ELECTION TEA LEAVES: STRANGE BREW KILLS WHAT’S INSIDE OF YOU
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEDNESDAY, OCT. 28, 2015) — Less than a week before the fateful day on Nov. 3, allow THE PLANET to share some pre-Election Day observations. These are not leanings. These are not endorsements.
WARD COUNCIL RACES
Ward 1: Lisa Tully (incumbent) versus Tammy Ives — Tammy’s in love. She’s in love with running. She’s in love with providing voters an alternative. She is not in love with winning, otherwise she would have photo-op’d sanding “FU” off the driveway gate. Meanwhile Tully waits it out to an easy win.
Ward 2: Kevin Morandi (incumbent) versus Mike Merriam. Ward 2 will have the lowest turnout of the seven. Morandi could sit on the bench all day next to Zabian’s in Lee and walk away, “talking ‘bout things but nobody cares” and “wearing out things that nobody wears.” This is not Lee. It’s Pittsfield.
Ward 3: Nick Caccamo, unopposed. No handicap would be too low. No pop up would be too high. Nick votes for himself. Nick wins.
Ward 4: Chris Connell, incumbent, versus Terry Kinnas. Supercitizen Kinnas declared an 11th hour write-in campaign. He will win several hundred votes. This won’t be enough for victory, but who says he’s thinking about Nov. 3? Watch for Connell to declare for state rep next year. He says he can be both.
Ward 5: Donna Todd Rivers versus Rick Scapin, the most interesting head-to-head race outside of the mayoral contest. Rivers narrowly missed an at-large seat last time she ran and has had a few years of quietly building an organization and following. Scapin will be seen in the role of Marley, a ghost from the sad bygone of Christmas past. Ebenezer has long left the building. Rivers in a (carrot) cake walk.
Ward 6: John Krol, unopposed. Our right honorable good friend and dad of My Three Sons comes back for more. THE PLANET and Fred McMurray like that.
Ward 7: Tony Simonelli, incumbent, versus Kathy Lloyd. Tone gets picked off at the 1 with everything on the line. Lloyd won’t have to hang from the hour hand of a 14th-story building clock to win. New face? Non-politician? What’s not to like?
AT-LARGE
Seven running for four seats. Melissa Mazzeo, Churchill Cotton, and Kathy Amuso, incumbents, against Taylor DiSantis, Joe Nichols, Peter White, and Peter Marchetti. Haven’t we been by this rerun before? Seven Dwarves wooed Snow White, Remember? Winners: Sleepy, Dopey, Happy, and Doc. Losers: Sneezy, Bashful, and Grumpy. Yours to decipher.
MAYOR
Dan Bianchi, incumbent, versus Linda Tyer: Two seats of power within city hall, the top two local political machines, and head vs. heart. The mayor owns the bully pulpit (+). He also has a track record to pick apart (—) or spin (+/—). Tyer lacks executive experience (—). Winning personality (+). Without executive responsibility, she’s free to say anything and promise anything she wants (+/—). In 2009, Jimmy Ruberto defeated Bianchi by 100+ votes. In 2011, Bianchi topped Marchetti by about the same margin. That split still exists. This race comes down to several factors:
- Which candidate can energize the highest percentage of their respective bases?
- What will overall turnout be? A larger turnout favors Tyer. A low turnout favors Bianchi.
- Will weather have an impact?
- Last impressions linger. THE PLANET’s Thursday TV “discussion” with the two candidates may provide electoral “the tipping point.”
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Nine running for six seats. Incumbents Kathy Yon, Cynthia Taylor, Tony Riello, Pam Farron, Dan Elias, and Josh Cutler. Challengers Sal Frieri, Irwin Moiseff, and Richard Backer.
Yon: Heels over head.
Taylor: What, you haven’t noticed?
Riello: Hack, hack, hack.
Farron: What, you noticed?
Elias: Come see, come sah.
Cutler: Boy wonderless.
Frieri: Ro Ro Ro your boat.
Backer: Not an incumbent.
Moiseff: IrWIN, IrWIN, IrWIN, the city turns its lonely eyes to you.
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We close on this program note: THEEEE meeting of the campaign, tomorrow night, 7 to 8 p.m., live on PLANET VALENTI TELEVISION, Bianchi and Tyer: No notes, no quarter, like you haven’t seen them before.
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“Yesterday in days of old, sun is cold and rain is hot.” — Creedence Clearwater Revival, “Have You Ever Seen the Rain,” (1971).
