CAMPAIGN ’19: ‘IT’S QUIET OUT THERE … TOO QUIET’
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEDNESDAY AUG. 14, 2019) — As we approach late summer and early fall, THE PLANET will be sharing periodic coverage of Campaign ’19. In this semi-annual dog-and-pony show, the corner office (four years), council, city clerk, and school committee will be up for grabs.
This year’s campaign season reminds us of a scene in a Roy Rogers western. Roy, the good guy, walks into town and says, “It’s quiet. (PROVERBIAL PREGNANT PAUSE) Too quiet.” You know it’s going to be gunshots and fist fights later. That’s where the comparison ends. There’s no indication that the somnambulant apathy of the Pittsfield electorate will dissipate, and that’s at the root of the quiet.
Many have shared with THE PLANET their puzzlement over a lack of a “campaign,” asking us to jumpstart the action. We have privately replied to some what we now say to all, that it’s not up to us to apply lineament to a wheezing horse. Is it dead? No, not yet. Campaigns flatline the moment the polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day. Look, a few tame “debates” do not a campaign make.
Candidates take their lead from the public. The appalling lack of interest in self-government has ceded the rules to The Suits. Why should it surprise anyone that, given this power, the vested interests — that small-but-big-enough circle of politicians, officials, public unions, school department employees, businesspeople, and assorted family, entourages, wannabees, and hangers-on — have rigged the game?
For 30 years, coinciding with GE’s pullout and the city’s failure to rebuild its economy, a ruling “elite” (by Pittsfield’s backwater standards, mind you) have determined what happens (a fudged new charter, building an unneeded and already-inadequate high school) and doesn’t happen (pension reform, infrastructure rebuild, right-sizing city spending, cutting taxes), Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski be damned. That explains the lack of a campaign. Only the “Chosen Few” are allowed to play, and no one with balls big enough, head smart enough, heart determined enough, and wallet deep enough has yet come forward to break through the special interests’ sandpaper ceiling.
It would be fun to see, just for once, such candidate emerge for citywide office — a galvanizer, a walking electric bolt who would play by his or her own rules then campaign the crud out of the election. Short of that, and this year’s snooze fest has been well short of “short of that,” here’s what you’re looking at. Note that we won’t discuss issues. Why should we when candidates aren’t?
———- ooo ———-
City Clerk: Michelle Benjamin, unopposed. THE PLANET declares Benjamin the winner.
Mayor: Linda Tyer, incumbent; Melissa Mazzeo; Karen Kalinowski, Scott Graves. Why bother with a prelim? K & G have not campaigned. November will be another Battle of the Machines, DelGallo/Ruberto v. Wojtkowski/Bianchi.
Ward 1: Helen Moon, incumbent; Ken Warren Jr. How high the Moon? All the way to re-election. If Ken Warren is the answer, we’re asking the wrong question.
Ward 2: Kevin Morandi, unopposed. THE PLANET declares Morandi victorious in 2.
Ward 3: Nick Caccamo, unopposed. THE PLANET declares Caccamo the winner in “fore.”
Ward 4: Chris Connell, incumbent v. Michael Merriam. Connell in a landslide.
Ward 5: Jonathan Lothrop, Patrick Kavey, Gene Maselli. J-Lo heads back to the dance. It’s vuja de all over again.
Ward 6: Ed Carmel, Craig Gaetani, Dina Guiel Lampiasi, and Joe Nichols. This will boil down to Guiel with her D.A. connections v. former Ward 6 councilor Nichols. Guiel will have the appeal.
Ward 7: Tony Maffuccio v. J. David Pope. Don’t know Pope. Is he related to J. Alfred Prufrock? We know Tony. Voters will feel the same way.
At-Large: Alex Blumin, Yuki Cohen, Richard Latura, Jay Hamlin, Earl Persip (incumbent), Pete White (incumbent), Auron Stark. Tiny turnout by voters again will elevate Persip, White, and Cohen. The others battle for fourth. THE PLANET strongly recommends Blumin. The Russian native knows and appreciates the value of republican democracy better than anyone on the ballot.
School Committee: Mark Brazeau, Bill Cameron (incumbent), Dan Elias (incumbent), Alison McGree, Tom Perela, Dennis Powell (incumbent), Kathy Yon (incumbent). Another popularity contest, with no one to challenge the lazy, spendthrift superintendent. Seven running for six slots. Another lost opportunity for We The People.
