STATE OF THE CITY IS ‘VIBRANT, DYNAMIC’ … WHAT? YOU WERE EXPECTING HONESTY, PERHAPS?
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEDNESDAY JAN. 2, 2019) — THE PLANET presents an exclusive look at the speech Mayor Linda Tyer will not present in her State of the City address. Before we unveil the sacred anti-text, we need to ask why this exercise in self service even happens.
Think of the man- and woman-hours lost by having the city’s brass and their $100,000-$160,000 salaries sitting on their buts listening to this halitosis, not to mention the middle managers who HAVE to attend in the manner in which North Koreans HAVE to attend the birthday parties for their first two long-dead leaders. If THE PLANET may advise any mayoral candidates this year, we would have as one pledge the elimination of the State of the City address. The candidate would make it clear that instead of this back-patting exercise in vainglory, he or she would be behind the desk in the corner office, working on the myriad of issues that continue to plague the once-great city of Pittsfield. Among those issues would not be pickleball.
And now to the text.
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[MAYOR TAKES THE STAGE. AFTER BOOMING APPLAUSE DIES DOWN]
“Dear friends, I am pleased to report that the state of the city is dynamic and vibrant. [MORE THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE].
“There were so many accomplishments in 2018 and since I’ve been mayor. Where to begin? First, let me point to the great success at the Beacon Cinema. Over the 10 years since Richard Stanley bravely took on this heroic project, he got the city and state to inject nearly $30 million in public money into this worthwhile project. When Mr. Stanley’s terrific tenure ended, he walked away from almost $3 million he owes Mr. and Mrs. Joe Kapanski, a pillaging not seen since the barbarian hordes and Pat Muraca laid siege to the public treasury.
“After Mr. Stanley’s noble exit, the city then OK’d sale of this $30 million asset for little more than half a million. The new buyer found the building in horrible shape. A lot of people asked: Where did the $30 million end up? It went to feeding the Unicorns. Stardust and cotton candy cost much, my dear friends.
“While were on the exciting yet prudent development of Pittsfield into Millennial City, let us recognize David Carver. He runs the Eagle Building on South Church Street. There used to be a thousand good pay-good benefits jobs at that site, and we have exchanged that into a half empty shell with a newspaper that we so proudly love as the official house organ for City Hall propaganda. They print everything we tell them to. Mr. Carver has stepped in and offered his space there to the new company coming in with less than 100 minimum wage jobs. Sitting at a keyboard eight hours a day and entering … data. It’s almost as exciting as pickleball. Ah, but I’m getting ahead of myself.
“We also thank Mr. Carver for pointing out the need for tens of millions of dollars of infrastructure work that he wants taxpayers to fund at the site of the housing complex he wants to build with public money at the former St. Mary’s of the Star Church on hip and bustling Tyler Street. In response, to help Mr. Carver with his wonderful work, the city has drawn up a plan. We will repave Tyler Street, make it smaller, and pretend it’s for the revival of the area. Actually, it will serve a much better purpose by offering my administration the excuse to put in the new water, sewer, electrical, and computer lines Mr. Carver wants for his private project. What a friend of the city. [WHITE ON THE TOPIC OF TYLER STREET, THE MAYOR PROUDLY MENTIONS PRETTY GARBAGE CANS AND HESS FOREST]
“Pickleball. The city hired a consultant at $10,000 to help select the best place to put our pickleball courts. We’re keeping secret the name of the consultant and the location he selected, since we believe that we know best for the public. I am sure the Kapanskis will agree that they love our care of them. The consultant also did his part not only in the location but in seeing that the kickback money to parties unspecified exceeded the usual 15%, uh, finder’s fee. My dear friends, that’s the “give all” spirit that keeps this city going, vibrant, dynamic, and hip. [HUGE APPLAUSE].
“In 2018, we made sure to take care of Hotel on North, Dottie’s, and a handful of other “city friendly” establishments. We did this despite the enormous increase in violence — shootings, stabbings, beatings, robberies, and other mayhem — the descended upon downtown and the neighborhoods. We could have easily let this crime wave keep us from protecting our “friends,” but we didn’t.
“In 2018, we allowed the School Department to increase its budget by yet more millions of dollars. I think this was only warranted, considering the job that Supt. McCandless and school committee chair Kathy Yon did to ensure that our schools would be overtaken by rampant classroom delinquency and that performance would drop. I don’t think you realize how difficult it was for this unsung department to lower quality and performance from its state-worst position, but thanks to the selfless and tireless leadership of the superintendent, the committee chair, and Ms. Behnke and her 10 — yes, that’s T-E-N — assistants in the school finance department, they, WE, did it. [GIGANTIC APPLAUSE].
