‘TYJAYEs’ and ‘ZYIRs,’ and WHAT YOU WON’T HEAR AT TONIGHT’s MAYORAL DEBATE
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, MONDAY AUG. 26, 2019) — If Dan Valenti were moderating tonight’s mayoral debate, he’d do it PLANET style:
- Roving moderator with hand-held mic
- 90 minutes
- Candidates on bar stools and not behind desks or podiums, each holding a wireless mic, no notes or time limits on responses
- Aggressive questioning
- Follow-up when candidates dodge
- Heavy interplay among candidates.
This controlled free-for-all style produces the best possibility of the electorate spotting hints of genuineness among the candidates.
Dan Valenti, alas, is not moderating tonight’s “debate.” Word has it he’s on an assignment as script doctor for a current Hulu TV series helping to brainstorm a fourth season that just finished its third. As it is, the debate will go with a “safe” interlocutor, one who won’t press or venture into territory deemed risky by The Suits. THE PLANET tells you this as a warning not to expect much.
The four candidates will physically appear on equal footing, but everyone knows that barring an act of God, this “race” will come down to the Battle of the Machines (DelGallo-Ruberto v. Wojtkowski-Bianchi), a continuation of the long-standing war-by-proxy. Incumbent Linda Tyer and challenger Melissa Mazzeo will have one goal: Get out of it without a major gaffe.
If Valenti was moderating, he’d hammer on three areas: crime, public schools, and finances. All three reduce to one conveniently ignored during campaign season: Pittsfield Public Schools. Valenti would focus on the school department because it hogs nearly 75 cents of every city dollar while producing an evermore pathetic crop of clueless, undisciplined young people who can’t read, write, do math, compete in higher education, or hold down a job. They do know how to cause mayhem, however.
Here’s one of the latest numbers on the city’s Top 10 Hit Parade, from the Pittsfield Police Department:
———- 000 ———-
Last evening, Thursday, August 22, 2019 at 9:43 PM Pittsfield Police received a ShotSpotter activation reporting gunfire in the area of John Street in Pittsfield. Responding Patrol, Detective, and Crime Scene units located evidence of gunfire. No victims or property damage were discovered.
Two hours later, at 11:43 PM, a second ShotSpotter activation reported gunfire in the area of Francis Avenue in Pittsfield. A Massachusetts State Police Trooper was in close proximity, heard the shots, and observed a vehicle leaving the area at a high rate of speed. A motor vehicle stop was initiated by the Trooper on Danforth Ave., where he was joined by multiple Pittsfield Police Units.
The two occupants of the vehicle were detained, and a firearm was discovered inside the vehicle.
Subsequent investigation revealed no victims or property damage on Francis Avenue.
Tajaye Davis, 24, and Zyir Rasheed, 19, both of Pittsfield, were arrested and arraigned today in Central Berkshire District Court on the following charges:
1. Possession of a Firearm w/out FID/LTC
2. Possession of Ammunition w/out FID card
3. Receiving Stolen Property Under $1200.00
Additional charges are pending.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by Pittsfield Police Detectives, Crime Scene Investigators, and the Massachusetts State Police Ballistics Unit.
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact the Pittsfield Police Department Detective Bureau at 413-448-9705. Information can also be provided anonymously via the Detective Bureau Tip Line at 413-448-9706, or by texting PITTIP and your message to TIP411 (847411).
———- 000 ———-
Take a good look at the two “suspects,” Tyjaye and Zrir, both innocent the law says. Wait! You can’t. The mug shots distributed by the police cannot be uploaded “for security reasons.” Let us thus offer brief descriptions:
Davis: Black, bullying, tattooed, head tilted backward, sneering into the camera.
Rasheed: Black, blank stare, emotionless.
The district attorney’s office willlikely see them as misunderstood cherubs who had a tough upbringing exacerbated by parents dumb enough to name them after Islam terrorists. “Of-color” will be the boys’ ace-in-the-hole, and the lads will likely walk. Only “privileged” white people are evil under the revised approach to justice.
The city is run amok with Tyjayes and Zyirs. Time bombs ticking. Wounds licking. Charges not sticking. The Kapanskis kicking. The results heart-sicking.
———- ooo ———-
Pittsfield’s immediate problem is its lack of an economy, overspending, and high taxes. The underlying cause for nearly all this economic misery is the Pittsfield School Department, headed by a superintendent and a school committee chairwoman who deserve not accolades but indictments as war criminals and crimes against humanity. The war? The one they’ve waged on children. The crime? helping to destroy the lives of too many pupils and students.
McCandless and Yon have driven the public schools into the ground while enriching underperforming or superfluous employees at the Kapanskis expense.
