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LAST PITCH: D.A. CANDIDATES IN THEIR OWN WORDS … ELECTION DAY IS TODAY

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BY DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, MONDAY-TUESDAY NOV. 5-6, 2018) — OK, here’s the deal. You vote or don’t vote today. The latter option, unfortunately, may apply to most of the electorate. Either way, you have a choice for district attorney, one that Berkshire County must live with for six years. You can vote (or not vote) for incumbent D.A.  or Paul Caccaviello challenger Andre Harrington, who won the Democratic Party nomination against Cacc and attorney Judith Knight in September.

A Cacc win means history, since he is running a write in effort. To vote for him, you will physically have to write in his name on the space provided for by the ballot. A Harrington means history as well. She would be the first woman to win the local position. He has campaigned on his vast experience in the D.A.’s office and criticized her lack of judicial experience. She has pitched a new approach to the office whose goal is to, in her words, “transform the community.” She has criticized him s part of a criminal justice system that has not prevented an upsurge in county crime.

For our final piece before tomorrow’s vote, THE PLANET gives you the candidates in their own words, taken from their web pages.

PAUL CACCAVIELLO

I must answer the overwhelming call I am hearing from hundreds of Berkshire County citizens to stay in this race for District Attorney. Many people, un-enrolled voters, Independent, Republican and other others who could not take out a Democratic ballot with my name on it in the September Primary want and should have their vote count. This larger group includes all the eligible voters of Berkshire County. These voters want and deserve a say in who will represent and protect them and their families as their District Attorney.

The groundswell of support I have received in these past few weeks is truly humbling. It is a grassroots movement that neither my campaign nor I encouraged. Principally, the morning after the Primary, I went back to work doing the job I love with our office’s
dedicated staff.

I am not a politician. I have believed that this office must be above party politics because our District Attorney’s responsibility is public safety, not the pursuit of a political agenda. And if I were a politician, I and my supporters are realizing now that we would have run a
very different campaign. I’m proud of our campaign, the issue-oriented high-road we took and that we spent significantly less money than my opponent who achieved such a narrow margin of victory.

The District Attorney is the top law enforcement officer in Berkshire County and cannot be beholden to any political group, movement, or individual donor. Citizens must have the utmost confidence that their District Attorney will represent and protect them without regard to their party affiliation or political ideology. They must know that their DA is an experienced criminal attorney with a vast depth of knowledge, not a product manufactured by a powerful political machine.

For thirty years, my commitment has been to the citizens of Berkshire County. Many of the voters who have reached out to me over the last two weeks have expressed two common concerns: the importance of a candidate’s experience and demonstrated accomplishments, and what they view as money, support, and political influence on the race from outside of Berkshire County. I share those concerns and vow to redouble my efforts to keep the office of the District Attorney accountable to the people we serve and in the hands of competence, experience, and judgment informed by the prosecution of 5000-,plus cases

Public service has always been my calling. I am not a politician; I am a professional career prosecutor for the public that I have honorably served for thirty years. To this end, I am answering the call from these grassroots efforts urging me to utilize the Democratic process that allows us to continue to run for District Attorney as a write-in candidate on the November ballot.

———- ooo ———-

ANDREA HARRINGTON

The United States has about 5 percent of the world’s population, but a staggering 25 percent of the world’s prisoners. It is clear that the old “tough on crime” model, which sought to maximize convictions and sentence lengths for non-violent offenders, has failed––especially when research shows that locking up people who are not a danger does nothing to prevent crime.

Instead, as Berkshire District Attorney, I will focus my efforts and resources toward justice through context-appropriate and trauma-informed prosecutorial practices. To keep people safe while ensuring fair and equitable treatment for victims, I will: End incarceration for non-violent offenses. Sending people to prison should be the last resort, not the first. End the school-to-prison pipeline that funnels youth, particularly youth of color, into the criminal justice system. Implement bail reform by ending cash bail for low-level and low-risk offenders, ending practices that disproportionately penalize low-income individuals. End the war on drugs by de-prioritizing cases related to minor drug possession and use, which drains our resources and disproportionately hurt communities of color.

Fight the Opioid Epidemic with Smart Policy and Compassion
The current opioid crisis is one of the biggest issues facing our country today, and Berkshire County has seen far too many deaths in just the past few years. The solution is not to keep locking people up. Addiction is a disease, not a crime, and should be treated as such. Instead, the community ought to come together to come up with data-informed, compassionate solutions to these problems. To help deal with the crisis, I propose that we: Seek help for addicts instead of locking them up. The Drug Court was a great first step, and as DA I plan to build on that progress. Prosecute those truly responsible for the crisis––drug companies. Where possible, I will assist in law suits targeting the companies behind the epidemic.

Protect the Vulnerable
As a criminal defense lawyer, I have seen firsthand how the criminal justice system can affect women, children, people of color, and vulnerable immigrant communities. The “tough on crime” approach too often strong arms these communities into compliance and over-prosecutes people without the resources to defend themselves. Victims deserve a voice, and my office will help speak up for these communities. To help protect victims and their families, I will implement trauma-informed prosecutorial reforms that: Aggressively prosecute violent crime. Violent offenders, particularly domestic abuser cannot expect a friendly plea bargain when I am District Attorney. Under my watch, domestic abusers see long jail sentences, not probation. We need to commit the same time and resources toward domestic violence that the current DA has put toward the war on drugs and end the cycle of violence which often starts in our homes.

Prioritize cases of sex and race-based discrimination.
Specifically reviewing convictions to ensure that they are just and don’t unfairly target women, children, people of color, or those in the LGBTQ+ community. Protect immigrant communities by ensuring that the Berkshire County justice system does not threaten their well-being or ability to live here without interference.
Dismiss cases more readily where and when it appears that the defendant may be innocent.

Transparency and Accountability
It is one of my highest priorities that the Berkshire County District Attorney and her office conduct themselves with the utmost integrity. But a commitment to pursuing justice means nothing without transparency and accountability. The public thus has a right to know what the District Attorney does and why. In order to be transparent and accountable as your District Attorney, I will:
Create and release detailed protocols for dealing with high-profile cases like police misconduct, sexual assault, and other serious matters. Establish a Citizen’s Advisory Board to advise me and my staff in the areas of community outreach and education, crime prevention, community prosecution, civic engagement, social justice and civil rights issues. Hire only those prosecutors that promote public safety AND seek justice with empathy, compassion, integrity, and a strong desire to reduce racial and gender disparities in policing. Maintain and release detailed statistics on rates of incarceration by race, gender, and other demographic factors, as well as detailed comparisons with state and national rates.

Diversion and Prevention
The District Attorney has tremendous power when it comes to prosecuting individuals. But she also has the power to divert certain people––especially veterans, children, and those suffering from addiction––toward programs designed to help them, rather than simply locking them up. For all but the worst violent offenses, our focus should be on rehabilitation, not incarceration. As the Berkshire DA, I would support these efforts and work hard to implement smart prevention policies to make sure many of these crimes aren’t committed in the first place. For example, I would support: Social service interventions where necessary to help victims and their families navigate the criminal justice system. Additional resources for the Berkshire County Drug Court and work to establish a Veterans Treatment Court in Berkshire County. Before- and after-school programs that provide mentoring, counseling, and other support services for young people. Sexual assault and domestic violence counseling that guide victims through the difficult periods they often face, even after legal intervention. Targeted employment opportunities, quality healthcare, and better housing opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals hoping to rejoin society.

