY VOCABULARY AND THAT WORD IS ( CANT). WE ARE ONLY HUMANS WHO SEEK BETTER GOVERNMENT THAN WE HAVE NOW AND THOSE WHO SAY WE CANT DO THIS OR THAT ARE CLEARLY WRONG. AS MAYOR IF I DECIDE SOME ESTABLISHED POLICY IS NOT IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE TAXPAYER –I WILL FIX IT. THE ONLY PEOPLE I CARE ABOUT ARE OUR CITY RESIDENTS AND TAX PAYERS AND WE-WE-WE-WE-WE-WILL RUN OUR CITY THE WAY THE TAXPAYER WANTS IT. AS YOUR MAYOR MY JOB WILL BE THAT OF A TOOL AND THIS TOOL WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ALL CITY RESIDENTS. IS THERE ANYTHING WE CANT DO? OF COURSE NOT– WE AS A GROUP CAN DO ANYTHING –THIS IS THE PHILOSOPHY I HAVE LIVED BY MY WHOLE LIFE AND I HAVE BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL. NOW I WANT TO MAKE ALL OF OUR CITIZENS VERY SUCCESSFUL. CAN WE ACCOMPLISH THIS? –OF COURSE—SINCERELY CRAIG
CRAIG…was referring to Lothrop Clairmont and Krol. We k ow tou have the kidneys.
cobiesladies–please forgive me-i forgot about those three a—–s. my prediction—only clairmont mightt say something to protect tyer. if it comes out that tyer is complicit– he will sing like a canary and do anything to save her slim chance of becoming mayor- craig.
COSBIESLADES- IT IS IRONIC THAT YOU SAID I HAVE THE KIDNEYS–AT THE PRESENT MOMENT I AM TRYING TO PASS A KIDNEY STONE . IT IS A BLOODY AND VERY VERY PAINFUL ADVENTURE. I AM POSTING HERE ALL DAY TRYING TO KEEP MY MIND OFF OF IT- MAYBE IF YOU SAID THE BALLS INSTEAD OF KIDNEY I WOULDNT HAVE THIS ATTACK. I AM ONLY KIDDING I HAVE A HISTORY OF THEM AND I HAVE SPENT MANY MANY HOURS IN AGONY WITH THEM. IF YOU HAVE NEVER HAD ONE YOU ARE LUCKY. I HEARD BUT NEVER SAW FOR MYSELF–THAT MANY IN THE INFANTRY IN THE BSH WHO HAD A KIDNEY STONE ATTACK AND COULDNT GET TO A BASE HOSPITAL AND WHO HAD RUN OUT OF THEIR OWN MORPHINE THAT EVERYONE HAD— SHOT THEMSELVES TO DEATH TO ESCAPE THE AGONY I KNOW THAT AGONY AND THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER HAD A KIDNEY STONE ATTACK YOU SHOULD PRAY THAT YOU NEVER GET ONE BECAUSE YOU WILL EXPERIENCE A PAIN LIKE YOU COULDNT EVEN IMMAGINE HERE IS HOPING NO ONE OUT THERE GOES THROUGH THE AGONY I AM GOING THRU THIS VERY INSTANCE—–CRAIG
Hang in there Craig……Pittsfield needs you.