You can bet none of this will be covered at tonight’s “debate.”
——————————————————————————————————————————
“An unexamined faith is not worth having, for it can be true only by accident” — James Luther Adams.
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
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Tyer want’s you to know that everything is vibrant and dynamic and she’s collaborating like ever before.
The lovely Linda Tyer will respond to the lovely Melissa Mazzeo’s criticisms, including that Pittsfield politics’ business as usual needs to change.
Both Pittsfield political factions (Del Gallo/Ruberto versus Wojtkowski/Bianchi) answer to the same Democratic Party bosses in Boston. That is NOT a choice!
I liked the lovely Linda Tyer’s recent statement in the Eagle that she is wants to help poor people (who make up a majority of residents in Pittsfield). I support Mayor Linda Tyer for re-election in 2019!
I hope it will be a good debate tonight [at B.C.C. at 7p.m. on Monday, 8/26/2019]!
– Jonathan Melle
She can help them by leaving town.
Holy Toledo Batman and Robin. 5 shootings in a month. Thanks be to Tyer because she campaigned on crime and wants us to know there’s a collaborative and vibrant and dynamic effort underway to restore order in da hood and catch the bad guys so Justice will be served. Does she think we’re stupid enough to believe Harrington will assure justice will bs served, because after all, Harrington campaigned against a raciss justice system and considers gun possession to be a non jail able offense.
https://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/one-wounded-in-pittsfield-shooting-officials-say,583045
Great column Dan. Very percipient for sure. How do people who can’t write an essay get out of high school, what about MCAS? Or is there a diploma for people who can’t pass that test?
Fact is Tyer campaigned against Bianchi on crime suggesting he failed. Fact is it’s way worse under Tyer despite her pissing away millions more for failing schools and outta control crime problem.
Fact is all her opponents are just as clueless or as useless as she is. For her to issue a statement saying the public is in no danger is unconscionable.
Dan,
Take it easy Johnny. The DA office said it was an “isolated incident” and the mayor said it was a “tragic event”, and Harrington said her thoughts are with “the victim” who I am sure was just in the wrong place at 0322 in the morning, so don’t sweat it Johnny. Tyer herself said “residents need not fear for their safety”, according to article. So there’s nothing to see here Johnny, move along now. Just an isolated incident, a tragic event, like a tree fell on somebody, not an execution or attempted one in The Emerald City.
Sounds more like an insulated isodent if you ask me.
Tyer ran on fighting crime and did hire extra police, but then campaigned for Harrington who is easy on crime for certain people. This does not make logical sense.
Can we not talk about crime just before the election? Trying to keep the lid on the horrifying stuff right now. Thank you very much for your understanding. And this goes for you media folk as well. Don’t be saying too much about the shootin, OK?
It’s the blaring headline, front page of the Eagle. Well done, right before the debate!
AAWWWW shit!
I know lawn signs dont vote but I vote Kavey sign to be most ugliest. And Mazzeos’ to be ugliest for mayoral race and Kalinowskis to be nicest so far but hard to read. Tyler’s are pretty good and nice and legible, As for what’s his name, does he have any signs up?
Has anyone checked Persip’s dumpster for signs?
So if I show up at that debate and ask the mayor who are the business s getting tax breaks does anyone think I will get a straight non bullshit answer? Will she come with a list or say “aww jeekers Johnny I would have to consult Mr. Kerwood on that. Let me get back to you.”
Is she still campaigning on honest and open government or is that just hollow rhetoric dumped on foolish wishful thinking taxpayers?
This is a good column Dan. This sums it up precisely. It is an out of control mess. The problem is there will be no change with either of the primary candidates. Two camps that have been exchanging places for decades. McCandless needs to be fired period. If ever a City needed intervention, sadly this one does a clean sweep is what is needed.
Drain the Pittsfield swamp. Ask Mazzeo very directly if she will cut money to the school department. With the majority of voters in Pittsfield being a large number of school personnel and their friends and family, can anyone rein in the out of control school system if they want to win an election? I think not which is why I agree with Spagirl that Pittsfield is in need of intervention.
The mayor doesn’t even have the authority to cut the school budget. It’s more like a cesspool than a swamp
WILSON
It will take more than a simple cut in the school budget. First thing to do, actually, has nothing to do with the money the PPS is getting. First priority: Restore control of the classroom. First step in this: Either (a) Get SERIOUS about a dress code or (b) go with uniforms for middle and high schools. Second step: Confiscate or ban all cell phone while classes are going on. If parents need to reach kids during school hours, they can do it the old fashioned way by calling the principal’s office. Third: Get a new school committee that will actually demand quality and performance out of the superintendent. Fourth: Back teachers when they discipline students. Fifth: Crack down on all unruly behavior. For example, my sources say the drug activity in the schools (corridors, rest rooms, on school ground) is RAMPANT. Everyone looks the other way because they are overwhelmed and don’t know what to do. All but Step 3 could be quickly implemented without a single extra cent. After all that, then you start looking at the money. A Forensic audit, independent, top to bottom, of all school accounts. Ever wonder why the superintendent for business, Kristen Behnke, had 10 women working in her department? T-E-N.
