‘DEBATEGATE’ DEBUNKED, SPEAKING OF B.S., THE WIZARD’S CHANCES, MAYOR-PLANET CONFAB, DEAD MEN WALKING … plus … THE COMMENT LINE IS OPEN
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEEKEND EDITION, SEPT. 18-20, 2015) — As we head into the final weekend before the prelims of Campaign ’15 come to a merciful end, THE PLANET shares several observations. Welcome to The Weekend Edition.
DEBATEGATE? DEBUNKGATE — Did forum moderator Bill Sturgeon slip Linda Tyer the answers to the questions prior to Monday’s event? The buzzers cite as “evidence” Tyer “extensively reading from her notebook” and having “tailored answers” to the questions. THE PLANET doesn’t buy it. Sturgeon’s questions could have been ferreted out by a … ferret. The rumor looks like a line of campaign balderdash from the Dirty Tricks Division of the Committee to Re-elect Dan Bianchi. THE PLANET put the question to Sturgeon and Tyer. Sturgeon didn’t respond. Tyer did. She said, “Absolutely not! I did not have the questions in advance. This is a totally unfair and undeserved accusation made against a good man who is a fully engaged citizen of Pittsfield. And it’s clearly an attempt to diminish my debate performance. I have a long and successful record of experience in government. I intend to talk about that and all other issues that matter to the people of Pittsfield. Thank you for asking and for letting me correct the record in no uncertain terms.” She later added that the rumor “is probably [from] Bianchi’s supporters. They’re having a hard time believing that I’m able to complete a sentence.”
SPEAKING OF B.S. — In addition to asking Sturgeon about the hot rumor on slipped questions, we wanted to know if he thought THE PLANET‘s criticisms of his performance as moderator “were fair.” Atypically, Billy hasn’t answered. THE PLANET hopes he isn’t taking our assessments personally. He has long told us that in the public eye, you have to be able to hike up the big boy pants. He’s often reminded us how much we “agree to disagree.” Well …?
THE WIZARD’s CHANCES — At a political event Wednesday night, scuttlebutt expressed concern that Craig Gaetani could sneak into the general election because of a “perfect storm” of singularities: (1) low turnout among Bianchi and Tyer supporters, thinking their darlings are shoe-ins and that their votes aren’t needed; (2) Gaetani’s populist, pro-taxpayer, anti-establishment message energizing enough dissatisfied citizens; (3) the mayor’s race being the only contest on the prelim ballot, suppressing overall turnout. THE PLANET can’t see it. Gaetani has a resonant message, but unfortunately, he’s marketed it terribly. He’s taken an investment wine, say a dusty bottle of Chateau St. Esteph medoc 1960, poured the contents into an unwashed beer mug, and guzzled. Donna Walto‘s “How Dry I Am” aria has given the “anti” vote to The Water Wizard, another element of the storm, but it won’t be enough. The blanks have a good chance against the Crucifier. That being said, if The Wizard pulls off a shocker, you could be looking at your next mayor.
BIANCHI TALKS TO THE PLANET! —At the forum, THE PLANET filmed some reports for PLANET VALENTI TELEVISION. One of the more interesting was when we caught Mayor Bianchi in the lobby as he walked in with this wife. We bolted over to the mayor, making sure to greet him. He made with the pleasant small talk and a hasty advance. As he was pulling away, he said, “You ought to do a forum.” THE PLANET answered: “If I do one, will you attend.” The mayor replied, “I will.” We have it on tape. So here’s the question we pose to all readers: Do you want THE PLANET to produce and hose a mayoral forum in the general election?
‘WALK’ IS PROPAGANDA — The cause is a good one, but “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” is not the brightest conception to stoop to a vagrant notion. The event, in which men purportedly show their “awareness” of domestic violence, instead trivializes the issue. In short, “Walk” is propaganda, that is, PR for the mayor, the D.A., the sheriff, the police chief, and other community “leaders” to buy legitimacy at a cheap price.
“I am still frustrated at the idea that some high heels are somehow going to translate into experiential empathy,” says writer (and rape victim) Samantha Escobar (samantha.escobar@alloydigital.com.)
Indeed, there is every reason to believe that the gimmicky walk sets the cause back. People get amusement at seeing these jamokes tottering down North Street, but that only trivializes rape, sexual assault, and other forms of domestic violence.