EYE THANK YOU–I WILL HANG IN THERE TO MY LAST BREATH. I AM OUT THERE TO WIN AND WILL DO IT WITHOUT SPENDING A PENNY. IF I LOSE AT LEAST I WILL SHOW SMART PEOPLE WHO COULD REALLY CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY –THAT THEY CAN RUN A SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN AND NOT NEED TO HAVE OR SPEND A PENNY. I THINK I HAVE ALREADY MADE THE POINT.AS I HAVE SAID ON THIS SITE MANY TIMES I NEVER LOSE. –HOW COULD I LOOK AT LOSING THE ELECTION AS A LOSS? I MET MANY GOOD PEOPLE I NEVER KNEW WHILE CAMPAIGNING. IS THAT A LOSS? OF COURSE NOT.BESIDES IF I DO LOSE— I HAVE MY NEXT PROJECT TO JUMP INTO AND THAT IS TO CLEAN UP THE COURTS. OUR COURTS HERE ARE FILLED WITH GOB AND ARE NOT LOOKED AT FAVORABLY BY MANY IN THIS CITY. THE HOUSING COURT IN PARTICULAR IN MY OPINION IS A DISASTER. YOU CAN GO THERE WITH A SURE TO WIN CASE AND THEN LOSE.— IF YOU ARE THE PLAINTIFF THERE OR IN DISTRICT COURT AND YOU LOSE– YOU HAVE NO RECOURSE. SMALL CLAIMS IS JUST AS BAD. AND IF YHOUR UNFORTUNATE TO GET A JUDGE WHO LOOKS AT YOU AND DOESNT LIKE YOU–YOU WILL LOSE. BELIEVE ME I HAVE EXPERIENCED IT. TO CLEAN THE MESS UP OVER THERE WILL TAKE MORE YEARS THAN I HAVE LEFT IN MY LIFE. I HAVE TRIED MANY THINGS IN MY LIFE-SOMETIMES I WIN AND SOME TIMES I LOSE. MY MOTHER TOLD ME BEFORE SHE DIED THAT ON MY GRAVE STONE IT SHOULD SAY I TRIED. I THINK I LIKE THAT SIMPLE TWO LETTER PHRASE–AND I THINK I WILL HAVE THAT ON MY GRAVE STONE. COULDN”T GET TO THE ETHNIC FAIR AS I AM STILL TRYING TO PASS A KIDNEY STONE-STILL IN AGONY 3 DAYS NOW I AM PRAYING FOR RELIEF—CRAIG
What a far cry going from campaigning promising the citizens she will reopen the consent decree to council president denying the people a vote on the new Taconic to illegally accepting gifts for doing the bidding of the suits (her true masters).
Shameful.
Now she is asking the people to vote her in again? Arrogance knows no bounds.
“Raise taxes? We have to”
– Melissa Mazzeo
I agree. Mazzeo needs to go.
Curious to see how the new business on Hancock Rd. will be traffic wise? The speed limit, which nobody abides by now, will have in and outgoing traffic. The City fix the road to use as a speedway.
Was boating around the old Dunkin Donuts last week and the house directly to the left has a bulkhead? How’s this happen?
The Sheriff was willing to supplement the Pittsfield Police by using deputy sheriffs to assist the PPD in high crime areas,. The PPD is constantly crying out for more officers. When another local law enforcement agency offers to augment the existing number of patrol officers, the PPD union cries foul and says they can handle increased patrols without additional personnel or assistance.
Why then weren’t they handling it all along and why the constant requests for more officers when they say they have it covered.??
I’ve been a union supporter and member, but Pittsfield’s municipal unions are out of control. What about the suspended PPD union president and the missing mucho dinero ? Swept under the carpet ?
Mr. Gaetani, what do you think about the missing money in the police union ?
Also, anyone notice that the mayor folded like a cheap tent when the municipal police union objected to sherff dept. help.
Hey PPD union you can’t have it both ways. There was an article in the BB where it was mentioned the recent crime surge has taken its toll on the PPD force. The Chief said they were tired. The Sheriffs offer to supplement the PPD sounds like a good idea. And remember Mr Mayor and PPD union we are the ultimate union, the citizens who pay the bills and vote.
