OPENING VOLLEY: MAZZEO SUPPORTER UNLOADS ON TYER
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, MONDAY AUG. 19, 2019) — Not if but when.
National and local campaigns have an inverse relationship. Nationally, as we learned the day after Donald Trump became president, campaigns never end. If you’re serious about national office, you become a full-time huckster wheezling endlessly for votes. Locally, the civic-minded general electorate has all but disappeared. Campaigns don’t begin until they absolutely have to and then only to the extent judged necessary. In Pittsfield, campaigns end at 8:01 p.m. on Election Day, when the winning candidates forget about voters, the latter having served a temporary usefulness.
With that constitutional preamble, THE PLANET presents the first salvo from Team Mazzeo in the mayoral contest between Melissa Mazzeo, long-time councilor at-large and former city council president, and incumbent mayor Linda Tyer, who rose through the ranks from ward councilor to city clerk to mayor.
The assault on Fort Sumpter has commenced.
We agreed to withhold identity of the author of the following piece. Suffice it to say he or she is an insider, a Mazzeophile.
———- ooo ———-
“Team” Tyer
Like most serious mayoral races in the past five decades in Pittsfield, the organization and support fall along the lines of the two historical political factions in the city. The problem for Tyer is that most of key people within the organization that got her elected four years ago are either: 1. unmotivated and won’t work for her, 2. disillusioned with her and, at best for Tyer, will just stay out of the race, or 3. (worst case for Tyer) angry with her and have crossed over to support Mazzeo. That’s not a good place to be. Tyer never had a solid base of support to begin with. She would have been completely unelectable without the formerly cohesive, unified former Ruberto team behind her. That team is dissolved.
Team Mazzeo
On the contrary, the people who make up Mazzeo’s organization are not just motivated, they’re super pissed. After getting trounced four years ago in the mayor’s race, then losing in a contentious DA’s race – which they never should have lost – they are seeing red. This just so happens to be the next opportunity, and it just so happens to be a candidate with excellent name recognition and a long tenure on the council vs. a generally uninspiring mayor who has done a terrible job in keeping her former base of support with her.
But, you (the reader) may say “wait, Melissa Mazzeo has no professional, administrative experience…she seems to have difficulty grasping even the simplest of city governmental concepts after an entire decade on the council. How could the people elect her as Mayor.” And, on these points, you may very well be 100 percent correct. However, if you think this lack of skill or ability will be meaningful in this election, you would be 100 percent incorrect.
This race will have nothing to do with real or perceived skill, management or leadership abilities, because Tyer never really had a leg to stand on in the experience or expertise column to begin with. After four years, she’s done nothing to really change that. How about issues? This race really won’t be about any real or perceived differences on issues either, because Tyer hasn’t accomplished anything of any significance to tout after four years. Is she running on bailing out Covanta? Bailing out the Beacon Cinema? Wayfair? Would Wayfair not have come if Mazzeo were mayor? The idea that the mayor’s supporters are trumpeting that she’s responsible for Wayfair is undeniable, first class, Grade-A horseshit. And everyone, even the most uninformed voter, will know that. The only real substance-like issue in this race may be about the so-called ability to “get things done” where Mazzeo will have an edge, because Tyer has been generally ineffective in getting anything of any significance past the council. Even the initiatives that have happened are milquetoast.
But, when it comes down to it, voters won’t even be well-versed on the most superficial issues. This particular race is going to be about cliques: friends, families, networks, and favors. Tony Mazzeo runs the most popular restaurant in Pittsfield. He will be calling in each and every favor for every complimentary glass of wine, every donation, every bit of goodwill that Mazzeo’s has delivered in the last 30 years. It is pure political capital, and they’ll be cashing in those chips for this election. The Mazzeo family is deep-rooted and well-connected. The network is large. In contrast, Tyer has no such network and she has failed to increase her base in four years. In fact, whatever base she had – in the effort to unseat the incredibly unpopular Dan Bianchi – has shrunk precipitously.
When Tyer finally realizes this dynamic and sees she’s in trouble, she’ll attack Mazzeo for being obstructionist. But the question is: what exactly has Mazzeo obstructed? What incredible initiative or program didn’t happen because of Mazzeo and her loyalists on the council? Toters? A ‘meh’ housing program that Mazzeo can easily spin as inadequate for the needs of Pittsfield anyway?