———- ooo ———-

The vote will be taken on Nov. 6. The choice is your: Caccaviello, Harrington, blank, or do not vote.

——————————————————————————————-

More gold has been mined through the thoughts of men than has been taken from the earth” — Napoleon Hill

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL.

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Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
6 years ago

I am rooting for Andrea Harrington to win again on Tuesday, 11/6! She is fair and wants to help people who need it.
Paul Caccaviello is a sore loser who should have backed his opponent in the September primary.
I see the Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office as a place of injustice that has withheld or hidden exculpatory evidence to frame, railroad, and strong arm defendants. It has been written about in the Boston Globe and The Washington Post.
To make it clear, if you are well connected, you will be taken care of. But, if you are powerless, you will be persecuted!

Chuck Vincelette
Chuck Vincelette
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
6 years ago

Jonathan
My personal experience with Paul Caccaviello and the District Attorney’s office is totally opposite to what you state.
A sore loser? Why would you say something like that? A write in candidate is not to be scorned but should be lauded for his/her tenacity. Write in votes came about, I imagine, because the “powers that be” didn’t want to have a few people decide who should occupy any office. One of the current senators, a democrat, was a write in candidate. Was she a sore loser? I would imagine that AH would have done the same thing, probably for different reasons, if she had lost under the same circumstances.

Vote Paul Caccaviello the only rational choice!!!

Still wondering
Still wondering
Reply to  Chuck Vincelette
6 years ago

We don’t care what someone from New Hampshire says. Go bother someone else Jonathan.

Sojourner Truth
Sojourner Truth
Reply to  Still wondering
6 years ago

Amen ! Melle’s superficial tribble is meaningless and germane to nothing but his personal psychosis.It’s way past due to dissipate and simply go away .Old and Boring .Doesn’t New Hampshire have a mental health program ? Target your own state Melle !

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  Sojourner Truth
6 years ago

I live in Amherst, NH, NOT Russia! -&-
I don’t believe mental health is a stigma!

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
6 years ago

Where to begin….I disagree with so many points in Harrington’s web page statement.
She supports the Promise Program which rewards school districts for not reporting school assaults/incidents involving “youth of color” to the local police.
She calls addiction a “disease” which it is not.
She wants to “deprioritize” minor drug cases which “disproportionately hurt communities of color.”
Reverse racism! Yikes!
I can’t take anymore.
Vote Caccaviello!

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
6 years ago

How long before other so called minor cases or even crimes are not given high priority. Far left progressives seems to think that if they ignore minor crimes they can spend more time on the major crimes. They have no understanding that ignoring so-called minor criminal activity leads to major criminal activity in many cases. In the eastern part of the state a Progressive woman candidate was running for District Attorney and didn’t want to prosecute for drug dealing or shoplifting and a list of other crimes she considered to be minor.

Any crimes other than violent crimes should be treated with rehab?!?

Cicero
Cicero
6 years ago

By way of trying to wave away the Williams College situation, Caccaviello told a bald-faced lie to cover up the fact that his office broke the law and rushed to discard the evidence in a sexual assault case.

No other reason should be necessary to vote this man out of office. Anyone who lies so openly about such a serious matter is unfit to be DA. Period.

Somewhere out there the victim in that case is probably reading his lies. I bet it is not fun. Shame on you Caccaviello.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  Cicero
6 years ago

I read an opinion piece concerning Superior Court Judge John Agostini’s mistrust of D.A.’s Paul Caccaviello’s troubled prosecution of a pending murder case. It concerns the prosecutors’ – including Assistant District Attorney Joseph Coliflores- refusal to admit that they promised anything at all to secure unprecedented cooperation from a murder suspect named Peter J. Campbell against his alleged accomplice named Laquan Johnson.

Laquan Johnson’s lawyer has charged that Caccaviello’s prosecutors have withheld exculpatory evidence from the defense and the grand jury, while allowing the destruction of cell phone data that might have exonerated his client.

https://theberkshireedge.com/the-da-a-judge-cant-trust/

Van Lingle Mungo
Van Lingle Mungo
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
6 years ago

Talk to anyone in prison. They are all innocent and being screwed just as they were about to turn their lives around.

Chuck Vincelette
Chuck Vincelette
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
6 years ago

Thanks for the article. Interesting reading. It does seem that defense attorneys make many claims of prosecutorial misdeeds EVERYWHERE. That’s their job. Throw poop against the wall and see if something sticks.
As far as the judge’s statement “I find it hard to believe” is hardly a ringing indictment of the DA office. Slanted article. Why not ask the DA office for comment and report his rejoinder?

Never heard of Berkshire the Edge! Is AH on the editorial board?

Chuck Vincelette
Chuck Vincelette
Reply to  Cicero
6 years ago

Cicero perhaps you are seeing things the way you want them to be and not the way they are. You’ve been saying it so long I’ve forgotten what the “lie” is.
I’m not a lawyer but I’m certain there will be charges filed, if there was wrongdoing, and will be settled in the courts.
Vote Caccaviello the only logical choice.

Cicero
Cicero
Reply to  Chuck Vincelette
6 years ago

Chuck – I appreciate that you personally were treated well by the DA’s office. I’m sure there are many others who would say same thing. I am sure you are telling the truth and I am glad.

But that does not mean you should turn a blind eye to the fact that there are others who were not treated so well.

I know you did not mean it that way, but it’s pretty offensive to suggest that I or anyone else is “seeing things the way (we) want them to be” when we bring up the Williams sexual assault issue.

This board has become an echo chamber so you may not see what’s coming, but Caccaviello is going to lose big tomorrow. Then things are going to get REALLY interesting.

Pat
Pat
6 years ago

Growing trend of Progressives not wanting to prosecute certain crimes they deem minor. Instead they are making it about the wealthy vs. the poor. Unfortunately people in poor neighborhoods say their quality of life suffers if minor crimes are not prosecuted so Progressives are really hurting the very people they say they are trying to help. Poor neighborhoods are scared about these potential new policies of ignoring some crimes because they believe it will make overall crime worse and make their quality of life go even further downhill. I agree.

https://thebostonsun.com/2018/10/26/rollins-eases-concerns-over-the-list-at-wsana-monday/

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  Pat
6 years ago

Correction Pat. There are tons of progressives lined up to prosecute Trump and his family for all the crimes they have been committing for the last 30 years. I hear Hannity talking about it all the time. Wait till next week to see more coverage about it.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
6 years ago

No crimes. FAKE news. We saw all the lying women from the left during the Kavanaugh trial. Now lying women will go after Trump. This is mob justice Johnny Absurd. It’s what they do in communist countries NOT America.

AgentSmith
AgentSmith
6 years ago

Pucci is a not seeking justice, he’s seeking a payday.
What’s his plan? Force victims to report as he fishes for victims that support his client. His client could come forward and tell his or her story. So why try and undermine the prior investigation?
Because no charges were brought, which makes a civil case just that much harder
He’s hired an outside gun with monetary interest in this little game.
She may have been a victims advocate while she worked for the city, but she’s anything but now.
Linda Fairstein was so interested in converting her books to movies with Harvey Weinstein, she interceded on his behalf in one of the first police reported sexual assault cases.

