HOME-IMPROVEMENT SCHEME A BLATANT MISUSE OF GE SETTLEMENT DOLLARS
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEDNESDAY MARCH 13, 2016) — With current poverty levels, high welfare incidence, and the public treasury open for the “gimme groups,” Pittsfield has long been operating under a socialist system. It may be called something else, but “a rose by any other name” …
Thus, when the city council’s committee on community and economic development took up Mayor Linda Tyer’s proposed home-repair giveaway of another $250,000 from the GE settlement fund, committee members members gave unanimous consent. That’s how one-party systems operate. No honest debate. Little discussion. The committee’s apparatchiks, operating under the 7-iron of chairman Nick Caccamo, got out the rubber stamp. It was all “Home, Home on the Range” from there. You know, “where never is heard a discouraging word.” That’s how it sits in socialist utopias.
Tyer’s request represents the latest abuse of the $10 million, those 30 pieces of silver Pittsfield accepted from GE in exchange for letting the company off the hook for polluting land, water, and air. The money was to be used for (a) tax relief and (b) economic development. It took Elastic Man from DC Comics, Marcel Marceau, and “Stretch” McCovey to argue that taxpayer-funded home improvements for private home owners would qualify as (b). Yet wading through the city council packet, that’s what Tyer and Community Development director Deanna Ruffer claim.
Ruffer estimated that home assessments will rise 7 to 12% after the work is done, bringing in more to the general fund. Let’s do something risky. Let’s take Ruffer at her word. What do you get? A tax-hike scheme, pure and simple. We would only advise homeowners who apply for the repair money to read the contract three times and hire a cheap lawyer before signing this Trojan-Horse deal.
For Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski, who would never think upkeep of their home was Big Government’s responsibility, the program will end up bringing more financial pressure. Just what they need. Here’s how it works:
- If you make $87,480 or less, you qualify.
- Deferred-payment loans (DPL) will be made using GE settlement money and/or private equity from one of four participating local financial institutions (Lee Bank, Berkshire Bank, Greylock Federal Credit Union, and the Pittsfield Co-Op Bank; THE PLANET wonders if council president Peter Marchetti recused himself from the vote Tuesday night [March 12]. Marchetti works for the Co-Op).
- These will be 0% interest loans requiring”no monthly repayment.”
- Payment is due when the homeowner vacates the property or transfers the obligation to the new owner.
- Ruffer’s office will administer the DPL program.
———- ooo ———-
In addition to a blatant misuse of the GE funds, the program has one other rotten kicker. The fine print in the enabling documents contains a “no payback” clause: “The city is exploring options that would allow for the forgiveness of a portion or all” of a loan’s value. It apparently never occurred to Caccamo or the other three committee bobble heads to clarify this language and the city’s intent.
Dum-de-dum-dum.
You know, THE PLANET knows, Judge Crater knows that we’re talking “free money.” You can bet your bottom tuppence that this language will not only be included but enacted, meaning that the city will be able to forgive as many of the loans as it wishes. When this happens, you know who will be on the hook for the full amount?
Gotta mirror?
The wording allows the city to forgive or not forgive on a whim. If you have “connections,” if you “know someone who knows someone,” if you donated to the correct political campaigns, that’s good news. You’ll get free money and not worry about repaying a dime. If you’re just another honest, hard-working taxpayer without any inside chit, you’ll be in debtor’s jail if you don’t cough up every cent.
There’s also one other sneak provision in the documents. Homeowners living on the West Side or Morningside will not be required to go through any of the four private banks. Private equity, see, likes to do its homework. It likes to actually vet loan applicants. If they’re deemed bad risks, they don’t get the dough. From this we can safely conclude the city anticipates giving “don’t ask/don’t tell” dollars to unqualified homeowners. When you realize also that Ruffer tilted the scales in favor of the Tyler Street redevelopment initiatives, you have what amounts to a crooked deck. Is this discriminatory provision an attempt to win votes in November? Remember, Ruffer serves solely at the discretion of the mayor; her job depends on Tyer’s re-election.
The full council was scheduled to vote on this Tuesday night. As of press time, THE PLANET had no word of the vote. We’re sure that as the day passes, our superb commentators will fill us in on what happened.
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“It’s not the high price of talent that bothers me about professional sports. It’s the high price of mediocrity” — Sir Tiberius Fruitjuice.
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
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Dan,
Why didn’t you run this column earlier?