The bottom-line is that Tyer is in big trouble and the stage is set for Mayor Mazzeo to become a reality.
———- ooo ———-
Let the games begin.
——————————————————————————————————————————–
“Confidence becomes a caricature after a while” — Bill Walsh.
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
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Lawn signs for Mazzeo sprung up today like spring flowers. Ugly signs, and lawn signs don’t vote, but it’s a sign of life in an otherwise hum drum election season thus far.
Personally, I think the writer is off base, and that Tyer has a super strong network and Mazzeo better get moving, and I mean quick, or she’ll get trounced.
LIke I said before, they are both feminist , progressive, whenners – like the lions that once graced city hall steps that Dan named Tax and Spend. Two peas in a pod, take your pick. They both support free home improvements for layabouts.
If Mazzeo doesn’t distinguish herself from Tyer real quick, she’s toast.
Tony’s a great guy, and his food is delicious, but he ain’t runnin’
https://www.wamc.org/post/mazzeo-decries-business-usual-politics-pittsfield-mayoral-campaign
Pittsfield politics has always been very negative. This author is very negative in her ad hominem attacks on the lovely Linda Tyer.
News Flash: Jimmy Ruberto failed, and then Dan Bianchi, both failed as Mayor of Pittsfield. Mayor Linda Tyer inherited a municipal financial crisis in 2016. She stabilized Pittsfield’s municipal finances.
I also believe that if the lovely Melissa Mazzeo can do a better job and has a better agenda than the lovely Linda Tyer, then she should say so in a positive way instead of all of the negativity.
In closing, the Mayoral race will be close. Wealthy ward 4 always decides who will win, anyways!
– Jonathan Melle
Mr. Melle,
Stabilized finances? Are you serious? Do you know how many more millions the budget is compared to Bianchis? She gave the police millions more and they spent over a mil in overtime in one year. And the school budget is outta control. If there’s 100 cops and I don’t even think there’s that many that averages 10,000 overtime per cop. And how’s the crime rate? What streets should i stay off of again?
Tyer handed out enough cash to hit the levy limit, max city’s borrowing capacity, increase utility fees to the max, and run the largest deficits in every overtime and snow removal account: there can be no better mayor mathematically. The only room for improvement is scamming more money from the state, but the incumbent always has the advantage since a challenger can’t prove they could have scammed more
Neither one will get my vote. It is that bad. Really, really bad.
SPA
Then we would advise someone like you to nonetheless vote. There are two other candidates on the board for mayor. Think of each as a “none of the above” option. Or write in the name of someone you would prefer. Votes do count.
Yes I will vote for someone else. I intend to vote, but not for Tyer or Mazzeo.
Did Tyer win enough votes by shoving as much taxpayer money as she could into the school superintendents pants pockets?
School personnel should be getting their printouts on who to vote for any day now and they will remember the money that continues to rain upon them from Tyers boundless coffers.
Ward 3 and 4 are all that matters as the rest of the city does not vote.Ward 3 and 4 real estate taxes are going up at record speed.Ward 3 and 4 are paying too much for a 3rd world school system.Mayor Mazzeo know how to run a fantastic business. Mayor Mazzeo greatest quality is to ask question.Ex Mayor Tyer throw irresponsible money around.Ex mayor Tyer could have used the new state money for taxpayer relief.
and speaking of taxes. Is the guy that just bought 22 properties on Tyler street getting any tax breaks from Tyer? How about the guy renovating the church?
Did Tyer decide to renovate Tyler street before or after her friends decided to buy up these properties? It is a fair question is it not?
Who bought multiple properties on Tyler St?
Aug 18th Eagle. MILL TOWN PROPERTIES Pretty much bought the whole street
The person investing in the properties is a family member of mine and think he has been wanting to do this for sometime.
I would bet the buying was going to happen regardless of who was in the corner office at the time.
Can you ask that person if he or she got or will get any special tax breaks from the city? Any other in kind benefits? Sewer hookups, electrical improvements, sidewalks, tree trimming, breaqks on permits?
Will all these properties reflect appropriate tax increases after all the improvements?
Somebody has got to pay for the lawsuit that developer will be liable as ble for.