“Regarding finances, we will lower your tax bills by two cents. Director of Finance Matt Kerwood helped me design a plan to more than make up this loss of revenue. This year, your water and sewer fees will rise AT LEAST 50%. But the time it’s over, you will be paying up to 600% more for this valuable resource. After all, our motto is to serve. [DEAFENING, ALMOST PAINFUL APPLAUSE]
[EDITOR’S NOTE: OUT OF CONSIDERATION FOR YOUR TIME, DEAR READERS, THE PLANET WILL EDIT OUT ALL OF THE REMAINDER OF MAYOR TYER’S ROUSING SPEECH, CUTTING, AS IT WERE, DIRECTLY TO THE CHASE OF HER CONCLUSION. YOU DIDN’T MISS MUCH. JUST MORE EMPTY SYLLABLES AND FIDDLING WHILE THE CITY BURNS]
“In 2019, I pledge that my administration will continue our string of photo-ops while ignoring the growing blight, crime, drug use, and influx of “bad characters” in and into the city we all love. In conclusion, let me make some news by revealing my new slogan for the upcoming city elections [MAYOR HOLDS UP SIGN THAT READS]: ‘I Got Mine, Now Help Me Get More … Re-Elect Tyer for Mayor.'”
———————————————————————————————————————-
“By winning today, we won next week” — Patriots coach Bill Belichick after the team earned its NFL-record ninth consecutive first-round playoffs bye.
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
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That is an award winning story right there Dan.
In light of the burden Pittsfield’s tax payers are under, and the conditions of the infrastructure (roads) you would think priorities might be aligned differently. From my viewpoint the Tyler street reinvention is a make work project with a base goal of enriching special interests. I see the mayor as a cooperating tool in a scam to bilk taxpayers and distribute the wealth.
The taxpayers should be able to vote on this project and it should be open and honest and not a politically sheparded con job like the Charter revision.
The Charter revision was wide open and accepted suggestions from anyone interested. Nobody complained until it was over when they found out the mayor’s term was for four years. Barry Clairmont suggested that at large councilors be given a 4 year term, again, after it was over and ready for a council vote. Ed Lapointe was chairman of the revision committee he is perhaps the most honest man in Pittsfield.
As for the Tyler Street project, a boondoggle that will make the Beacon look like a bargain. Tyler Street would have been far better off with a Dunkin at St. Mary’s. They would have hooked up their own sewer and paid their taxes instead of the taxpayer paying them.
As for the Planets column, spot on!
THOMAS
Yes, the Charter process was public. The however in the process came when the city did not conduct a proper information campaign to explain to voters, in plain English, what the changes were and what they would mean. We had at the time suggested either that the city print up a flier, again in plain English, and mail to every registered voter. The less-costly alternative would have been printing copies and making them available at the library and other public places. We also suggested a series of articles to be published in and by The Boring Broadsheet, a series of town hall meetings, and other no- or low-cost educational efforts. THE PLANET met with surprisingly robust official resistance to our suggestions. As for Ed LaPointe, agreed. He’s a good man, of ORBIT quality. Finally, we also concur with your assessment of Dunkin’. That would have been a far better choice. They had a great plan, with beautiful landscaping, and, most importantly, done with all private money. Thanks for your contributions to this site.
Thomas,
You are 1/2 correct.
I suggested a four year term for all councilors. I made the suggestion both during the process and after it was presented to the Council for a vote.
I also suggested we do away with the Mayor and go to a City Manager.
Once the council had the charter for a vote. Councilor Lothrop and myself made 19 suggested edits. I believe all but two or three were accepted. No other Councilor offered up any changes.
Barry
Mccandless wont walk his schools,he won’t set up shop in the hallways,he won’t put on sneakers and manage.When Mayor Barrett was working in Pittsfield he told Department heads to get out of your office and go to the problem so that you really understand the problem,you see it hear it and you can touch it.
Mrs Behnke can do the same go to the buildings and figure out how to cut each budget 4% and that would require working out of the office.I you get Joe Curtis out of his office he could see how everything he buys does not work.Getting Joe off the computer will require an intervention but will save millions.
Once in the buildings ,example Crosby stay and set up shop for 1 month so administrators and cliques there will have to behave professionally and not run a retail food store .More time is spent by one administrator doing inventory and stocking the teachers room than what he is paid for.