Thankfully Councilor Simonelli was on the case – he questioned using GE funds as seed money, asked if the Mayor would be coming back to ask for more money, questioned giving away money without any sort of repayment schedule, and asked why only a certain area of the city was targeted for the funds. So the program was thrown back to the mayor to be reworked.
Throw this birdbrained idea in the Tyler St. trashcans!
White, Caccamo, Persip & Moon need to be voted OUT!
No councilor is opposed outright but Tyer withdrew so she can fine tune it to their liking to push it through. So it’s going to happen, just not right away.
Who determined the income level and how and why?
Why no payback across time?
Something fishy in Pissfield.
lanet Valenti proverb: There are too many critics in criticism.
It’s always a pleasure to read so many innovative alternatives – by a bunch of spacey avatars.
At least the Home Improvement program’s “intent” is out there. It may need a little tweaking, but it’s out there for further debate & discussion.
Is anybody apposed to Habitat for Humanity? Exactly! Then why so many objections to Mayor Tyer’s initiative? Because it’s Mayor Tyer’s, of course!!
If I were y’all (and I’m not), I’d be more concerned with “Andrew” Harrington’s new soft on crime agenda; one year jail term for a guy who assaulted a pregnant woman and sold heroin? Three years for a serial pedophile?
And that’s the bottom-line!!!
BRIAN
To equate Habitat for Humanity with this particular initiative is a Straw Man construction. Habitat, true, lends its name to this program, but little else. The objections do not stem from where the program originated but from an analysis of the details. These were the little devils that Caccamo’s subcommittee didn’t bother to examine.
Strawman Fallacy
Person 1 makes claim Y.
Person 2 restates person 1’s claim (in a distorted way).
Person 2 attacks the distorted version of the claim.
Therefore, claim Y is false.
And that’s the bottom-line, Dan!!
H for H doesn’t get their money from the GE fund. Get it now?
And views on Harrington are all over this blog, almost on a daily basis.
Reading comprehension isn’t your strong suit is it?
I believe Habitat requires so many hours of your personal time to work on the project, finance council, and other requirements. The money the mayor is purposing to use is from a fund that isn’t meant for such use. Also possibly not having to pay back the funds is a real gem. I talked with someone who was heavily involved with Habitat and the person said there a big difference between the two. I saw your comment and couldn’t believe it is the same as a few talked of just a few days ago.
If Pittsfield is “Socialist”, then why are there so many poor or near-poor residents without living wage jobs? Wouldn’t a Socialist government guarantee living wage jobs to its working class?
I would call Pittsfield a “social services” town with many not-for-profit agencies that depend on the underclass for its clientele.
The lovely Linda Tyer is misguided to use GE’s economic development funds to pay for residential home repair projects. I am surprised she didn’t give the money to Nuciforo’s pot business, or some other political hack’s enterprise!
What is economic development in Pittsfield?
Answers: The underclass, welfare caseloads, teen pregnancies, crime, and insider politics.
I love Andrea Nuciforo. He is a cool guy and a true and upright man. When will you give up on your acid fueled preoccupation of him or is it a secret love you can’t face up to?
FM
We’ve known Andy almost all his life. We agree with your assessment. Has he thrown a perfect game? No. Neither have you nor I done that. Only Don Larsen on Oct. 8, 1956. I, too, hope that our good friend Jonathan can let go of the past and move forward.
I’m glad you agree with my statement about Andrea. He made his play in politics and right now he is a hard working attorney doing the right things as far as I can tell.
All the economic development johathan mentioned have what in common?
Answer is … federal reimbursements:)
Like the socialist Bernie
the powers at be
Very much enjoy spending other people’s money.
To enrich their friends.
As the commonwealth and its residents are already taxed
Dry, the parasites need another host.
Detroit or Venezuela are Pittfields future.
MAGOO
Yes, that’s what I was alluding to. I recall Mayor Hathaway’s comment that Pittsfield is a “junkie for state aid.” She did it on my radio show, and she said she wasn’t being metaphorical. When a community becomes SOOOOO dependent on public money, we’re talking socialism. On the white board, socialism is a fine theory. In practice, it collapses on itself. Increased government aid weakens the impulses that drive personal ambition, business enterprise, and private equity.
Well said, Dan. There are reasons why all the great inventions such as airplanes, cars, nuclear power, TV, etc. were created in a capitalist society. Socialism blunts individual accomplishments and greatness.
J M,
Socialism produces exactly what we have in Pittsfield. A ruling elite and an impoverished working class. The textbook socialism produces the ideal society. It is the proverbial unicorn found in socialist countries like Venezuela.