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
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Love the Harold Lloyd reference
Who has the school union been instructed to vote for?
What happened to my favorite dwarf Grumpy ? or is not running this year ?
We have heard the call of the Grumpy Lobby, RK. He was inadvertently left out, and now he is in!
Driving down North street the other day and was stuck at the light near Maplewood and North and noticed one of the old buildings had the name Lloyd on it, never had noticed it before. A premonition maybe for Kathy in 7? Any history on that Dan?
Ha! We love the Lloyd building! We made up a story that it was built by crazy old cousin Lloyd. His first name was also Lloyd. He was going to name it the Lloyd Lloyd building but ran out of cash at the last minute. Thus only the single Lloyd is all that remains of crazy old cousin Lloyd 🙂
Watched the City Council meeting last night. Whose brilliant idea was it to move the Alternate School to Herberg?
And, of course, our stupid School Committee “rubber stamped” it!
It is small town unprofessionalism.
I will say however, David Turoczy seems to have it together. He falls under “Competent”.Something this Administration struggles with.
If our ‘FU’ prevent my wife from getting in then so be it. Its a symbol of our fight. Our fight to get people to stand up for themselves.
It really comes down to what has Tully done in political office????
Find anything??? You wont unless it was to attack us for trying to make life ourselves. Anything else was already set in place for her.
Tully is the worst. I cannot believe how small her contribution has been to this Council and Ward.
Several of these councilors are not there for their “contributions”. They are there to vote and vote as instructed. If they had any self worth they would not be on that council making a mockery of government.
Who instructs them?
Heres another example of where Tully’s morality lies: Last night Tully voted against waiving a $150 permit fee for a non-profit organization that feeds hungry people.
This was an electrical permit fee so they can install a new freezer so they can make the food go farther to feed more people that need it.
Whats $150 when you have already approved almost every tax hike. This is not where you draw the line!!!
I watched the debate and the point of refusing the $150 permit fee for one non-profit was due to the fact that it would open a Pandora’s box, with every other non-profit asking for all of their fees waived. Everyone agreed that the organization is worthy of all support for the good they do, but if one exception is made, wait until you see how many other non-profits start asking for their fees to be waived.
Sorry, this point should not be used to bash the council.
I agree with you D-Man,
In fact I looked up their 990 IRS form and found out that they banked $6651 last year. They certainly can afford $150 for a fee.
The point is not what they saved…. its the fact she says no now and not on more crucial things
Plus whatever extra $ is to help feed more people
Mr. Ives,
Once your wife is elected will you be speaking for her?
Of course not Jerry but I have the right to voice my opinion as well as everyone else. So if I can voice an opinion for her, I will because I love and support her in whatever she does.
Jerry,
Come now, I have never needed anyone to speak for me. My thoughts are mine and mine alone unlike many others that are running for the many races this year. It is up to the citizens to figure out which is b.s. and which is true. I guarantee that if elected you will see a very opinionated person who will stick to her guns and follow the direction of the people for the people and by the people.
The fence should not play a part in if I am a victor or not what should matter is that the people are Fed Up with the way the city is being ran or the their lack of.
Who put up the fence that stopped the people from voting on the new school? Who put up the fence that stopped the city council from weighing in on the moving of city offices? Who keeps putting up fences that keep the people from getting accurate and timely information on what is going on in the city?
The One You Want to Vote Out of the Corner Office.
Ok, great, but I have to drive by and see what is on your fence.
Are you being a good role model for kids walking by and seeing what is on your fence, I am just asking, again I will personal come and see this tomorrow.
Thanks….J
Absolutely come by… if we are home we can even chat if you want. We encourage kids and people to stand up for themselves w/out violence.
Its the threat of violence towards my family that put those letters and #s there
The FU is a symbol of your immaturity and your inability to deal with adverse situations in a respectable manner. If a petition that your wife puts in gets voted down will she put a big FU next to her nameplate? Ward 1 representation will be the joke of the city either way,
Dave,
Do you know what you councilor tully has done? Nothing but make an ass out of herself time and time again. Immaturity is giving a comment at the last minute and expecting to have the final say. Serving a low blow when I can’t respond is being an ignoramus. Respect went out the window two years ago when she was elected. FU next to a name plate? That’s food for thought
Make it a flag and send me one!