CAT– GOOD FOR YOU. AT LEAST YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE THE BOSS OF THE WHOLE CITY– THE ULTIMATE UNION THE TAXPAYERS–WELL SAID– THAT HAS BEEN MY MESSAGE THIS WHOLE CAMPAIGN– YOU GIVE ME HOPE. NOW WE HAVE TO CONVINCE EVERYBODY ELSE ON THIS SITE AND IF SOME OF YOU WILL JOIN ME AT CCMEETINGS WE WILL HAVE A POWERFUL VOICE. MAYBE THINGS ARE TURNING NOW. WE HAVE TO GET EVERYBODY TO ACT AND WE WILL BE ON ARE WAY TO TAKING CONTROL OF OUR CITY–OUR CITY– OUR CITY THANK GOD MY MESSAGE IS STARTING TO BE HEARD I AM EXCITED KIDNEY STONE AND ALL–SINCERELY -CRAIG
DEE VIPERO-IT IS IMPERATIVE TO BE FAIR WITH EVERYONE. EVEN THIS ACCUSED COP. IF WE HAD TRANSPARENCY IN THE POLICE DEPT(WYNN) WE WOULD KNOW MORE.—THE FACTTHAT THIS IS A CITY EMPLOYEE WHO OWES HIS EXISTENCE TO WE THE TAX PAYER– WE SHOULD KNOW SOONER THAN LATTER WHAT THE STORY IS ALL ABOUT. IS ANY PROBLEM IN THE POLICE DEPT THE CHIEFS FAULT? ABSOLUTELY– IF THE HEAD OF THE FISH IS ROTED SOON THE WHOLE FISH WILL DECAY. IF YOUR LOOKING FOR THE REAL STORY THERE– WE MAY HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL I AM MAYOR. IF I WERE MAYOR NOW –THINGS REGARDING THIS CASE WOULD BE FRONT AND CENTER. AFTER ALL THIS INDIVIDUAL IS OUR– THE TAX PAYERS EMPLOYEE AND WE AS THE BOSS DESERVE TO BE KEPT ABREAST OF WHAT OUR EMPLOYEES ARE DOING. IF HE IS GUILTY HE HAS TO GO WE CANT HAVE A CROOKEDE COP ON THE FORCE BUT FOR THE TIME BEING WE MUST NOT JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS HE WILL HAVE HIS TURN TO EXPLAIN AND THEN WE THE TAXPAYER WILL HAVE TO DECIDE WHAT TO DO. IS THIS RESPONSE ACCEPTABLE DEE? REMEMBER THIS COP IS INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY— WE ALL KNOW THIS—CRAIG
and let me say the only reason we knew about the case of the suspended police officer and so many other stories is because of the pulitzer-worthy journalism of Dan Valenti and the Planet.
EVIAN–I DO NOT KNOW HOW DAN GETS THIS INFO .I AM A GOOD INVESTIGATOR MY SELF BUT I HIT THE PLANET FIRST THING EACH MORNING TO SEE IF DANS INFO MATCHES MINE AND GUESS WHAT ? HIS INFO IS GENERALLY BETTER THAN MINE—-DAN IS MAKING MY LIFE A LITTLE EASIER– AS I SEEK OUT THE TRUTH ALL THE TIME–IF ONLY THE MAIN STREAM PRESS DID INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING WE WOULD ALL BE THE BETTER FOR IT BUT IT IS NOT NECESSARY –WE HAVE THE PLANET. THIS BLOG IS ESSENTIAL FOOD FOR THE INTELLIGENT. DAN AND I DONT SEE EYE TO EYE ON EVERYTHING BUT WE AGREE TO DISAGREE AND YOU CANT DO BETTER THAN THAT—CRAIG
Good to see stepped up Police Patrols in the neighborhoods that have earned it. Would be great to see foot patrols and police on bicycles to interact in these hoods. Turn Up the Heat. Make it uncomfortable to do business.
Still only going to be a reactive approach to policing. If they want the community to help and trust them, they need to be amongst the community not “patrolling” through the community every few minutes. Walk the streets meet the people as you walk. I think you would be surprised at the positive response you would get.
CAT–MY MESSAGE IS GETTING THRU. I WILL MENTION THE FOOT PATROLS AS I HAVE AT MOST PAST CCM–. THIS COMING TUESDAY. THE MESSAGE IS GETTING THRU–IT IS LATTER THAN SOONER BUT IT IS GETTING THRU. NOW I WILL BE ABLE TO POST TO AN AUDIENCE WHO WANTS TO KNOW WHAT I PLAN TO DO AS MAYOR AND NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE NUTS ON THIS SITE. TONS OF IDEAS TO COME ON THIS SITE AND MY TV SHOW—CRAIG
It’s a bit of a change of pace here but I don’t think anyone will mind because all, I’m sure, are proud of the Post 68 Mass. State Baseball Champions. This team is one of the best we’ve ever had. I base this on caliber of players, and the great leadership and coaching of Jim Mazzer and Pat Bassi. It doesn’t get better than these two men. Jimmy and Pat have given untold hours of donated free time to develop a team that made Pittsfield proud. Legendary names like Ray Goodrich, Frankie Martin, Dan Healy, Pat Cioffi, Lou Sibbio and, of course, Roger O’Gara. Now we can add Jimmy Mazzer and Pat Bassi to this list of legendary sportsmen who gave their all and expected nothijg in return because all they wanted was to help Pittsfield and Berkshire ballplayers develop skills and bring baseball glory to their hometown. They met their goal. Thank you, Jimmy Mazzer and Pat Bassi, You did a great job.