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes? Those shoes were not made for walking — at least not for blokes or jokes.
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With that, we leave you to your own rhetorical devices. The Comment Line is open. That’s when you don’t have to apologize for going “off topic.” Keep it intelligent and sharp. Don’t be like the politicians. Elevate your game.
Have a great weekend, everybody.
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“Politics, n. A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. The conduct of public affairs for private advantage.” — Ambrose Bierce, The Devil’s Dictionary, (1881).
“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.
Walk a mile seems pretty sexist to me
I agree. I don’t understand how the whole “walk a mile in her shoes” which looks ridiculous does anything to call attention to serious issues like domestic violence and rape? If anything it seems to trivialize the issues by such a silly event.
I’m in shock that Bianchi has agreed to the Planet hosting a mayoral forum. I say Dan V. should take him up on the offer. I think that Bianchi liked it when Dan V. said he had won the mayoral forum at BCC. This is the chance to ask all the questions that didn’t get asked. Go for it Planet!!!
That silly event raised $40K for the Elizabeth Freeman Center and this comment is precisely what people are talking about when they say Planet posters are negative people.
Your penance, Pat, is to volunteer at a nursing home this weekend.
There has to be lots of better ways to raise money for domestic violence and rape victims than an event such as “Walk a Mile In Her Shoes”. That’s not being negative, that’s being realistic. Watching people stumble down North Street in 3 or 4 inch heels. Please!! Even many women don’t wear heels that high. If they are smart that is since heels that high are bad for your feet, your knees and your back. I certainly don’t wear them and they are not representative of “walking a mile in a woman’s shoes”. This is the problem with Pittsfield people. If somebody suggests doing something differently than it has been done, they are put down as being negative. Change is obviously threatening to Pittsfield people. Fresh ideas are obviously threatening to Pittsfield people. Sad, but true. I propose an event that is more dignified and gets the message across more effectively about the seriousness of the issues.
What do you suggest we use for a fund raiser?
Have you considered contacting the Freeman Center about an alternative event? Maybe it’s something they’d consider.
That said, while I believe domestic abuse is a serious issue for men and women, I don’t have an issue with the event. Pittsfield’s is just one walk in the international Walk A Mile In Her Shoes calendar. It was started about 15 years ago by a man who worked in a trauma (abuse) center to provide a light-hearted opening to a far more serious discussion. While I don’t wear high heels (arthritic knees), I work with women who do. Since they can’t find the height they want locally, they mail order them.
I can only speak for myself but I don’t feel threatened by new ideas or by change. Unless I missed something, I didn’t see where you mentioned what your alternative would be to the walk.
I mentioned it in my post down below, but I will repeat it here. I think an event that celebrates women rather than sort of making fun of them would be a much better idea. I think a celebration of women’s talents such as singing, writing, dancing, whatever it is, even non-dramatic talents, like everyday things that women are good at….all of these things could be showcased and could help to raise money.
That’s a good idea. Maybe I will contact the Freeman Center with my thoughts. I think a celebration of women would be all about respecting women and what they do everyday to care for others. If women are respected, then that sends a powerful message against any kind of abuse.
As a survivor of a brutal sexual assault in Pittsfield 20 years ago, I can tell you that I availed mysef of the services of (what was then) the Rape Crisis Center. I think the Elizabeth Freeman Ctr (EFC) is the same entity; they certainly stand in the place of providing much needed support, life saving support in my case, for women – women – who suffer the effects of sexual, physical, and emotional assault and abuse. As such, they deserve support in return. Money is one form of support. For women. For EFC.
Years ago, I would show my support by participating in what was then called the Take Back the Night March and Rally in downtown Pittsfield and Park Square. I’m sure some of you must remember those nights. We were fairly militant. Lots of lesbian looking types (I can hear you whispering). We carried whistles around our necks and stopped on our trek at chalk body outlines drawn on the sidewalks; each body had burning candles on its skin, pictures sometimes or flowers. Here we all blew our whistles and screamed and howled at the wind. These were respresentative of past assaults and recent nightmares, all in Pittsfield.