Whoops the unicorn isn’t there anymore, the starving People ate him.
Hey Trump Train, when we look around this country it would appear that Capitalism produces exactly the same thing; a ruling g elite and an impoverished working class! There hasta be a 3rd way.
True…capitalism can be harsh, and cruel, however, intelligent capitalist not only makes money but helps their employees to succeed. This, the middle class grows.
The greedy capitalist only cares about themselves. Human nature, being what it is… both will occur.
Despite this, the benefits still outpace other systems.
The answer to you question is Venezuela.
I read the mayors and Ruffers arguments for this “project” and I came away wondering who in the hells original idea was this? But no matter who thought it up I find it scary for the city that it was pushed forward by a committee of supposedly knowledgeable people. And the mayor and Ruffer trying to support their plan before the council seemed like amateur night for a debate team. And it kind of reinforces my belief in why the whole city is running in circles with its financing. And that is that special interests are alying the foundation for the budget.
Two questions:
Are landlords eligible for these forgivable loans since the paper stated that 70 percent of the homes in the two areas were rentals?
And if the argument to use GE money for this project can be made it can also be made to use this money for a real emergency like fixing the roads.
Good questions, DUSTY.
Seeing how good roads are needed for economic development it’s a much better use of the money.
Show Rudder a cash account and she will spend it.Ruffer gave it to the Berkshire Museum 600k,Hankcock Shaker 450 k with the coctail crown from Umass coming to advocate spending money,Spics,Music internet company teaching guitar playing,Movie Thearter and now remodeling of houses…….Our police department is burning out and in need of 40 new positions to drive the multimillion dollar heroin trade out of town.How can the driver of a car doing and rude by attempt at murder not be charged with attempted murder?
The suspect is a juvenile. That means our new District Attorney will go very gentle on punishment despite the fact that shooting at houses and people in vehicles could have murdered someone.
There is rumors of a pistol whipping at Cumberland farms in coatsville 8 pm same evening.
Which would suggest the wild west violence in Pittsfield is spreading towards Dalton and other areas of the Berkshires.
The victim being takin to emergency room by ambulance, and large blood stain left in parking lot.
Yet no mention of this in Berkshire bird cage liner.
I guess they don’t want to upset Berkshire residents with any more bad news.
How and why does this Ruffer person have so much underlying power in an unelected position? Is she the real mayor representing the special interests?
JA
Great questions. As we said to another commentator, there’s a great investigative piece waiting for the unwashed scribe who wants to dig out the circumstances surrounding Ruffer’s miraculous resurrection.
Spot on column, Dan!
Thankfully Councilor Simonelli brought his A-game to last night’s CC meeting. He commented that the proposal didn’t fit the requirements for use of the GE Fund, questioned why it wasn’t a level playing field for all city housing, and most importantly commented on the loan forgiveness aspect of this shady deal.
Councilor Connel also expressed that he could not support the plan.
The four bobbleheads on the subcommittee who rubber-stamped this outrageous plan were Caccamo, Moonbat, Persip, and White.
These four, along with the mayor, must be voted OUT in the next election!
And this “ At Home in Pittsfield” plan, instead of being reworked, should be deposited in the Tyler Street trashcans.
Reduce property taxes, cut spending, cut Ruffer’s Dept. budget in half – all ways to save the city money. Cutting property taxes would put more money back in the hands of the city’s homeowners and allow them to repair their homes at their own expense.
Good for Mr. Simonelli. He was right on target!
The nerve of the mayor to even suggest this transaction. “99” can add this new blunder to his well thought out list.
The only money that should be used for this purpose are State or Federal grants! PERIOD!
How about fixing the damn roads, mayor?
SPIDER
Road, roads, roads. Any candidate for mayor who campaigns on addressing the roads will win a lot of votes. Following through will be another matter, but it can be done. At $165 million, there’s enough money in the budget. Just a question of rearranging how it is spent. It would take four years to realign city government and the spending in departments so that Pittsfield could even get a chance to right size. That’s just the point. The work must begin NOW. That’s what makes this election so important.
Great comment, MR F, especially the funny bit about the Tyler Street Trashcans.
The esteemed councilor for Ward 7 has decided to not run for re-election this fall. So, we will be hearing occasional outbursts of actual factual information from him until he sails off into the sunset.
Sorry to hear that he will not be running for re-election. His common sense approach and ability to cut through the crap will be missed!
