BIANCHI, TYER, & THE PLANET WALK INTO A BAR … OUR TV DISCUSSION WAS A FREE-FOR-ALL … plus … THE COMMENT LINE IS OPEN
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, THE WEEKEND EDITION, OCT. 30-Nov. 2, 2015) — Last night on PLANET VALENTI TELEVISION, we hosted a debate between mayoral candidates mayor Dan Bianchi and challenger Linda Tyer. After we left the studio, we retreated to our farm in Essex to keep bees and get away from, “Well, what’ja think?”
THE PLANET had enough of the pre-debate crush — what questions to ask, how to ask them, and “make sure you look into this.” Everyone — experts and wise men, fools and sycophants — had their “haymaker” to recommend and their unsought advice on “how” a moderator “handles” a gig like this.
All knew but few realized that (a) this would be THE PLANET’s gig, on our show, which means that we would ultimately decide on the rules; (b) that we come into the studio at loose as possible, with one part prep and five parts improv, and (c) If we had an 18-hour broadcast, perhaps we could have asked a small percentage of what others wanted us to ask to push their respective interests.
‘Who Won?’ Great Question, But Don’t Ask Us
To cut to the fist fight, we aren’t the best source to ask “Who won”? Hosting a debate presents an interesting creative and intellectual challenge, particularly the way we do it. We seat candidates next to each other, throw away the time clock, disallow notes, and force them into the staccato of give-and-take. THE PLANET sees the moderator’s job not as a robot without personality asking canned questions. Rather, the moderator must have a place at the table, moving in and out as needed, not according to a script but to what’s happening in the moment.
Thus, our answer if you ask us “Who won?” is “You tell us.” And that is what we’re asking you to do on this Weekend Edition of THE PLANET. The Comment Line is open. You can share on any topic, but, in the interests of making best use of the time between now and Election Day, we would put this question to each and all: Who won the PV-TV debate and why? Be specific. Feel free to comment on all three of the participants: Bianchi, Tyer, and THE PLANET. Remember, though, to paraphrase the balladeer, pointing shaky fingers might produce a curse.
Early Returns
OK, enough of enigma.
Early returns have “off site” Tyer people riled. Those Tyer backers in the studio seemed pleased. The “neutrals” gave the night to Bianchi. Here’s a Facebook exchange initiated by our right honorable good friend Mike Ward, a loud Tyer supporter. It might be instructive:
| Mike Ward shared Pete White‘s post.7 hrs· |
If you’re going to watch any municipal debate this is the one.
Tonight PCTV Channel 16 at 7 pm. The last Mayoral debate will be hosted by Dan Valenti. I’ll be watching it before tonight’s New England Patriots game.
Kathy Lloyd, Christopher Connell, Chuck D. Wright and 7 others like this.
Comments
James Wilusz Lets count how many time we hear James Ruberto‘s name during the debate. Betting Line is 4.5. Over or under?
Mike Ward social network drinking game!
Jamie Dobrowolski does reference to “previous administration” count as his name?
Mike Ward That’s a drink, Jamie.
Megan Whilden If we drank everytime they interrupted her we’d be dead of alcohol poisoning.
Mike Ward Well that was a disappointment. At least people got to see the disrespectful Dan Bianchi they’ve heard about in live action. Repeatedly stepping on Linda’s statements and talking loudly over her. Valenti not only enabled this rude behavior, he indulged in shushing her a few times just for good measure. A disgraceful performance. I don’t think this “debate” had a winner but it’s pretty safe to say that decorum was the loser tonight.
James Wilusz And for those that care to watch, acting like that and Linda keeping her cool benefits her.
Ted Sloper Hats off to Linda. Valenti was up to par – never did care for him.
Mike Ward My ten year old son called it pretty clearly. “Dad I think that other guy was on Dan Bianchi’s side.”
Ted Sloper It was pretty clear……
Dan Valenti I was on no one’s side, actually. The idea is to put them into the crucible and see what happens. It’s funny, though, because each side thinks I favored the other. Guess that means I did a good job on behalf of the owners of government. Y’all know who THEY are, don’t you?