It seems so long ago. Fifteen years maybe? I just know that after three years in a row I stopped marching. It was powerful. They stopped traffic for us, sometimes two lanes were blocked off down one side of North Street for us to march. I felt as though someone must hear us! They must SEE us. It was just too painful for me to continue participating eventually. I mean…all the screaming and the pain. Whistles and chalk outlines.
So here we are with the Walk A Mile. I get it. Or at least I *did* get it before it was co-opted by opportunists like Bianchi. It doesn’t matter, Pat, how high the heels are. The point is to see what it feels like to walk in my shoes, right? A woman’s shoes? I mean, tell me if I’m wrong, because I am kind of guessing, but it seems like the creators wanted to get something(s) across here. Walking in public in high heels is not easy… the *least* of the messages. I can watch, or used to be able to, and I can smile; it’s not as dark as Take Back the Night. It should make people think. It’s been turned into an element of some arsehole’s delusional shine but EFC will make more than ever this year. It is what it is.
I don’t know the answer. I assume that any really good campaign becomes a victim of self-aggrandizing people eventually. Bianchi sunk his teeth into this one a few years ago. And I think he likes our shoes. Alot.
I am surprised that Bianchi wants you to host a mayoral forum (everyone else calls this a “debate”).Bianchi has made a very deft political move and frankly, you need to take him up on it. If you don’t I will stop reading the Planet. (not that anyone cares about my reading it..)
Take him up on it Dan. There should be full exposure and disclosure on this guy.
Totally agree with the irrelevancy of the walking event. It’s all a publicity stunt and the people in it just look stupid. It doesn’t do a damn thing to help people who are being abused.
See my reply to Pat above. And your penance, Still Wondering, is to overtip a waitress this weekend.
Not to mention the fact many women are abusing there partner’s. Yes women physically abuse there partner’s. I know this is not a popular subject, and you wouldn’t get to wear those fancy shoes.
Debategate cmon. Who is thinking this? A few guys sitting at the corner of the bar at Sidelines?
All questions were so easy no one would needed to be slipped the questions. “Hey Linda I’m going to ask questions about crime and the economy” Never saw that coming.
If Pittsfield had a predictions market on Gaetani placing in the top two his shares would be trading at 1 cent. However, has that fear I really wish he was trading in that Prediction Market with me.
Can we do a Walk a Mile in there shoes for all West Side and Tyler Street Pittsfield residents?
*Whomever
Their not there. Lazy mind
I am certainly not a Bianchi supporter. And maybe I am wrong but the first thing that came to my mind when I watched Linda Tyer respond so expeditiously and comprehensively to the questions was that it was just way too good and way too well prepared. I noticed it early on and was watching and she never even stopped to think about any questions. She just fired off her answers.
Does her denial make me look foolish? I do not think so. She is a special interest candidate for mayor of Pittsfield, Ma. and I would not expect any other reply from her or her supporters. And I would feel the same way if any of the other candidates seemed to good to be true, although the Williams college grads performance seemed to elevate everyone else around her.
Both candidates are intelligent, articulate and well prepared. I served on the council with both Dan and Linda and both always referred to notes. As far as Bill Sturgeon giving anyone questions prior to the debate, that is absolutely ridiculous.
I look forward to a debate hosted by DV but am doubtful it will ever occur.
Chuck, I’m not looking for articulate or well prepared. I’m looksing for a honest approach at getting our City’s financial short falls in order. We cannot sustain this tax and spend approach. Neither of these so called front runners have shown they can do the job
Both candidates Chuck? I thought you were in MENSA? Or maybe Joe Biden taught you how to count.
Just saw an article promoting a drive to collect used instruments for students who want to be in the band but can’t afford them. JIV considers music, the arts and sports to be “the anchor” for many students during their middle and high school years.40 students want to but can’t because they can’t afford the instruments. I’m pretty sure if you qualify for free lunch you don’t have to pay the participation fee for sports ($125 last I knew). My daughter played the saxophone and she still has it. I would call her at college and ask her if she wanted to donate it if I didn’t just read about all these new contracts, full of raises that were okayed for a multitude of school personnel. 40 students JIV!!! suck it up and make a donation yourself. I’ve given enough of my money and can’t afford anymore. I will save my daughter’s old saxophone for one of my grandkids.