“Linda Fairstein, a former Manhattan sex crimes prosecutor who had once written an article in Vanity Fair about her dream of doing a movie deal with Mr. Weinstein, agreed to consult. She was a close friend of Martha Bashford, head of the district attorney’s sex crimes bureau, and facilitated an introduction for Mr. Abramowitz. It was, she said, the type of thing she does for fellow lawyers.

“Calling Ms. Bashford to tell her who Elkan was and to ask her to consider meeting with him is the kind of thing I do four to six times every year,” said Ms. Fairstein, who said she had determined Ms. Battilana’s complaint was unfounded.”

https://www.nytimes.com/subscription/multiproduct/lp8HYKU.html?campaignId=6YHH6

Also kinda Fairstein also works for K2. Her job, consulting for Universities to help them deal with sexual assault complaints.
Image how much work she’d get if she could undermine a series of investigations that were actually done well.
All you have to do is understand that Fairstein we’ll say what she’s paid to say.
“Discreet and independent investigations of sexual misconduct involving students, faculty, coaches, and other individuals associated with a school.”
“With Linda at the helm of our new practice group, we can help academic institutions protect their students, their reputations, and their funding”

Odd too that the person that the family that founded K2 is named Kroll.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/linda-fairstein-joins-k2-intelligence-as-senior-advisor-and-leader-of-k2s-new-sexual-misconduct-consulting-group-195859481.html

AgentSmith
AgentSmith
6 years ago

Remember that Linda Fairstein was so encamped and enamored with Harvey Weinstein and getting her books made into movies she interceded in a sexual assault investigation and helped get it quashed.

Silent Cal
Silent Cal
Reply to  AgentSmith
6 years ago

And that’s the element that Harrington attracts.

AgentSmith
AgentSmith
Reply to  Silent Cal
6 years ago

And that’s the kind of person Pucci hires.
The guy who wants to use the DA’s office as a blunt tool to force victims to name names? For what? A conviction? Justice? Nope. For a civil suit.
It’s so painfully obvious and transparent you’d have to be brain dead not to see it.

Cicero
Cicero
Reply to  AgentSmith
6 years ago

She made a comment about wanting to do a movie with Weinstein a decade ago, genius. And she “interceded” by making a single phone call introduction, as a favor to a friend.

You lie as incompetently as Caccaviello.

AgentSmith
AgentSmith
Reply to  Cicero
6 years ago

“Linda Fairstein, a former Manhattan sex crimes prosecutor who had once written an article in Vanity Fair about her dream of doing a movie deal with Mr. Weinstein, agreed to consult. She was a close friend of Martha Bashford, head of the district attorney’s sex crimes bureau, and facilitated an introduction for Mr. Abramowitz.”

“Calling Ms. Bashford to tell her who Elkan was and to ask her to consider meeting with him is the kind of thing I do four to six times every year,” said Ms. Fairstein, who said she had determined Ms. Battilana’s complaint was unfounded.”

Cicero
Cicero
Reply to  AgentSmith
6 years ago

Yes, she said those things in a Vanity Fair article in 2007. What a find!

As for the Battilana case, I notice that you did not post any of the articles that came up after the first attention-grabbers were published, Fairstein she made clear that she was not paid and did not “consult” in any way. She was asked to make a phone call, but before she did she looked into the case herself and decided that Battilana was not trustworthy since she had admitted lying in past affidavits and on the stand during a trial.

Your smear job is pointless. Just stop.

Chuck Vincelette
Chuck Vincelette
Reply to  AgentSmith
6 years ago

Why would this gal Linda Fairstein be interested in our D.A. race?

Cicero
Cicero
Reply to  Chuck Vincelette
6 years ago

Because she also represents the victim in the Pucci case and said the investigation was a “travesty.”

Ron Kitterman
Ron Kitterman
6 years ago

My 5 year old granddaughter was assigned a project of setting up a Mock platform for class president. The planks in her platform are more harsh than Andrea Harrington’s. Unbelievable

X-Lachs Lounge
X-Lachs Lounge
6 years ago

About eighty percent of the crap Harrington spouts isn’t even the DA’s job.

Still wondering
Still wondering
Reply to  X-Lachs Lounge
6 years ago

Big point made here!

acheshirecat
acheshirecat
Reply to  Still wondering
6 years ago

She has never been a prosecutor, so the DA job will be learn on the fly. Sounds like she is going to try and prosecute like a defense lawyer. Going to make mitigating excuses why someone has committed crimes and too bad for the victim.

h
h
6 years ago

Someone got shot at again. Don’t know the details.

Auto Phil
Auto Phil
6 years ago

That was a lot of words from Andrea Harrington so I skipped most of it. But I am truly impressed that she is going to single-handedly end The War On Drugs. That’s great!

SisterGoldenHair
SisterGoldenHair
6 years ago

Oh. My. God. “trauma informed prosecutorial practices”????? Seriously????? How about ill informed, clueless, and sounds like an idiot??? After reading this garbage I could never, and I mean never, vote for her. To put it politely, she sounds like an idiot. No jail for non violent offenders??? You can stalk me, violate a restraining order, and steal my life savings and not worry about going to jail? You can push drugs on my kids and not worry about going to jail???? Really??? God help us if Harrington wins.

PATRICK F BARRY
PATRICK F BARRY
6 years ago

As a Pittsfield police officer, I served the majority of my career in the detective bureau before retiring in 2016. While serving as the detective bureau commander for 14 years, I worked closely with Paul Caccaviello, on hundreds of big cases, including homicides, suicides, home invasions, rapes, robberies, breaking and entering’s, and shootings. I made numerous middle of the night phone calls to Paul, in his role as 1st Assistant District Attorney. I can unequivocally say that there is no attorney I would have rather called in the middle of the night, to advise of the latest homicide, than Paul Caccaviello. Paul was always the consummate professional. In addition to his competence, he presented a calm and steady demeanor, even in middle of the night at a homicide scene. The other investigators and I could always count on Paul to be on the scene of the crime, offering guidance and support, in a knowledgeable and professional manner.

In dozens of meetings over the years, he spoke with respect not just for the victims and witnesses, but also defense attorneys and defendants. In my hundreds of interactions with Paul over 27 years of policing, I noted him to be extremely fair, and he was always willing to listen to the other side. I also observed Pauls’ courtroom competence firsthand, having been a witness in many grand jury proceedings, and superior court trials that he prosecuted. He is an exceptional prosecutor on every level. That the governor appointed Paul as district attorney, after he served as the first assistant in a stellar manner for 14 years, should surprise no one.

I also worked for several years with many other staff members of the district attorney’s office, including assistant district attorneys, and victim and witness advocates. These are a great group of people who deserve to be led by an exceptionally experienced and competent prosecutor such as Paul Caccaviello.

Paul is the most qualified person to serve as the next Berkshire County District attorney, bar none. I will be voting for Paul on Tuesday, by writing in his name, and filling in the oval next to it. I hope you will too.

DETECTIVE CAPTAIN (RETIRED) PATRICK F. BARRY
PITTSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT

Gigi
Gigi
6 years ago

Harrington’s statement is both very disturbing and confusing. I will be voting for Paul Caccaviello. God save us from Andrea Harrington!