Agree with everyone. I don’t think this Mayor has a clue,it was all smoke and mirrors show last night to get the West East – Side hunger vote. Or could be a diversion of something more important like a 30 million dollar taxpayer funding giveaway to help a strugggling millionaire. It was interesting to see that a proposal coming back could include free cash? That would be worse,so you’re going to take taxpayer money to fix your neighbors siding or porch?
reignbow any city councilor who rubber stamps anything tyer proposes tells us that they are dumber than tyer. To be considered dumber than tyer is to be in a league of fools of which we havent seen around here in a long time. Tyer has destroyed this city and she Must be voted out in november. I pitty the mayor who will follow her s it will take all of four years to untangle the mess she has created.
The bobbleheads are nothing without this mayor and the special interests. If they play the game they may go far. If not they will have to fend for themselves like regular people. And that is just too sad to think about…for them.
Is that correct? Under $87,480? You mean to tell me if you make $80,000 a year you can’t afford to keep your house in order without assistance? That’s pretty crazy. Time to cut back on the lattes.
Correct me if I’m wrong, Dan, but I believe the document reads “80 to 135% of the average median income of $87,480” in order to qualify.
Yes, Harrison, seems crazy to me as well. Ditch this program in the nearest circular file.
MR. F
I don’t know. I would have to go back to the documents again. My guess is that you are correct. Thanks.
When did the Average median income in the city hit $87+k?
Kill this insane program, fire Ruffer while we are at it. Cut her office in half. What economic development have they assisted in coming to Pittsfield. They can stop bringing in auto parts stores now…enough!!!
Tell that to the entire school department who are apparently living in poverty with their 70K average pay and yearly steps.
the reason everyone is broke and cant afford things is usually horrible personal finances and lack of accountability
that and voting for hacks like Cacca-ho, Moonbat and Earl the Pearl
Man, and Pussy Whipped PW
LGM
Yes. What happened to personal responsibility? As I pointed out in the column, the Kapanskis would never ask for free money. They understand that with home ownership comes the responsibility of home maintenance and upkeep. It is THEIR responsibility, which they shoulder. The last thing they want is Big Government coming in with the “free” money. Pittsfield must breaks this cycle of handouts.
It’s all about keeping up with the Jones’
If Mr. Jones buys a house, and I don’t, it’s not fair that he can afford one. It must be his privilege.
If for some reason we both afford houses, and he maintains his, yet I don’t. (out of whatever factor you can think of, laziness, lack of home maintenance knowledge, money, etc.) Eventually his will be worth more, look better and my feelings will be hurt.
However, it’s not my fault I make less money. It’s my employers fault for not paying more. I can’t advance my career and find a better paying job/ [insert excuses here] Therefore, I need the government to help me. THe people who balance their checkbooks and live within their means are privileged millionaires who support Trump and hate the poor
I can go on forever. Want a simpler example of this mindset…
A “doctor” who works in the cardiac department of a hospital, is obese, lives a stagnant lifestyle, etc. is having heart palpitations and wears a heart monitor because they can’t figure out what’s causing the issues. When you mention, “maybe it’s your weight…” they get offended and tell you 50 reasons why it’s not their weight because that would mean they are 100% responsible for it.
LGM
Yes. Your comment gets at the loss of personal responsibility. That, couple with a sense of entitlement, is working its way through society. We’re seeing the first wave in the millennials. Those younger than that will inflict it full force. And just wait until kids in the lower grades become adults. We are sunk, baby!
It’s a ladder Johnny, and well said. The Councilor starts out on the bottom rung and when they go along they can elevate,pretty sad indeed. I don’t know how they carry themselves knowing that to get along they must always go along,that’s politics I guess.
And don’t think that this income bracket will apply for it. Mayor has no clue on th GE fund. It’s not for fixer upping. Simonelli didn’t bring his A Game, he brought a sensible argument against this nonsensical by the Mayor. Who knows, it was all probably staged.
That wayfair job should make it well above the 87G threshold.
Can someone tell me why the provision that repaying the debt may be forgiven? If this is supposed to improve property values and is not payable until the property is sold then why do they not have to pay the loan back? in theory the property would have risen in value and therefore the owner would have the funds to repay the loan at closing. they should plan for this and I’m afraid they will plan to try and not repay and the other tax payers would be stuck picking up the tab. I can see if this would create a hardship that they couldn’t afford the loan payments because special circumstances arose but there are no payments due until the property is sold. What is to stop a couple who trans much more than the threshold but the house is in one of their names so only one income is used for the ceiling from abusing the system? Why can they forgive the loan to some but not others?