Lighten up, Dave. Your penance is to hug a cop.
Channel 22 is having mayoral debate this Sunday at noon. Holyoke 1st then Pittsfield. Questions from someone outside of Pittsfield should be good.
Theyve gotta ask DV to moderate. He’s light a lighthouse. You ever see him catch a lying politician in his beam? They get all in the dark.
Pittsfield debate web link:
http://wwlp.com/2015/09/18/infocus-mayoral-debates-for-holyoke-and-pittsfield/
There are only 3 candidates listed from Pittsfield scheduled for the debate. Mr. Gaetani is not listed.
The forum was recorded Tuesday, so the station knew who showed up for it.
I think Linda Tyer is really smart and has good ideas for Pittsfield, but I can’t bring myself to like her because she is part of Jimmy Ruberto’s organization. All of Jimmy Ruberto’s supporters are now supporting Linda Tyer.
One of my biggest mistakes in my citizen participation in politics was believing in Jimmy Ruberto. He failed at everything he said he stood for. During the Jimmy Ruberto regime, thousands of people moved away from Pittsfield, while thousands of jobs were lost. And once jobs are lost, they ain’t comin’ back, Jack (Welch)! KB Toys went bankrupt, GE Plastics sold to Sabic, and the local economy tanked to the worst levels in 2009 since around 1990. Jimmy Ruberto said he was a businessman with a “roladex” of network contacts. That was a bald faced lie!
Jimmy Ruberto campaigned against the Good Old Boy network because the Nuciforo/Anne Wojtkowski network backed Sara Hathaway. Then, Jimmy Ruberto was the King of the Good Old Boys. Ruberto’s biggest backers included Gerry Doyle, Angelo Stracuzzi, Carmen Massimiano, and evenutally Nuciforo.
Jimmy Ruberto raised taxes by about 5% per year for 8 years. While Pittsfield’s tax base shrunk, and jobs disappeared, and welfare caseload rolls increased, Jimmy Ruberto spent taxpayer money like a drunken sailor. Even Jimmy Ruberto admitted, PEDA was one of his biggest failures.
Linda Tyer sees Jimmy Ruberto as a great Mayor of Pittsfield. She is using his political organization as her own. I can’t bring myself to support Linda Tyer for Mayor because of her alliance with Jimmy Ruberto!
$$$$$$$$$$
ALL FACTS – “Remembering Ruberto’s Record on Jobs”
* On December 8, 2008, Sabic Innovative Plastics laid off 40 of its 300 local employees. On December 11, 2008, KB Toys filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in four years with the intention of liquidating the entire company. The 225 full-time employees at KB’s Pittsfield headquarters will all be laid off by May 2009, company officials have said.
* “Berkshire County unemployment rate soars”, By Tony Dobrowolski, Berkshire Eagle Staff, January 28, 2009, Berkshire County’s unemployment rate reached its highest level in 13 years in December…Berkshire County is now outpacing the state.
* Berkshire County’s unemployment rate hit a 16-year high in 2009. Source: “Berkshire County Unemployment: Job outlook uncertain”, By Tony Dobrowolski, Berkshire Eagle Staff, January 3, 2010.
*”Jobless rate now at 10.4%: Unemployment in Berkshire County is at its highest level since the early 1990s.” By Tony Dobrowolski, Berkshire Eagle Staff, March 11, 2010.
* Berkshire Health Systems, facing a decline in patient visits, told employees on Wednesday it will cut the equivalent of 65 full-time positions.Source: “Berkshire Health Systems shedding jobs” (By Jack Dew, Berkshire Eagle Staff, June 18, 2009).
* Berkshire Health Systems, the parent company of Berkshire Medical Center, announced today that 124 full- and part-time employees — or 3.7 percent of the workforce — have received layoff notices. “Berkshire Health Systems announces layoffs.”, By Dick Lindsay, Berkshire Eagle Staff, August 5, 2010.
* Berkshire County’s population dropped by more than 5,600 to 129,288 residents between 2000 and 2009, according to the American Community Survey. Pittsfield accounted for almost 2,800 of those departures: There were 45,793 city residents in 2000 compared with 43,000 last year. Source: “Census shows decline in county population”, By Dick Lindsay, Berkshire Eagle Staff, December 16, 2010.