The school committee
The school committee
6 years ago

Paul is a very bad politician,Harrington is a very aggressive campaigner. Caccaviello earned his job and hes good at his job.Harrington wants the $175,000.00 but has not earned a thing.Bouvier ,Kroll,need her to controll the DA budget…..Pittsfield is falling apart at the hands of Tyer,Kroll,Caccamo,Moon,Rivers,White,Yon,Taylor,Elias,Mccandless…..Not one of these people care about Pittsfield taxpayers,they are irresponsible spenders.
This liberal will vote for the only person qualified.Harrington is hoping shes popular.If Paul does not win the Berks hires have sunk to a new low…..Imagine the day after the election and Paul Caccaviello has lost to the ROOKIE….this position is not for a politician who wants to start at the top

Hondurans for Trump
Hondurans for Trump
6 years ago

Someone said about Harrington drugs and non violent crime going free,what about the guy that was caught with pounds of drugs and guns. The judge asked the defendant if all of the charges were true, the drug dealers answer was, unfortunately yes? Believe he did no jail time?

AgentSmith
AgentSmith
Reply to  Hondurans for Trump
6 years ago

I’m pretty sure a deal was made well outside the chain of command of the local DA. A guy with that much weight of drugs (hundreds of pounds) and a dozen or so firearms (many stolen and some silencers) doesn’t get them on his own.

You flip the little fish to get the big fish.

Cicero
Cicero
Reply to  AgentSmith
6 years ago

When the little fish’s name is reported publicly as soon as he is arrested, “flipping” him to be some kind of undercover informant is no longer possible. Once again, you put your ignorance on display.

AgentSmith
AgentSmith
Reply to  Cicero
6 years ago

No one said anything about him being a CI.
You have him flip by giving names, information, locations, that he already knows.
Once he’s arrested his use as a CI would not exist but all the information he already knows would be extremely valuable and can be used to help build future cases.
Depending on the outcome, often times those arrested don’t even have to testify against those they flip on as new evidence is produce by the subsequent criminal investigation.

DA tell us all you know and we can work out a deal.
Lawyer for defendant. My client will tell you all he knows about the existing operation if you’ll drop the weapons charges, and allow him to pleaded out on simple possession with a sentencing recommendation of times served and 1 years probation.
Or
US states attorney comes in, offers to get him a deal with the local DA to further an existing investigation outside that of local law enforcement.

Cicero
Cicero
Reply to  AgentSmith
6 years ago

HIS NAME WAS IN THE NEWS AS SOON AS HE WAS ARRESTED [REDACTED]

Any “information” he had would have been approximately useless. Criminals pay attention to the news too, [REDACTED].

There is no conceivable rationale for dropping multiple weapons charges and allowing Roberto Mazzeo to plead guilty and receive 1 year of probation. Except of the fact that he had the right last name.

Straightforward corruption. Different rules for different people.

12 Gauge
12 Gauge
Reply to  AgentSmith
6 years ago

Is possession of a suppressor, which requires approval ($200.00) from the BATF, a crime that a local DA would handle?

AgentSmith
AgentSmith
Reply to  12 Gauge
6 years ago

He could give them names of people they didn’t know about, tell them about prior operations people had no idea about, put them onto business and operations used as front companies.

It’s not like his arrest magically makes all the evidence disappear, nor does it magically erase all the people that were part of these criminal acts.

A good example: Sammy “the bull” Gravano. He was in jail, he flipped while in jail. To a one the people that were procecuted were done do not for existing crimes or future crimes, they were procecuted for PRIOR crimes.

If you flip a guy who knows where the bodies and money are hidden, or s guy who can fill in or corroborate other testimony or information, you’ve got a gold mine.

AgentSmith
AgentSmith
Reply to  12 Gauge
6 years ago

In MA you actually have a state law that makes suppressors illegal, except for military, law enforcement, and licensed manufacturers.
So although a illegal suppressor violation, in about 45 States, would just be a federal crime, in MA it’s also a violation of State law.

Joe Pinhead
Joe Pinhead
6 years ago

After reading and then rereading the statements from above ask yourself where would you feel safe? Can someone please inform AH that in Berkshire County the rivers do not flow ice cream and Unicorns do not come down from Mt Greylock at night to sprinkle pixie dust and to further strengthen the bubble that surrounds us here in the Berkshires.
She cleverly words her statement to divide us by race but forgets that justice is blind.

What will become of the community when we fear sending our children to school because of the drugs and violence and intimidation at the schools and on the streets due to the lack of repercussions? What of the good honest hard working souls of all colors nationalities negatively impacted by rashes of low level crimes? If our cars are broken into and items stolen, we are all impacted negatively. Will insurance rates remain the same or increase to cover the costs of the losses? Or will the Unicorns replace the items stolen and the window smashed out? Who will be impacted when manufacturing and Tech firms will have nothing to do with the area due to quality of life issues for their employees? You see while the DA does have the discretion on what crimes to prosecute they must also have the wisdom and the desire to protect the rights of the community not to go on some crusade to correct what she deems the wrongs of the entire world one drug dealer at a time.

Just sayin

Edward. R Murrow
Edward. R Murrow
6 years ago

“One of Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh’s accusers admitted this week that she made up her lurid tale of a backseat car rape, saying it “was a tactic” to try to derail the judge’s confirmation to the Supreme Court.”
–Washington Times story

Yes, of course, lying has always been a “tactic” of the Left. Duh.

AgentSmith
AgentSmith
6 years ago

Pucci is what kind of lawyer right now? A defense attorney and a lawyer who engages in civil litigation.

So is his interest in justice is this fabricated Williams College debacle? Or is it something else?
Clearly he’s doing and using whatever he can to help further a future civil case. That it. All this is about is money for his client. Now you might argue money can be justice for a victim, but in this case there was no victim because there was no crime.
Capeless and Caccaviello are often accused of being overzealous, going to the mats, seeking this highest sentencing, and yet on this they somehow got “soft”? Nope
If there was a case to be made, they would have made it.
Problem is there wasn’t.
So now Pucci is doing all he can to discredit them and to force victims to be compelled to retroactively testify to police. To have to relive their trauma, all for what? So he can sue Williams college, and you can bet if he wins part of that settlement will include having Linda Fairstein and K2 consulting act as mandatory consultants to Williams college.

When you can’t find work, you make work. Universities are huge targets for guys who are tired of chasing little ambulances

Cicero
Cicero
Reply to  AgentSmith
6 years ago

Not a single prosecution of a rape or sexual assault at Williams College during the tenure of Capelss and Caccaviello. Well over 100 rapes, about 150 sexual assaults.

You idiotic theory about why this is coming to light fools no one except those who want too be fooled.

Caccaviello lied last week about one of the cases. His office broke the law – twice – and the pig lied about it. Unequivocally.

AgentSmith
AgentSmith
Reply to  Cicero
6 years ago

So what’s Pucci here for then? Is he going to prosecute? Is he a DA or ADA? Or is he acting as a civil attorney?
What do civil attorneys do? They sue.

Sun Ting Wong
Sun Ting Wong
Reply to  AgentSmith
6 years ago

Which type of running shoe does he recommend for ambulance chasing?

Cicero
Cicero
Reply to  AgentSmith
6 years ago

What exactly do you mean by “civil attorney”? Do you mean to say that he is not a prosecutor employed by the government? Well isn’t that a clever observation.

Attorneys do a lot more than just “sue.” I am sure he is representing the interests of his client first and foremost, an approach that is apparently beyond your ability to comprehend.