Sorry Tammy in all due respect you will be beat on Tuesday by a large margin because you have failed to tell people why they should vote for you and what difference you would make. It is true Tully is an embarrassment, and has done little to contribute to city affairs except to be Bianchi & Mazzeo’s puppet. But you have not done the work it takes to earn the position.
Being a Ward 1 residence I am writing in Christine Yon just as a protest.
There will multiple avenues to see why Tammy should be voted in. You can watch her on Gaetani’s upcoming show as well look in the various news sources such as the Gazette, iberkshires and the Eagle in the coming days. We waited for Yon to run because we wanted her back as well but I was told by her family member ‘after this ward turned their backs on her she was done with it’ and it is truly our loss. We cannot allow things to continue the way they are. That is why my wife decided to run.
Lisa hasn’t done a good job of representing Ward 1. I will be voting for Tammy. Lisa barely even speaks up at the council meetings. She voted for a new Taconic. She voted for every school budget increase. Go Tammy!!!
Please ask Dan Bianchi why several city employees are suing him. Chris Kennedy, Mark Lenihan, and Rosanne Frieri are all suing Mayor Dan Bianchi!
Please ask Dan Bianchi why he treated William Monterosso differently than Rosanne Frieri. William Monterosso received a lucrative severance package, while Rosanne Frieri received a bag full of sand to pound.
Please ask Dan Bianchi about the violent crime and multiple shootings and murders in Pittsfield.
Please ask Dan Bianchi about the record high municipal tax rate once the financing for the new Taconic High School kicks in. Are record high taxes good for residents and business alike?
Please ask Dan Bianchi what his plan is when Sabic lays off about 300 employees next year. Will he just continue to raise taxes?
Please ask Dan Bianchi why he attacked the lovely Linda Tyer for missing a Springfield debate when he missed a Chamber of Commerce debate back in 2009. Is he a man of double standards? Do as I say, not as I do.
Please ask Dan Bianchi if he is a political bully who doesn’t tolerate dissenting views.
Please ask Dan Bianchi why he didn’t work with the City Council on the health insurance switch or the move to 100 North Street.
Please ask Dan Bianchi why he blames all of Pittsfield’s problems on the Jimmy Ruberto administration. Doesn’t he believe in accountability?
Please ask Dan Bianchi about his voting history versus him taking credit for successful projects. He voted against funding for the Colonial Theater and the new Taconic High School, but now he takes credit for them.
Please ask the lovely Linda Tyer why she is running on Jimmy Ruberto’s organization. Does she believe Jimmy Ruberto was a good Mayor?
Ask both candidates if they have any long range plans for Hubbard Ave. There are more and more business setting up there every year. It is a major thoroughfare The road needs to be widened and paved. I know you cannot do anything about the railroad bridge.
I couldn’t agree more, that whole road from the rail road bridge down to BJ,s has huge potential. The few existing homes should be taken eminent domain, and road reconfigured. Not to mention building a road from Merrill rd. down by Flynn’s to Downing industrial park. Think this would elevate truck traffic and spur development in that area.
The entrance from Merrill rd. has been hashed over many times. Never gonna happen. The birdwatchers club has that nailed down. It is environmentally damaging to build an overpass through that swamp.But it would alleve truck traffic through the Coltsville intersection and Hubbard Ave.
I know it was shot down because of environmental reasons quite a few years ago. Really think it should be revisited. There’s should be a way to get it done and still meet EPA standards.
Another never gonna happen was opening the connector between Stop&Shop and the TJ Maxx plaza until the state stepped in to control Coltsville traffic.
Maybe we should go there again.
Conversations and discussions are going to maintain civility in our schools….You got it LOw. You can talk about it till the cows come in councilor, it won’t disappear on it’s own
As far as mayor is concerned…flip a coin…heads we win, tails you lose.
As far as Gaetani or Kinnas are concerned, get real. We’re not scared.
The city council and school committee votes don’t matter. We have ways of controlling them. Did you notice the vote on the new high school was unanimous? Despite what any councilors said, in the end, they towed the line. We even kept the vote out of the hands of the citizens.
Please remember that if you don’t vote, you can’t complain.
We need you to believe that your vote really matters
Believe me both administrations have come after us and tried to control us.
Has it worked??? …no
Will it stop us from fighting???… no
My wife cannot be controlled!!!.. as we all know
What else can you GOBs throw at us??? … looking forward to it
One person can make a difference. Every great idea started with one person.
So YES everyone vote!!!