Ex Mayor Tyer wont tell department head Jake and Joe to get in their school to see how much teachers need their support.Mazzeo will walk the halls with Jake and Joe…..Joe Curtis has no restraints in spending. Brenden She ran of the teachers union wont support dues paying teachers.I know Mazzeo has guts and will stand next to teachers as kids verbally assault them.Tyer,Jake,Joe and Brandon She ran will not be within 10 miles of a teacher being assaulted.
““wait, Melissa Mazzeo has no professional, administrative experience…she seems to have difficulty grasping even the simplest of city governmental concepts after an entire decade on the council. How could the people elect her as Mayor.” And, on these points, you may very well be 100 percent correct.”
If this is what her camp thinks of her, I think she is in trouble.
And then there is this.
“He will be calling in each and every favor for every complimentary glass of wine, every donation, every bit of goodwill that Mazzeo’s has delivered in the last 30 years.”
What an insult to the electorate. Do they really believe voters can be bought by a glass of wine? I received a free desert, once, in over a decade of going to the place. But that won’t make me vote for her. She does have problems grasping simple concepts after being on the council 10 years,
Mayor Mazzeo asks a lot of questions.Ex Mayor Tyer wont ask any questions
Gave home a water hookup that saved him 200k.Tyer=How much do you need?
Mayor Mazzeo=Why do you need so much?….That is the theme of this race.Tyer really does not get it.She is trying to win by paving Ward 3 and 4 and ask Bianchi how that worked out.
Dina Guiel had fundraiser while working as an employee of the DAs office and the DA supported this event where she had her picture taken. How is that not solicitation of funds?
“No state, county, city or town employee employed for
compensation, other than an elected official, may directly or
indirectly solicit or receive any contribution or anything of
value for any political purpose.”
This is a violation of state campaign laws by the chief law enforcement official of the county.
Maybe the D A office should investigate. Was Rivers employment a violation,should Moon and Lothrop be allowed to run as state workers?
It’s Pittsfield’s Cult. Remember The Reverend Carl Steven’s . The Bible Speaks of Lenox and Baltimore Maryland. Pittsfield’s Cult is political . Drink the KoolAid. It took Helen Moon 3 weeks to respond to an elderly neighbor regarding a serious issue on Springside Avenue. However, her Facebook Page video shows her responding immediately to the issues. She has only been here since 2009. She wants to move Pittsfield forward. She’s perfect for backward. By the way she’s a nurse who now has a job in the “public trough” at the D.A. Office. I wonder how that happened? Does Dennis Powell live in ward 1?
f
@berkshireeagle wakeup time!! There’s a pic of the DA, Mayor and Giuel right on her facebook page asking for checks
*Contributions can be made via check payable to the Guiel Lampiasi Committee, and sent to:
The Guiel Lampiasi Committee
C/O Sarah Mitchell, Treasurer
Public employees can run for office. An incumbent I believe can solicit funds on their own behalf but not for other candidates. It appears that the page in question is a committee page. Should be ok so long as she herself didn’t create it. That being said the three of them are three examples why Pittsfield continues to be a shithole.
Um… it’s right there in your own supposed quote of the statute: “other than an elected official” and the DA is an elected official. Not a fan of either the DA or her stooge hire, but make your bitching correct.
Why Tyer may be in trouble: she has alienated anyone that didn’t vote for her in the most vicious of terms. Her base has shrunk which is the natural course of the office in a failing, failed City. So, the voters will try again b/c we have no choice but to hope against hope that someone can right our ship. Mazzeo wins – by 1,500 votes.
Dan, if you’re going to run something like this piece, it should require attribution. Otherwise it carries as much weight, and credibility as any commenter on your board. This is an opinion piece. For opinion pieces to have any credibility at all the reader needs to know whose opinion it is, whose water the writer is carrying and what their position is that allows them access to I formation. Without attribution, this opinion piece carries as much weight as me, or the brother in law of the mayor of Greenville South Carolina (or Syracuse) holding forth on the current political scene in Pittsfield. C’mon Dan…I dont need to tell you this stuff.