Oh, my. please add Ed Hickey to my list of summer baseball volunteers who donated much time to help and coach area youngsters and bring championship teams to Pittsfield.
Without question. There is a lot to be proud of from Mentorship, to Performance in a Team Effort. Congratulations to all.
Thanks Chuck, there were and good to see still are a lot of good baseball men in the area. You mentioned them. There’s also you, Joe Zavvataro, Tony Ferdyn, Ray Wotjkowski, Donnie Morehead, Larry Bossidy, Don Gleason. Who am I missing?
Evian, So many more I don’t know where to start. The ’49 state champs had Itch McMahon, Buddy Sheran, Rit Flynn, Bobo Quadrozzi,Joe Lavalle, Al Goerlach, Bob Murray, John Kreiger,Jim Garivaltis,
. My years had Dick DiOrio, Jack Brennan, Bob Traversa, Bruce Robarge, Denny Cohen, Walt Miller, Ray Meandro. Ten years later there was Rick Lisi, Mark Belanger,Joey Costanzo, Tommy and Tim McCartney, George was the catcher, These are off the top of my head. I know I am forgetting many names. Forgive me guys.These were great baseball years. It is possible we are back to these skill levels. Kids today are very, very good. The big difference is back in the day our city supported our ball clubs. Now we send our players and cheerleaders to street corners with tin cups begging for dimes to support our teams.
Couldn’t agree more. Pittsfield has many talented players, and even more dedicated volunteers. Congratulations Post 68!
Craig no harm intended, hope you get better. I always remember the good things the Bobby Kidney sunshine Lub used to do. I believe they were over at the old Berkshire Ounty Jail. many Moons ago.
Chuck I also applaud those two. My favorite was Paul Brindle back in the sixties, great old guy, always at the games keeping scores, he did many of the pieces on me in the Eagle and thank him for that, also. One of a kind and old school, like you Chuck.
Thanks, Nota. For sure Paul Brindle was a good man who gave of his time and energy to help Pittsfield youngsters. You are correct. Paul deserves a thank you.
“http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/berkshire/obituary.aspx?pid=174320009 Ms. Schafer was the host of WBRK Bobby Kidney Sunshine Club radio program from July 7, 1956 until May 2006.
presentation group has John K. Kidneys To Be in Charge of Campaign Saturday Miss Ann J. Schafer, president of the Bobby Kidney Sunshine Club, announced today that Mr. and Mrs. John F. Kidney of 136 Madison Ave. will head the ninth [annual fund raising drive to be [conducted on Saturday, i Both Mr. and Mrs. Kidney have I been active workers in the club since it was first organized in 1948. Mrs. Kidney has been chairiman of the movie and television committee and for the past two years has been a member of the home visitation committee. Mr., Kidney has been president of the! club for three terms, in 1950. 1951 and 1955. and is now a member of the nominating committee. The Kidney’s son. Bobby, died in Joseph Ryan John W. Talbot drowned presentation conference at the this morning after after an eight-foot fall from a bridge into | Pittsfield Country Club. two inches of water. Members of; Speakers for the one-day confer- the Great Harrington used a resuscitator on Miss Eliza-
RON– COULD YOU POST AGAIN RE. ABOVE TOPIC YOU JUST MENTIONED?. IT IS NOT CLEAR WHO DIED? —HOW IS JOSEPH RYAN AND JOHN TALBOT INVOLVED DID THEY DROWN?—I CANT MAKE OUT WHAT YOU ARE SAYING—OR IS THIS ONE OF YOUR MANY RIDDLES OR DID YOU HAVE ONE TOO MANY RON?–CRAIG
THE BSH WHO HAD A KIDNEY STONE ATTACK AND COULDNT GET TO A BASE HOSPITAL AND WHO HAD RUN OUT OF THEIR OWN MORPHINE THAT EVERYONE HAD— SHOT THEMSELVES TO DEATH TO ESCAPE THE AGONY I KNOW THAT AGONY AND THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER HAD A KIDNEY STONE ATTACK YOU SHOULD PRAY THAT YOU NEVER GET ONE BECAUSE YOU WILL EXPERIENCE A PAIN LIKE YOU COULDNT EVEN IMMAGINE HERE IS HOPING NO ONE OUT THERE GOES THROUGH THE AGONY I AM GOING THRU THIS VERY INSTANCE—–CRAIG
The letter was not forged and he has patents
Provide evidence he doesn’t. The letter is real
They are both real. You are lying
Mr. Valenti,
In this regard, the law’s key words state “…. for or because of any official act or act within his official responsibility performed or to be performed by him; or (ii) to influence, or attempt to influence, him in an official act taken…”
What are you alleging was the specific official act or duty that the invitee was to be influenced into performing simply by attending a party?