The school comittee
Every point you have critiqued needs to happen. The buck stops right at the top. Do your job.
Progressives have also destroyed retail in this area as well. They can’t stop cheering the downfall of the Berkshire Mall or stop patting themselves on the back for Melissa Mazzeo and fellow Progressives killing the Super Walmart deal, but that leaves this area with ONLY Walmart to fill the retail void in Pittsfield. They have NO other ideas to bring affordable retail into the area and all of the Democratic elites in the area can easily afford to shop on North Street or go to the expensive Lee Outlets to shop or even shop on-line at those nasty retail stores they so despise.
Everyone I know was completely disgusted this past Christmas season that short of driving out of the area to shop, there were so few choices for people who like to walk around a store since the Berkshire Mall now only has Target. Let’s hope that Target is able to hang on with the Berkshire Mall dying around it. I worry about Walmart too. Without those two stores, this area would be completely dead for affordable family friendly retail. It’s all about quality of life for this area for the struggling middle class.
Pat, please research why Walmart is not building a super store in Pittsfield. If you do you will see that Walmart is trimming store growth and focusing on re-models and e-commerce. The same goes for malls which are closing everywhere. Political affiliation has absolutely nothing to do with it. I know it’s easier for you to place everything in all nice neat little blocks, but it just doesn’t work that way.
Very well said Harrison.
Not true Harrison. Super Walmart was driven out of Pittsfield. They were all set to come here.
Stop lying Pat as the Mayor and council wanted to fill that vacant lot at any cost.
Pat, word on the street is that a van load of liberal progressive thugs is headed into town to pull up all the tulip bulbs in the city and send them to a goat farm in Switzerland to be used as feed. There is no bar too low for these commie sympathizers. Pass this along so that we can be ready for them.
The branding and polarization — you’re a “this” and I’m a “that” … you’re a “progressive” and I’m a “conservative” — has to go if America is to have any chance of a rational dialogue on the important issues. Wouldn’t it be nice if we started it here. File it under “W” for “Wishful Thinking Department.” THE PLANET, by the way, is all for the proper feeding of goats.
Thankyou Dan
It is a turnoff for myself. These arguments and tit for tat are relentless. The very reason some of us are not on here frequently.
Dan V. I have to say Progressive since they are the ones in charge in this area and have been for some time. We keep changing faces in local politics, but the philosophy remains the same. I can’t help but believe that it’s a big part of our local and national problem.
Also, I don’t believe in the coincidence of Walmart just deciding to change their corporate policy of where they locate just at the same time as Pittsfield was earmarked for having a Super Walmart. Also too many on this board keep praising Mazzeo for getting rid of Super Walmart. Do they know something we don’t know or are they talking nonsense?
I have tried so many times to get locals to discuss the issues, but they just start with the name calling and avoid any discussion at all which leads me to believe they have NO interest in having a discussion. They want it their way.
Conservatives are in charge everywhere Pat please explain the movement by commies against retail
Let’s replace progressive with bouvier like buffoon.
Pat,
I’m not sure I would call Dan Bianchi a progressive. Heis the one that drove Walmart out.
My wife allowed the door open for them, which they entertained for some time and spent a whole bunch of money on the project. I was shocked when they pulled out. I guess the brick and mortar model didn’t fit for them anymore. We were probably 6 months late to the party.
Barry
I know that Mayor Tyer wanted a Super Walmart for Pittsfield. I do give her lots of credit for trying to bring it here.
Walmart or any other potential buyer will not take on the exorbitant added expense to clean up the toxic ground site.
Barry
Down in Florida WALMART has something called a Neighborhood Market. I wonder if that would be something they, and we, could consider?
Happy New Year to you and your bride!
Pat, Target will be fine. It is considered a “stand alone” store, separate from the mall.
I’m progressive Pat please explain why I’m happy that malls fail.So that you know it is Amazon,Target and Walmart that are investing all their money in the internet E shopping and that is why malls all over the country are closing.Democrats love retail.Conservatives have people shop on line for them.
Bravo Dan! Right on target! This whole bunch of politicians need to be swept out of office in the next election. Tyer is a disaster. Art would be 10X worse. Any fiscal conservatives with management experience out there, looking for a new challenge?? Both the city and schools need some new leadership.
The problem with sweeping them out of office is that the only candidates running to replace them, and with enough cash to fight the cabal, are the friends, relatives and cohorts of the rubber stampers you are getting rid of. It has been this way for some time and quite frankly, I do not know how you combat it. We are pretty much in a politically sealed box.
