Article

TYLER STREET LAB: A MONSTER FROM ITS SLAB BEGINNING TO RISE

0 0 votes
Article Rating

BY DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, MONDAY NOV. 18, 2019) — There’s a vortex swirling in and around Pittsfield, especially city hall. Its gravitational spirals attract the most dubious kinds of “economic development.” THE PLANET is talking fly-by-nighters (damagatis patricatis muracas), the incompetent (beaconat et cinematicum), and projects that couldn’t get private lending (Spacely Space Sprockets). These are bad enough, but the worst has to be the fuzzy feel-good projects that start out as private but end up cleaning out Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski.

You’ve heard of the Tyler Street Lab? No, it’s not where Colin Clive and Ernest Thesiger create a mate for Boris Karloff. It’s an ill-defined, freeloading operation on Tyler that occupies what was once tax-paying space.

Ill-defined? Check this out, from the Lab’s Facebook page:

“The Tyler Street Lab can mean a lot of things. We personally define it as the following:

  • A shared space
  • A shard tool
  • A mix of disciplines”

What the heck does that mean?

The Lab opened on Aug. 8, 2018 as a “temporary pop-up … crowd-sourced workshop” on a  six-month trial basis, but when the deadline expired with the Lab was losing money, its executive directors went to the mayor with “gimmes.”

Street hero Kate Lauzon got the city to open the Kapanskis’ bank account. This gal has the knack of showing up with palms outstretched where there’s a sniff of public money to be had. The world owes her a living? How much is she getting? What’s this all costing? Why such a foolish “investment” with so many other pressing needs? So many questions. So little time.

When the Gimme Gal started this “makerspace” (their “word” — of course, it’s not a word), it was supposed to be self-supporting. The Kapanskis were not to be on the hook for a penny. Oh yeah, and somehow our good friend Shirley Edgerton is involved. The city decided taxpayers needed her. You can guess the rest of the story. We relished when The Boring Broadsheet inadvertently spilled the limas. The editors thought this would be a “feel good” piece, inadvertently revealing the true purpose. From The BB (note the words in bold face!)

Community Development Director Deanna Ruffer said the city wasn’t involved in the lab at its infancy, “but as we observed it, we felt there was definite benefits to the Tyler Street Lab for the neighborhood and for the collaborators that were involved.” “As a result, the city made the decision to step in and serve as the fiscal agent and leaseholder for, at this point, an undetermined period of time to help the collaborators develop a permanent structure and find a more permanent home,” she said.

Lauzon said the lab struggled a bit in its previous space because roles were not clearly defined. The lab lost some collaborators, she said, and the leadership team has narrowed to Shirley Edgerton, Stephanie Hockett and herself.

“We definitely needed a structure,” she said.

It’s supposed to be a safe, inclusive space for the whole community.

In order to grow strategically, she said, lab leaders soon will begin inviting collaborators to join.

———- 000 ———-

There it is: The city will now take on the bills of this loser. Congratulations, taxpayers! You are now the “fiscal agent and leaseholder” for an operation that will waste your money and give its directors some walking around cabbage.

As if this wasn’t enough, The BB‘s puff piece ended with this ominous sentence: Lab leaders still aim to file for nonprofit status.

Next time you’re on “vibrant, dynamic, collaborative” Tyler Street, stop by the lab. You might hear the Gimme Gals singing: “We were working in the Lab late one night when our eyes beheld an eerie sight. A monster from its slab began to rise, and suddenly, to our surprise it did the mash. It did the taxpayer mash.” With a nod to Bobby “Boris” Pickett.

Send your regards to the Tyler Street Lab at tylerstreetlab@gmail.com.

—————————————————————————————————————-

A taxpayer’s dollar is a terrible thing to waste” — Sir Tiberius Fruitjuice.

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL.

The views and opinions expressed in the comment section or in the text other than those of PLANET VALENTI are not necessarily endorsed by the operators of this website. PLANET VALENTI assumes no responsibility for such views and opinions, and it reserves the right to remove or edit any comment, including but not limited to those that violate the website’s Rules of Conduct and its editorial policies. PLANET VALENTI shall not be held responsible for the consequences that may result from any posted comment or outside opinion or commentary as provided in Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and this website’s terms of service. All users of this website — including readers, commentators, contributors, or anyone else making use of its information, hereby agree to these conditions by virtue of this notice. When PLANET VALENTI ends with the words “The Usual Disclaimer,” that phrase shall be understood to refer to the full text of this disclaimer.