Mike Ward I can appreciate The Planet’s goal of a discussion unencumbered by the formality of a normal debate. Ideally, the result should be an event that is lively and insightful. Unfortunately, for this viewer anyway, the ongoing fight for the floor was a distraction from the content of the discussion. There is an optimal level of structure and moderation. Free for all is, well, just that.
Ted Sloper I can’t imagine Bianchi’s “side” thought you favored his opponent! Dan you couldn’t be more transparent!
Ted Sloper Mike Ward Yep, Valenti allowed a free for all, which of course is Dan’s strength.
——– 000 ——–
Today there will be the press reports of last night’s discussion. There will be the weekend, then Monday, then Tuesday, when we get the only opinion that matters. The voters will determine who “won” last night’s discussion.
Have a great weekend, everybody.
————————————————————————————————-
“TV has gotten good at one thing: How they market human suffering.” — Nils Lofgren, Acoustic Live album, (1997).
“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.
Dan, I thought you did a great job. I could have watched another hour or two.
Two things jumped out at me. One was that neither one of them even suggested that they would try to reduce taxes or even look for any possible waste. Apparently they feel every department is running as efficiently as it possibly could and they are not going to spend any of their time looking for waste. This should send a loud and clear message to anyone staying in or moving to Pittsfield, Ma.
The other thing is that Bianchi balked noticeably when asked what caliber the hand gun found at Herberg was. Why would this information need to be kept secret? Just out of curiosity what caliber guns do local police carry?
Bianchi jumped all over Tyer when he wanted to…an advantage allowed by DV or give him credit for getting his responses out, sometimes over her comments? DV…one beef I do have is that you did tell Tyer to stop talking as she started to comment so Bianchi could have the floor…I believe you said “Linda let the Mayor speak”. This voter is still undecided…
Sounds like Mr. Ward is on Tyler’s side.
I really looked forward to this meeting. Both Opponents had their moments. That’s what the bottom line is. As far as what it presented for me. It was declaration that the sitting Mayor twists and turns and weasels his way through questions, sidestepping , and never answering. His ego is much bigger than his ability to deliver. He absolutely will not accept responsility for mistakes. He’s had his chance to sit in the Office, and t’s time for Change in Pittsfield. He showed his true colors, badgering Ms. Tyer. This is the tyrannical Dan Bianchi.
Ms. Tyer had weak moments, and she had good point moments. Of course she is not as smooth as Bianchi, but it doesn’t mean she’s not capable. Bianchi’s shiftiness and lack of transparancy gets my goat. Tyer’s point to her credit about free cash and priority spending, and more Police Protection are spot on.
Dan Valenti, Thankyou for delivering this opportunity for the Citizens of Pittsfield. I, also could have watched an hour more.
As debates go I would day Bianchi won. But what does that mean? Does it mean he is a better bullshitter? Does it mean he will now be open and honest with the people? Does it mean we should forget all the things we were angry at him for?
Winning a debate does not transform him into anything more special than he was two weeks ago when a lot of people thought he was a self serving politician who wasted a whole lot of taxpayer money. And he had no advice on how the Kapenskis or seniors are supposed to survive his guaranteed yearly tax hikes. And I honestly do not believe it is on his list of things to worry about.
Unfortunately missed debate. Did Ms Tyer eleberate how she is going to cut taxes?
They remind me of the two cats I’m watching, all we are to them is a vote.
My husband and I watched the debate and both of us thought it was great. He wants to vote for Bianchi after watching the debate and I am voting for Tyer. He thinks that Bianchi sounds more fiscally responsible while I want to give Tyer a chance since I haven’t liked the last 4 years with Bianchi as mayor. Sadly, I don’t think either one will rein in the school system spending. I hope Tyer will be better at bringing in jobs to the area. So we have a split vote in my household and yes we are still talking to each other.
Fiscally responsible? Can you say Monteresso, Scarafoni and new marble floor all in one breath?
The stolen $10,000 debacle was 3 years ago too. I can’t remember that. Bianchi does not deserve the responsibility of this Office.
I agree. I reminded my husband of those incidents, but he still thinks overall Bianchi is better than Tyer.
I Loved that Linda Tyer clarified over the badgering of the rude Bianchi, that it was Her Office that put measures in place to catch the City Hall Janitor thief. He tried and tried to claim that one too. He is unethical.