MR G
As you know, we always prefer attribution, but when you do investigative work in Pittsfield, what others call the “muckraking” kind, you realize that attribution is rather like a luxury add-on. In this town, attribution breeds retribution. That’s how the game works. Yes, this is an opinion piece, but it’s a qualified opinion. The reader must have faith in the credibility of this site and the site’s publisher, which, in a case like this, stands in a proxy for the identity of the author. You can trust us that the author is a Well Known player in the local scene, one on the inside’s inside. Therefore, the opinion carries the weight that goes with those distinctions. We would also remind everyone that THE PLANET would be remiss in our coverage and our mission of we did NOT publish such a qualified viewpoint. We are not the Eagle, iBerkshires, or any of the other so-called, alleged news outlets. We actually COVER stuff. One more thing: When we run material of this sort, it should never be read as an endorsement on our part. We are the medium here, the conveyer of information. That is all. For this campaign, we are open to everybody. Trust us. THE PLANET has been and will continue to be in touch with both major mayoral campaigns on this matter. Both know how THE PLANET’s information superhighway works. Both are equally entitled to make use of it, or not, as they see fit. Oh yeah, you were also right, my good friend. You don’t need to tell us this stuff. With that, thanks for the thoughts.
Dan,
While I agree with you that retribution was the way for many years, it is not that way under my wife’s administration.
If it were, Brian Marquis never would have been allowed to be hired at the Senior Center. The way he trashed he four years ago was mean spirited and relentless. Even Brian will tell you that.
I think Brian saw the light that my wife was different than those that came before her.
Barry
we all know why Mr. Marquis got the job…now he is a tireless Tyer supporter – hahaha c’mon
Marquis probable fits in with the rest of her administration,incompetent. Is Stoogeon her campaign manager? If you like Lothrop,Clairmont Bouvier Kerwood,Marquis,Turocy,Winn, etc all, then vote Linda. If not Mel Mazz,simple as that.
The only problem with your fuzzy logic, I went with Cac last year; in case you’ve forgotten.
The others on your list went with Harrington. Go figure.
If I were the ‘yes’ man you portray me out to be, I would’ve gone with those network groupies supporting Harrington – but didn’t.
Oh, what a tangled web y’all weave!!
A few on this Planet are some kinda . . . !
Barry’s correct. Mayor Tyler and her administration were always very supportive, during my per diem tenure at the Senior Center.
Never once did I ever feel my job to be in jeopardy or contingency on anything but hard work and respect for our seniors.
Linda Tyer was and is the best person to be mayor.
Back then I was blindsided by a sense of misplaced and misguided loyalty. Shame on me!!
I am grateful to Mayor Tyer and especially her administrative services director; two highly qualified public officials with unquestionable characters, far above the fray of petty politics.
Retribution? Nope. Never once.
And that’s the bottom-line!!
For us this is about very high taxes and they are killing the people of poverty in Pittsfield.Tyer schools suck.In the end she is afraid to ask her DEPARTMENT heads how to spend money.Mazzeo will ask how they spend money
What’s his title? Director of Social Media?
Hey Dan, your holing up in the fortress of solitude again while Bizzaro puts out the fire by hosing gas onto it.
School Committee,
Might I remind you that Mazzeo gets to ask all the questions she wants at budget time, but asks very few. She has also voted for all the budgets and tax increases over the last ten years. She never saw a Bianchi increase she didn’t like.
Barry
So Tyer’s tax hikes are ok?
The only difference between Tyer and Ruberto is that Tyer has better breath.
So true Barry
if you’re so concerned about tax increases and budgets then why did you just purchase a $700k+ ( i wonder where that money came from) house in Denver CO. If your wife is so “pro Pittsfield” then why are you taking your money elsewhere? She wants others to invest in our city but can’t do the same? I’ll stick with the common sense choice for Mayor. Mayor Mazzeo will keep our city on track
MR MXYZPTLK
Well, you know better than most how unpredictable things can get with the Bs.
Mayor Melissa Mazzeo and the Consent Decree will remain untouched. The very issue that got her a seat on the council.
The GAME continues.
“Playing the mind guerilla, doin the ritual, dance in the Sun”
– Mind Games
Mazzeophite A couple suggestions
1) mazzeo has leadership bonifides – former president of dental hygienist association, partner in successful restaurant businesses
While still finding time to serve her community
2) mazzeo should be attempting to distance herself from support of former disgraced district attorney – he lost because he was corrupt, with his loyalists still hindering present district attorneys efforts -her critique of present police chief Wynn, is long overdue
The mounting lawsuits for police misconduct is going to cost millions
3) run a positive campaign on issues , such as why does the city engineer and re-engineer projects and not do them?
What is being done to stem police misconduct
Why is road maintenance budget so high
Why so many giveaways
Not sure you helped or hurt mazzeo efforts
Sounds like the writer is former disgraced district attorney.