0 0 votes
Article Rating
145 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Ham Anex
Ham Anex
4 years ago

This is one of the places where phoney baloney voters are registered.

Tim Kushi
Tim Kushi
Reply to  Ham Anex
4 years ago

what is a Ham Anex?

Ham Anex
Ham Anex
Reply to  Tim Kushi
4 years ago

Maybe you can figure it out after mommy brings your milk and cookies.

Levitan
Levitan
Reply to  Ham Anex
4 years ago

Now that would be the story if true. What drives these city underwriting, after all?

Coolawd Rainesuh
Coolawd Rainesuh
4 years ago

Cash grab lab where the taxpayer picks up the tab.

Johnny99
Johnny99
4 years ago

Frankensteinien is right brother! And who exactly is “ the city” . Why can’t The Bird Cage do a basic story Correctly? Who died and left Ruffer boss? How much is the lease holding costing us Kapanskis? It’s time these politician grow a pair and start protecting us Kapanskis.. who approved this, Heir Tyer?

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Johnny99
4 years ago

Tyer Yon Mccandless Marchetti White do not understand that irresponsible city budgets do NOT attract businesses.Mazzeo would never have supported this expense.

Tax&Spend
Tax&Spend
Reply to  Johnny99
4 years ago

“The city” is supposed to be us hard working Kapanskis, who our elected representatives are supposed to be looking out for. In reality the city is the golden triangle of Tyer, Ruffer, and Kerwood, and their little minions who dole out our Kapanski cash to The GOBSIGs, upon command like a Pez Dispenser.

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
4 years ago

I hope this story gest a good deal of feedback from both sides. From my vantage point this is the typical kind of unvetted venture that is killing the Pittsfield taxpayer. This administration seems incapable of the critical thinking necessary to move the city in a forward direction. Pittsfield city government seems sometimes to be like a body without a head, and at the same time feeds on the taxpayers like a Hydra. It has all the direction of a pin ball bouncing side to side and up and down with absolutely no idea where it will land. What was the last business that came here without a hefty handout of taxpayer money? And I ask that because I can think of no other reason a business would want to involve itself in the Pittsfield political swamp.

Auto Phil
Auto Phil
4 years ago

Were they trying to do a poor man’s version of a co-working space? Like Framework on North Street but with no desks, technology, members, funding or leaders? A publicly funded shared workspace?

Newsflash – we already have one of those. It’s called a public library. It’s free to everyone, 10 cents a copy…

PoliceReport
PoliceReport
Reply to  Auto Phil
4 years ago

There is a makerspace in the library and they have a number of 3D printers.

comment image

canem bonum
canem bonum
4 years ago

This appears to me to be an opportunity for Kate and others to have a source of supplemental income. Without a defined program with quantifiable goals, it should not receive taxpayer dollars. BTW, I was just informed that while Yuki Cohen lives in Pittsfield, her children are choiced into Lenox. Question: are there any city councilors with children in the Pittsfield Public Schools?

Bruce Schlongsteen
Bruce Schlongsteen
Reply to  canem bonum
4 years ago

Lab is poor mans BIC.

Thomas More
Thomas More
Reply to  canem bonum
4 years ago

Lenox High just won two Western Mass soccer championships. It would be interesting to see how many of those kids honed there skills in the Pittsfield youth soccer league.

Anderson williams
Anderson williams
Reply to  canem bonum
4 years ago

Let me guess bitter Betsy your going to say something about her hair or shoes? .

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  canem bonum
4 years ago

Now that will cost the city 12 k every year to have her kids choiced out.Where are the Tyer Trump team of Wasps to attack Cohen ….shes on Team Tyer

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  The school committee
4 years ago

Why would Tyers pals attack Cohen? It is not like their own kids are slumming in Pittsfield schools either. Hell no! Nobody in the know is schooling their kids in Pittsfield. Not if they love them.

PoliceReport
PoliceReport
Reply to  The school committee
4 years ago

Choice is flat rated at $5000 per student. I do not know how many children she has but it would be $10,000 or $15,000 for 2 or 3 children.
Also her ex-husband may live in Lenox or another town and have or claim custody of the children so the burden would be on the other towns.