That exchange went all to Linda. It was her best moment. I thought she held her own which was all she had to do. She won my vote.
I believe Bianchi won. Tyer didn’t even know what branch of government the position of mayor is. She never explained where all the money would come from for all her programs. We’re talking millions and millions here. When she was asked questions that she couldn’t answer with her prepared cook book answers she was completely lost and was unable to even stay on point.
Linda Tyer won ALL the debates and this game is soon to be over. Good luck #lameduck
Truth- did you watch the same debate i watched last night?
I did and just the fact that she stood her ground won my vote.
What I witnessed last night was 2 men bullying one woman !!!
Henry, you are right on, 2 bullies picking on one woman, but Linda held her own.
Agree, Henry. Planet Valenti just lost a follower.
Bye!
Spagirl, that stolen money was done under the watchful eye of the school department. It had nothing to do with the mayor’s office. I don’t know what the police investigation reviled.
Ridiculous that some people think two men were bullying a woman during the debate. I think Linda held her own throughout the debate and doesn’t need misplaced sympathy.
Not intended as sympathy. Just a fact.
It was a scrupulous debate. It couldn’t have been more fair. An exciting hour.
As always, with rare exception the viewer’s opinion of this forum was slanted to and prejusticed by their political camp and/ or inclinations already decided upon based on their desire for personal gain or self satisfaction. Just read the posts on this site. Same ole same ole.
Record what was promised and in four years time will have proven what was fairy dust and what was substance, and the merry-go-round will start again.
Thanks to DV,more time was needed, however.
If Tyer was bullied then shame on her. Neither Hathaway or Wojtkowski were ever bullied. She is running for Mayor not chamber maid. Pull on you big girl pants and get ready, as Mayor there are plenty more bullying coming.
AMEN!
Yes. And she did oput on those big girl pants. Comments such as the one above that have two men bullying one helpless woman do a great disservice to talented and capable women such as Linda Tyer.
Linda Tyer didn’t give an inch. She stood her ground with him, and put him in his place more than once. I am looking forward to bidding adieu to this egotistical Failed to Deliver Mayor.
Well said Spagirl. Linda did not give an inch despite the rude interruptions of asked question by both the Mayor and the Moderator.
Dan V. asked Linda a question and she was answering that question and Dan V. wouldn’t let her finish. Yet there was no time limit according to the rules. Another time Linda was talking and Dan B. kept talking over her, as Linda had to say several times, I have the floor. Dan V., you disappoint me, you should’ve handled the situation you were in charge.
I sit here and realize how numb most of you really are after reading your posts over the past few days.
You all piss and moan about the problems we face yet you bicker amongst yourselves Bianchi or Tyer. If history has taught us people do not change and apparently you the voter does not either.
Both of these candidates you bicker over have done nothing but run this city to the ground whether directly or indirectly through association.
All the meanwhile you all will continue to piss and moan for the next 4 years regardless who wins because YOU REFUSE CHANGE
I missed the debate. Will it be replayed again?
Tyer was clearly outclassed. She was not bullied. If she did become mayor would she claim that those who she confronted in the name of the city were bullying her? This is the real world, not romper room.
Bianchi is so classy and Un-Professional, he even tossed Barry Clairmont around last night for whatever advantage he seemed to think it got him. Unethical in my opinion. No other word for it.
Last night’s debate proved unquestionably that Ms. Tyeris grossly unqualified to be Mayor and that Dan Bianchi is at best the lesser of the two evils.
Last night is far from a deciding factor for me. It only showed me first hand the shadiness of this guy. His lack of Leadership, Lack of Transparancy, and his desire to do whatever he pleases, in spite of Taxpayers and Citizens has been the proven factor the last 4 years. It is time for a change in Pittsfield. He needs to go.
Other than this spa, how do you feel about him?
Last night’s non-debate proved without a shadow of a doubt that Bianchi is an arrogant, lying, two faced, conman who blames everything wrong on others and is quick to take credit for others good works.
Concerned: I agree – Tyer showed she is a political lightweight – great clerk, gonna be terrible Mayor – not sure she can grasp much beyond dog licenses etc – when OPEB came up she looked terrfied – as a retiree it was me who was terrified
Isn’t Clairmont still on the City Council?