Dan,
Just so you know, cell phones are banned this year. My understanding is that they will have the kids put them in pouches that they can’t open until the end of the day.
Barry
That could be hugeamongous. But how many kids will develop a twitch and then need the school nurse?
Barry – cell phones have been banned for years. the teachers don’t care, b/c the rule cannot be enforced. ban cell phones on traffic details by the police before one of us gets killed….
And what will prevent them from opening the pouches? Sounds like window dressing bullshit.
Why don’t you let your wife do her own job – or is she incapable?
BARRY
Yes, I realize that. But the report from the classrooms is that kids routinely have the phones out and in-use during class. The rule is there, but the kids laugh at it. None of the grown-ups (administration, teachers, school committee) will do anything about it. Suggestion: Your wife, the mayor, serves on the school committee, ex-officio. She could if she had the will bring this up, confront McCandless on it, and drive change among the board’s six other members. All she would need is to convince three of them to go along with her in insisting on enforcement. The mayor also could do spot-checks by popping unannounced in classrooms. Or she could talk to frustrated teachers (the ever-decreasing number of good ones who care about what they do in that once hallowed space called “the classroom”) and get reports from the field, first hand, the way I do. It’s shocking what goes on there.
Hope all of these happen Dan. Mr. Clairmont, I know phones have been banned, doesn’t mean no one will have them.
In my opinion Chief Wynn and the Police Dept. need to be involved with the flagrant juvinile delinquents. Take them out of the schools over and over and bring them to court until they regain normalcy in the schools. McCandless needs to be fired as he obviously can’t manage or back the staffs at these schools.
Too late now, but they could have built the unneeded new high school ,so that inside it had zero cell reception.
Then it would be like “the good old days”……. Where you had to call the school with a land line. Oh, the horror!!!
Bianchi lost because the unions demand their graft, and they demand zero expectations of performance. And more money.
No one will win who is effective till we cut out the corrupt police and teachers unions who are a barnacle on the system. The cops are so corrupt and useless. How many illegals guns in Pittsfield to enable the shootings? Who just got a Federal charge against him – the cop union head. I wish Leiling would look at the school committees.
Discipline in the schools is erratic. The kids of teachers are just as bad as the bad kids. Taconic is the more upscale high school in town and their gangs are largely white goombas, forgive my grandmothers word here but it’s saying it like it is. Even the fancier outer town schools are circling the drain – check performance at Muddy Brook and Richmond, not good at all. Lenox does worse than schools in Schenectady, which you know isn’t so fancy. Why is reading at 50%? How hard is this?
TRAPPER
Yes. Short of that, how about a policy that enforces its own rules. NO CELL PHONES IN CLASS. PERIOD. Start cracking heads. The idea of “zero cell reception” reminds one that they should have built the new THS with holding cells and a reception area for visitors. That way they could jail unruly punks and truthfully say they had “cell reception.”
Yes the new Taconic, and retrofit PHS with “holding cells” too. Send them to Wynn, so he can earn his pay when the cretien spoor break the laws in public schools.
If DA Harrington can’t enforce laws without regard to color she needs to be impeached/disbarred.
Maclueless needs to be fired. No severance.
If the baby Mommas don’t like it let them babysit, not the teachers.
Great points across the board Dan.
1) Classic debate style calls for a question and reply to a debater, response from the other side, rebuttal by original respondent. A free for all is pretty much needed. However, Tyer hasn’t done a lot other than get a lackey elected DA. Mazzeo at least has experience developing, running, and maintaining a successful business.
2) The current DA only prosecutes white males to the fullest extent of the law. Every other perp is really a victim of their (fill in the blank.) Last I knew, illegal possession of a firearm in Massachusetts meant a mandatory jail sentence. Should happen with these fine “upstanding men of color.”
3) Long ago, the state imposed additional taxes on cigarettes. The finance committee rushed to spend the money. Those of us in the minority argued against it because once the funds dried up, the new programs costs would be added to the tax burden of residents. They spent the money. Elected officials don’t understand that it’s okay to cut programs and costs when the economy slides. It’s what happens in business, and why Pittsfield needs a professional city manager.