POTHOLE
Your comments address many of the flaws in this proposal. It wasn’t well thought out. Fault lies with Deanna Ruffer. The hastiness of the measure and the sloppiness of the enabling documents suggest the intent is political. Ruffer will do all she can to see that the mayor is re-elected, because if not, Ruffer will likely be packing her bags once more. While we’re at it, where DID she go for the few years she left Community Development? How did she perform there? What did she do? What were the circumstances that brought her back to Pittsfield. If this city had anything resembling a good daily newspaper, those questions would make great fodder for an investigative piece. We will say no more!
Exactly. If someone moves out of Pittsfield you can be pretty sure they won’t pay that loan back.
The loan forgiveness smells of prejudice and corruption. If you are a friend of Linda or Barry you are off the hook automatically.
If you read the small print it says,….. If you know someone important at city hall or have donated to a campaign you may be eligible to have your loan forgiven.
Now while it seems cynical to say that I should add that I have been around this failing community for a long time. And as such, having witnessed way too many fishy things come out of city hall, I feel almost safe to assume that every feel good project has a silver lining. But unfortunately that silver lining is going to benefit a special interest who may have come up with the feel good project in the first place.
Pray for the victims.
thank you Councilor Simonelli. And Councilor Connell. Great work last night. Also thank you Planet for digging out the details.
BAR
Thanks for the nod.
Couple more unasked & unanswered questions
Who will choose which contractors are allowed to do work? And how Will anyone know if program is being administered fairly?
Ruffer will be overseeing it? Use your imagination.
There is one good thing about the program. All those houses and apartments used for drug dealing and gang hangouts would look so much better. Should help their business and memberships grow.
We pay for the upgrades,tax…increase and banks continue to get their mortgage payment on time. Win win for the banks the mayor and we pay for it. I smell a Planet exclusive on ruffrufff.
March 13, 2019
Re: Nuciforo’s mistreatment of me and my family
In response to blogger Dan Valenti’s supportive comments of Andrea Francesco Nuciforo, Junior on his blog comment section today, I believe that Nuciforo should own up to his mistreatment of me and my family since the Spring of 1996 when I first met him when I was 20 years old at a Democratic Party forum in Dalton, Massachusetts. In brief, neither Nuciforo nor any one associated with him has apologized to me and my family.
I was 20 years old when I first met Nuciforo, who was running for State Senator to replace outgoing State Senator Jane Swift. After I met Nuciforo, things changed for me in the Pittsfield area. The reason being was because Nuciforo had people associated with him bully me without Nuciforo leaving behind his own fingerprints/DNA. I was caught in a mean-spirited and conspiratorial Twilight Zone situation. At the time, I did not understand why this was happening to me, but as the years went on, I was able to put the pieces of the puzzle together.
The same year of 1996 that Nuciforo first ran for State Senator, my dad ran for Berkshire County Commissioner. In 1997, which was Nuciforo’s first year in office, Nuciforo led a campaign to abolish Berkshire County government because he saw it as inefficient. My dad opposed Nuciforo’s legislation. My dad pointed out that Boston’s Big Dig project was the single most expensive public works project in U.S. history with a price tag of over $10 billion at the time. The Big Dig had many billion dollar cost overruns, while Berkshire County government ran a budget surplus. Nuciforo’s response was to file multiple “ethics” complaints against my dad from the Fall of 1997 – Spring of 1998 to try to get him fired from his then job at the Pittsfield District Court Probation Office and have him resign from his elected position on the Berkshire County Commission. So much for freedom of speech? When Nuciforo’s “ethics” complaints didn’t work, Nuciforo set up secretive plans with the Pittsfield Police Department in the Spring of 1998 to have me arrested and jailed by falsely alleging that I made veiled threats against him. Fortunately for me, I did not get arrested and jailed when I was 22 years old. During the Summer of 1998, Nuciforo, along with North Adams state Rep. Daniel Bosley, filed a rider to the fiscal year 1999 state budget to abolish Berkshire County government with the termination date of July 1, 2000.
In 2005, Nuciforo long wanted to oust then Congressman John W. Olver, but he knew I did not stay quiet about what he did to me and my family years earlier. Nuciforo wanted me out of the way, so Nuciforo had people associated with him spread vicious rumors against me to the people of the Pittsfield area. Nuciforo’s network told people that “all Jonathan Melle ever did was stalk a Jewish woman from Otis”, and that “Jonathan Melle belongs in a psychiatric institution”. At that time, I had already moved to southern New Hampshire over one year ago during the Spring of 2004. I replied to Nuciforo and his associates of bullies that I would never be quiet, and that I will support Congressman John W. Olver against Nuciforo. In 2012, Olver retired from U.S. Congress, and he was replaced in Berkshire County by Congressman Richard Neal, who defeated Nuciforo by 40 percentage points.