Wasted an hour, watching the I only know how to read to you & be redundantly narcisstic hour on PCTV. The amorphical host who owns three shirts that fit, slammed with vindiction, Dan Valenti, insulting Dan V. vigorously and belittling most Planet posters as” cult following mindless sheep”.
The good news (sic) is that he says he is not going away after the election. So the entertainment and laughs will still be there.
Dan,
Great show last night….
A quick clarification regarding the two thefts;
the one at Pittsfield HIgh was never solved (that I am aware)
the second theft that was “solved by Ms Tyer’s efforts” which caught the janitor. I thought I heard her say the janitor had stolen cash from the safe in the city clerk’s office. No one seemed to ask the question…why not just lock the safe when the office closes. Is the safe no longer functional? Did anyone else find this odd?
From what I have heard from reliable sources at PHS, it was well known in school dept. circles what happened, but has been conveniently covered up to protect certain people.
Not the first time and certainly not the last!
I do not believe for one second that Mr Bianchi does not know who took the money from PHS. He said he does not remember back 3 years to that event? Really? How utterly convenient. That was a high profile situation and I would think it would be a qualification for mayor to be able to remember back 3 years. Does he remember raising our taxes that year? And every other year he has been mayor?
One more whitewash in Pittsfield.
He made an ass out of himself.
I usually vote the opposite of Berkshire Eagle endorsements. They were all for changes to the city charter. I voted against it. Turns out I was right as the city charter took away the right to vote on the new Taconic. Now the BB endorses Tyer. I feel I should vote for Bianchi just because I don’t trust the BB, but I will be voting for Tyer because I haven’t been happy with the direction of the city under Bianchi. Let’s hope I’m making the right decision. Very worried about the preschool program Tyer is advocating, but I am taking her at her word that it will come out of other funding sources if she goes forward with her plan.
If you want to know what the other funding source is, look in the mirror.
Pat, I have scoured the old charter and the new and cannot find where either of them state the voters have a right to vote on a new high school. Please read them and let me know what you find.
It stated that the council and mayor do not need voter approval for their pet projects.
Yes Bianchi is fiscally responsible for inappropriately moving city hall where there are no legally documented information on health issues. Dont believe me, go check. Haven’t seen it discussed EVER at the board of health. Yeah people, we are paying for the taj mahal where the inspectors just sit in their office twittling their thumbs. Yeah he’s great…..#lameduck
Board of health is too busy blocking the turf field at BCC.
They should put there efforts elsewhere. The turf field is needed and should be built. Maybe they should revisit the soil at Allendale school.
What’s the hurry? Is this field another economic engine?
LABORATORY IDENTIFICATION OF COMPOUNDS RELEASED FROM TIRE CRUMBS AND RUBBER MULCH
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station report (See Appendix I), found out-gassing and leaching from synthetic turf rubber crumbs under aqueous ambient temperatures. Several compounds were present, but four compounds gave the highest responses on GC/Mass spectrographic analysis. The four compounds conclusively identified with confirmatory tests were: benzothiazole; butylated hydroxyanisole; n-hexadecane; and 4-(t-octyl) phenol. Approximately two dozen other chemicals were indicated at lower levels. These chemicals were released in laboratory conditions that closely approximate ambient conditions.
Benzothiazole: Skin and eye irritation, harmful if swallowed. There is no available data on cancer, mutagenic toxicity, teratogenic toxicity, or developmental toxicity.
Butylated hydroxyanisole: Recognized carcinogen, suspected endocrine toxicant toxicant, gastrointestinal toxicant, immunotoxicant, neurotoxicant, skin and sense-organ toxicant. There is no available data on cancer, mutagenic toxicity, teratogenic toxicity, or developmental toxicity.
hexadecane: severe irritant based on human and animal studies. There is no available data on cancer, mutagenic toxicity, teratogenic toxicity, or developmental toxicity.
4-(t-octyl) phenol: corrosive and destructive to mucous membranes. There is no available data on cancer, mutagenic toxicity, teratogenic toxicity, or developmental toxicity
Run for your llife the sky is falling
1929-1977: GE uses polychlorinated biphenyls, as required by law, in certain kinds of transformers as an insulating agent and spark suppressor. Manufacturing practices allow millions of gallons to spill or leak into the ground and the Housatonic River. Flooding action of the river transports the chemical, which binds to soil and mud, downstream and out into the flood plains.