Truthsayer
Truthsayer
Reply to  Cicero
6 years ago

Cicero. Chill. This isn’t worth blowing an aneurysm over it.

Cicero
Cicero
Reply to  Truthsayer
6 years ago

Truthsayer – Grow up. The tactics of 8 year-olds are not impressive.

Charles Kronick
Charles Kronick
Reply to  Cicero
6 years ago

Cicero,

Your tone is juvenile. You have much to learn before you can adopt the nomiker ‘cicero’

Truthsayer
Truthsayer
Reply to  Cicero
6 years ago

Cicero, your know it all lines of pure BS are the reason people get turned off by Progressives and incompetents like Harrington. We all have your number so just give it up.

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
6 years ago

You can get out and vote tomorrow or stay home and watch Gilligan’s Island. Either way, murder and aggravated assault statistics will continue to sky rocket in Pittsfield no matter how much they may be fudged along the way. They have been climbing exponentially under the current DA office and will continue to do so no matter which miracle worker gets elected. If you are really worried about these types of crimes, voting with your feet rather than at the election booth, will give you better results.

Truthsayer
Truthsayer
6 years ago

Rumors and innuendo is all that I hear from Harrington supporters.

All Harrington and her supporters have to offer are opinion, promises, rumors, and innuendo. Nothing more. Why? Because she simply doesn’t have solid experience at anything. Someday, she will have it, but right now, she doesn’t. That’s not an opinion, that is a simple fact.

Caccaviello has everything the job of DA calls for. That’s another simple fact.

I already wrote in Caccaviello. Many, many people already have as well. Never forget that whether you Progressives like it or not, there is a strong Republican and right leaning bunch in this county that did not vote in September. They’re voting now.

Factually, at this point, I would have to say that other than a few holdouts, everyone has made up their mind who they’re going to vote for. So, nothing else we say will change Wednesday morning.

Whoever wins, I would hope that regardless of our animosity toward the opposition that when the dust settles, we remember that we are all each other’s neighbor. Politics should not make us enemies. We are in this together and pretty much want the best for each other. We just think that a different road is best.

The road ultimately doesn’t matter so much as that we are together at the end.

Brian C. Marquis
Brian C. Marquis
Reply to  Truthsayer
6 years ago

Speak for yourself, Truthsayer!

This one never forgives or forgets!

By the way, say hi to Cacc Tuesday evening while he and his crew are listening patiently to election returns.

After he wins – after you give him a big Dating Game kiss for me, whisper in his ear: You’re frickin’ welcome!!

Truthsayer
Truthsayer
Reply to  Brian C. Marquis
6 years ago

I promised you before that if you were thrown under the bus and Cacc wins, I will personally get him to reach out to you.

Grudges only make you rot from the inside out.

Cicero
Cicero
Reply to  Truthsayer
6 years ago

I suspected who you were. Good to see it confirmed.

Frankly, I was appalled by the smear campaign Brian Marquis engaged in, but now I see that he was completely manipulated by you and a few other people from Caccaviello’s inner circle. As ugly as it was, I’m sure he believed it was in the service of honest people, including your husband and Caccaveillo. The way you orchestrated it and then threw him under the bus is more disgusting than anything he wrote.

I look forward to learning your other handles tomorrow. I have a few guesses, SP…

Cicero
Cicero
Reply to  Brian C. Marquis
6 years ago

He is not going to win. And three months from now, I believe you will be pleased that he did not win.

Silent Cal
Silent Cal
6 years ago

Ms. Harrington has attempted to gloss over her abject lack of experience for such a specialized position of public trust. Moreover, were she to win, she would have to learn the ropes from scratch as well as gain the trust, confidence and respect of the assistant DAs who work in the legal trenches. This would take place with several homicide cases outstanding. Mr. Caccaviello already has that experience, as well as that trust among his subordinates, and if victorious would seamlessly continue in office armed with a fresh mandate to embrace change in his own way.

With the Berkshires ravaged by violent and property crimes exacerbated by the opioid crisis, this is no time for on-the-job training. The Eagle maintains and reiterates its original endorsement of Paul Caccaviello for Berkshire District Attorney, and encourages voters to write in his name on Tuesday’s ballot.

Silent Cal
Silent Cal
6 years ago

Let’s not forget this:

Stacey Elin Rossi

November 4, 2018 at 5:19 pm #
I have a Linda Fairstein story. When I was a sophomore at Columbia in 1992, she was the Sex Crimes DA in Manhattan. A friend of mine (“F”) from Oklahoma was visiting for a while, staying with me in my dorm on 122nd Street and Amsterdam Avenue, when one night he was followed home from a University LBGT wine & cheese gathering on 125th Street. When F got to the security desk, security called up to me and said, “It’s F, should I let him up?” to which I answered “yes.” I was waiting and waiting and started to get worried. I went down the stairwell to the basement and discovered F in the laundry room with a look of terror on his face. There was feces all over the place and F was most certainly traumatized. Rape crisis came and so did law enforcement. He was taken to the hospital but a rape kit wasn’t taken nor was F taken seriously. I found out that his assailant was a graduate student at the business school and he and his attorney met with the Dean or President the day after the incident. At that time, Columbia’s policies did not treat males as potential rape victims. The policy defined rape as vaginal intercourse with force, something along those lines. I was very politically active at the time and my friends and I created quite a ruckus on campus and in the media about what happened. My friends worked on changing the policy while I tried to advocate for F. Linda Fairstein met with F and told him to leave NYC for at least five years. She threatened to have him arrested for falsely reporting a crime if he didn’t. I was pre-law at the time and very idealistic. The way the system worked shook me to my foundation, I was so disgusted. True story.

Cicero
Cicero
Reply to  Silent Cal
6 years ago

Yes! Let’s not forget about a 26 year-old, unverifiable personal anecdote used to discredit a world-renowned expert on the issue at hand!

If Caccaviello wins, you should apply as in investigator in the DA’s office. You remind me of “The Mentalist.” You understand all.

Simon Ives
Simon Ives
6 years ago

At this point it’s clear that the Planet’s Cicero is non other than angry Andrea Harrington herself. Grow up angry Andrea.

Brian C. Marquis
Brian C. Marquis
6 years ago

At the very least, if Harirngton prevails tomorrow – is watching her dismantle the DA’s office, and then fall face on her anorexic-lookin’ face.

Gotta love good fodder!

Brian C. Marquis
Brian C. Marquis
Reply to  Brian C. Marquis
6 years ago

Typo.

Delete: face

Insert: flat

(I need to find my glasses!!)>

AgentSmith
AgentSmith
6 years ago

The broken windows policy states you worry about the little stuff because the little stuff eventually leads to the big stuff.

That by ignoring the petty crimes, the non-violent crimes, it emboldens those to both escalate their criminal behavior and lose touch with the community as a whole.

Non-violent petty crimes that are ignored have a firect impact on the quality of life of the citizenry, crimes ignored dissolve the social compact citizens have with their local government.

NYC is a perfect example, the stopped price cutting small crimes, moved to issuing tickets for things like public intoxication and public urination, the quality of life has gone down.

https://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/mar/3/nypd-stop-arresting-people-public-urination-alcoho/

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  AgentSmith
6 years ago

I see that in Pittsfield. Reckless driving is almost encouraged by the mayor turning a blind eye to it. Things flow from there. I expect no change as it is not convenient for her and her friends.