Mr. Valenti,
In this regard, the law’s key words state “…. for or because of any official act or act within his official responsibility performed or to be performed by him; or (ii) to influence, or attempt to influence, him in an official act taken…”
What are you alleging was the specific official act or duty that the invitee was to be influenced into performing simply by attending a party?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrPpS4avtaY……see craig’s press conference here and see the documents too
At one point there were over five hundred thousand troops in South Viet Nam..is that so?
LADY–AT THE PEAK OF THE WAR THEIR MIGHT HAVE BEEN OVER 500 THOUSAND US TROPS IN VIET NAM. WHEN I WAS THERE–68AND 69 THERE WAS ALMOST 460 THOUSAND TROOPS THERE. WHEN I WAS LEAVING CHU-LAI THE AMERICAL DIVISION THAT I WAS ATTACHED TO—-WERE INCREASING TROOP STRENGTH TO COUNTER A BUILD UP OF NORTH VIET NAMEESE ARMY WHO WERE STAGING FROM LAOS AND CAMBODIA TO THE HO-CHI MINH TRAIL. THE DAY BEFORE I LEFT CHU-LAI TO GO TO SAIGON TO CATCH A PLANE TO COME HOME TO THE US–WE ORDERED SATURATION BOMBING BY B-52″S.OF THE HO CHI MIHN TRAIL– DEEPER TO THE NORTH THAN WE HAVE EVER BEEN. WE CAUGHT NORTH VIETNAMEESE SOLDIERS AND VIET CONG JUST BELOW THE 19TH PARELEL— THE DEMILITARIZED ZONE AND THE STRIKE KILLED ONE OF THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF ENEMY SOLDIERS IN ONE STRIKE. WE SAW THE ENEMY TROOPS ON SATELLITE IMAGERY AND IT WAS A MASSIVE NUMBER OF THEM. ITS HARD TO DO BODY COUNTS AFTER A B-52 STRIKE AS M ANY OF THE ENEMY ARE VAPORIZED BY THE STRIKE ESPECIALLY IF IT IS A DEAD HIT-THOSE ON THE PERIPHERY OF THE STRIKES SUFFER MASSIVE DAMAGE TO THEIR BRAINS AND BODY AS THE SHOCK EFFECT IS DEADLY. WE THE AMERICANS WERE GOOD TO SEVERELY INJURED ENEMY SOLDIERS– .THOSE THAT SURVIVED DEPENDED ON AMERICAN MILITARY TO HELP THEM– AS THEY WERE BETTER OFF IN A PRISONER OF WAR CAMP THAN TO CONTINUE FIGHTING DAY AFTER DAY-THAT WAS THE LAST DAY OF THE WAR FOR ME LATER LETTERS FROM FRIENDS THERE -TOLD ME THAT CHU-LAI WAS GETTING WORSE AND WORSE AND OF COURSE THE US EFFORTS WERE BEEFED UP AND ALL HELL BROKE OUT IN VIET NAM AND IT WAS A LIVING HELL FOR MY POOR FRIENDS THAT WERE STILL THERE. I AM GLAD TO KNOW THAT ALL THE PEOPLE I WORKED WITH IN VIET NAM INCLUDING GENERAL POWELL MADE IT OUT IN ONE PIECE–THANK GOD—CRAIG
We went to the new Aldi’s in Coltsville this weekend. Found out they do not take credit cards…..only debit cards, cash and EBT. Fortunately we had cash on us.
One by one people leaving the checkouts were complaining loudly. The manager came to one group and we heard him say that was how they kept the prices down. He also said that is all he has been hearing since it’s opening.
Question I have. I know it costs the business to process a credit card but what about EBT cards? What is the cost to process one of those and who pays for that. Probably the poor taxpayer who pays for the food stamps initially.