– Jonathan Melle
JM,
You should file a complaint with the Pittsfield human rights commission. They don’t have any real business to do.
So, you were fuvved up before you became discharged with a disability. You should be thanking Andrea, you are now set for life.medical,dental, housing,et al…
Time to let go Jonathan. You aren’t doing the mind and soul any good. Part of being healthy is to think healthy. God Speed to better things in your life ahead.
It’s time John, time,dammit. And Renaldo sits goofy at C C Meetings.
Yeah, take It from 99 …healthy mind,sage advice Jon. We like you Jon,we care. It’s time.
And what does this have to do with gobsig housing-appropriations?
I voted for the Mayor and will now vote for anyone that runs against her.I thought she was not a game player and she sold herself as a person who would cut taxes because she could manage money better than Biasnchi.Please Dan run again.Again a person on Tickets show last night said socialism is being taught in elementary schools all over the country…..how low can Fox lying go.What is wrong with them promoting these lies.
I’m against using GE or any city funds for this “program”. That being said for Moon to be a no show really pissed me off. Why was she not there to fight for her ward? I grew up close to Springside Park In the 70s/80’s and the neighborhood was great back then. Everyone knew each other for blocks….sure there were a few bad apples but the vast majority were law abiding people. When the jobs left so did the people….very sad to see what has happened since. We need JOBS!!!! When will the voters wake the F up? The so called “progressives” are very dangerous people and could give a wet shit about the Taxpayers. Sad..Sad…Sad!
The Mayor never said she would cut taxes,she is a progressive. Ask Barry,Barry?
Correct. During the campaign, she never once said she would cut taxes, but she did. First Mayor in 25 years to do so. That is a fact.
Barry
Your use of ‘cut taxes’ is disingenuous. She only cut property taxes and only for 1 year. Water/sewer going through the roof. Overall, over her entire tenure, taxes have gone up. So again, what you just said is inaccurate.
Might I suggest all your complaints relating to higher water/ sewer taxes be addressed to the EPA.
If you weigh the imposition of fines (compounded daily) against the price tag of an upgraded or new facility, Pittsfield wins – by upgrading or erecting a new facility!
Not true. There were alternatives available and even proposed by some councilors to avoid the sewer system upgrade. Guess you forgot that certain councilors were purposely left out of the meeting with the EPA? This was forced through so that GOBSIGs could fleece the taxpayer out of tens of millions.
You are right on one thing though – it was Obama’s new regulations that started all this. Between that and Obamacare he’s cost us hard working middleclass taxpayers a bundle.
Barry, that’s a lie. The only thing she did was slightly reduce the tax rate BUT the assessments went up therefore more taxes.
Mele cgets to put in three hours of nonsense and I never get a post in?????
Alot of us have had postings not post at times. It’s a technical glitch. But I like to think that Dan is colluding with the Russians and are hijacking our posts. They are that important.
Five found dead after Sheffield fire. DA says investigation is complicated.
It’s only complicated because….
1) she doesn’t know to call the state fire marshal
2) she lost their numbers
3) she doesn’t know who the medical examiner is
4) she’s not sure if it’s in Massachusetts or Connecticut, she needs a ruling on a border dispute.
To quote the air boss in “Top Gun”…”Heaven help us!”
Right? What value is Harrington going to add being at the scene or holding a press conference? She has never overseen an investigation and never tried a case. Maybe sandwiches?
The Sheffield Fire doesn’t sound right.
Dan i think you owe it to A Nuciforo to start blocking Melle’s libelous posts. How many times in the Planet’s lifetime has he posted the same drivel. If it is true so be it. Move on pal.
On the selective loan program I would like to see the % of owner occupied houses in the west side + morning side neighborhoods.
With section 8 and out of town owners the occupied owner number has to be low. This is just another lefty feel good losing program. After taking a bath on the movie theater surprising banks want any part of this. Nice to invest in the community but a lot of these houses have not been maintained for years. They need substantial monies for true fixes.
Hello Dan,
I think you have the best blog! I enjoy reading your commentary. I will comply with your request about not posting my negative writings against Nuciforo on your blog page. Please keep up your good work!
Best regards,
Jonathan
Read between the lines of Harrington’s Press Conference (no questions, no real info given- )the only difference between this press conference and Dowing and Capless’ classic noninformation press and pony shows is that Harrington seems to acknowledge the police more than the others . This smells like a quadruple whammy burger but at least there’s no killer on the loose.