* NEWS ARTICLE:
“Bump looks to address job losses in Berkshires”
2/19/2007 , By: Karen Honikel, (Capital News 9 out of Albany, NY covering the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts)
Governor Deval Patrick’s new Executive Director of Workforce Development isn’t wasting any time getting down to business.
Former State Representative Suzanne Bump is working to introduce herself to the local business communities and let them know she will make sure the Berkshires are not forgotten on Beacon Hill. She says a major concern right now is addressing the loss of jobs in the Berkshires.
Currently the Berkshires have the highest rate of job loss in Massachusetts. Bump says this can be changed with the right policies in place. She says she will be meeting with the Governor once a week to work on bringing skilled workers and higher paying jobs into the area.
Bump says a key part to local job growth and development will be finding a way to keep the younger workers in the Berkshires.
$$$$$$$$$$
Facts from the Beagle’s news article:
* Pittsfield lost more residents than any other city or town in Massachusetts between 2010 and 2013
* Pittsfield lost 653 residents over that three-year period
Source: “Pittsfield’s resident loss steepest of all state’s towns, cities” By Tony Dobrowolski, Berkshire Eagle, 6/14/2014.
-and-
* Berkshire County’s population dropped by more than 5,600 to 129,288 residents between 2000 and 2009, according to the American Community Survey. Pittsfield accounted for almost 2,800 of those departures: There were 45,793 city residents in 2000 compared with 43,000 last year
Source: “Census shows decline in county population”, By Dick Lindsay, Berkshire Eagle Staff, December 16, 2010.
Conclusion: Over the past 13 years, about 3,453 people have moved away from Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
$$$$$$$$$$
PUBLIC SAFETY ALERT!
Stay off of:
North st.
Tyler st.
Lincoln st.
First st.
Second st.
Linden st.
Dewey ave
Cherry st.
Burbank st.
Kent ave
Madison ave
And Seymour st.
And you might survive.
**********
Fact: Council raises taxes, not the mayor.
2014 ACS Estimate of Pittsfield population: 43,697
2000 Census Population: 45,793
If you are going to be critical of the Eagle, then don’t expect to use their erroneous citations.
I don’t believe in Bianchi and not with Linda! We need a change from business as usually. I urge voters to let the front office no we’re not happy. No incumbent’s need apply!
Joetaxpayer, you must walk up and down North Street wearing a 1Berkshire t-shirt and greeting everyone you meet with a “G’day!” and a tip of your Pittsfield Suns cap.
Tommy your pennance for playing Rebecca of sunnybrooks farms is to keep reading the Planet!!!!
No need, walked up in down that street for 50 years. There’s some good folks, and the less fortunate. I feel bad for them, we need a way,as a City to make money to help them more.
An article in iberkshires today lists the #1 reason why young people continue to leave Berkshire County in droves. A lack of good paying jobs is the top reason.
I have no reason to say if Tyer got an advanced copy of the questions or not.
However, my gut feeling is, she’s not being truthful.
She was too scripted.
It seemed pretty obvious.
She didn’t pull it off.
I think she did get an advanced copy.
Dan,
If you do get to moderate, you can ask a few skilled questions of her to prove this. Have her answer without any notes.
Who will cut the budget 7 percent a year. Who will take the reigns and command responsibility to the taxpayer. Who will stop the new High School and make the powers to be answer for a non vote to the taxpayer. The answer is Gaetani!
I liked reading this news story about Mayor Dan Bianchi’s re-election campaign event. He has some big name supporters, including Berkshire County Sheriff Tom Bowler, and City Council Prez Melissa Mazzeo, who expressed an anti-Ruberto sentiment. Dan Bianchi seems to have an inclusive political network, which is different from the usual G.O.B. club Gerry Doyle and Jimmy Ruberto used. However, Pittsfield politics is still in a downward spiral. But it would take a miracle worker to change Pittsfield politics for the better!
http://www.iberkshires.com/story/50196/Bianchi-Rallies-Voters-For-Re-election-Campaign-Endorsed-By-Bowler-Mazzeo.html
Just another episode of a fading cartoon.
buh bye Bianchi.
buh bye now
Mr Bowler said,
“Dan Bianchi is one of the most ethical human beings I have ever met,
I am sure he has cleared up any doubt any of us might have had.