Melissa Mazzeo didn’t develop and maintain Mazzeos, now or before so what business you talking about?
Gun possession carries mandatory charge but da DA can just drop it – she campaigned on not puttin people in jail for any possessory offense.
Good article Dan. Social media has been stating since early yesterday morning comments about the recent shooting on Columbus Avenue. Many comments stating that this was unfortunately a fatality (I sincerely hope not). What gets me is that when a crime like this goes on in Albany and Springfield you immediately see televised coverage with Mayor Sheehan (Albany) and her Chief of Police and Mayor Sarno (Springfield) and his Chief of Police speaking to the general public. Where is Lovely Linda and Barnie Fyfe Wynn? Probably out sampling the newest wine! Of course it is campaign time, we have to keep everything vibrant and dynamic in the City. The only thing vibrant and dynamic in this City are the shiny knifes and the exploding guns. Also, just wondering if the shooter is possibly one of the recent – let’s feel sorry for this poor man/criminal – that has been let go by the DA’s office and she and Tyer don’t want anyone to know. Wish this could be a question tonight, but I doubt it will be asked.
The great thing about a “targeted” shooting is that the bullets are harmless if they hit anyone else.
You probably won’t hear that the shooting Sunday is actually another murder. They don’t want to mention that before the debate.
According to social media the girl died. Judging from the intense crime scene investigation that took place yesterday and the weeping women witnessed at the scene after the road opened back up, it sounds likely.
As for the Tyjaye and Zyir situation, I think law enforcement tried spin a couple of incidents into a “We are great at fighting crime” situation and now it’s backfired.
The occurrence of a “shooting” would indicate that something or someone got shot. A gun being shot on John St (into the air? who knows) at 9:30pm has no direct connection to a gunshot being heard at 11:30pm 4 blocks away in a neighborhood that is always hearing gunshots….
The search sounds illegal. Tyjaye is actually a former PHS football player who works at Jacob’s pillow, with no criminal background whatsoever. The other guy well….he’s questionable…
You must be mistaken becauase the DA office said it was just an “isolated incident”, and Tyer referred to it as a “tragic event”, as if a tree fell on the car and hurt somebody. So how could it actually be a murder in which someone was killed, and a killer on the loose?
Furthermore, Tyer said residents “need not fear for their safety”, so social media must be mistaken, as usual.
Dan,Planet. Truly believe it is illegal for state workers to run for Cit Council or any other offices and Boards for for any local offIces. The main reason is all funding decisions that are voted on would be bias. The failing Schools are one which happens to be the biggest one,thanks. Why are we so obtuse on this action?
For instance-didn’t Caccamo have to either leave the council or the school department. You would think the same rules apply…wait…rules in Pittsfield? What was I thinkin?
Is Mazzeo going to go where it happened and have a press conference like Tyer did near where a shooting happened when Bianchi was Mayor?
Can someone please explain why we do not have the requisite 120 police officers? And please don’t say it’s budget. Take it from something else, unless there is something more important than human lives? Speaking of lives, will the DA’s office release the long promised data particularly on domestic violence cases? How many brought, how many declined to prosecute would be the most interesting stats. I’m sure the Eagle will wait until they have cooked something up that looks favorable.
I’ve said repeatedly,a female-mayoral presence and now the diminutive d a isn’t going to deter gang presence. The fluctuation of crime will rise. The feeling amongst many I’ve have talked to and on social media is Pittsfield is a place to do business,drugs,clinics,and lenient arrests to convictions along with the hyping of restorative justice? The schools are a shambles,kids in the neighborhood tell stories everyday to me,the schools are a zoo.
Public safety is under attack, not women. Look up the average age of the gangbangers, the ones Harrington will send to juvenile court. We have elected officials ignoring laws they swore to uphold. If you want lower crime, vote them out.
I believe they did vote them out.
Politics 101:
Almost all candidates that ever run are proteges of the special interests. That is how they protect their territory. If you control almost every office and position of power nobody can touch you AND there is no credible oversight. By any other name it is white collar crime but in politics it is legalized chicanery.
And seriously people, they can sneer in our faces because they know they are untouchable. Outside of a Hong Kong type rebellion things will never ever change so pull up a chair and watch the city continue to come apart at the seams.
Spot on column, Dan.
I’m sure if you were tonight’s debate moderator – it would be a lot more exciting than Kratka mispronouncing names and forgetting who’s already been called on to answer a question. Hopefully Larry will take an afternoon nap and then consume a can or two of Red Bull.
Let’s not forget Tyer wanted to embrace Syrian refugees, has marched ( with a bullhorn) with the Communist “FourFreedoms” gang, wants to give away GE Economic Development Funds for home repairs, and has given away taxpayer dollars to private businesses. And in regards to the schools, wouldn’t it be refreshing to hear a mayoral candidate say “audit the PPS books – all of them!”