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“Forever is composed of nows” — Emily Dickenson.
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
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Voters are reminded that although they can vote for four at large candidates it would be most wise to only vote for Blumin. Marchetti, White and Persip will most likely prevail. So I will be voting for Mr. Blumin. Don’t cancel out your vote. Bullet vote Blumin.
Good point.
Bullet vote Blumin.
He’s the voice of reason.
You should probably explain bullet vote as some are probably scratching their heads
Bullet voting[1] (also single-shot voting[2] and plump voting[3]) is a voting tactic, usually in multiple-winner elections, where a voter is entitled to vote for more than one candidate, but instead votes for only one candidate.
A voter might do this either because it is easier than evaluating all the candidates, or as a form of tactical voting. This tactic can be used to maximize the chance that the voter’s favourite candidate will be elected, while increasing the risk that other favoured candidates will lose. A group of voters using this tactic consistently has a better chance for one favourite candidate to be elected
Is he the senile old dude that wanders the streets randomly yelling at people?
I love reading Dan Valenti’s awesome coverage of Pittsfield politics! The 2 factions will vie to answer to the same Democratic Party bosses on Boston. That is NOT a choice! What is worse is that less than 20% of voters will actually vote in the preliminary and general so-called “elections”. What is worse than that is the vested interests will “win”, while Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski will “lose”.
The lovely Linda Tyer will campaign on a “vibrant” and “dynamic” city government. The lovely Melissa Mazzeo will campaign on changing the way city government business is done in Pittsfield. Either way, the next 4 years will continue to see higher municipal taxes, while the tax base continues to shrink with losses in population and jobs. 21-year-old PEDA will turn yet another 4 years older by 2024, and it will always be a vacant and polluted wasteland with zero private investment. Over 650 students will continue to choice out of Pittsfield’s poorly performing and overpriced public school district. Pittsfield will continue to be one of the most economically unequal communities in the state and nation with a majority of residents living in or near poverty.
Dan Valenti will continue to write about Pittsfield politics’ 2019 campaigns through the lense of the little guy who has been, is, and always will be getting screwed over by City Hall. I look forward to reading all about it!
– Jonathan Melle
You are correct that Pittfield’s tax base will continue to shrink. I know of two families who plan to be living in another state by the summer of 2020. Oddly enough houses seem to be selling quite well.
How is the new Taconic already inadequate? My guess would be not enough student capacity.
A November battle? Not so sure. Mazzeo needs to kick it up a notch, like yesterday. Why send her a nickel when she ain’t doin diddly? She’s up against the powerful GOBSIG Delgallo/Ruberto network, as you pointed out, and Tyers’ team and network is a well oiled and organized machine. If she has a plan, other than a face saving way to leave city politics, now’s the time to implement it or she may not even win the preliminary.. When Team Tyer gets another four The Kapanskis better bend over the rest of the way and get the KY because the final screwin will be coming. And thank you Dan for your column on this.
It should be a rule that if you work for the city of Pittsfield, either in the school system or otherwise, and you have chosen to send your child out of Pittsfield to be schooled, you are ineligible to vote for school committee.
But I would also commend this person for showing true love and concern for his or her child,
Fiscal responsibility is not existent and is passed down from the unopposed. Caccamo is not working his ward..Most candidates run because it seems fairly easy to say yes to budget request from school department.Our city big decisions are in the hands of the school committe.Jake McCandless is running people out of town and doing it with huge record setting request.They know we have given up if your over 65 and a War veteran in this town.Pittsfield is shrinking because of the School Department.Twelve year olds are running classrooms at Herberg…..makes people sick.
At this point we can say Mazzeo is not running.
Kinda looks like she through her name out to scare off others who might have thought about it. Not cool ,,,but not surprising
It’s threw. Learn grammar. Sign of a weak mind
Thanks Brodie Huper, my bad.
It’s mid-August and with the exception of the very few people on this blog nobody cares. You can bet when it starts around Labor Day you’re going to see slings and arrows and sparks like we haven’t seen, perhaps ever. There will be no civility after the first shot is fired. They hate each other.
I think changing the mayor’s term to four years was a mistake.
Complaints about the mayor being unable to accomplish anything in two years were not legit. If a mayor had a good foundation two years in, there should be no reason why he/she could not win another two years in the next election.
Now it’s “four years hasn’t been enough to accomplish everything.” That makes no sense.