There are a number of Pittsfield people who were denied choice because of lack of room a their preferred schools, and just lie about their address to get their kids out of horrible schools. It saves Pittsfield about $150k a year

Shakes
Shakes
Reply to  PoliceReport
4 years ago

MelMaz didn’t choice out, just sent her kids to private high school.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Shakes
4 years ago

Correct she did not cost Pittsfield 1 penny.

Shakes
Shakes
Reply to  The school committee
4 years ago

Wrong, they were not enrolled in the foundation budget assignment under chapter 70.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Shakes
4 years ago

So choicing to another public school cost more than I state

Shakes
Shakes
Reply to  The school committee
4 years ago

I just think you don’t understand Chapter 70, I’m not checking all your maths.

Tom Betit
Tom Betit
4 years ago

Another Nuclea bio systems?
Electro stor?
Kaybee ?
Taxpayers getting fleeced is a Pittsfield political practice.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
4 years ago

What is a bigger waste of taxpayer money: PEDA or the Tyler Street Lab?

PoliceReport
PoliceReport
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
4 years ago

Let’s not make this a competition, I’m sure both will try and out do the other.

Truthsayer
Truthsayer
4 years ago

I’ll lay it out straight. I own a business. I pay all the bills, pay my employees, pay their benefits. In February, we were the victim of cyber crime thanks to the lack of attention at TD Bank who let these people in and then lied to both myself and law enforcement. Wiped out our bank account. My insurance paid 1/3 of the loss. I made up the other 2/3. TD Bank paid back $0. My point is simply this. From start-up to today, every cent came from me. No city, no state, no federal funds. I never asked for a dime and never even thought to. 100% of the risk is on me.

Last I knew, if you are going to start and run a small business, everything was on you. If you had an idea, you figured out how to fund it, whether that’s personal funds or a business loan. These incubator projects like Tyler Lab are really just a waste of taxpayer money. They are nothing more than bragging points for politicians like the mayor to use in front of her supporters and the ignorant. To me, it would make more sense for the city to take this money, take an unused building, update it, and then rent the space to new or existing businesses. Yes, the city becomes a landlord, but at least money is coming back into the coffers in the form of rent and tax dollars. The Tyler St. Lab is just money going out with no promise of any return to taxpayers.

Tax&Spend
Tax&Spend
Reply to  Truthsayer
4 years ago

You mean to say that private enterprise, free enterprise, supply and demand, sound business plan, marketing, brains and brawn, in other words capitalism, is responsible for your success or not, and not the government???? That goes against everything the loony left progressives believe, Tyer among them. But if you make a ton of money, they’ll tax the hell outta you if they can, so some layabout can get a free ride.

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  Truthsayer
4 years ago

Are you saying that million dollars business s like Haddads or Mountain One should not get senior citizen money to boost their profits? And just how long is the mayor going to make us seniors subsidize her wealthy business friends by having to make up what they do not pay? Cuz this makes me sad that people could be that greedy.

Truthsayer
Truthsayer
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
4 years ago

I’m a senior myself. I work because I have done so for the last 51 years. My favorite little tax ditty is how they come in, look at the equipment you use to make your business work, and then kick you in the ass with an excise tax on the equipment. Last I knew, excise tax was supposed to apply to items considered to be non-essential or “luxury” items. I didn’t know that the equipment used to run your business falls into the excise territory. BTW, I have used my own money from my bank account to loans to run my business. I have been approached to sell it, but I don’t because the conditions always meant moving it to another state and laying off my employees. I’d rather die on the job before that happens.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

The corruption of Pittsfield can not in any way be put in the lap of minorities.Its in the hands of white guys .Pittsfield needs more minorities not less.White people have ruined Pittsfield.From Jack Welch on down.

Brian C. Marquis
Brian C. Marquis
Reply to  Truthsayer
4 years ago

Governments have two primary functions: to protect persons and property. Governments are not real estate brokers, landlords, or leaseors; neither are they in business as private property managers.

And yes they are the custodians of public housing. Public (not private) being the operative adjective. Public housing benefits everyone, not a select few. Public housing is yet one function of government protecting persons (and public property) . . . .

Paul
Paul
4 years ago

Keep voting in the same clowns and this will always be the result. Nothing this city likes more than ignorant voters which there appears to be an ample supply.