Time for a new face in the corner office.
Just look at her garbage cans on Tyler st. All you need is smell and a few cockroaches and you have a ghetto.
Roaches?
We’ll have RAT infestations soon, as rats are a hallmark, of DemocRAT controlled cities
I love the smell of cockroaches in the morning. They smell like a Tier victory.
What you will get with tonight’s debate:
1. Larry the Lunkhead screwing up everyone’s name and trying to answer questions for them and he will appear to be from another planet.
2. Gerry Doyle kissing every candidate’s azz to make sure he has a connection to the front office so he can peddle whatever BS he is selling for someone this week.
3. A certain candidate giving lots of so on and so forth, you know, and other brainless answers but can clean your teeth as long as you stand up so she doesn’t have to bend over.
4. Jim Ruberto shaking everyone’s hands looking for free Red Sox tix.
5. And Leisure Suit Larry talking more than the candidates. He couldn’t even run a school radio station and he’s the moderator.
Athorities called to 41 Burbank Street. unsafe blighted building wires and such, health department to be called in the-boarded up shack.
the economy is not Tyer’s fault.
However, she has failed at:
fighting crime
increasing police presence
safeguarding our parks
urban blight
reallocating funds out of the school budget to where they are needed
making any moves whatsoever to protect our children in the schools against a shooting
we have the funds but she lacks the political fortitude
don’t know if Mazzeo will be better, but “it’s time for a change”
The economy is Tyler’s fault because when “good” things happen, she takes credit.
Her red carpet team got wayfair here. Giving $3million in taxpayers money to a failing movie theater was her idea! And it was vibrant
A very good article Dan. You hit the nail on the head, as far as news goes with crimes committed by black males. The story is buried so fast, it never existed.
This story must infuriate the DA, the mayor, and all others of their ilk. Black males committing crimes, it just can’t be.
I’m betting if they happened to be white males, why do I feel a presser by the DA, surrounded by all her minions, and of course Mayor Tyer and Tricia Farley Country-Buffet, in attendance, denouncing that “hate crimes” will not be tolerated in Berkshire County. That “Trump and his white nationalists,” have no place in Pittsfield. But, much like other Democratic run (down) cities, black males and gun violence go hand and hand. Call me a racist, but the facts prove it.
I know Joe Biden doesn’t care about facts, but normal people do.
Oh and BTW, Dan, you should start transcribing Pittsfield Pol’s statement handbook and what it really means.
Vibrant and Dynamic = (reality) dying and on life support.
Collaboration = (reality) I’m not smart or articulate enough to come up with my own thought, but maybe if I listen to others, I can steal their idea and call it my own.
SARCASM –
“Blame Linda” for everything that is wrong in Pittsfield!
Prior to 2016, Pittsfield was a utopia. Over 3.5-years later, Pittsfield is now “Hell on Earth”! It is all Mayor Linda Tyer’s fault! She failed!
It is a 12 step program Jonathon and you have taken the first step. Congrats.
Jon, Linda Tyer or is it Clairmont is completely unqualified to be mayor of the city of Pittfield especially at this time of critical economic development. What are her economic development credentials? WHEN the old boys behind the fake Ruberto old girl administration. She is a jimmy girl who loved giving $750,000 from the G.E. economic develop grant fund monies to Workshop Live a business principal who was living in Stockbridge and had Connecticut license plates on his car. Economic development Gerry Doyle style. Spice. Who’s pockets are lined?
d
Jo, Did your blow up doll deflate?
Melle…you’re flip floppin’ like a hooked carp.
Get some help.
As far as I concerned it is her fault,nothing has changed,other than an increase in taxes to my property,that went up,and if I sell the realtor will take a hefty bite outta my ass.
This mayor has failed, plain and simple and is handsomely paid. Unlike yourself Jonathan you have not,your still living out a fantasy,and you are not in Dan Valenti’s element as far as class and brains.
Anyone can post repetitive information on the internet,you seem to be hung up on the Mayors job performance,it’s not working. We need a City Manager or our status and political structure will stay the same.
No,just a bad Mayor,time to leave.
Mele you have not changed you rhetoric. Try getting some of the Planets class. And get a job, you bum.
Gloom, despair, and agony on me
Deep, dark depression, Pittsfield misery
If it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all
Gloom, despair, and agony on me
We all figured Tyer was a witich, evil to the hilt
But Barry thought she had class like a Vanderbilt
‘Cause we had heard for years from him she was so well reared
How was citizens to know she was to be feared
Gloom, despair, and agony on me
Deep, dark depression, Pittsfield misery
If it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all
Gloom, despair, and agony on me
Heeeee Hawwww
Hee Hee, ….Hee Haw Haw….