SP Houzz
SP Houzz
6 years ago

Dan, can we please ban Cicero? You have warned him before and now he has called the DA a pig.

Supernatet Harenae
Supernatet Harenae
Reply to  SP Houzz
6 years ago

Cicero is a she.

Silent Cal
Silent Cal
Reply to  Supernatet Harenae
6 years ago

Yes indeed. Harrington needs to grow up. Let the adults handle this Andrea.

Chuck Vincelette
Chuck Vincelette
Reply to  SP Houzz
6 years ago

Not in favor of banning Cicero. However I do wish all posters had to post under their real name. Vote CACAVIELLO the only rational choice.

AgentSmith
AgentSmith
Reply to  SP Houzz
6 years ago

Not for banning Cicero in doing so it would diminish this community by silencing a voice that is often counter to a majority of folks here.
Diverse opinions should be welcomed and fostered, a little name calling really doesn’t hurt anyone, save the person doing it.

It’s a heated time, tempers flare, I think this place would be less informed and less dynamic by banning those, like Cicero, that may step over the line briefly.

Real names would be great IF you verified it was the person AND if people weren’t so keen on retribution.

AgentSmith
AgentSmith
6 years ago

Linda Fairstein hired gun by Pucci will do and say whatever is necessary as long as she is paid.

https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2007/03/weinstein200703

“As much as I wanted to tell my good friends about how close I was to clinching a movie deal with Harvey Weinstein, I decided not to say anything at all.”

“I’ve been waiting for my own movie deal since I tapped my first fictional strokes on the keyboard.”

“My husband, Justin, and I were chatting with Louise when Harvey stopped to greet us. He told me that he’d read my latest book and that he’d enjoyed it. I gripped my wineglass so tightly I was afraid the stem would snap in half.”

“Why don’t you give me a call sometime?” Harvey said. “Come down to my office and let’s see if we can figure out a project we could do together.”

I can hardly remember the rest of that summer. Harvey Weinstein had given me something to dream about.”

It goes on and on and on. Any credibility she had built up as a victims advocate was destroyed when she was so desperate to do a deal with Harvey, she interceded on his behalf during a sex crimes investigation.
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2007/03/weinstein200703

Harrington, Pucci, & Fairstein not a bad name for a law office, but a horrible combination anywhere near a DAs office especially at this point.

Cicero
Cicero
Reply to  AgentSmith
6 years ago

Fairstein is one of the foremost authorities in the world on sexual assault. Your attempt to smear her because of something she wrote 11 years ago, before she knew Weinstein as anything more than the hottest move producer on the planet, is futile. Has no bearing on her credibility as a recognized expert without peer.

It’s also amusing that you ascribe money as everybody’s motivation, a complete guess on your part. Which you state as a fact, once again demonstrating your brilliance.

You are apparently obsessed with money and look for a financial motive behind every single thing that happens in the world. That’s sad, and wrong.

For all you know, the attorneys representing the victim are all working pro bono. They are all hugely successful and surely very wealthy. But that would be a guess too. But a more logical guess than yours – where esteemed, highly regarded, already rich attorneys are dismissed as ambulance chasers looking for a payday.

AgentSmith
AgentSmith
Reply to  Cicero
6 years ago

Linda’s own words.

“I opened the mini-bar and poured myself a celebratory drink before I called Justin. I’d been right to wait. It made sense to me that with a better book I had a better chance to get the deal done.

Before I even answered Susan’s e-mail, I began thinking about whether I’d renovate the Vineyard kitchen before or after I bought a condominium in some tropical climate.”

So she’s a PAID consultant, he’s a litigator who has zero power to prosecute anyone. So the most he can do is push a civil suit.

Again these lawyers aren’t seeking justice, no lawyer who was would even SUGGEST that victims be compelled to forceable be revealed by name.

He has a client, his client can come forward, name names now if he’s interested in justice. He can also file a civil suit NOW if he’s interested in justice, it has a much smaller chance of winning, hence his need to search for victims.

I get it, he’s looking for a pattern of behavior, he wants to try and make it look like the college is hiding something and the PD and DA are in collusion. Connect the dots, a to b, to c.
Problem is he’s wrong, he’s chasing the wrong ambulance.

And if Harrington wins, he’ll use her to get what he wants via subpoena. Not caring about victims, not caring about justice, just trying to put the squeeze on William’s College and Williamstown.

Evidence has to be preserved if there was a crime, DA has already determined no crime so the evidence goes back to the owner. State Police already have the typed, matched, and indexed DNA sample. Like fingerprints the FBI has a database called CODIS, any sample taken by police is run through CODIS for hits of prior crimes. The MSP have the DNA type, they ran it through CODIS…no hits but Pucci already knows this so he’s gotta come up with another play to get paid.

Cicero
Cicero
Reply to  AgentSmith
6 years ago

I have no interest in debating the motives of Pucci. I can’t possibly know and neither can you. You seem desperate to string together a narrative in which Pucci is the bad guy, who is exploiting his client’s case in order to line his own pockets. I believe that to be a ridiculous conclusion, but only time will tell.

As for your last paragraph, two observations. First, you are unequivocally wrong about the applicable evidence retention law. Law enforcement is required, without exception, to maintain custody of all physical evidence in rape accusations for the full statute of limitations of the crime, 15 years. Go speak to a lawyer. That fact is not debatable.

Second, your comments about DNA and how it has been tested are very troubling. You sound like you are a DA’s office insider who’s referring to specifics of the case. That would be highly unethical. Especially if you are who I think you are.

Truthsayer
Truthsayer
Reply to  Cicero
6 years ago

One thing we have all come to know about you Cicero is that you don’t know shiatsu about pretty much anything. I do enjoy your speculations about who we all are. Like your candidate, you’re clueless.

AgentSmith
AgentSmith
Reply to  Cicero
6 years ago

The more you talk the more we know how little you know.

EVERY DNA sample taken in a rape case in MA is run through CODIS. it’s not magic. The DNA sample is assigned a sample number and is kept in perpituity and becomes part of the permanent database.

As for rape case evidence, in 2016 a law was passed that required the State to maintain rape kit (dna evidence) it does not require that law enforcement keep custody of all evidence nor did the law exist at the time of the case Mr. Pucci is so interested pursuing.
Plus Mr. Pucci was offered to the evidence and to be the custodian of said evidence because it was determined to be of no value as there was no criminal case.
So the DNA evidence is being held in perpituity, clearly there were no hits in CODIS as if there were it would have been a different outcome.

Cicero
Cicero
Reply to  Cicero
6 years ago

Betsy – I am not speculating on who you are. And I am aware of your other handles too. A man you used to do your dirty work and then shoved under the bus is not very pleased with you.

Agent – I am well aware of how DNA processing works. But you said “Police already have the typed, matched, and indexed DNA sample.” How do you know this? How do you know what DNA samples they have in the Pucci case? Here’s how – you are an insider of some sort, unethically leaking details of the case.

You also say the evidence retention law “does not require that law enforcement keep custody of all evidence nor did the law exist at the time of the case Mr. Pucci is so interested pursuing.”

You are precisely wrong on both counts. Probably too much to ask you to read the actual law, but here is a relevant blurb from the Mass-dot-gov website that addresses both of your false claims:

Additional elements of the law:

– Stipulates that any evidence currently in the possession of a police department or other governmental entity be retained for the remainder of the statute of limitations for each case; and…

No wiggle room. Straightforward and explicit.