I don’t know if our city is doomed if we re-elect Linda Tyer, but it certainly remains, at best, stagnant. More likely it continues to decline though.
The facts are if Tyer is the Mayor and BC is still advising against touching the School budget and your just scraping by now in 4 years you at 75 will be living in your brother in laws basement.Who is Tyer representing?
and there doesn’t seem to be a gotdam thing we can do about it
How about a City ordinance banning all cell phone ringers and conversations in public places, such as the library?
But until then: turn off your goddamn cell phone ringer in public places, doctors’ offices, and the like.
If you must talk on the phone, move away from people and keep it short.
Duh?!
I mean really, duh, didi-der-der?
Did the Ukrainian ever get his painting work from the city?
Did Mazzeo decide that Tyer will do a better job promoting the progressive agenda?
What’s that?
Here’s your progressive agenda.
Barr predicts progressive prosecutors will lead to ‘more crime, more victims’
The Hill BY ZACK BUDRYK – 08/12/19 02:32 PM EDT
U.S. Attorney General William Barr blasted progressive district attorneys as “anti-law enforcement” in a speech Monday to the Fraternal Order of Police.
“These anti-law enforcement D.A.s have tended to emerge in jurisdictions where the election is largely determined by the primary,” Barr told the organization’s 64th National Biennial Conference in New Orleans.
“Frequently, these candidates ambush an incumbent D.A. in the primary with misleading campaigns and large infusions of money from outside groups,” he added.
Barr did not identify any of his targets by name but district attorneys such as Philadelphia’s Larry Krassner and Rachael Rollins of Suffolk County, Mass., as well as public defender Tiffany Caban, who lost the Democratic primary for Queens district attorney by about 60 votes, have made national headlines for their vows not to prosecute certain nonviolent offenses.
“Some are refusing to prosecute various theft cases or drug cases, even where the suspect is involved in distribution. And when they do deign to charge a criminal suspect, they are frequently seeking sentences that are pathetically lenient,” Barr said.
“So these cities are headed back to the days of revolving door justice. The results will be predictable. More crime, more victims,” he added.
Barr blamed high crime rates in the early 1990s, when he served as attorney general under then-President George H.W. Bush, on ” ‘reform’ that turned our criminal justice system into a laughable revolving door.”
The attorney general went on to condemn “increasing toleration of the notion that it is somehow okay to resist the police,” dismissing reports of police abuse as “sometimes bad apples” that are “very much the exceptions.”
Barr, like former FBI Director James Comey, has previously expressed belief in the “Ferguson effect,” or police becoming hesitant to enforce the law due to widespread demonstrations in recent years. Multiple studies have cast doubt on that theory.
Great post James! Barr is so on target!
Let’s step back in history to the DA election of 2018 and where we are today:
1) DA Harrington fits Barr’s description of a social engineer and not someone who actually enforces the law.
2) Fact: Special units and local police just aren’t feeling they’re going to get any support from DA Harrington, and this is from the men and women in uniform, not the politicos who have to kiss ass to keep their jobs.
3) Many 2018 supporters of Harrington are now former supporters, disappointed in the fact that she really has been all talk, no action, and her inexperience is showing. I was shocked to hear this from some elected officials who supported her.
Makes no difference. We’re all going to pay for it in the end.
Six police just shot in Philly by a drug dealer. I’m sure their progressive DA will say it’s the fault of the war on drugs.
Truthsayer, You make an interesting point. I’d like to know how the elected officials who supported Harrington knowing full well her criminal experience consisted of “legal work in Florida” are going to be held accountable. Let’s start with Tyer. I’d also like to know where the promised transparency is on domestic violence. I hear they are dropping cases left and right.
Agreed, the politicians supported someone with very little to no experience. Is it really worse than it was before though? The office is surely no worse run. Likely. O better either.
Re the cops – it’s a shame they can’t enforce traffic laws. Why do we have so many of they don’t do anything and just do overtime watching dig digging and directly traffic while playing candy crush. A fatality in Richmond – and statues are called constantly to enforce speeding on those two roads there. Loads of accidents all summer. Maybe the cops should start by enforcing traffic laws.
I agree, Barr was spot on.
I completely agree James.
Shoplifters are no longer prosecuted in Boston.
Pittsfield Schools Launching New African-American Studies Courses…….OK, but can Pittsfield kids read at grade level?
I am lit up after reading that article.
Quote from McCandless, “hate is being preached from the pulpit of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. on a daily basis.”