McCandles wants a 6 percent increase for schools and part of it is for recruiting black and Hispanic teachers and cultural competency training – he claims 30 percent of population are “people” of color, and even if true that doesn’t mean we have to go out and recruit until we have 30 percent people of color teaching. Tyer needs to grow a pair and get tough for onice m in her tenure.
https://www.iberkshires.com/story/59494/McCandless-Asks-5.7-Percent-Increase-for-Pittsfield-Schools.html
Would it not be great if this superintendent position had a requirement in money management and a modicum of concern for the taxpayers funding of so many gravy train positions like assistant to assistants to assistants?
Sometimes it seems like the superintendents job is more like that of a lobbyist whose goal is to trade union votes for cash and more cash and accelerated benefits unlike those in the real world.
I agree, 99. His demands are outrageous. What elementary schools are going to be closed? So he wants to implement reverse discrimination in hiring teachers? How’d that work out with the former principals at PHS & Herberg?
Wake up mayor & CC, ask pertinent questions and trim back the monsterous school budget!
Reverse discrimination is racism, plain and simple.
You said it, Fritz. Unfortunately the former principals at PHS and Herberg set a very bad example for reverse discrimination hiring.
What I would suggest is that the CC direct the schools to cut 6% from last year’s budget number as their new budget number.
The schools need to make some concessions here. Failing schools will not attract legit businesses to Pittsfield.
I believe favoring less qualified minority job applicants over whites has been city policy for a while, McCandless needs money to get minorities from other parts of the country too apply so whites aren’t the only applicants…because the minority population of city is so large, and segregated schooling is apparently ideal
McCandless grabbing for more and more money. Wouldn’t it be great if a requirement for this gravy train position was a background in money management and a modicum of concern for the taxpayers funding his position?
The position seems to be more like that of a lobbyist trying to pry favors from the government in exchange for votes. And guess what? Just before the election.
Dodger The days of city officials holding their underlings like the superintendent accountable are long past. I dont know what we can do to put an end to this practice but I hope someone can. i am barely getting by now and dont know how I will pay for the new school and public works projects I guess I might have to go on welfare. I hate to say this but it might be the only way for me to survive here
Lots of good questions from the Planeteers on the freenbeenhome improvements and lots of answers here:
https://www.iberkshires.com/story/59487/Council-Sends-Tyer-s-At-Home-Program-Back-For-More-Work.html
Income limit is 87,000 and some change.
Yes landlords can get in on it,
No you don’t have to pay it back, ever , if you never move, and your loan may be magically forgiven ala da Beacon, if you sell.
It’s another economic engine to attract young professionals and create jobs for contractors.
It would only benefit between 8 and 15 homeowners, from single family to 4 family (250,000 for 20-30k per improvement.)
If you live in a certain neighborhood you don’t have to be credit worthy because the city will bypass standard lending procedures and give you the handout directly.
It’s a model for the other Gateway cities.
How many tax payer funded housing units are already in this god forsaken city? How many thousands of public housing units and section 8 subsidies????
McCandless is B’S ing…6% increase is so Schools wont get cut.He will play the students against the poverty stricken taxpayer.Mccandless is smart to appeal to the inner inteligence of the committee making them feel stupid if they dont increase spending.Pittsfield will have better quality schools with more talent under 1 roof when we consilidate.This committee is listening to McCandless the way Trump supporters listen to Trump,Jake is the pied piper of our City.
TSC
Yes, the usual “Raise Game.” Just once, wouldn’t it be great if citizens paid attention to this and demanded accountability? As for the school committee, just once wouldn’t it be great if we had responsible, fiscally conservative adults who would demand that the super “sing for his supper?”
Just from reading the local news and some of the “ideas” aka harebrained schemes, that come out of the mouths of our elected officials, whether it be mayor, city councilor, selectman, et al, one thing should be obvious to everyone. Each municipality would be better off with a town/city manager, professionally trained in municipal management, with on-the-job experience.
It’s always the elected who owe someone out there some political favor, whether it be someone who worked hard on their campaign or just an old buddy. Notice that even when a manager does choose to do what’s right that the politicians, aka select board or city council, step in and try to block or screw over the manager in the name of “oversight.” We all know BS when we step in it.
So folks, isn’t it time that we all start to press for professional management instead of politics? Change some charters?
I do.
There should be NO increase in the school budget, for any reason!