Who no one is sad is gone.
TOM
While we won’t reveal the identity of the author, we can say who it is NOT, and it is NOT a former D.A.
How about a councilman?
Actually I arranged a seance for the Planet with Peter Arlos and these are his words.
Dan
Perhaps it Stephen Gagne who is the special prosecutor of Pitt police officer McHugh who beat Cibula while off duty
Gagne has a habit of threatening defense attorneys in the Matlock case,And many other police brutality cases matlock was beaten on Northampton probate court steps by four officers, due to his peaceful protest on the courthouse steps.
You got off lucky With Sabrina Garcia Vega
1st amendment right to petition the government for redress of grievances doesn’t work in a Third World banana republic of Massachusetts.
As you know.
Surely Gagne isnt best choice for a high profile, Police Misconduct/Corruption case.
This one is national news.
Given his track record of harassing, intimidating and vilifying victims and their attorneys. To the point that Judge Mary Anne Walsh had no dismiss all the charges immediately in Matlock assault by Northampton police, and can no longer practice in same court house as attorney Goldblatt!
Judge Walsh is also the judge who transferred my case to protect now disgraced former district attorney of Berkshire County , To eliminate his exposure, which with the hundreds of victims of former district attorneys office corruption was going to be expelled anyway
Pittsfield be paying millions in coming months, that Harrington try’s to sidestep prosecutions is disgusting
Can you say Dale Eason? A Pittsfield Police Officer who abused an 88 year old women after he went to the wrong address. How many others has he abused and was protected by Mike Wynn? ?
Is it the color of his skin? Eason and Wynn need to be investigated by the Feds.
JUICY
Your question about skin color is a fair one. That said, though, I would not know the answer to it. Is it skin color or facts determining the definition of justice?
Juicy,
Wynn fired Eason for what he did. An arbitrator re-instated him saying the punishment was too harsh.
You should get your facts straight before you post.
Barry
BC or Before Christ. He had charges against him for having sex in a cruiser with a victim of domestic violence who was also special need. Records purged. He was never fired. He was on paid administration leave. Whynn recruited him to the Pittsfield Police. He has a pension and 3 years pay for administrative leave . Eason was never fired. BC Linda’s husband’ get your facts straight. I thought you were an accountant but maybe just maybe you re the accountant for Maxi. Follow the money. Records purged since 2011.
leave.
Juicy,
Do a search on the Berkshire Eagle or iberkshires. He was fired. Maybe you don’t read the news.
Barry
Does have pension?
Eason has been protected by
Eason has been protected by Wynn for years is a violent police officer who with black skin and who whynn recruited to the police force. You’re wife went around the civil service and gave Mike the most important job in our city. Eason has a pension was on paid administrative leave. He can also do road jobs and can still carry a firearm. A scary violent cop. Mr. Account how did you miss that?
5
wynn
I met Dale in social settings and found him approachable and friendly. I think you just have a problem with black men in positions of authority.
Yes Shakes, the man is a saint I tell you. A saint.
Eason will meet up with someone who is younger than 88 and might get a surprise.
You folks supported Dan Bianchi, and he lost every Ward and Precinct in Pittsfield;
You folks supported Paul Caccaviello, and he lost both a primary and write-in effort (falling short in every city and town in Berkshire County);
You folks supported Melissa Mazzeo for City Council President, and she lost to Peter Marchetti.
Y’all are 0-3; Barry Clairmont is 7-0 . . .
Get the picture?
Oh, by the way, don’t forget that Mazzeo lied about the contents of a phone call with Andrea Harrington, heading into last year’s general election.
Oh, by the way, how many here have applied to Wayfair? Exactly!
And that’s the bottom-line!
P. S. I’m not pursuing this issue any further, so feel free to trash me at-will!!
You goofy man who have head problem.
Tyer the City Clerk needed to step-down before the 2015 city election for mayor. She was in control of our city’s voting machines and all information in the city clerk’s office the most important office in any city. Curiously enough she won all 7 city wards and 14 precincts. Coincidence I don’t think so.
That’s an interesting point!!
Ex Mayor Tyer is not yet aware the election is about raising taxes without asking questions. Mayor Mazzeo is asking questions.
Brian,
I thought your preferred name for the DA was “Andrew”? I thought you preferred to talk mostly about her hair color and nipples (partly because you are gross and partly because you don’t understand how women’s dresses are stitched)?