Mr. Gaetani has the enthusiasm, and there are some elders with enthusiasm, but many of us have one foot in the grave and just do not have the resilience needed. Not many of the younger ones know or care about politics and the damage is does to them. The special interests running Pittsfield politics know this and work every angle of it to their advantage.
I disagree with all of you about your mean-spirited criticisms of the lovely Linda Tyer! She is the best Mayor of Pittsfield EVER! If I lived in my native hometown of Pittsfield, I would vote for her re-election in 2019. I would also attend her speech on 1/7.
The lovely Linda Tyer inherited a mess from the past mayoral administrations. All of the problems her critics point out were there prior to her becoming Mayor. I support the lovely Linda Tyer in politics because she stands for all of the great ideals I believe in. She speaks out for Human Rights, economic opportunity for workers, and a positive and progressive vision for Pittsfield.
While I disagree with some of her decisions as Mayor, I believe she has the best interests of the community at heart. Compared to the “Doyle debacle”, the “Hathaway hack”, the “Ruberto regime”, and the “Bianchi bust”, the lovely Linda Tyer is a good municipal leader!
– Jonathan Melle
Thanks you, JM, for the alternate view. Happy New Year to you, your dad, and family.
Are you alright Jon?
There is one reason and one reason only for having such a poor crop of politicians runing our city. Look in the mirror and you will find the reason. Look also at city council meetings. With one exception there is no one holding city officials accountable. This one exception spent his own money to try to stop the building of the not needed THS. He saved this city 116 million dollars in the 80’s when he built the water plants. In the Past 34 years residents saved another 50 million dollars in reduced water and sewer rates. He is at every city council meeting representing the taxpayer and most recently tried to save the rate payers from taking a bloodbath to the tune of 74 million dollars. He is one man trying to help the ratepayer and yet there are individuals on this site and in this city who dismiss his efforts. When he decides to pull the plug then what??? There is no one like him in this city. Dusty is correct that the Gman has the enthusiasm but even he will take just so much. I see a crack pot named Jonathan melle praising the present mayor tyer and at the same time chastising the Gman. The city has many Jonathan melle’s and they will be in full force at the state of the city event. Because of the Jonathan melle’s we have the poor bunch of politicians we have in tyer and the bulk of the council. How do we change this??? I really dont know but until it changes we will see many more state of the city’s with one lie after another thrown in the taxpayers faces. A good way to start to address the problem is to sweep city hall clean and start all over again. In fact it is the only thing we MUST DO.
Will the waterboy be off probation by the time the next municipal election rolls around?
Shakes Vic O You are a known quantity. The Gman invites you to his show at 6pm. You are a coward with no accomplishments. You didn’t just become a coward you have been a coward for 35 years. Many at your last place of employment couldn’t stand you as they thought you were a gossip. They were so correct. You are so jealous of the Gman because he has a lifetime of accomplishments and is the city’s greatest benefactor of all time and will be for all time. Compared to the Gman you are as small as a flea on a dogs back. If you dont bring your bravado to the Gman’s show you will forever from this time forward be known as viccoward.a pitiful ball of lard
I’m not who you think I am. And you really have a man crush on the Gman, not that yours or his sexual orientations matter. He’s a twice recently convicted criminal. Not to mention a liar.
Art,
You were a salesman for Krofta. You were paid for your services. Let’s keep a grip on reality here.
Art, can you do us all a favor and work on new material for 2019. I’ll be your Planet “Life-Coach,” free of charge.
We all know the GMan could rewrite the MENSA handbook. As Wayne and Garth both proclaimed, “We’re not worthy. We’re not worthy.”
But now, your calling poor Jonathan a “crack pot.” C’mon, really? This coming from the GMa……errr, I mean Art.
My first free piece of advice, the city leaders, hence The City, doesn’t want or care what the GMan has to say or offer. Art, in your lifetime, have you ever heard the expression “Don’t the bridge on your way out?”
Well Art, the bridge has been scorched, baby!!
Let’s make 2019 a new year. New material, please?