Ed, they have been raising money for as almost 10 years. The plans were drawn up 5years ago. Build the faculty as already. There are over 12,000 turf fields in the US. Williams College put in 2 new one’s last year. All your technical blubbering had already been done by others much smarter than the both of us. Why rush Taconic, were paying for that one, no cost on the field.
Also they have changed the turf at a significant cost to meet your concerns. Why don’t the abutters come clean and just say they don’t want it built in there back yards. They could work with the hard working people who are trying to make this a reality. Voice there real concerns, and get on with there life’s.
Mr. Taxpayer,
These are not my concerns and not my technical blubbering. And at one time, the use of PCB’s was required by law. Don’t we have enough underutilized playing fields in Pittsfield? No cost for the field? Who’s going to pay to maintain it?
Wow! Reading Dan V. Column I could swear he asked people that posted to be specific. I really don’t see that here. All I see is excuses why Tyer did so poorly. If she can’t hold her own in a pretty docile environment how can she be a CEO of a city. My God she doesn’t even know what branch of government she is running for. She is a good city clerk but certainly lacks the education to be the CEO of a city.
Paul, you are saying you need a 4 year degree or higher to be the Mayor?
You probably okay with the Mayor having other jobs because other Mayors had restaurants (no 4 year degree).
Can’t have it both ways.
we got the postcard, Paul! I understand he’s married with children too. Lol!
I have been reading the planet for some time now and it is clear their are very few Tyer or Bianchi supporters on this blog.The debate last night only provided another forum for Bianchi and Tyer to be show cased as Dumb and DUMBER. There was a winner. Objectively Dumb was far superior to Dumber. Point for point he capitalized on her weak grasp of city government. That said, neither stated what they would do for the Taxpayer. Tyer when pressed to give specifics as to how she would show support for the taxpayer-She became adamant that we need to spend more and more. She could not come up with one idea to provide support for the taxpayer and that is the point that led me to conclude she was the bigger of the two losers in last nights debate. Tyer without her book of political edicit in front of her came across as the emptier of the two empty suits. I saw the Gaetani Political
SORRY-News Hour today. As usual, it was an excellent show. Mr. Gaetani beyond any doubt was the superior candidate in this Mayoral race. He has detailed plans to tackle the budget by reducing it by 7% per year and 28% over four years. Mr. Gaetani stated that the four main city departments- Police Fire School dept and Dpw will have their budgets reduced by 1.3-1.5% per year and that over four years would, see their budgets reduced by 5-7%. He stated further that no city employee wiil receive any wage increases during the four year period he will be Mayor. I believe this well thought out plan is very doable and i agree with him that this 28% reduction will indeed reduce property taxes for residents and businesses and that will be the stimulus to bring new people and busines, who will hire Pittsfield residents. Watching Mr. Gaetani think and presenting his ideas, I see a genuine concerned seasoned and polished retired corporate executive who has the concern for the taxpayer at heart. Stop wasting time deciding who won the debate. The winner will be the taxpayer if neither is elected. The taxpayer can only win if Mr. Gaetani wins the election as a write in candidate. Take your choice.
Isn’t that weird? He is the only one who even addressed the taxpayer. It never even occurred to the other two that taxes might be a concern for the citizens who live in the city they want to be mayor of?
No because they are both tax and spenders. They are totally blind to those who are not wealthy enough to survive in their high society city.
I will be writing in Gaetani s name. It would be asinine for me to vote for someone who is oblivious to my main concern. I think both of these people are totally insensitive to the senior trying to stay in their own home. And that is pretty low life behavior.
After much thought he’s got my vote too.
The stolen money @ PHS happened 4 years ago not 3.
Pummelin and urinetown, grow up! Education does matter no matter the job.
The Mayor just dissed half the city LOL! Are we even kwalified to vote for you mr college Man?
The fact you are using the word ‘dissed’ makes you unqualified in my book
you can’t tell me what to say I’m gonna paint DIS on my fence LOL
I think it would compliment mine quite well. Go for it! I have extra paint if you need it… red blue or white
Paul-Education is every thing in all executive positions. Those who think otherwise are uneducated.