Here’s a bottom line for you: You behave and carry on like an impulsive 11 year old boy who is desperate to be noticed more than anything else. It’s really sad. Spend some time thinking about that during your next ten-miler, lol.
Blare
Thanks, Blare. Gotta love it when you respond with your keen intellect. You and Cicero gots much in common.
Incidentally, my emotional intelligence is that of a 12-years-old. I’m offended to think you place me a year below where I measure to-day.
And if I recall it was your buddy and ours, Dan Valenti, who first introduced “nipplesgate”.
Remember there two functions to every behavior: to obtain something (sensory input, activity, or attention) or to avoid something. Since I have your attention, thank-you again for thinking of me.
Andrea Harrington is in office for 4-years; there’s nothing any of us can do to alter that tsunami. So I live with it, like everyone does, each day.
I’m glad to read you’re back spewing your offensive rhetoric. I enjoy reading your anti-Marquis tirades.
And that’s the bottom-line!!
WAYFAIR ??? What Wayfair!!!! All rhetorical until all of no less than the fabled 300 paychecks actually clear the bank.
When do th candidates get interview and does anyone know when the first debates start? Thanx..
Mike Daley has started a series of interviews with mayoral candidates. All except Tyer have appeared on facebook. Tyer is fearful. She’s worried she won’t be able to use cliches like vibrant and dynamic and collaborate. She can’t speak without using tyred cliches.
Daly is a stooge and Mayor Tyer would be smart to stay as far away from that guy as possible. He is not stable.
I think the most disappointing thing about this election is if Mazzeo does not win the mayor’s race, we also lose her on the City Council. That would be unfortunate.
She seems to have difficulty grasping even the simplest of city governmental concepts after an entire decade on the council….
Sounds like an upgrade……
Don’t be shy about coming clean with a truthful answer or response (y’all post under pseudonyms):
How many on this page have applied or thought about applying to Wayfair?
C’mon, let see those keyboards start typing away.
Share with us how long ago you applied, and which position(s) did you apply to?
We’re waiting!
Maybe you work there when Tyer lose election
Ward six debates tonight. Go get em Chief.
Peter Marchetti looks like he is peeing on the steps of City Hall in the IBerkshires article! Cracked up laughing!
Someone ought to tell “peeing” Pete: It’s way too early to make yellow snow.
That is funny!
https://www.iberkshires.com/story/60668/Marchetti-Wants-to-Continue-Providing-Professional-Leadership-to-Council.html
Dummies in Ward five don’t forget the worst roads in the city were in your ward when Lothrop was your city big mouth conversater.
Lothrop is a first class pompous buffoon.
If I covered Pittsfield politics in 2019, I would ask each candidate for Mayor the following questions:
* What is your agenda for Pittsfield over the next 4 years?
* Why do you believe you can do the best job as Mayor?
* What obstacles will stand in your way of achieving your goals?
* After decades of negativity in local politics, how will you bring a positive message to your campaign and administration?
* What will you do to retain and attract living wage jobs to Pittsfield?
* Why do so many young professionals leave Pittsfield?
* Would you consider shutting down the 21-year-old vacant and polluted PEDA property?
* How will you manage Pittsfield’s troubled municipal finances?
* How will you reform Pittsfield’s underperforming and overpriced public school system?
Good questions. I always feel like interviewers don’t ask the right questions, probably part of why our political system is such a sewer. Either we are too stupid or lazy to get to the point. The Pittsfield gang of political hangers and also runs is a depressing site. I wonder if the Ouija board can tell us if we have any honest ones out there – I’m guessing not a one. Why do the da patronage folks need council jobs too? Why did Mazzeo support a failed DAs office? It’s like a certain segment of society is just a barnacle to the system. Why is Barry on here all the time cruising the comments? Why are the elected officials so incompetent and so incapable to accomplish basic achievements? All that will be left in Pittsfield is goon squad folks running for office and teachers and cops – all on the public employee dole swinging punches while anyone who works for a leaving leaves the dump of a city.
What kind of fool could support Harrington?
Berkshire county residents You know the ones in every ward in Pittsfield and every town in Berkshire county..i think the term is landslide Eh?