The School Comm. is a disgrace. They do not represent the taxpayer in any way but are beholding to the union and other special interests.
McCandles and others should investigate why so many parents are sending their children to schools outside of Pittsfield.
Take some of the marijuana sales tax if the schools really need it From where I sit they don’t need anymore. Needs to be managed better. Mr. McCandles I can’t retire because of your school budget as well as the overall city taxes. You and Ms. Tyer are just spenders. And giving money to “slum-lords” is not the answer to making neighborhoods better.
Are you Alice or Magic? Please try to keep track of your multiple screen names.
I propose a 5 million dollar CUT to the school budget with $50,000 of it coming from McCandless salary. What does he work, about 12 weeks a year?
The PPSD needs to ditch the Obama-era discipline quotas. Until they get discipline under control at the middle & high schools – nothing will change. The better students will continue to choice out.
https://www.breitbart.com/radio/2019/03/13/peter-kirsanow-astonishing-increases-school-violence-after-obamas-racial-discipline-quotas/
The ‘At Home in Pittsfield’ program is really for the West Side and Morningside neighborhoods. That’s blatant discrimination.
LW Thats where the poor people live. Many making less than 15 000 dollars per year. i say fund these loans by trimming the salaries of all the special interest groups.For every fool we get rid of in the school admin we can fund a dozen roof jobs.
Take some of the marijuana sales tax if the schools really need it From where I sit they don’t need anymore. Needs to be managed better. Mr. McCandles I can’t retire because of your school budget as well as the overall city taxes. You and Ms. Tyer are just spenders. And giving money to “slum-lords” is not the answer to making neighborhoods better.
Same as Alice White posting, above.
The Pied Piper of Pittsfield spending is McCandless who just really wants to get money to cover teacher raises.Everyone will kowtow to him.Cut his budget by 3%
Yesterday this headline said “Jail time for Pittsfield woman” but I guess someone read the story and realized, oh, looks like she cut a deal for probation for instigating a violent crime – another armed robbery. More crime, no time in Pittsfield, this time with a dose of gender bias.
Probation for Pittsfield woman who assisted in pizzeria robbery
Posted Wednesday, March 13, 2019 4:21 pm
By Bob Dunn, The Berkshire Eagle
PITTSFIELD — A woman who helped with the robbery of the Tyler Street Pizza House last year has been sentenced to two years of probation.
Danielle Hoisington, 38, of Pittsfield, a former employee at the restaurant, admitted that she helped her co-defendant, Lemond Grady, locate and open the cash register before the March 28 robbery.
Hoisington had been an employee of the restaurant, but had been fired and ordered not to return due to theft from the business, according to Assistant Berkshire District Attorney Jedd Hall, who prosecuted the case.
Hoisington, whom witnesses recognized, was arrested nearby after the robbery; Grady was arrested on a warrant some time later.
She pleaded guilty in Berkshire Superior Court to one count of unarmed robbery. The sentence was the result of an agreed-upon recommendation between Hall and Hoisington’s attorney, Glenn Keiderling.
Grady’s case is tentatively scheduled to go to trial in May.
Why did Rinaldo Del Gallo lie about being a pittsfield resident at the council meeting?
Agent,
Please enlighten us. I believe he has an office in Pittsfield. Where does he reside? I thought south county until I heard him declare a Pittsfield address at the CC meeting.
He lives in lenox. He said at the council nancy ave Pittsfield.
When Pittsfield gave GE money to Hancock Shaker Village 450k how many job did this Create….ask Simonelli,White,Marchetti,Connell
Can anyone name the last city with a failing school system that got better by adding 3 million dollars to an already bloated budget?
And my cat was wondering if it is possible to launder money through a school system?
1. Nope
2. That’s one smart kitty. Can he/she run for major?
Said he live in s e Pittsfield.
Major what? Pain. This Mayor is playing games with her intentions,the schoos l want millions more on top of what the state has increased for them….a Money Pit. Wait until The new school payment comes, and now have heard the water rates will be up hundreds unless the speaker at Council the other night can pursuad the Councilors to back off because the new
Er concept doesn’t take care of a parasite
Press conference at 6 by Harrington.
The Sheffield story is making national news . Something is definitely up.
Mass Live….sledged murders / suicides. Three young children involved…heart breaking story.
Alledged (sorry, auto correct changed it)
I think so.
Thanks, something just didn’t sound right. First thing D A should do s a History, police logs or calls to that residence, and what kind of behavior on the murderer. Harrington should be on Nightly News,, his is a big deal.