Where can those of us unfortunate enough to miss this debate find a viewing, dan? It seems informative to say the least. Preferably before Tuesday
according to the PCTV schedule mr. G’s shows plays at 8:30 tonight and the Planet debate follows.Both are on 16 I saw both shows this morning and recommend them both if you are interested in Pittsfield politics.
You can also watch the debate on the Tyer for Mayor website.
http://www.tyerformayor.com/debates.html
I think it streams as well on pctv website
You Tube
Directly on youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ER2FEenPH4
Anyone see the Halloween Parade tonight, you can barely make out the picture it’s so dark, doesn’t look to revitalized there either.
Did any if the North Street crowd march as zombies?
Need some help, did Ms Tyer say how she was going to reduce the budget? Anyone, anyone anyone. Crikets,cricket’s, Brueller
Did Bianchi say he was going to reduce the budget? Why wasn’t the question asked to him?
Was it because he increased the budget by 18 million dollars in four short years?
She is the one that ran the radio add saying so. She is a liar, will not even level fund budget. Do not like Dan, he gets my vote.
Did not know she was going to reduce it. But she will increase it.
Prediction: Mayor Linda Tyer, councillor at large Marchetti, Amuso, Mazzeo and White.
You must have crystal balls Chuck.
One for each race
Marchetti, Cotton, Amuso and Mazzeo. Hope for Mazzeo to lose her job as prez so she can be back to pick Tyre to pieces. She’s a hundred times smarter and she does her homework.
She knows how to perform a root canal as well. She has watched it bring performed a hundred time. I didn’t know hygienists watched root canals. I thought they cleaned teeth.
She actually said that her first term in office.
Another liar!
Watched the debate for a third time and it is clearly evident that Ms.Tyer has no background to even consider runing for mayor. Putting her in the Mayor’s seat would be like putting her in the cockpit of a 747. The result would be crash and burn in either instance. Bianchi is only slightly better than Tyer when looked at objectively. Objectively is the only way to make an informed decision as to who should be mayor. Too many decisions as to who is elected to political office in this city is based on popularity and the strength of the Gob and Sig’s. My husband and I have been in Pittsfield for over eight years and life long, we have been politically active. We have studied the platforms of all candidates for city office and have our opinions on all the candidates running for city office. we are most concerned about the mayoral race and have met Mr.Gaetani when he came to our house seeking our support for his mayoral bid. Both my husband and I are college educated. Mr. Gaetani took the time to inform us as to his ideas to make Pittsfield a better place for all city residents. We are convinced that he is by far the best candidate to be mayor of the city of Pittsfield. We are not happy with how the city is presently being run and have contemplated moving away. Both my husband and I have very good jobs and to leave pittsfield would be difficult but we can see the handwriting on the wall, that if someone like Mr. Gaetani isn;t elected Mayor, we probably will move on, as things dont look good for Pittsfield in the very near future. Please consider voting for Mr. Gaetani as a write in candidate so that we can stay here in Pittsfield. We do love the city and under his leadership I believe the city would flourish.
I agree. Tyer is not qualified to be mayor. That fact is crystal clear. She is an excellent city clerk.
Gaetani would have to overwelmingly popular to win a write in vote. He is not. He played his cards all wrong.
Which leaves Dan Bianchi. We all know what a disaster that is. More to come.
Sad to say but the next 4 years are going to be rough.
If any good can come out of bankruptcy it would be fresh start. Pittsfield will never return to what it once was. When it happens, nobody will be able to say they never saw it coming.
Its not just Pittsfield. The entire country is 20 Trillion dollars in debt. That is how much they admit to. That can never be paid. In fact, unless they keep borrowing more and more, the system will shut down. Its unsustainable.
I just watched the “debate” in its entirety with an open mind. So basically the lovely Linda is saying she would have painted the deck on the Titanic red instead of blue. Nothing of any substance there. Watching two progressive tax and spend liberals going at it is like watching expensive paint dry.
Not a nickels worth of difference between them. Who do you trust to spend your money? Neither. Bianchi running on his arrogance…Tyer running on her looks. Both looking to reach into your wallet.
Is either one worth a half a million of your dollars for a 4 year term. Absolutely not.