Remember when the Sheriff ran for office he said he wasn’t a politician?
Yeah Bowler’s not a politician. Nor is the Pope a religious leader.
Can’t vote for either Tyer or Bianchi. I’m with joe taxpayer, they’ll be elected without my vote. Think about it, one of them will lose, so why don’t you choose the candidate that has made a promise to cut taxes and command respect from all offices to the taxpayer?
I’m writing in DV.
I just read the letters to the editor in the Eagle…….I found that it’s very difficult to puke and laugh at the same time.
Very Very difficult. This is the corrupt we talk about. Me and all my friends. I am doing a stellar job, and my corrupt friends swear to it. Each and every one. The only problem is… the hardworking Taxpayers are getting screwed, while my Salary and my corrupt friends are getting fatter. Collingwood is a fine example of your Administration. Bianchi. Pittsfield needs to turn out to slam the door in your face and Mazzeo’s and Tully’s.
Is it me, or do the Tyer signs look like they’ve been pissed on?
Very classy Shelly.
Don’t need class nowadays Chuck.
Yeah, they look damp?
Faded, no. I’m with Lindy.
“Walk” a mile in her shoes? Hows about putting these “do gooders” in a crappy apartment and let some drunk or drugged up guy beat the snot of them and verbally debase them? I’d donate a few bucks to see that! Name it “LIVE a few minutes in their world.”
I do not understand the venom toward the “do-gooders” who chose to participate and raise money for a good cause. Have you ever been on the receiving end of the verbal &/or physical abuse? I have and neither one of us was drugged or drunk. He was pissed off because I had a higher grade point average than he did. Yeah, better grades in college threatened his image of himself and *I* was going to pay for that. I knew the young woman who was murdered by her drunken boyfriend a few years ago. There used to be a couple in my building who fought on a regular basis. He’d beat her black & blue. He threatened me and another tenant for calling the police.
I wouldn’t wish that on anyone to make a point.
Nobody is against giving money for the cause of domestic abuse and violence. It’s the way the money is raised that is an issue. A better venue for walking a mile in her shoes would be showcasing local female talent to raise money. I think the same amount of money or even more could be raised by having a yearly event that celebrates women rather than having people walking down the street in 4 or 5 inch heels. It would just make more sense to me and to many others.
Pat…please read my post above, if you haven’t already. While I applaud you for offering an alternative, your proposal lacks message. I don’t believe many people need instruction on the power of Woman. It is the arbitrary and ruthless attempt to *remove* that power that is at issue. Walk A Mile was advertised on the local news last week! Sure, it feeds the mayoral monster but it feeds EFC’s coffers too. And it *says* something (if you’re listening). A talent showcase? Great! But how do you weave in what EFC is fighting against — 1 in every 3 women in this country will be abused in her lifetime — and trying to teach?
It’s all about respect for women and I think abuse could be addressed much more effectively by a different venue than “Walk a Mile In her Shoes”. This would emphasize prevention rather than just helping women after abuse has occurred. I personally don’t like the words “power” or “empowerment” when discussing helping people. To me these are words than imply some kind of contest we are in to rule over not just ourselves but others. I far prefer words like respect to emphasize how we wish to be treated and how we should treat others.
One can not have a discussion about abuse against women without using the word power. I do understand your sensibilities; decades ago, Western organizations wanting to ‘help’ in so-called third world countries had tough lessons to learn about power and helping. Don’t build them a well, for example, when what they really want is to learn how to plant yams. But, here, it’s not our job to learn what these women want and need. It’s EFC’s job and they’ve been doing it for a very long time. They just need ongoing financial support to continue.
Walk A Mile *is* about prevention, it *is* about respect. I think your objection here is truly caused by the somewhat circus like atmosphere the politicians have injected. I wish you would criticize *that* and not the methods used by those who have far more experience and knowledge of this cause than you do.
You should be questioning the money, zero accountability only produces one kind of result. Of course thought is irrelevant since anyone asking for donations is in the business of selling the feeling of generosity, and people will give even if they have 100% proof that they are being lied to
The talk of the town is that Bianchi is bye, bye. He we most likely finish 3rd or turd. The Tyer camp is praying for Bianchi to make it. She does NOT want to run against Gaetani.