Stop lying.

LoneGunMan
LoneGunMan
6 years ago

I will be voting with my lady parts. I hope I can still grip the pen.

The school committee
The school committee
6 years ago

Pat ,you believe we are being invaded by moms carrying 2 year olds.Trumps base appeal is to the ignorant and the other 20 million puke when they watch him speak to the base.You are not from the south so I have a tough time believing your this stupid.Trump appeal is not to any thinking person.He just admitted to you there was no middle class tax cut.There are 64 million people who know this and now your idol admits it and you don’t get it….TrumpArrangement Syndrome

The school committee
The school committee
6 years ago

Simple,Harrington has no idea what she doing.I can’t vote for that she has no business running.

Johnny2Shoes
Johnny2Shoes
6 years ago

What bothers me,is when you look at the pictures in the local paper about community events that are held and involve crimes throughout the west side, you see many more white people than people of color in these meetings. I feel those affected by the crimes in these areas, but feel the people need to get many more involved.

AgentSmith
AgentSmith
Reply to  Johnny2Shoes
6 years ago

An interesting point but one that misses the economic realities of why people live in these neighborhoods.
Many people live there because they can’t afford to live elsewhere, they lack the free time that money would afford them so their options are often, miss a meeting or go to the meeting, miss work and not be able to buy (food, medicine, make a car payment, etc)

Hondurans for Trump
Hondurans for Trump
6 years ago

To the Man from Mensa (Chuck)… I’m curious to ask a question of your statement during a previous election, believe it was Mayor, anyway, the question is… Do you think the taxpayer voted for the current winner, or the voter in this D A race? Another question is…who do you think will show up this time? The taxpayer or the Voter?

A question for Planet himself, is this the first time there has been a write in after an election? Thanks guys!

And let’s not kid anyone, this position is clearly well compensated.

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Hondurans for Trump
6 years ago

Look for dems to score big wins across america. The election is a referendum on scump. It boils down to whether we stick with a pathological liar and his base that can’t tell a lie from the truth and don’t know right from wrong and the sane who demand truth and know right from wrong. There is no middle ground. Everyone falls into one of these two categories. I have to believe that the bulk of Americans will choose a path without scump. We will know in about 36 hours. I belong to the sane and will cast my vote against the insane

Non Essere Uno Stronzo
Non Essere Uno Stronzo
Reply to  Art Seller
6 years ago

Non Essere Uno Stronzo

The school committee
The school committee
6 years ago

I just heard Harrington on the radio begging for a 175k job.She sounds like shes in 9th grade.Trump and Harrington both not smart enough.Dumbing down of America is almost complete.If you want good economies you must move to areas of education like Boston,Ma,New York City,Northern New JerseyAustin Texas…..or get to Alabama,Mississippi, Louisiana and go with the stupids.

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
6 years ago

If Harrington had donated ten percent of the costs of all the mailings she has sent out she could have eliminated poverty in Pittsfield. Must have money to burn from a very wealthy donor base.

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
6 years ago

By the way, why does my browser say this site is not secure?

AgentSmith
AgentSmith
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
6 years ago

Because it doesn’t use https

Two Cents
Two Cents
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
6 years ago

It’s not through SSL (encrypted)

EddieP
EddieP
6 years ago

Trump just said on TV that if the Republicans lose tomorrow, there MAY not be a tax cut. Our dictator in chief is ruling by fear.

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  EddieP
6 years ago

EddieP. Careful truth doesn’t play well on this board. Do you value truth and despise lies? Remember a great majority on this thread swear by liars. Vote all dems and for cacc.

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  Art Seller
6 years ago

Don’t listen to Art. Vote Republican, & vote for Caccaviello.

EddieP
EddieP
Reply to  Art Seller
6 years ago

Art..If I called him a dictator, I don’t think that I would be voting for him or his party. I just hope the dems have somebody legit to run against him.

C. Trzcinka
C. Trzcinka
6 years ago

The “Boring Broadsheet” endorsed Paul Caccaviello which is a write-in!. This really must be a hot issue there. My relatives were talking about this and I didn’t get it. I see now

Joe Blow
Joe Blow
6 years ago

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”

“You and I have the courage to say to our enemies, “There is a price we will not pay.” “There is a point beyond which they must not advance.”

“We’ll preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth, or we’ll sentence them to take the last step into a thousand years of darkness.”

-Ronald Reagan

VOTE…VOTE…VOTE

Hondurans for Trump
Hondurans for Trump
6 years ago

Reagan is dead, so was,Franklin,Adams, Churchill,Jefferson, and now Trump’ and many others who I believe we’re crazy Brittish blood brothers, from another mother. Many people who you think are sane have a loose screw maybe all do look at this blog. I could name a thousand people in the City alone, some you wouldn’t believe. Have you ever heard Ruberto talk, he belongs in a home for dimwits.

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Hondurans for Trump
6 years ago

Scump on the campaign trail with two truth sayers hannity an Limbaugh. There in a contest tonight to see who can tell the most lies. Scump gets out 30 to 40 whoppers per rally. His base claims he doesn’t lie he just can’t tell the truth. You can’t make this stuff up. Only one more day of having to put up with these lies.His base will be lost by Wednesday morning. Mueller due soon to put the finishing touches soon on scump. Touche scump and good ridance.

H
H
6 years ago

Couldn’t agree more, Trump will not be elected again and Tommorrow should show him why.

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  H
6 years ago

H I think you are spot on. The days of lies and stupidity are coming to a close. What are we going to do with scumps wounded base? Look for violence but it will be quelled soon after they erupt. There will be a lot of parties tomorrow night. Have you been invited to any???

Essex Hogan
Essex Hogan
Reply to  Art Seller
6 years ago

Far out. Will you do the Curly Shuffle on your show Wednesday? Wob, wob, woooo.

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  Art Seller
6 years ago

Art,
I think the red tsunami will bring your party to an early ending. 6 more years of Trump! MAGA!

The school committee
The school committee
6 years ago

Trump informing any dope that will listen that we are being invaded .Is he tripping.

AgentSmith
AgentSmith
6 years ago

My Vote:
Baker
Not Warren
Not Healey
Not Bump
Galvin
Not Goldberg
Caccaviello
Yes on 1
Yes on 2
Yes on 3

Unenrolled voter more Republican but not a Trump republican.

He can’t win
He can’t win
6 years ago

Remember you heard it here first. Harrington by a landslide.

AgentSmith
AgentSmith
Reply to  He can’t win
6 years ago

You might be right, but she didn’t win by a landslide before UR write-ins are tough.

I can tell you now, one of her last fliers really motivated Republicans.

I’m thinking Caccaviello by a thin, recount margin.

Truthsayer
Truthsayer
Reply to  He can’t win
6 years ago

There will ne a landslide. A Caccaviello one. Hope Harrington gets buried by it once and for all. I heard from someone in her campaign she’s scared witless.

Wondrous
Wondrous
6 years ago

I believe some of the recount people are Harrington supporters.

Chuck Vincelette
Chuck Vincelette
6 years ago

Wondrous:
In the event of a recount both PC and AH will have observers at city and town halls to make sure that every vote is properly counted. In Pittsfield the Board of Registrars along with the staff of the city clerks office will conduct the ballot examination with observers present. I am certain everyone will conduct their duties fairly.