Vote by calling your realtor, then Marty Mullen Mayflower.
“Why is the alphabet in that order?
Is it because of that song?
The guy that wrote that song wrote everything”.
– Steven Wright
Another person shot on Lincoln Street last night. So much for Mayor Bianchi’s crime initiative or should I say smoke and mirror show. He needs to go!
Dear concerned very well written and thoughtful post. I don’t agree with you but still an excellent post.
I watched Mr Gaetani’s TV show last night and feel that if he had shown that side of him, instead of going after the people personally, he would have had a chance to become the next mayor of Pittsfield! As it stands a vote for him is a wasted vote. Just my opinion.
I agree Chuck.
Mr. V- I have watched most of Mr. Gaetani;s tv shows and I have found him to be very consistent. I have seen him personally attack only three individuals, the Police Chief, Fire Chief and Mr. Collingwood. Can you blame him for disparaging Collingwood? He wouldn’t even allow Mr. Gaetani to go to the water plants to obtain data he needed, to prepare for a presentation to a body of Engineers and Scientists, which would of shed good light on the city of Pittsfield. Mr. Gaetani claims he was railroaded by trumped up charges against him by Mayor Bianchi, Police Chief Wynn and Fire Chief Czerwinski. Put yourself in Mr. Gaetani’s shoes, He is adamant that these charges are false and has asked for a jury trial. That said, he Is the best qualified candidate for mayor beyond doubt. My write in vote for Mr. Gaetani will not be a wasted vote, as it will send a signal that I am fed up with the way the city is run and to protest, regarding the choice of the two weak candidates whose name will be on the ballot for Mayor. I hope that everyone on this site looks objectively at the choices they have for mayor and realize that Mr. Gaetani is far superior in education, accomplishment and most importantly, is the only candidate who has the concern of the taxpayers at heart. Mr. Gaetani is the only candidate with a realistic plan to move our city forward. I ask that everyone join me and my husband in voting for Mr. Gaetani as a write in candidate for Mayor on Nov. 3rd.
Talk about wasted votes. Voting in the same special interest groups time after time with disastrous results is wasting your votes and hurting your family. Gaetani does not owe favors to anyone who donated money to him or helped him with his campaign. I do not care one bit that he is rough around the edges. I am not looking for a charm school graduate, I am looking for someone who will put the people first instead of using my tax dollars to line the pockets of their friends.
I believe Gaetani means it when he says he cares about the people. I hope people will be able to separate the sincerity from the bull stools and allow their own brain to make their voting decisions.
And remember that all of these political mailers and lawn signs are paid for with campaign donations. And many of these donors expect, and will get, some kind of compensation for their donations. And that will most likely be paid for out of the taxpayers pockets one way or another.
So, Chuckster, what will Tyer bring to the city? Please be specific…..like the specific ocean.
Congrats to my cousin Maria on her victory at the Breeders Cup!
Guess we will have to agree to disagree. I’m voting for Linda Tyer.
To bad Chuck thought you were smarter than that.
Well Chuck, Concerned made a pretty good case for Gaetani. Can you make the case for Tyer?
Is there someone out there who can make the case for Bianchi? I just wonder why folks are voting for a particular candidate.
Ed, there is money already put aside for replacement of the field. There is no need to mow or paint lines on the field once it is built. Also, yes there is a need. There are too many sports not enough field’s.Sounds like you don’t have your facts straight.
Mr. Taxpayer,
I’m breaking my rule about responding to ghosts because it is Halloween and as we all know ghosts are also afraid to show themselves. Allegedly, there is money put aside but BCC would be on the hook for the maintenance. Don’t we subsidize BCC? And Pittsfield’s population has decreased to the point that St. Joe cancelled their football program and the Little Leagues have consolidated. I still believe that we should be absolutely certain, I stress absolutely certain, that these fields are 100% safe before we proceed. PCB’s used to be deemed safe and I got free cigs in the army. Like I wrote earlier, what’s the hurry?
Just watched the entire 58 minute proceeding on YouTube.
Here is my stream of consciousness review.
Mr. Valenti’s specialty appears to be asking ‘gotcha’ questions, not much different in caliber and style than those put forth by CNBC’s moderators at this past Wednesday’s Republican debate.