Dave, Is the talk of the town representative of the average registered and active voter or is it a call in tally at PCTV ?
Another classy post . This time from GhostRider.
I was given a sign today to support Linda and I agreed to have it installed in my yard.
Then a very rude individual came to my home a few hours later and took up the sign. Stating that she could not be associated with me. Am I not a voter or a constituent? I was very upset.
Can you blame her?
This confirms I’m making the right choice for the primary.
Pam honestly you were already at Dan’s kick off with the rest of the minions so enough said. Your opinion kind of mattered when you were councilor, but not now
Maybe once she thought it over she decided she did not need the support of the little guy.
Maybe the sign didn’t seem appropriate next to the big FU. I wouldn’t put a sign there either.
Installed signs ?
she is correctin·stall also in·stal (ĭn-stôl′)
tr.v. in·stalled, in·stall·ing, in·stalls also in·stals
1. To connect or set in position and prepare for use: installed the new furnace; installed software on my computer.
2. To induct into an office, rank, or position: a ceremony to install the new governor.
3. To settle in an indicated place or condition; establish: installed myself in the spare room.
I am sorry I mean place a sign in my yard. For support
I would have told her FU!
Classic Dave!
With all due respect Tammy, once someone puts a sign on your lawn, you own it.
Candidate Gaetani alleges conspiracy. Headlines Sunday’s Berkshire Eagle. I don’t have a dog in the fight, but I do have a pretty good nose for sense. You can bet that the Acting Police Chief, The Fire Chief, and the Mayor are aligned…their denial exposes the known liars they are. I am not defending Gaetani, because his behavior is all over the place, but he should be provided copies of the phone calls requested. Can you say corrupt in the corner office? Absolutely!
Convoluted situation for sure. Is this even close to Gaetani’s tale ? Several rude and threatening calls were made to a fire dept. employee on a non recorded line.All were made within a short period of time. They were traced to Gaetani’s home. At first Gaetani said his brother committed the crime. Later Gaetani recanted his original story and now claims his brother was not involved, but that an unknown person, possibly a house cleaner used his home phone to make the threats. This unknown person said that when they are elected mayor that they would fire the fire dept. employee and eliminate her retirement benefits.
Gaetani claims to be frugal, lives alone, and yet hires house cleaners, who have unrestricted access to his home ? The court system is granting Gaetani numerous pretrail hearings without setting a trial date. Why ? Phone call recordings aren’t available? There’s more to this somewhere and it’s rumored that Gaetani’s brother is facing other charges that impact this cause. A tangled web.
But MR Bowler said the mayor is one of the most ethical human beings he has ever met.. And he should know.
I don’t know why such an ethical person would be in lock down mode so much but perhaps that is just a characteristic of really ethical people.
Yes, Mr Bowler swears to the lies. He’s in the Club too.
With Tangelo Excuse Me?
Tyer seems too scripted. Too many catch phrases, atome comes to mind? Time is up, it’s time,ect.
Walto is winning this forum.
There were only three candidates at the forum today, don’t know why the fourth didn’t show? Anyway, there really wasn’t much difference than the first debate at B C C. One is hanging his hat on a new high school and innovation center, the other, is about time being up? and the third seems to have a propensity to reenact historical quotes from dead people. Anyway I’m went for Walto today because of The Hisory Lesson.
Did anyone say anything was an economic engine?
Driving down North Street today, there was the guy on the bench spitting on the sidewalk, two hanging in a closed door walk smoking, and the bus stop by the light at Maplewood and North, people hanging, loitering, smoking, being loud, and in front of 100 North a ZZ top wanna be, smoking.
Dilly
Dan Bianchi’s destination.
We need to have a walk a mile in the taxpayer’s shoes. The taxpayers have been getting raped by the school department for a long time in Pittsfield.
Do they make KY Jelly for taxpayers?
Maybe Bianchi could get a taxpayer’s KY Jelly factory on the PEDA parcel
News Alert!
“Carpenters Union Endorses Mayor Dan Bianchi”
http://www.iberkshires.com/story/50200/Election-2015-Carpenters-Union-Endorses-Bianchi.html
They will be in on building the new THS