Hee Hee,…. Hee Haw Haw….
Hee Hee, Hee Haw Haw….Haw Haw Haw!!!!!!!
And is Maz ever going to go after GE/Consent decree like she said????
Empty rhetoric? Lies? Or just full of pasta?
PITTSfield is SCREWED!!!
With the stooges running……
Hey can some ask Gerry if his ex-buddy Michael Armitage is out of the federal pen yet? Wonder if he will get his Explorer back? Oh thats right that was repoed like everything else Armitage had. Booze bags.
GErry D vodka and diet. Whose pockets were and are stilled lined by this corrupt administrative Doyle/Ruberto regime? Tyersome or the Clairmont. My pockets are so heavy I am having trouble walking but I live at EV Worldwide.
So Kratka thanks Jon Levine for taking him out of retirement to moderated debates sarcasm. He makes three mistakes with pronunciation before he starts and has the gall to say if Joe Nichols shows up he’ll put him (Joe) in the hot seat) really? Larry,if you don’t want to moderate, then why do it? Sad,have you clowns ever hear of Dan Valenti? Just a thought.
I agree with Dan V. from a previous post. The school budget is out of control, but so is the whole school experience for these kids. A dangerous environment has been created because restorative justice is keeping bad kids in the classroom. We know who is pushing restorative justice…the far left.
“Restorative justice empowers students to resolve conflicts on their own and in small groups, and it’s a growing practice at schools around the country. Essentially, the idea is to bring students together in peer-mediated small groups to talk, ask questions, and air their grievances”
This is being pushed by far left District Attorneys across the country and here in Berkshire County. Problem is it doesn’t work.
Sounds more like Festivus than anything.
Girl is dead, shootings are connected.
One of the people involved is a CI who got a “pass” by the PPD and was out on the streets. There is another subject, that provided the gun and orchestrated the events that led up to the shooting, that person is part of a “restorative justice” program of the current DA because a family member is close to the someone in the DA’s campaign. Part of the problem is there’s a level of coordination in some of these deaths.
This is a turf war that dates back years and leads to Springfield and CT and Mt. Vernon NY
You do not understand restorative justice.
Which shootings are you referring to as connected?
Tyer seems defensive and nervous. She know’s she’s in trouble.
Why is Tyer shouting?
I think she borrowed Bouvier’s blazer.
Totally agree with you. Maybe she should try out for Taconic Cheerleading!
Practice is in the gym and can’t fit though the doors.
Every time Tyer says thank you for that question take a drink.
that’s two
Kalinowsky nailed it on the Pittsfield Police Dept.
Harrington is a buffoon and Tyer backed her.
Kalinowsky made some great comments about policing North St. & the rest of the city. Also great comments about the mayor being the boss and overseer of the DPW, schools, etc. I was impressed with her honesty and passion.
How so?
Endorsement
Question was for Spagirl – how did Kalinowki nail it on police?
thank you for that question
Thank you for that question.
Melissa Mazzeo has been embedded in our City Council and politics for 10 years. Linda Tyer has had a term as Mayor and running for re election. As a Citizen it is So frustrating that this is the Primary and Electoral Candidates choice. Pittsfield is in need of an intervention. Both of these women have been involved in every crucial decision that they had responsibility for. We need a big change in leadership. They are not it. Relationships and power are poisoning this Community to death.
Where is the debate? Sounds like a bunch of fumbling idiots,they all sound like they hav Kratkaitis. At least Dan would have moved this debacle along. I agree with spa-girl, we’re screwed.
Might have to vote for Kalinowsky she seemed most likeable. Graves and Tyer are awful. Need to wait and see with Mazzeo,should have been a little more aggressive. Did I hear Karen say she is one of fifteen children? God a Bless Mom. Tyer sounded like a fool.
They may look like a fool and sound like a fool, but don’t let that fool you. she really is a fool.
Pickle ball can save the city, just ask Linda.
Is the Stooge operating the video,cuz it’s messed up all night during the debate. Pctv must get better technical people and keep that slob out of the morning show. He not visually audible on his keyboard yet. Yogi Berra.
Mazzeo was the star of the show tonight.
How so?
Watch a replay How So.
Don’t have cable tv
https://www.pittsfieldtv.org/
Mr. Graves better grow some claws in a hurry
He’s a good guy. Should have started with council.
Tyler just had her last debate.There is a problem with the Department of Schools ,Police,Highway.They are never agitated by School committee or the mayor.Leadership is Mazzeo ,Kawinowski was also very good.