PoliceReport
PoliceReport
4 years ago

What the city is doing is actually illegal. They can’t enter into an open ended agreement with an organization, that lacks organization, that has no contract, that has been bid out. Clearly this boondoggle will cost more that a few thousand dollars.
This facility (old and new) lacks building permits, a certificate of occupancy, any form of insurance, and form of legal structure.
The city can’t assume an “open ended” lease or a lease at all without a bid and a contract, this is a conflict of interest and an ethics violation of massive proportions.
This is fraud at its most obvious, Mayor Linda Tyer doesn’t even care anymore to keep up appearances.
Will DA Andrea Harrington investigate this corruption? Does she even know where her office is?

A maker space is a real thing, just not the way Pittsfield does it. This is just a fraud space.
There’s an excellent one in Troy NY.
https://www.tvcog.net/

Anderson williams
Anderson williams
Reply to  PoliceReport
4 years ago

Ask the fat guy that drives the Black Mustang.

Benigno Numine
Benigno Numine
Reply to  Anderson williams
4 years ago

Who that be?

Auto Phil
Auto Phil
4 years ago

Speaking of private enterprise, how is a very well politically connected fellow in the process of opening up a Cigar Lounge on North Street in a city whose Board of Health has prohibited indoor smoking in every public and private space besides one’s home? (Hotels and nursing homes get a waiver too but that’s irrelevant)…

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Auto Phil
4 years ago

Tyer said she has heard the opposition. And she has told them to go F…themselves.

canem bonum
canem bonum
Reply to  The school committee
4 years ago

School Committee, Do you know if any city councilors have children in Pittsfield Public Schools?

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  canem bonum
4 years ago

I do not know.

Auto Phil
Auto Phil
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

Dan I am sure the likes of you will be denied entrance. No offense. If not denied, you’ll surely not be welcome.

Hendrix
Hendrix
4 years ago

Speaking of Tyler, has anyone driven down Tyler or North lately? We all know what a treat it is to walk down these two streets, but even driving down has gotten awful. Just today I was stopping to grab some lunch and had to stop at least 3-4 times for people taking an eternity to cross the road in spots without crosswalks. For whatever reason they like to stare you down while they do it.

Definitely has to be good for business.

Markus Aurelius
Markus Aurelius
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

Tyler Street is infamous Dan: Robert Vincent homicide, unsolved murder/suicide of father/young daughter (Hannah), Keenon Pellot homicide, David Green Jr homicide, multiple drive by shootings, robberies, Zens Pub….yeah, I’d agree with Mayor Tyer and call Tyler Street “infamous.” I mean, this isn’t NYC or Chicago.

Her
Her
4 years ago

The person in charge of this has no problem walking up to people and asking for a handout. And I mean, anyone. Whether you’re the mayor or fresh out of rehab, if you have something she wants, she’ll find a way to get it.

As a taxpayer, I’m insulted that the people who are obviously put in charge are making decisions with my money, that have nothing at all to do with improving my beloved city. I’m infuriated that we, as tax payers, have no say anymore where our money goes. Seriously, when is it ever going to stop in this town? And she wants to raise taxes AGAIN???

Hersaye
Hersaye
Reply to  Her
4 years ago

I gave a thumbs up to ‘’ Her’’ Dan,only because it was, uh…..her.

Hoyt Clagwell
Hoyt Clagwell
4 years ago

Here is another organization that’s 90% crappola…
About
Our vision: All people in Pittsfield experience a safe, just, and thriving community.

Company Overview
The Berkshire Bridges – Working Cities Pittsfield Initiative is designed to support the journey from poverty to sustainability by collaboratively building commu… See More

Our vision: All people in Pittsfield experience a safe, just, and thriving community.

The Berkshire Bridges – Working Cities Pittsfield Initiative views Pittsfield as a community of hope and opportunity, where all residents are actively engaged in shaping their city. With informed systems, policies, and services, new avenues are created for capital development so that all individuals living here can work and thrive equitably.

What problem will be addressed through the Working Cities Challenge?

Low-income Pittsfield residents face persistent structural barriers, such as inadequate access to education, transportation, jobs, and opportunities. Combined with obstinate social barriers, individuals and families have limited economic mobility, a lack of hope, opportunity and thwarted aspiration. All of these factors have led to generational poverty. To learn more about the Working Cities Challenge funded by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, click here; http://workingcitiespittsfield.org/about/working-cities-challenge/

How will we do this?