Your friend, K
Kate. You know I love you but your attitude plays right into the hands of the incompetents who are run this city.You would ask that the Gman roll over and play dead but that will never happen. The Gman has seen this rodeo before and he knows how to win the rodeo. He has won the crown seven times in the US and three times each in south america and Asia. There is no one looking out for the taxpayer in this city but the Gman has the taxpayers back. Unfortunately the prize in capital projects sometimes takes many years. The Gman has something you dont have Kate and that’s perseverance. You would like to see the Gman roll over and play dead but that will never occur. You should watch the Gman’s show and you will see the master of pctv at work. Remember Kate the Gman didn’t become a gazzilionaire by being stupid. You see Kate the Gman knows what he is after and when he gets it he will share it with everyone in the city. As far as me calling melle a crack pot yes that’s how I view him. Look back at his posts before I called him a crack pot you will find what you missed. Kate I hope you will give up being a quitter. Your better than that. Have a happy new year the Gman may have a big present for you and all other city residents sometime in the new year.He will be trying and remember you can’t win if you dont play. Think about it!!!!!
The speech was very motivating. Almost brought me to the point of “It’s Happening,” days again. When banners hung from the empty building which now houses the $30 million dollar movie house.
Back in the day when only ABC, NBC, and CBS, were on the air, didn’t ABC call their late night movie, “The Million Dollar Movie?” Well, Mayor Tyer can now tout that it her State of the City.
One last point Dan, the speech would have been very presidential-like, had you included the words “collaboration” and “Tricia Country-Buffet,” in the same context:
“I look forward to my continued collaboration with Tricia Country-Buffet, in bringing big business back to Pittsfield. The phone in my office rings at least once a month, would big offers. Thanks to Tricia Country-Buffet’s collaborative efforts, it’s back!”
And do you remember at that time the mayor paid the local newspaper $50,000 to use the logo ITS HAPPENING as much as they could?
Yup, taxpayer money free for the taking. This same guy gave $50,000 of taxpayer money to the parade committee for the parade. And since that time city taxes have risen over 100 million dollars and the free for all for taxpayer money is in full swing.
Perhaps Barry or some other astute city father will correct me on this but I don’t think so because it is true.
I have no recollection of this 50,000. Not saying it isn’t true, I just don’t recall it. I know it didn’t happen while i was on the council.
Barry
Ask Kerwood about it. I believe he was one of Doyles troopers.
Doomie. Please expound a little further. Was the mayor jerry the looser????
KATE
“It’s back.”
Priceless.
Kate I think you should run for public office. You tell it like it is. You know we are top heavy with idiots in city government and you would be a fresh new face. All we need to do is get seven more to run for council and two or three for mayor. We could turn pittsfield into paradise. We need to get as many new faces in city government as we can. How many people on this board would consider runing for public office. You can start your campaign right here on the planet
Today’s swearing in of Harrington made some things painfully clear.
This is her first real job
She doesn’t know her right hand from her left, she was sworn in with a raised right hand.
She should never step into a courtroom as she can’t even read a prepared statement.
The first woman DA of Berkshire County is a buffoon.
In lighter news TFB plans to run for Berkshire County Sheriff on the same platform as “know nothing Harrington”, the “experience doesn’t matter” platform aka “I can do that because I need a job”
In more news if TFB runs for sheriff , Helen Moon will run for TFB’s seat.
Other news, Healey plans to run for Warren’s and Harrington expects to be the next AG of MA
God help us all!
I suppose all the Harrington’s backers will blame Paul Caccaviello for not teaching her which hand is her left and which is her right. Wow, are we in trouble.
Isn’t it “raise your right hand and repeat after me…”? I think you’re supposed to have your right hand in the air, no?
Harrington just thought it wasn’t the right hand but her other right hand.
I am confident that with her experience will do just as good a job as out man in the White House.
Too funny. She was sworn in with her left hand, not her right. Apparently you don’t know right from left either?
It’s amusing to see the pettiness that surfaces over such a trivial faux pas, but the fact is it makes no difference which hand you raise to take an oath. The right hand is traditional and used by almost everyone, but the spoken words are the only things that matter in oath-taking.
It was much funnier when Gov. Rauner of Illinois made the same mistake a few years back. The oath-giver tried to prod him to switch hands three or four times before giving up. That part preceded the video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Q1KBeE97Ns
Your other innuendos are childish. The Berkshire DA’s Office is being re-made and it’s about time. Deal with it.
I have to laugh at the questioning concerning the Gaetani team moving forward with the new technology. Tiny and Flip Flop Jobs questions are sounding like the new technology and the presentation the company proposing to look into the plant are amateurs.
When you get the new water rate bill the next couple years, let us know how you really feel. Start thinking 600%.