Waat?? Has he not heard that black unemployment rates are the lowest ever? What “hate” is being preached? This is an OUTRAGEOUS statement from the head of Pittsfield schools!
African American Studies courses being added at the high schools; Taconic class will be taught by a Jamal Ahmad – is he a certified teacher? He has crafted the program which will be “looking at what has been taught as black history for years and pointing out how that is part of the system of oppression. The class will talk about the violent history but also FASHION and FOOD.”
“The class will also provide life lessons about issues black students will be facing when they get older.”
Waat?? Everyone regardless of skin color faces issues – are we trying to divide the community along race lines on purpose?
McCandless also wants black history integrated into all subjects and all classes throughout the district – from K – 12.
And here’s the gem; McCandless quote, “Generally speaking, if we don’t have 12 students, we don’t run a course. This course we ran with and if there were 2 people signed up, we were going to run with it. As long as I am here, we will run these courses.” He will consider conversation to make it a graduation requirement.
Notice that high school advanced placement courses are cancelled when less than 12 students are registered. So where is the focus? Not on the bright students!
I repeat – if you have children who love learning and who are preparing for college – go school choice and get them the heck out of Pittsfield schools!
Dan Valenti was right all along. McCandless should be fired!
Speaking of hate. I think McCandless hates the taxpayers. Or at least does not give a shit about them. Take care of number one dude…is that what he teaches his students?
Don’t worry ,the kids don’t get freaked out by black history and they will learn something besides fear.They are not scared.
I agree with Fritz, McCandless is out of control with spending and his theories on education need some serious examination.
Those uppity Blacks just need to learn how to conform to white expectations.
not good, even in sarcasm
It’s my summary of Fruitz’s diatribe.
I agree with all of the above, Mr. Fritz. And well said.
McCandless must go!
We’ve got a record of accomplishments to show we are intent and deliberate at building a stronger city. We’ve created jobs. We’ve invested in public safety. We are putting investments into the Tyler Street neighborhood to rebuild that part of our city. Neighborhood stabilization is an important aspect of building a strong city and that is work I want to continue doing,” Tyer said. “I hope the people of Pittsfield have confidence in the work we’ve done and that I would earn their vote for re-election.”
hilarious
I’m on board with a Alex Blumin bullet vote. Blumin could be the next Pistol Pete.
I sure hope you’re wrong about Ward 4. I had a chance to meet Mike Merriam as he knocked on my door last weekend. He is young and smart I was impressed. Mr Connell just doesn’t seem as interested as he once was. His house is for sale, he spends most of his time at his girlfriends house in NY, and most of all he ran for State Representative. I just feel that Ward 4 is no longer a priority for Mr Connell. I hope we get change Ward 4 deserves it!
I disagree. He has always responded to my concerns. He is always at council meetings. His business background gives him a leg up over other councilors’ viewpoints. More conservative and cautious than other members of the CC. I was glad he ran for State Rep and disappointed that he lost, but glad he is still my Ward 4 rep.
Vote Connell for Ward 4!
Why is his house for sale? And why is he everywhere but in Pittsfield during an election? I respect your opinion but Ward 4 people are very smart and pay close attention. He just isn’t in our city enough anymore in my opinion!
Who are you, his houseparent?
I don’t know why he’s selling his house and I don’t really care. Maybe he’s smart and getting out of owning property, perhaps renting a pad with his gal.
I respect his judgement as a councilor and I support his re-election.
And maybe you are his opponent’s better half.
Mike is half my age but thank you I’m flattered. I just met the young man as I said last weekend when he knocked on my door. I always liked Chris but he is out of State with his girl more then he is in town and with his house for sale there are rumors he is leaving the area when it’s sold to move out by her. I’m to old to argue on the internet please have a good day.
He’s said he’s moving in with his mom to care for her as his house was not as suitable for her as is her own home.Still Ward 4
Thank You School Committee can you please tell me why he is out of state with his girlfriend from NY more then he is here? If my mom was very sick I’d stay close by. It just doesn’t add up I’m confused.
I don’t think many of Connell’s slum section 8 properties are in ward 4.
Once again I need to justify why my house is for sale. I will be moving in with my mother to better monitor her health. I own the house that she lives in. Your comment that I’m not ever here and spend MOST of my time with my girlfriend in NY is simply not true. When I do go and see her, most of the time my mother will go with me. My girlfriend also stays here with me. Why don’t you call me and ask “what doesn’t add up”. My heart and soul is with this city and Ward 4. I am always available to discuss issues with my constituents.