I like hearing from Barry. I don’t think he has a leg to stand on defending his wife’s performance as mayor but I admire his speaking out. I wish he would be the one to produce a list of business s that get special treatment tax breaks from the city. Like Haddad. The taxpayers have every right to know who they are and when Tyer keeps this kind of info under wraps it totally makes me lose faith in her. What happened to the open and honest platform she campaigned on? Never materialized.
JA
THE PLANET, too, likes hearing from Barry. He obviously has an insider’s perspective, and when he shares his views, it provides that third-dimension to the conversation. We also respect that he uses his name. That said, we invite all office holders and players here, in conjunction with Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski. This is a wide-open forum, the only true marketplace of exchange and ideas now extant locally. The ONLY one.
All very good questions Jonathan that, unfortunately, will never be asked.
Jon,You have had the same formula year in and out. With that being said, Pittsfield can not sustain the amazing spending spree on the backs of the median non city worker, households.The formula doesn’t work that way anymore,why? We are a poor community, something Lothrop, Barry, and Linda, Suksaug don’t understand. Lothrop said I could list a rattle of things I have done,that doesn’t even make sense.
Pisser Pete and Whizzer White.
Kratka and Stoogeon have old man voice,get class,the Planet
as moderator you boobs. Pct really sucks. Is Stooge Tyers campaign manager?
If you are referring to PCTV you are way off base. PCTV does not control content. They supply the equipment and broadcast waves. The moderators and production are chosen by whoever produces the show.
Does anyone here know what Lothrop’s office affiliation was pertaining to the little girl that died on Plunkett Street years ago?
Guiel is and will be a puppet. Eddie means we’ll,but hell no. No Nichols ? Gaetani wont stand up against progress, but will against nonsense,it’s Gatani in my household.
Wad five with winner Maselli,Ward six Gaetani.
I wonder how many raccoons are living in Gaetani’s “yacht” that’s dead in his driveway?
Best quote of the night in the ward 6 debate; “We could afford free parking in the city if an Asst. Supt. of schools were let go.” – the G-man.
Right on!
God bless him
Idiot G man not know you can’t use school funding for parking.
You’re missing the point Shakes.
He’s pointing out that if the excessive school budget were trimmed – there’d be more funding for items benefiting the general public like free parking.
You’re welcome.
I’d rather have more money for parking by cutting veterans benefits, meals on wheels, and Medicare.
He should cut 7% each year off his booze intake.
It would be nice to have just one councilor that was not connected to a special interest group. Just one.
Guiel was to defensive calling Ed out and name calling the G Man. Send this queen of tired parking down the road. She blames the parking on previous administrations,yup and I blame the crime,bloated budget phony home assessments,water rates blight,( Hess still stands) on Tyer. And that is only about ten percent of her nonsense,vote Ed or G. I’ll probably vote G he is compassionate and invested in the Ward. Plus I want transparency,not a private get together at Dottie’s. Guiel is in conflict of interest territory.
We’ll be ones peeing next tax bill.
Larry Kratka was a terrible moderator. Didn’t know names, forgot who he called on for a response, very embarassing.
Mayoral candidates debate next Monday night.
Krata is an affable buffoon who should stick with being a DJ. My hope is that Dan Valenti will moderate a forum.
Marchetti claims crime is on the upswing because of opioids, poverty and mental health. He’s outta touch- these gangsters are shooting each other left and right and it’s because their value system is messed up and they wouldn’t take a job paying 100,000 grand a year if all they had to do was show up and sit in one place and jerk off all day. And they are not mentally ill. They are lazy, immoral scumbags who were raised by scum and should be jailed for life after shooting someone.
Barry,
You mentioned how Mazzeo voted to raise budget and taxes each year for ten years. I wonder if you could tell us – what was the total city budget amount 10 years ago, and what is it.now? And what percentage increase is that, you being an accountant and all.
And same for tax rate – 10 years ago compared to now, and percentage increase.
Thanks
Pittsfield politics has always raised municipal taxes by 5% each and every fiscal year for decades. And that doesn’t yet include the new Taconic High School project full bond payments. Then, you have to pay rising municipal fees on top of your rising property tax bill.
Barry Clairmont praised Matt Kerwood for making interest-only payments on the new Taconic High School bond! I don’t believe Barry Clairmont is really for the local taxpayer. He is more of a schemer and wheeler-dealer. He and Kerwood must think most local taxpayers are financially illiterate!