The Department head of school needs to trust who he hired and be loyal part of the team.This guy throws his teammates under the bus.I will say it again.Mccandless,Curtis,SPED department head and the Mayor need to ask questions and move into the buildings.Walk,walk walk everyday in your problem areas.Buy sneakers for every administrator.Walk your building.Walk your buildings Mccandless or be fired.Highway needs to drive the roads.Drive or be fired.Remove people off North Street that intimidate or be fired.
Good post for a change. See what you can do when you stay away from weed?
Jake needs one of those North Street Scooters that the fat bums ride around in.
Kalinowsky,she came out about the reality of the Schools. Mazzeo and Tyer split the school votes. Karen can win. She was very personable. I like!
Lovely Linda’s answers were all practiced over and over and most of them did not answer the question asked! She blew it At least the other three answered from their hearts and their experience, especially Melissa and Karen. They did not have to keep looking down a pre-written answers on a piece of paper. I would like to thank Karen for mentioning the state of North Street and the drunks and drug addicts and how it needs to be cleaned up. I had written about this on this blog a few weeks back and Barry accused me of lying! See Barry I was not lying, and for your information I do not know Karen and have never met her so don’t accuse me of working on her campaign. But, I was very impressed with her answers, much more then your wife’s babbling and shouting.
Somebody told Tyer to speak loud and forceful to get elected. Department heads of Police ,Highway ,Schools don’t want to know the truth of how bad things are or they are plain lazy and wont drive around.Police do the best job as they are overworked.Tyer and Mccandless must put on their new walking shoes and show how they deal with 12 year olds running a Pittsfield Middle School.They need to run the city on the move in Herberg School.Change only happens when you put the work in.Mazzeo will put the work in.
Low IQ Linda was shouting because she had nothing to say so if she said nothing loudly she thinks she can fool people.
You are kidding yourself if you think Mazzeo would do things differently. This City is in deep trouble because of every current sitting City official. Why would you vote for them?
Since my comments from last night seem to have gotten stuck in the algorithim – I ‘ll try again.
I thought Karen Kalinowski was a breath of fresh air. She seemed to have a better grasp of the city’s issues than the mayor herself. Karen stated that there is no accountability in the schools, and pointed her finger at the administrators & supt. Perps are not being held accountable by the DA & judges, often being released due to drug addiction. She stated quite bluntly that the mayor is THE BOSS and needs to be accountable for the actions of her dept. heads. Cops need to patrol the downtown on foot – another excellent point. Kratka brought up pickleball, and Karen’s perspective was that kids/teens enjoy that sport as well.
Given the out of control crime, failing schools, TWO MILLION $$ loss in DPW, $$ giveaways to private businesses – why would anyone in their right mind vote Tyer back in?
Vote Mazzeo or Kalinowski!
All department heads and school department administrators should be immediately fired. Then, the City can spiral father downhill as all you armchair idiots spout more nonsense. Hiring talent to Pittsfield is nearly impossible.
The debate just proves one thing. Pittsfield needs to dump the elected mayoral system for a professional city manager.
I absolutely agree. Pittsfield needs a Professional search from outside. Citizens speak up to change the City Ordinance.
Tyer supporters ALL have a common thread, to wit: They ALL are sucking out of the public trough ! or are vested in personal economic gain via city programs, bids, grants, Tifs, etc.,etc.
It is beyond obvious. Follow the money. Create a money trail of supporters and you shall win an apathetic and lame election.
While you’re seated comfortably behind your pseudonyms and computers, be mindful that Mazzeo voted for all those taxes increases and budget items y’all keep wailing about.
I wonder how many whinners on this site are city workers. Are you willing to forfeit a percentage of your hourly (or salaried) wage and benefits to keep Pittsfield financially sound? Exactly!
Taxes are a given in this age of expensive city operations. Taxes will increase regardless of who’s in office. So long as unions demand more money and bennies, someone will bear the burden of funding those CBAs.
If you want public services, you pay for them. It’s that simple. If you think life is greener up north, move to Lanesborough; where public services are scarce (or nonexistent) and taxes are disproportional.
(Incidentally, when some go to vote on September 17, 2019, just remember that Mazzeo lied about the content of a phone call with Andrea Harrington last year. Recently she’s lied about being a partner in her hubby’s and brother-in-law’s restaurant interests. I’m not saying Mazzeo’s a liar, but she’s a . . . .).
Let’s begin a conversation about how Mazzeo and Bianchi furthered the best interest of Pittsfield when they both governed Pittsfield, some 5 or so years ago; taxes were up; crime was on the uptick; business growth was virtually non-existent. Did I forget Taxes were up every year during the Mazzeo-Bianchi administration?