Bianchi continually comes across as pompous and pretentious, continually preening and unnecessarily rude — somewhat of a boor.
Considering the lousy job Hizzoner has done the past two terms, he also comes across as self-righteous and entirely self-satisfied with his lackluster job performance.
It’s plainly obvious that Moderator Valenti and Mayor Bianchi really enjoy hearing themselves talk, and talk, and talk.
Tyer seems about as qualified as any other bureaucrat seeking the mantle of Pittsfield’s corner office.
Though neither mentioned party affiliation, both candidates come across as Liberal Democrats, neither willing to tackle the subject of cutting expenditure’s and lowering taxes, neither willing to think outside the box to find solutions to Pittsfield’s highly pressing problems.
Valenti seems repeatedly argumentative with Tyer whereas he shows real deference to Bianchi on a continuing basis.
Far too much time utterly wasted discussing the student who brought a loaded gun to school.
Too much posturing by both Bianchi and Moderator Valenti.
Again, Valenti sure likes hearing himself speak.
Why does Bianchi keep interrupting Tyer when she’s discussing the issue of violence?
At one point Valenti even says to Tyer: “Let the Mayor talk.”
Bianchi repeatedly interrupted Tyer in the middle of her answers.
Two Democrats, Bianchi and Tyer, arguing about applying for grants to stop violence rather than putting more cops on the street.
Bianchi comes across again as a pompous fool.
Why didn’t Bianchi think to wear a tie to this debate?
Valenti to Bianchi: “Are you suggesting your opponent would be over her head?”
But Valenti never asks Tyer whether she thinks Bianchi has been over his head now for two terms?
Tyer is plainly more polite and classier than Bianchi.
Bianchi asks whether we should trust him to run a $150 million business?
You gotta be kidding!
You are spot on, GMH.
I don’t care who had the best makeup or why they did or didn’t have a necktie or if they were polite I just want to know who can lead the dam city without killing me on taxes.
Silence Dogood:
Given that both Bianchi and Tyer plainly are Liberal Democrats and that neither raised the issue of cutting expenditures or lowering taxes — and this at a time when Banchi is seeking to increase both, I would say that you’ve answered your own question.
GM Hellen
Stellar review. Point on.
Heller
At G M..very well detailed my friend, funny you didn’t notice both Moderator and Mayor had the same outfits on..sport coat and white shirt, no tie.
I really have not read one legitimate reason why any poster has given for voting for Bianchi or Tyer.
It seems to me everybody’s main gripe is taxes yet either candidate does not give 2 sh**s about lowering them.
The mayoral race should not be left to picking straws.
On another note I would like to thank the Berkshire Enquirer(Eagle) for not endorsing my wife. Seriously it gives her a better shot at winning.
Corey, you are right. Mike Ward and the Bianchi crowd don’t really make the case for their candidates. The Tyer crowd just says Bianchi, Valenti and Gaetani are poopie heads because they are mean to the girl. They never make a case for why anyone should vote for her.
But Gaetani is the only person even address lowering them whether it works or not. He at least has the intention.
It was over with the sign Corey. Tully used what I call a cheap shot, but it was effective, you’re wife let her guard down.
Didnt let her guard down really its been in and out the news for months. She never hid from it and not too many people didnt know about it before that. I catch people all day driving by even taking pictures lol.
If people cannot look past the sign they deserve what they get.
Haha…oops wrong id.. but to clarify it is me
No problem,Corey, actually think Tammy is a good egg. Meant left her guard down at the debate,and she was right by saying it didn’t surprise her that Tully could do something like that comment. Which goes to show you Tully is a totally non agenda orientated City Councilor without a clue.
She had to go first every question……was this Kratka’s idea? Maybe he should stick to spinning records.
Seating was ballot order but now you point that out juan, every other debate was mixed as far as answering questions
As much as she couldnt stand Tully, she did not want to waste the chance to share her views with voters seeming we are very low budget. But again not offguard Tully has been after us since 1 month after she took the seat. We knew it was coming. It is all she has on her. We could of always brought up her thing for former mayors sons but we did not
If Tyer is Mayor she will be the most unqualified and most overpaid ever. Mike must like mediocrity.
Don’t worry bad breath Ruberto will pull her strings.