Johnn99, the city budget increased by a factor of ten just during Rubertos regime. That is when the special interests grabbed the city by the nuts and squeezed hard. And judging by the pain in my groin it has not gotten any better under this mayor.
As a senior citizen on a fixed income I look at the beggars on the medium strips in Coltsville and wonder if I should join them. The mayor should provide a special place for senior citizens trying to hang onto their homes to beg for assistance. She did not think twice about helping senior Stanley who hardly needed her help at all. That display of insensitivity tells you all you need to know about her performance as mayor.
https://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/pittsfield-gives-ok-to-school-spending,52117
Johnny99, looks like $126.8 million FY2009
Tax happy, Hillary loving Mazzeo will not be any better for this city. She struggles to think outside of the Progressive box as with the meals tax that was forced upon us by her and her Progressive masters. It was only meant to be temporary, but it has increased over the years as all taxes do.
I will not vote for Tyer or Mazzeo. Neither of these women has what it takes to make this city prosperous again. No doubt one of them will win since there is little competition from the other candidate(s), but it will not work out well for this city if either one of them wins.
there seems to be a lot of sentiment for another choice. Perhaps the ex lady p9olice officer. But she would get knocked off in the primary I suppose. Is that why Mazzeo is running?
I am not voting for any special interest candidates either. Mayor or councilor.
Truly Mazzeo has a lot of ammo as far as Tyer accomplishments,so,where do we begin? Michele Benjamin is beyond reproach, you can be guaranteed there will be no hanky pankee during the vote process.The department heads and promises will be the decider in this election. And was blight in the first three years actually addressed? Mazzeo said her Administrative Assistant will be much more involved if elected.
Mazzeo’s chance at mayor will be done at the first debate. She cannot articulate a complete thought without falling into a valley girl dialect.
As far as running a successful business, please get serious. She has nothing to do with running Mazzeo’s restaurant. that restaurant is run and successful because of Tony and Michael Mazzeo. Hopefully Tony doesn’t punch anyone during the campaign.
The roads are finally getting some form of remediation that will hold up until the election is over. But if it were not for a full fledge revolt by the taxpayers we would still be bouncing along like a stage coach heading to the Ponderosa.
Probably impossible to calculate how much the shittty road conditions cost car owners this year. Some connected people get their work done at the city garage.
JA, that’s where BC goes to get his timing chain yanked.
Funny about the valley girl dialect. I used to be critical about public speaking as well, until I realized that you can slam anyone for that. With Mazzeo, it the “you knows”. with Tyer it’s the “Thank you for asking that”, and the use of the word collaborative. I can go on and on, each and every politician has their own idiosyncrasy. I try to look beyond that.
FM, I could think of a few who if punched, would benefit Pittsfield.
Tasteless gossip by Ol Moll. After watching the three candidates on Sturgeons MorningDrive, Melissa so far is clearly the winner,no miscues at all, and she wasn’t helped along by the host. I like what she had to say today. Your underestimating her debate skills,but if Kratka is the moderator you won’t have to worry about it. Quite frankly I’m sick of elections national and local,going to shut my lip and vote,have had it and this is my last quip for sure,enjoy yourselves!
Did we watch the same show?
She could barely finish a thought, 1/2 the time.
What is with the “what nots” and “all that stuff”. Does anyone know what that means?
Graves looked like a deer in a headlight.
Kalinowski. I’m not even going there.
While Tyer has her issues she is the only one left to vote for. At least she can speak and be articulate.
Imagine Mazzeo speaking with the Govenor…”We need money for all that stuff and what nots”.
Ex Mayor Tyer has taxed her way out of a job.She is brilliant and does not pay real estate taxes.
Mazzeo is a strategist who asks lots of questions, do you think because she asks the questions like accounts in a mild winter being millions over budget. I know nothing about her,she has always been truthful and has followed through on two of my problems I had with the City. I want results from a Mayor, not adjectives.
As far as I am concerned there is a major positive that favors Graves, Kalinowsky and Mazzeo becoming Mayor of Pittsfield. These three candidates are able to speak for themselves and will not have their significant others guiding them on everything to say and do. If BC wants to be Mayor he should have taken out papers. Problem with BC is that he bullies people but he can’t take the bullying back. People have asked him very legitimate questions and he has yet to answer any of them. Just wonder if he will be standing behind his wife at the debate like a puppet handler?