To HelenMoon: Why are you against the possibility of totally removing the process of chemicals treating the water sewer waste? Why are you against new technology? The ten year savings on eliminating the chemical aspect alone would be over two million dollars and that is the minimum savings, could go upwards to five – six million? Please explain? Or are you beholden to terrorocy with the way your roads are being paved in your Ward,and owe him?
You completely missed the bid deadline. Two of your consultants were no-shows at the CC presentation. The technology is not being used at any municipal plants. No firm numbers for the project were given. That’s four reasons right there.
There are rules governing the bidding process. You think the rules don’t apply to you.
Fritz I consider you a halfwit but let me explain The one and only reason that need be looked at is the 24_28 million dollars savings. Now only a halfwit would not look at savings like those. And because we know you are a halfwit we know you are not looking at the savings but I would bet not many agree with you. Those that will are halfwits also. Where do you halfwits come from???
Actually, this goes beyond “the rules”. Massachusetts General Law Chapter 30B applies to the procurement process required for every government agency in the Commonwealth.
Just like laws pertaining to breaking into a car, intimidating witnesses by pretending to be someone else, and threatening a public employee, procurement laws must be followed.
If we are halfwits, then Art Seller is a no wit.
Viccoward ( shakes ) you are who I said you were and you are a coward yesterday today and always will be. You could have proven your bravado by showing up at the Gman’s show and spewing your vitriol to his face but your nothing but a coward. You shall for all time to come be known as viccoward. Your co workers had you number when they said you were the biggest liar they ever met.you haven’t changed one bit. Viccoward the coward.
No, I’m not whoever you are babbling on about. I lived in the Berkshires for a while, assisted on a mayoral campaign, and know how local, state, and Federal government works. Unlike you or the G-man I have actual college degrees and I have a career in public service. The Universities I’ve taught at are real accredited state universities.
I don’t hate you or the G-man, but you are quacks that do not advance legitimate discussion. Those of us that work for government deal with your ilk everywhere and when it is not the most irritating part of our jobs it is usually the most comical. Your or his criminal records only add to your bizarre, zany characters, just like the toupee or his drunken appearance at the candidates’ forum.
Yeah, thanx for trying G Man, guess mr. fits thinks it wasn’t worth the effort. What people like fits and others don’t realize is,that you never could get into the Plant? And requested at City Council,and letter to the Mayor.
Bidders who played by the rules were allowed to tour the plant. Again, you think the rules don’t apply to you.
Fritz quit while you still have some dignity. I guess what you are saying is that you like to pay 74 million dollars for something you can get for 44 million dollars. Do you know what they call people who think like you do??????? Please at least pretend you are not ignorant no rhyme or reason in your thought process. None.!!!
I know you have a learning disability, but what is the number? Here you claim $30M but above you claim $24M-$28M. You’re confused.
Hope the democrats and some republicans hold firm on the wall support trump wants. Remember he did say, Mexico will pay for it. Just sayin….
Fritz is not making any cents. He’ll be glad to pay the rate hike.
Can’t wait until the Clinton type of government is back in place. When Elizabeth Warren runs, hopefully her good friend,the sexy James Taylor can come up with a beautiful, theme song.
Please make Art Seller stop calling President Trump “Scump” since it’s very offensive to the people who voted for President Trump. Thank you.
Although I don’t like that he calls hump scump, I think he should be allowed to say it.
My problem, and the reason that I frequent here less and less, is that it’s devolved into pro and anti trump blather almost constantly.
Personally I don’t think this is the place for it. It would be better if we stayed on topic
It goes to Dan’s point that name calling especially of a specific person is not helping people to communicate and solve our differences. I think we should be allowed to say Progressive or Conservative since I don’t think those are terrible words, but name calling a specific person should be discouraged.
Every time I try to say PRESIDENT Trump I vomit. Those two words together seem to cause a violent physiological reaction in my constitution.
State 4 TDS.
Agree. No more Scump. So it has been said and shall be written.
Johnny and nota you get the same negative taste in your mouth as I do when I think about trump. That is why I call him scump. I actually call him something else but it wouldn’t be appropriate to say it on this board so it will be scump. But it may not be scump soon it will be the impeached buffoon. Either way the worst president ever.
Hmmm. Trump leaves a bad taste in our mouth. Okay stormy.
It would be better if we stay on topic. So it shall be said and written.
I think that narrowing Tyler Street is a ridiculous idea. It will lead to more accidents. People will not be discouraged from driving down narrow streets, but it will be dangerous. There are only so many shortcuts you can take in Pittsfield. This is a small area with tons of people traveling in and out of the city throughout the day.