David Bubriski
David Bubriski
Reply to  Chuck Vincelette
6 years ago

In the event of a recount both candidates get to appoint observers.

David Bubriski
David Bubriski
6 years ago

As Harrington told Judy Knight, she will do anything to win: lying about her legal experience, calling her her opponent a racist and sexist and accusing his supporters of the same, leading the charge taken up by her supporters on the “mishandling” sexual assault cases at Williams, baseless accusations of criminalizing mental health and substance abuse cases, threatening local elected officials with political retribution for not supporting her, lying about the nature and extent of community outreach and education programming at the DA’s office, creating false narratives of over-incarceration and high recidivism in Berkshire County, propagating lies about what a DA’s office is responsible for, and, perhaps the most egregious of all, that she is a reformer dedicated to criminal justice reform. Harrington has run anything but a positive campaign. She has no desire to do the work of the DA–she intends to be a “figurehead” politician, not a working top prosecutor. Just look at where we are today and contrast that to just six months ago. Harrington and her campaign have divided this community across racial, gender, and political lines. Berkshire County, please do not let this person become DA–no skills, no experience, no ethical boundaries. She will abuse the position of the DA as she has abused the political process. Harrington has proven to be a one-person wrecking ball.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  David Bubriski
6 years ago

Paul Caccaviello declines to explain his positions on important criminal justice issues!

https://theberkshireedge.com/caccaviello-declines-to-explain-his-stance-on-crucial-criminal-justice-issues/

Chuck Vincelette
Chuck Vincelette
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
6 years ago

Jonathan
This article is an opinion letter. True or false? Who knows?
Again who is behind Berkshire the Edge? Never heard of it until today?
Just another opinion.

EddieP
EddieP
Reply to  Chuck Vincelette
6 years ago

If you never heard of the Edge, then you haven’t heard of David Scribner, ex editor of the BB. Quite a backstory here.

Benigno Numine
Benigno Numine
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
6 years ago

Looks like the Berkshire Edge is a slick version of Topix.

Thomas More
Thomas More
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
6 years ago

Don’t they have elections in New Hampshire?

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  David Bubriski
6 years ago

Scump offers one thing and one thing only__=FEAR. The truth will set us free tomorrow. No one has to defeat scump. He is going to self destruct. Some parties have already started. The end of this orange haired ball of lard is at hand. Thanks be to God.

Art Seller
Art Seller
Reply to  Art Seller
6 years ago

Tomorrow WE are the check and balance that is sorely missing today. In the end no matter how bad things are in our republic, we have the opportunity to correct all wrongs. The peoples will will clearly be spelled out in the ballot box tomorrow.

Essex Hogan
Essex Hogan
Reply to  Art Seller
6 years ago

Do the Curly Shuffle on your show Wednesday. Wob, wob, woooo.

Jae Hogan
Jae Hogan
Reply to  Essex Hogan
6 years ago

Good idea.

Cicero
Cicero
6 years ago

The election is a foregone conclusion. The only question is how this plays out afterwards. I just looked at the Higgins documents again and can’t believe I missed this. One of the email chains involves the Attorney General’s Office. It looks like the victim filed a complaint with Maura Healey.

This could this explain Healey’s level of interest in this election, which has mystified so many.

Truthsayer
Truthsayer
Reply to  Cicero
6 years ago

“Foregone conclusion?” Yeh, right. Two words about foregone conclusions you who cannot spell: President Trump.

So much for chosen ones!

The school committee
The school committee
6 years ago

This National election is a national election about race.Republicans have put all their eggs in the race basket and its time to see who wins

Lenny
Lenny
Reply to  The school committee
6 years ago

You couldn’t be more wrong, TSC. You are using the race card tactic of the Democrat party. This national election is about nationalism vs. globalism, AND also socialism vs. capitalism.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Lenny
6 years ago

Wrong,they are using race.Trump needs you confused otherwise you vote blue.

Lenny
Lenny
Reply to  The school committee
6 years ago

Who’s confused here? Look in the mirror!

AgentSmith
AgentSmith
6 years ago

First of all, I want to thank you all so much for your unwavering support. It means so much to me. I have to apologize for just now re-emerging on Facebook. As many of you know, I communicate much better in the courtroom or in person one to one than I do on Facebook.

Five weeks after the Primary, I endorsed Paul Caccaviello to be our next DA. I know that decision seemed counter-intuitive to some but to me, it made the most sense. I knew it was a big decision and I took it seriously. During those five weeks, I used that time to process my own loss as well as to reflect on how I wanted my values to be expressed going forward in the outcome of this election.

When Paul announced his write-in campaign, he reached out to me right away. (The other “progressive” candidate never did.)

Paul and I began a series of conversations about crime reform and policy changes, i.e., what was needed and how to do it. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Paul, unlike his predecessor, was open and willing to making significant policy changes that were aligned with the key aspects of my campaign platform, such as 1) creating diversion programs for first time offenders; 2) treatment for addicts over jail; 3) backing off the use of mandatory minimums in drugs cases (my goal is still to eliminate the use of mandatory minimums altogether), and 4) allowing me to spearhead a Citizen’s Advisory Council to the DA. This Council will be made up of ordinary citizens throughout Berkshire County who will regularly meet with the DA to provide feedback on crime-related issues in their specific community. This Council will be independent of the DA’s office and one of its functions will be to hold Paul to his promises as well as to build trust between the DA’s office and community.

I also needed to know that Paul had truly separated himself from his predecessor and would be his own man.
I am satisfied that this is the case.

Paul has spent the last 30 years as a lawyer prosecuting every crime imaginable here in Berkshire County. The reality is that extensive experience as a criminal trial lawyer is critical to being an effective DA, locking up dangerous felons and keeping the public safe. Paul knew his calling early on. He is to be commended for that. He cares as deeply about public safety and getting justice for victims of crimes now as he did when I met him in superior court 20 years ago.

In contrast, Paul’s opponent has only recently shown any interest in the criminal justice system and crime reform; it was when she decided to run for DA this past March. For the decade prior, her main focus as a lawyer was in family law and real estate law. Yet being the true politician that she is, she happily promises to do every progressive fix for a criminal justice system that she barely understands just to garner votes. Those promises may sound enticing but they are only words. Actions speak much louder.

Though I won’t be your next DA, I am grateful for the experience of this campaign. I plan to continue my collaboration with Paul to help bring about the policy reforms for which I have been advocating all these years.

I hope you will agree that Berkshire County will be well served by having an honest man who has dedicated his career to the criminal justice system and is willing to grow.

When Paul wins, we’ll make history and move forward with an agenda for reform that is backed by solid experience. Please join me in writing in “Paul Caccaviello” tomorrow (Nov 6) in the line for District Attorney and filling in the oval! – Your friend, Judith Knight

Johnny
Johnny
6 years ago

http://ephblog.com/2018/11/05/reunion-rape-1/
http://ephblog.com/2018/11/06/reunion-rape-2/

This is some really seedy stuff at Williams. Connect the dots between the lawsuits, anecdotes, and
https://www.scribd.com/document/389272873/Doc-59
and the connection of campus security to the BC sheriff department. The picture you will see is that money, power, and reputation will always be most important in this morally bankrupt community.

https://www.scribd.com/document/389272717/Doc-58