Barry and Ruberto have him under surveillance .
Actually Mr Connell just post were he is on his Facebook Page all the time!
Hi Liz
As I understand he is selling his house so that he can stay with his mom who is dealing with health issues. I believe his Mom lives right across from Herberg (in Ward 4). If one of his opponents suggested he no longer lives in Ward 4 that at best is disingenuous.
Chris, is not perfect (nor is anyone else) but he has done a good job and should be reelected. He has 2 votes at 82 Quirico Drive
Well said Chuck.
Liz,
Did you attach a tracking device to Councilor Connell’s car? How do you know his whereabouts so well?
Do you think he needs to spend his days walking the streets of Ward 4 to earn his bona fides?
Your criticisms are silly.
Blare
Liz is a troll from the opponent’s side.
Trying to smear a good man like Chris.
Connell for Ward 4!
Donald Trump will kick off his 2020 Prez campaign tomorrow (Thursday) evening at SNHU Arena in downtown Manchester, NH. Trump lost New Hampshire to Hillary Clinton in 2016, but he knows it is an important swing state next year. Trump called NH “a drug infested den” a few years ago. U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen is up for re-election for a 3rd 6-year term in 2020. If Trump wins NH next year, it may impact Senator Shaheen’s chances, too. On the state level, NH has a Republican Governor named Chris Sununu, while the Legislature is majority Democrats. My town of Amherst [NH] is a wealthy community that favors fiscally conservative Republican Party candidates. Many people from Massachusetts work for Prez campaigns in NH. My favorite candidate for Prez is Elizabeth Warren. My second favorite is Tulsi Gabbard. I hope Trump loses in NH again next year, but it will be close.
It figures that you are in the fake Indian’s camp.
And I hope Trump wins NH by a landslide!
I would take Elizabeth Warren 4 Prez any day against Donald Trump, who is Putin’s puppet and whose politics resemble Hitler’s demagoguery. At lease Elizabeth Warren doesn’t call neo-nazis and white nationalists “very fine people”. At least Elizabeth Warren doesn’t rip Hispanic babies from their mother’s arms and put them in cages that you wouldn’t put your family dog in. Trump is EVIL!
I can summarize Trump’s record busting budget deficits economic policies:
https://usdebtclock.org/
– Jonathan Melle
Elizabeth Warren along with Camilla Harris is responsible for the shootings of several police officers today in Philadelphia. They just told lies about the Michael Brown case that inflamed the crazy people.
how are they responsible?
My President informed the world that Clinton killed Epstien
They incite violence from the crazy people
Job why do you only support woman are you a sexist? Again, don’t be fooled your barely hanging on at the Planet because Dans a nice guy,but please stop with the stupidity with the repetitive remarks.
This mayor is a clown and her entourage is no better than TEs. If all of these puppets are going to go along with the school spending and grant giving agenda and give outs in general,then it’s time for a City Manager. Why pay the Council, and why are we paying the school committee, what a dumb f… city.
I voted for Barack Obama twice. He is a (good) man. I am not sexist, nor any other “-ism’s”. I love reading Dan Valenti’s awesome blog, especially when he writes about Pittsfield politics! 2019 will be an interesting campaign season in Pittsfield. The lovely Linda Tyer gets to defend her record as Mayor. If I was in her shoes, I would say that: “She inherited a mess!” Pittsfield’s finances are in a better place now.
I parked in the lot just behind the Lantern today to visit a business in that same block.
When I came back, some proprietor of another shop in said block had put a bright orange sticker on my back windshield saying that I couldn’t park there.
Two Asian gentlemen standing out there took ownership of the sticker and parking situation.
I sez, “I don’t see anything posted.”
“Oh, yeah, he [not sure who “he” is] hasn’t put up a sign.”
I sez, “You got to put up some kind of sign if you don’t want people to park there.”
Duh.
City/PPD take notice.
can I park in your driveway if you don’t have a sign?
Gee, Officer Krupke
Krup you!
Beautiful.
Ward 6: Ed Carmel, Craig Gaetani, Dina Guiel Lampiasi, and Joe Nichols. This will boil down to Guiel with her D.A. connections v. former Ward 6 councilor Nichols. Guiel will have the appeal.
Carmel is a clown. Nichols is a nice guy but no thanks and Guiel would be nothing but a rubber stamp for Tyer or a weak minded impediment for Mazzeo. Vote for the H2o man if you live in 6.