On another subject, so many people were packed into Price Chopper in Allendale on Christmas Eve that it was dangerous. Same with Walmart. Too many people can be hazardous if there is a fire. A super Walmart might have solved that problem since people could have the choice to do some of their shopping in a larger store that could accommodate more people and hence less crowding in one store. A Super Walmart has its own grocery store. We need more variety to avoid these dangerous situations in such a densely populated area. Not everyone who shops here lives in just Pittsfield, but many come from South County, Lanesboro, and Dalton.
It would be interesting to hear from someone in the fire dept. as to whether there is capacity limits in grocery stores. If there are and they were grossly violated we may not hear from anyone and we can just hope this subject dies a quick death.
But no way Price Chopper cares as long as the cash cow is printing dollars.
Building codes control occupancy when the structure is built, the Fire Department is typically who inspects compliance. Building codes are so overly protective I do not think there is anyway physically the building could be over-occupied.
Pittsfield= bars and good water.
Please make pat stop degrading progressives. Its demeaning and offensive.
Too bad you find the truth offensive.
Word is that the state will be taking over the running of the Pittsfield school system. Good job Pittsfield.
Lounge that would be the best news ever. Anyone who missed the Gman’s show tonight can watch it Monday at 11:30am or Tuesday at 5:30 pm. One of his best shows ever. His thinking process is light years ahead of everyone and he lays the blame for what is sinking pittsfield squarely on the shoulders of those who are destroying this city. If you dont care for secretary tyer this show is for you
I agree, that would be great news re state take over of the Pittsfield School district. Reid has been at the lowest standing forever – fire all the administration and start over. Consolidate schools. Make mandatory retirement for the crummy teachers. The poor kids have to suffer through standardized tests but the teachers are never accountable when the students make no progress. Or just close all the schools permanently and give the money back to tax payers and choice them to the functional districts.
KERMIT
The first directive of any future mayor and future school committee member should be to tackle the performance rot that has been allowed to settle in at the overpaid, underperforming School Department.
I get the impression School Committee members are glad handlers that didn’t have enough juice to be a board member of some cultural institution or basically bench warming to further increases of status elsewhere. The people that run and sit on the committees (ahem like our new DA) don’t have education experience and don’t seem to care of the success or not of their institutions. Perhaps the analogy to a museum board member is a good one …
It is absurd how much the State money graft means to this piss poor leadership. The education and lack of it is secondary. They all shoukd be held accountable.
So who is this candidate announcing a run for Mayor? Anyone know?
The dismantling of scump starts today. Many corporations blame slumping sales on tariffs. Scump says stock market took a “little ” hit. I bet people with 401k’s dont believe they took a ” little hit. Its a whole new ball game my progressive friends and it is finally your turn. You will destroy scump.
Halo. I dont know. Someone called into the Gman’s show and said that someone who is going to run for mayor will be announcing soon. The same caller said that he knew of two people who are going to run against moon. The Gman always starts his show by asking the viewers to vote tyer and 8 of the 11 councilors out of office. He makes perfectly clear that these individuals do not represent the taxpayer in any way shape or form and do not possess the ability to represent any one including themselves. Many people called the Gman and asked him if he knew who the person is that may run for mayor? He doesnt know but perhaps people are starting to realize that the ballot box is the only place to rid ourselves of these miscreants who hold public office here in pittsfield. Let’s hope that this is the case.
Thank you Mr. Gaetani, after seeing The Eli Manning makes 23 million a year? I am totally convinced government workers are a little upset.
Planet posters. Yes we do need to stay on topic more than we do. The main topic of concern or should be is how do we insure that our elected officials represent Everyone in this city. We are all very well aware that every election in this city is decided by the four special interest groups and their friends and families. With this being the case it becomes clearly evident why we have such poor candidates wining elections time after time. We should start to open up a dialog today and continue to discuss how we might put an end to this practice of electing to public office these poor caliber of candidates who become slaves to the special interests and do nothing to represent the rest of us. I hope everyone can participate in this exercise because we all have so much at stake. Let’s get started.
The Planet dictates page content, not you.
Well stated, SHAKES! And absolutely 100% accurate.
In complete agreement, AS. Let’s get off of issues over which we have no control, mainly Trump, and focus in this crucial year of municipal elections on September and November. Turnout is key, with participation a close second. “The poor caliber of candidates” to which you refer is indeed symptomatic of the disease that has eaten away the city from the inside out. Where do we find the next Chuck Garivaltis? The next Peter Arlos? The next Sam Landa? The next Don Butler? The very existence of the city may be, and likely will be, at stake. If the electorate fails again, it will aloha on the steel guitar for the once great town.