Pretty sad when food stamps overrule credit cards!
Does Berkshire Theatre Group get benefits from the City (taxpayer) if so, they are just as culpable as Mazzeo.
Fly … …coop.
A story by Derek Gentile about Pittsfield’s glorious baseball roots appears today on the Berkshire Eagle site. A trio of baseball enthusiasts wants to make sure Pittsfield’s legacy as the birthplace of baseball is remembered. There will be an exhibit at Arrowhead celebrating the history of Berkshire baseball. There will be a baseball showcase dedicated to this celebration. Here are a few of the historical facts we will commemorate.
1791 – earliest document mentioning baseball and Pittsfield.
1859 – first college baseball game ever played was in Pittsfield.
1860 – first baseball card ever minted was in Gt. Barrington.
1865 – Frank Grant, born in Pittsfield, considered the greatest African-American player of the 19th century.
That’s just highlighting 4 years. There is much more.
We don’t even have a sign anywhere designating Pittsfield as baseballs Garden of Eden. What a missed opportunity for tourism. What a missed opportunity for our political leaders who will now jump on this and be Pittsfield proud.
Thank you Arrowhead folks for being leaders on this because it can only be good for Pittsfield and Berkshire County. As time goes on this can only be a good issue for our county.
Are Craig and Trump the same? All bluster and no plan?
DAVE W– I HAVE MANY MANY PLANS THAT I HAVE IDENTIFIED HERE AND ELSEWHERE– WHAT ROCK HAVE YOU BEEN HIDING UNDER?. DO YOU THINK TRUMP HAS NO IDEAS THAT COULD MAKE LIFE BETTER FOR AMERICANS? IT IS VERY EVIDENT THAT YOU ARE NOT UP ON THINGS –I WOULD SUGGEST YOU LISTEN AND STOP TALKING BECAUSE WHEN YOU OPEN YOUR MOUTH YOUR LACK OF INTELLIGENCE SHOWS IMMEDIATELY WHY DONT YOU POST AND LET US ALL KNOW WHAT YOU THINK ARE 5 MAJOR PROBLEMS THAT NEED CORRECTING IN PITTSFIELD-?–I AM SURE WE WILL BE HEARING NO MORE FROM YOU–MOST PEOPLE ON THIS SITE ADVANCE THE CONVERSATION –YOU ADD NOTHING TO THE CONSERVATION. STUDY STUDY STUDY MAYBE YOU CAN BE SAVED AND POST ON THIS SITE INTELLIGENTLY–START STUDYING!!!!YOU NEED A LOT OF SCHOOLING.
It’s like Topix here lately….wowza!
Where is Ponterill located in Pittsfield? Is it some exclusive club because I can’t find any information about it on the internet.
Ponterill (spelling?) was the YMCA pool/tennis complex located at the north end of East Acres Rd, off upper North St. across from The Pines condo complex. Camp Sumner was also up there. We had a family membership there for years.
Where is Ponterill located in Pittsfield?
CHRIS HYLAND AND DOWGER ASS—YOU PROBABLY WILL BE THROWN OF THIS SITE WHEN DAN SEES YOUR POSTS. YOU ARE BOTH CONFIRMED LIARS AND IF YOU ARE NOT THROWN OFF THE SITE NO ONE WILL LISTEN TO YOU AS YOU ARE CONFIRMED LIARS–II BET YOU BOTH STILL THINK THE EARTH IS FLAT–WITH ALL THE EVIDENCE IN THE WORLD THAT THE EARTH IS FACTUALLY ROUND THERE ARE MANY NUTS LIKE YOU WHO SWEAR THAT IT IS FLAT. NEITHER OF YOU LEND ANYTHING OF ANY INTELLIGENCE TO THIS SITE. IN ALL THE POSTS I HAVE SEEN FROM EITHER ONE OF YOU -YOU ARE TWO UNACCOMPLISHED INDIVIDUALS WITH 4TH GRADE LEVEL SKILLS AND ARE JEALOUS OF ANY ONE WHO IS ACCOMPLISHED. EVERY ONE ON THIS SITE KNOWS YOU AND IF ANYONE OUT THERE SUPPORTS THESE TWO NUTS POST BACK TO THEM. TWO PRE NEANDERTHALS– ENOUGH SAID–GO BACK TO YOUR CAVES