I see the ward 6 candidate put in a letter to the editor of the Eagle stating you will not see lawn signs or the likes. You can catch what he is all about on his local cable show though.
https://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/letter-elect-qualified-candidate-in-ward-6,582198?
Pittsfield is a vibrant and compassionate place to live. Pittsfield is a center of innovation and the heart of the Berkshire art and culture scene. Pittsfield is a welcoming destination for new and expanding economic prosperity. Please search our website. You’ll find government resources that are ready, willing, and able to assist you.
Mayor Linda Tyer
Like!
Did Hannity write this?
What good is the Open Mic portion of the City Council Meeting? Last night I watched as a young mother of an autistic child came up to the mic in a very professional and polite manner and pleaded with the City Council to help her investigate an issue with her child being hurt on the school bus by another person her little boy called “the Monster”. She stated that she had tried many time to speak with McCanass with no results and also was told by the Mayor’s office that it was not the City’s problem. She also stated that she was scared to be up in front of the Council. This has bothered me all day. Not one Council person spoke up and asked her to contact them and they would try to help. There was just a bunch of blank dumba** faces staring at her. Meanwhile McCanass and Lovely Linda are sitting in the audience. My heart broke for this young woman trying to be a good Mom and protect her little boy. Is this how a City should be run? It is totally sickening and shameful! I am just hoping that maybe just one of these elected officials reached out to her! All of these elected officials certainly had plenty of hot air to talk all night and solve absolutely nothing as usual! This Administration and City Council can’t seem to solve issues with parking meters or garbage cans so I guess I am stupid to think they could help out a young mother and child. Another downward spiral in Pittsfield!
Sadly this kind of sums up Pittsfield government. Perhaps if she offered to do some volunteer work for the mayors campaign she could get her attention.
Maybe not.
Or she could disguise herself as Mr. Stanley. That may work and she might get her taxes cut in the process.
Donald Trump does not like kids either.
Merry & Bright, what a sad story. Maybe she should go to the police and file a complaint and if that doesn’t work then maybe a law suit is in order.
This is a bold case of irresponsibility across the board. This mother needs to take her case to every single resource. She needs help and these city officials ignore her? Go to an attorney and slap them with a lawsuit. Their stupidity is agregious !!!!
This is typical of our fearless leaders to ignore those reaching out for help. This mom did the right thing by bringing this up in front of them thinking she would get help from those in charge. I’m willing to bet she has brought up this issue with the school officials with no avail as they just talk a safe environment for the children. Maybe a consultant hire is in the works by our leaders to address this mom’s concern?
Mazzeo voters, come out in force on 9-17. We’re sick of Tyer and her vibrant and dynamic nonsense.
What’s the matter, you got a problem with Pissin away millions of your tax dollars on “investments” for private enterprise, and a failed school system?
What’s Mazzeo plan? She better get campaigning and earn my vote of I may just write in Dan Valenti again. She’s quieter than a church mouse. Must I remind her that she aint the incumbent???
And who else is running again?
Can Mellisa cut and consolidate like the rest of the world before the Trump collaspe
Please stop the Trump crap
You do know that if the economy collapses and or we have a recession that Trump supporters will be immune don’t cha? Trump would never do anything to hurt his supporters. It will be tricky but things will still be awesome for them.
Just look at how happy the farmers are. And Wall St.
“row row row your boat, gently down the stream ta da da da ta da”
Shhh! Be vewy vewy quiet. We’re hunting wabbits.
Are they really going to put pickle ball courts in the basement of city hall after the election?
Ex Mayor Tyer did not get it done.Shep had what no mayor in history had.The 4 year term was touted as the real answer to getting things done.Just look at the school budget 4 years ago and look at next year’s budget.Curtus and McCandless a fumbling to change Herberg ,Reid without backing teachers.Behavior must have consequences of removal. McCandless and Curtus must be more mobile .They dont manage hands on in these buildings.They are afraid to confront 12 year old behaviors and are clueless as to what is good behavior in the classroom.
Can my next Mayor manage money?
Who is more likely to manage money?Is it Tyer or is it Mazzeo?….I think Mazzeo is running.So far it’s a dud of a run. I know Tyer thinks we are a wealthy city but does Mazzeo think we are wealthy.The new state money should have been used for tax relief not a spending spree to cover school mistakes on policy for the last 10 years
SC: It seems Jake McCandless’ qualifications and professional history is carefully guarded. What did he do before Pittsfield ? If it was a similar position (in Lee ?), why did he leave ? Was he fired ? What were the real hidden reasons? Was he ever a teacher ? Not much known about such a high powered public figure.