Mr Valenti. I concur. I have been posting for a little over 5 months and I find this forum to be excellent for allowing people to post in real time regarding their city. What I find troubling though is how divided the people are in understanding who is trying to help them and those who are trying to destroy them. As you are very aware Mr. Gaetani is a very good friend of mine. I can tell you that he doesnt have a mean bone in his body. You know what he did for this city in the 80’s. Recently he tried his best to try to prevent the rate payer from being boiled in hot oil with this sewer project. How anyone could throw stones at him for trying to prevent the rate payer from taking a blood bath is beyond me. The rate payer is very fortunate that the Gman does not give up easily. He will do everything in his power to try to rescue the rate payer because he knows positively in his heart that the city’s chosen technology is not the best solution for the city and it is 28 million dollars more costly than the technology he is proposing. If you look at some of the people who throw stones at him from this site one has to wonder if they are truly aware of the blood bath that is coming for them. Mr. Gaetani told me that you were the first person he contacted in 2015 to show you his sandfloats at the Cleveland plant and no one from the city came to open the plants at that time. He has been trying ever since then to get in the plants and still to this date hasn’t been able to get in. The major question is why not. The Gman looks at the mayor and 8 members of the council as total jokes. A lesser man than gaetani would have given up long ago but quit is not in gaetanis vocabulary. The point I am making is that if people do not get behind people like gaetani there is no hope for the taxpayer. Dan you are correct the 2019 city election is a do or die election for the city. Return these buffoons to office in November. You might as well kiss this city good bye. We must all pull together and get rid of every individual who has disrespected the taxpayer and that is most of them
Suggestion: why don’t you and your best friend Gaetani start your own blog? That way, anyone who is interested in hearing your nonstop whining about Tyer, Trump and the state of the DOW can tune in directly. I, for one, am tired of it!
Fritz you are a moron
If my vote went to Trump and he surprised me with his behavior I to would want the indefensible behavior off limits to comments.
Should be the Fate of the City……just sayin….
Why would anyone give millions to a millionaire businessman,where was the oversight. Over 500g to Co-vAnta? The Preservation tax, why would anyone who can’t make ends meet to begin with, want to have that added on? Why do we need a pickle ball court? Water, why spend tens and tens of millions when we don’t need to? Why would you el ct a D A that has never tried a case?
Now, the biggest bootlicker in the City is back on pctv.
can you spell k I c k b a c k s ?
Who is the boot licker you are referring to?
Yeah seen that,bootlicker extraordinaire is back on pctv you would think that they learned the first time about this clown. So, Petey and the school will have a platform to ease any wrongdoings or nothing doings. F C C is monitoring him don’t worry bout that it is still taxpayer funded.
Dow
.isDOWNAgain..6hunge..
Trump in 2020.
Why does Mayor Tyer allow taxpayers to waste millions needing 1/2 a million square feet to educate 1600 student 15 to 18 years old.2 roofs,2 boiler room,2 libraries,2 properties,2 seperate schedules ,2 bus routes,2 gyms,2 auditoriums 2 sets of teachers….Its just that she does not want to deal with it as she can afford it.A leader stands up for the elderly.They want me to stop talking about consolidation and PCB poisons in our schools.
Can we talk about Trump if he does something good someday?
He’s finished. Frits pat same person also are topix done,finis
Paranoid buffoon.
He’s as big a joke as Art/Cos/H
Viccoward a buffoon no matter which way you look at IT. In his last position he was known as the office Gossip. Pitiful individual.
We need a Wall,support the President. Keep government closed,enhance the pain. Running back troublemaker Ezekiel Elliot of Cowboys New 88 million three year contract. Congrats Zeke.
Leteisha James is coming for the Family.
Carl wait till trump feels leteisha’s claws. I’m feeling sorry for him already but he has hurt many blue collar workers over four bankruptcy and she is going to even the score. If I were trump I would do anything to not get into her crosshairs but I’m afraid its too late. She has him in the crosshairs and she plays for keeps.
Once again you reveal yourself as a delusional buffoon.
Yeah,babeee,Tish is going to serve trump a dish,of whoooop ass.Who threw the towel in my dumpster Sunday Night.
Now Helen Moon and Dina Gueil work in the DA’s office.
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