Tammy doesn’t understand cable TV programing. How could she understand the city budget as a councilor? GET RID OF THE SIGN. I’M TIRED OF LOOKING AT IT.
Hey,
I see your girl tried to put me in my place on Monday. Pick up tomorrows paper to check out my reply. If I win who knows maybe wishes will come true maybe the letters will come down.
Cable tv boycott it. It is unnecessary to deal with people who don’t appreciate the best interest of the community. The should advertise for a new carrier.
Hey, I have some metal cans outside on the curb down the street from you on Sadler Ave. Feel free to pick them up.
Thanks but no thanks we are not taking any contributions. although I heard Tully’s camp is!
How about a frid? Add it to your junk pile!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Then it would be no different than before the ‘no parking’ signs. You know when you all would wave us down to help you or watch and feed your kids or give rides places. You know before the threats of violence came towards my family or you all caring about what i do.
You people are a disgrace to the neighborhood!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You know what’s a disgrace is a grown man sexually harassing men women and children. I guess you are what you hang out with.Right Todd. Your batting a thousand here first your girl looks dumb and now you. Somethings never change. Hey where is sal lately?
Hi Tammy,
Sorry I was late, I was at Councilor Tully’s neighborhood watch meeting tonight. I was hoping to win the security camera system she donated, so I could keep an eye on you. Unfortunately, I didn’t win it. So I picked up Larry’s cans and will bring them to Perlman’s tomorrow. Where did he say the fridge was?
You guys are just starting to use cameras now? Ive caught several of my wonderful neighbors taking pictures of my kids including you and Larry, Sal.
At last night city council meeting Gaetani gave the council, mayor and Tyer a grade of ‘F’ for the dire situation the city is presently in. He further stated correctly, that none of them deserve to be re-elected to another term. Mr Gaetani clearly looked to be in pain and quite swollen from his recent auto accident but it didn’t stop him from supporting the mary jane and joe Karpanski’s. He fearlessly chastised the Gob’s and Sigs and called for an end to their forty year control of our city. also in todays BB, he has a very interesting article that should be read by everyone. I wish that Dan had invited mr. Gaetani to his televised debate on Thursday. You still have time to invite him. Is there any one else on this site who would like to see Mr. Gaetani invited to the debate? I and all my friends and relatives are going to vote for Mr.Gaetani and i hope many others will also. We have no choice with Bianchi or Tyer. only Gaetani will bring about real change which is desperately needed in this city.
We need a complete clean sweep…..elect a new council…..no retreads……write in Gaetani.
I have only one thing to say. This city doesn’t need another person pointing his finger when he doesn’t get his way. Give it up.
I thing Cr@ig gave the Council and Mayor an F failure and a U unsatisfacory.
Looking into tea leaves I see Mayor Tyer and councillors Marchetti, Amuso, Mazzeo and White.
So then, Pete, Repeat, Large Marge and the Princess
Who are the people you are referencing?
No white please.
Chuck, weren’t you on the Mayflower?
I thought it was the Tiatanic
If that’s the case bring me a coffee and I’ll find grounds for a divorce.
You can’t have a clean sweep because of g o b favs and not enough candidates to replace the retreads, which will be retreads either way.
we’ll have to flush the electoral toilet again in two years
Eagle endorses Linda Tyer! Well written endorsement. Don’t get the mayflower or titanic references. Looking forward to next debate!
If Tyer wins you get a ride on the Good Ship Loly Pop. If it’s Bianchi you ride on the S.S. Minnow. If Gaetani pulls it out you’ll be ridding on the Star Ship Enterprise.
Will not happen.
Last evening while watching the silly council gathering a vision appeared on the television screen. A gentleman was lumbering down to speak at the open mike, sat down and announced that he was Mr. Gaetani, was somewhat groggy due to a serious automobile accident, he proceeded to tell the constituents to vote for him as a write in candidate and that all City Council and Mayor should be voted out. I have come to respect Mr. Gaetani as a former Viet Nam War Veteran Decorated, as well as a teacher, and part of the Krofta Team that saved millions to City with it’s Sand Float technology. I will be writing in the man whom I’ve come to respect for being the an advocate for myself and others who cannot speak for themselves. Mr.Gaetani, you are a great man, an innovator who has the best interests of the citizens in our community. We not not ever meet sir, but I have your back and am proud to call you FRIEND!
Lindan Tianchidodledandy wins Pittsfield looses
Prrrrrrr.