Nobody wants the job and he got a huge raise.People have failed Pittsfield by lying to us..Joe Curtis has nothing but failure to point to.Joe wont be fired but should be.
Have heard that many of the trade programs at our expensive new too small Taconic High School were unable to run properly last school year because of lack of funding for equipment, tools, materials, etc.. Why is all this landfall money being spent on students that don’t want to be in school, the troublemakers? Why not spend some funds on the programs that children want to attend? Does any one of these elected public officials in this Administration know what is going on? I know many families that bus their children to Smith Vocational in Northampton to learn these trades and end up getting good jobs at graduation. Also, how about spending some on the athletic fields at Taconic this Administration forgot to budget for so the students of this new Vibrant Dynamic school could have “home” fields. Once again pathetic!
Mazzeo is just too quiet in this so-called mayoral race. I don’t see anyone putting any effort into this. None of them are interested in discussing the issues and differences in their ideas (because there isn’t any?) or in spending any money to try to win.
Liz Warren doing what she does best. Stirring up racial tension and putting down the police.
https://www.bostonherald.com/2019/08/13/elizabeth-warrens-latest-reckless-knock-on-cops-angers-police-chiefs/
That article is fake news. Read the DOJ report.
Eagle story about former Great Barrington assistant treasurer embezzling taxpayer money. DA says it must be frustrating to the taxpayers to have someone in public trust do such a thing. Ya think?
Thank god that could never happen in our city because our officials have shown themselves to be beyond reproach. And that is why we do not need a forensic audit even though there does seem to be a veil of secrecy about the place. Not even worth checking out. Go back to sleep people.
DV best coverage of the local campaign. Your the only one I trust to present honest coverage. Thanks.
So if Mazzeo does not campaign she does not have to make any promises she has no intention of keeping. Kinda like Tyer.
No matter who runs the white elephant in the election is the school budget.Can Pittsfield expect higher school budgets next year.School consolidation needs to be led by the mayor…..What does the Mayor say about her next 4 years of budgets
Newsflash – I drove by a “Karen Kainowski for Mayor” sign today.
Let’s face it. Many, many votes are not necessarily FOR a candidate, but AGAINST the one holding office.
And that is the way I see it in the mayoral race. My own private polling among friends and acquaintances prove this. These people (including myself) all originally voted for the mayor.
Tyer’s list of accomplishments is a disaster!
Ex Mayor Tyer will not address 60% of the cities budget.If Tyer does not address the schools she created the 4 year school failure by throwing Senior citizen money at it.Address it mayor or you lose.All the GE corporation retirees may not be funded.This will be a problem for Ex Mayor Tyer as where do people get the cash to give to her to run schools.
Sc it isn’t a funding issue on the g e pension Flannery put over six billion to shore up the pension fund,. Locally,if I were the mayor I’d be vary worried about opeb deficits and more importantly health care costs. She’s hired P( Jake)19 more position on a whim for the future knowledge if this could or will be funded and do we even need it? An unnecessary expense which will expose her during the campaign. This is just not a good practice what the Superintendent- Mayor is doing. What if the market crashes? What if revenues aren’t there statewide next year. A billion dollar surplus can vanish overnight.
Councilor at Large and business woman Mazzeo will address the real business of Mayors by asking question of how that mess is working.The Superintendant jib is to make politicians like him and they do now cut your budgets Jake.Your a failure.
A new website has been set up to expose General Electric Company for issuing fraudulent financial statements:
https://www.gefraud.com/ = “Accounting Fraud”
Bernie Madoff whistleblower Harry Markopolos stated that GE on the verge of insolvency! He alleges that GE has a “long history” of accounting fraud, dating to as early as 1995, when it was run by Jack Welch. He believes GE will soon probably file for bankruptcy by the end of the year of 2019. He is a Boston-based accounting expert. He states that GE’s accounting fraud is bigger than Enron and WorldCom combined.
GE is already under investigation by the Justice Department and SEC for potential accounting practices.
Interesting news article featuring Melissa Mazzeo for Mayor of Pittsfield.
https://www.wamc.org/post/mazzeo-decries-business-usual-politics-pittsfield-mayoral-campaign