And now we find out Mazzeo nixed Walmart because it could’ve moved workers from their current low-paying job to more lucrative positions. Mazzeo’s disdain for Wayfair is predicated along alike spectrum!
Mazzeo-Bianchi years. Bad for Progress. Bad for workers. Bad for Pittsfield.
People should know when they’re conquered!
I will say one thing about last nights debate. There was one voice who was clear, precise and told it exactly like it is. That person was Karen Kalinowsky. I do not even know her, but she was the truth sayer.
I agree. And I think she has my vote. Can we please just get away from all the special interest people and have someone than can be an independent thinker?
Almost no one is happy with the way the city is run except the special interests who stuff their bellies at the taxpayer trough. Look at the last half dozen mayors and their ties to special interests and look how taxes have skyrocketed and services have dropped off.
Vote for change or keep feeding the parasites.
I so agree. The Taxpayers have been trounced on in this City. Not even everyday expectations are being met. The Crime has moved to such a level, we are expected to believe is a normalcy. The The Juveniles are running the schools without accountability. We have blight, and rundown neighborhoods. The roads issues are too numerous to keep going there. It is the end of August. My street never saw a road sweeper. The damn lines are hit or miss. As I stated befor Eleanor Road off West Street is a residential street with full line painting. You don’t see that or expect that on a side street. But you do expect it on East Street for instance. Every sitting City official can take responsibility for this demise and decline. Not one should be elected or re elected. We have lost so many good workers and residents because of this incompetence from top to bottom on every single board, Committee, Council and Office.
Vote for low IQ Linda and Pittsfield will be in receivership by year three.
When the best you have is to point a finger and say “she did it too” you’re done. You’re wife was a horrible mayor, hopefully she still has her barber college diploma.
Brian C. Marquis. Your historical posts are not contemporaneous to your recent espouses.
Where do you earn your living now ? Pray tell how you got any said employment and who are you indebted to. The public trough or manly dreaded private job sector ?
That, Sojourner Truth, is the most idiotic rant I have ever had the displeasure of reading.
Pittsfield has wasted millions,remember the sherrifs 10 million dollar grant.Where is that audit as he and Eberwien closed the Alternat School and opened the jail and hired Eberwiens father to run that program for 90 k plus…..millions and now Eberwiens and Curtis mistake is costing more money.They are going need a behavioral building somewhere.They let maintained go to a very low level.Crosby,PHS should be closed tomorrow. Pittsfield taxpayers have been extremely generous and that continues without 1 mayor telling them to run a tight ship.Tyer,if she is serious will work from inside Herberg School with her schools till election day.
Brian,
Funny stuff. Your mother-in-law’s house in Pittsfield, which you apparently hope to sell to fund your interracial habits, has been listed for months at $159k. It will clearly sell for much less than that. I believe the tax assessment value is $220k.
You cool with that? Surely you have seen Barry Claremont crowing about “reduced tax rates” under his wife. Do you agree? Maybe you could spend tomorrow pondering that since you do not have job to go to. You’re free all day to “leg it.” Isn’t life grand?
Blare
P.S. THANK YOU for mentioning Lucas Jackson’s page. Very enlightening!
Some things never change…
//planetvalenti.com/2016/07/another-murder-rocks-pittsfield-impact-of-uptick-in-gunplay-felt-by-north-street-businesses/
If it stays in Berkshire County expect one of the parties to cut a deal and throw his partner in crime under the bus.
https://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/judge-rejects-change-of-venue-bid-in-pittsfield-officers-assault-trial,583178
Judge rejects change of venue bid in Pittsfield officer’s assault trial
By Bob Dunn, The Berkshire Eagle
PITTSFIELD — The trial of a city police officer and another man accused of an assault and cover-up will remain in Berkshire County — at least for now.
But the ruling Monday by Judge Karen L. Goodwin leaves the door open to move the trial to another jurisdiction if “it becomes apparent during jury selection that it is not possible to select a fair and impartial jury in Berkshire County.”
Special interest candidates : Lothrop,Marchetti,Persip,White,Tyer, to name a few. Ideally, all would be sufficient for a new prospective for government. But if a choice to get a couple voted out or vote against,the choice would be Persip,White,Yuki, and Marchetti and Lothrop and Tyer,start fresh with Mel leading the way. Hire Mrs. Kalinowsky for something,she knows the pulse better than anyone of our schools and streets, I’ll bet Graves would be a great D P W administrator. Back in the day I took my car to him on Linden Street and remember him in a closet type room really small doing book work for that business came back a couple hours later and the car was repaired,major repairs, and to this day I don’t know how he did it?