The Berkshire Bridges – Working Cities Pittsfield Initiative is designed to support the journey from poverty to sustainability by collaboratively building community resources and removing barriers. Our goal is to improve individual, institutional, institutional, and social fairness and respect in the community, and thus to support individuals moving out of poverty.

We are committed to using the evidence-based Bridges Out of Poverty model, which has proven to effectively bring people from all sectors and economic classes together in communities around the country. The Team will embed this model into their agencies and integrate a common language, which will help them identify policies, competencies and procedures within their organizations that must be changed to better work with our neighbors. We will become a Berkshire Bridges community, with the aims of ending poverty in Pittsfield.

SallySays
SallySays
Reply to  Hoyt Clagwell
4 years ago

That’s a bunch of hog wash, to put it politely.

Benigno Numine
Benigno Numine
4 years ago

Is it true that Barry can only get non profits for clients? If true why? What does it mean?

The Acountancer
The Acountancer
Reply to  Benigno Numine
4 years ago

Barry looks and dresses like a bum, but admire him for his success. Can you really not like Accountants. Sturgeon on the other hand is a complete mess and freebie poser.

PoliceReport
PoliceReport
4 years ago

The triple hit that are these frivolous wastes of money.

You earn an income, you are taxed on that. You then pay property taxes using post tax dollars. Those property taxes are supposed to fund the operations of the city.
The city takes the excess cash from the “raise and appropriate” and certifies it as free cash. That free cash is a rainy day fund, a fund to pay off unanticipated expenses. To offset reaching a levy limit, to pay “in advance” debt faster, to offset having to borrow money, any number of things.
We aren’t doing that in Pittsfield. We are spending money to offset the tax rate, sure, but we are also “spending” or ridiculous programs like the Tyler Street Lab.
So instead having a rainy day fund, or buying down debt we are actually incurring debt as we borrow. This cost is compounded by the fact we in Pittsfield make interest only payments, we underfund OPEB, we don’t keep accurate track of expenses.
So we incur more debt, we pay only the interest, which increases and prolongs the debt service.

giocometti
giocometti
4 years ago

This Tyler Street Lab is starting to look like a new version of Downtown Pittsfield, Inc…..here we go again…only this time Ed O’Keefe is not pushing the agenda…it’s Shirley Edgerton

Ray Zerblaide
Ray Zerblaide
Reply to  giocometti
4 years ago

Lab reminds me of an unemployment office.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Benigno Numine
4 years ago

Barry does not start work until 3am when its hard to rob or assault .

C. Trzcinka
C. Trzcinka
4 years ago

Boondoggles are everywhere which is the prime reason for limiting government to some basic operations. No government should directly subsidize businesses which need to survive on their own or die. But your state is giving the rest of us a Senator who has plans for a far larger government than we need, financed by a far larger tax burden than many want, devoted to politically correct ends that many do not agree with.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  C. Trzcinka
4 years ago

What is the ratio of lobbyists to elected government officials? I think it is over 10 lobbyists for every Member of Congress, but it is just my guest. Why do so many retired politicians become lobbyists? I believe it is to shakedown the taxpayers for their special interests. Lastly, what do you think of the federal government’s annual trillion dollar budget deficits? Will we ever pay off our huge debts or will the national debt keep growing larger and larger?

Matt Dillunjore
Matt Dillunjore
4 years ago

Armed robbery at Cumbies. Shut that dump down.

Matt Dillunjore
Matt Dillunjore
4 years ago

Robbery at Cumbies days ago. Just printed?

Matt Dillunjore
Matt Dillunjore
4 years ago

Does the Lab have free coffee?

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
4 years ago

I would like to squash the rumor that the city is planning a Forensic audit early next year. Not going to happen and no matter how much the taxpayers want to see it you need to forgettaboutit. Please stop the rumors now!

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
4 years ago

I saw on the news on TV today that the federal government is headed for a shutdown on this Thursday, November 21st, 2019. They said that the sticking point in Congressional negotiations is $5 billion dollars for Trump’s border wall. Please do not allow the federal government to shutdown on this Thursday. Thank you.

Boogie Stayarcluz
Boogie Stayarcluz
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
4 years ago

Why don’t you stop lying around and get a job. Your President isn’t going anywhere for five years.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  Boogie Stayarcluz
4 years ago

Why don’t politicians do their job? All they do is fight their self-righteous battles, while the people pay for their luxurious taxpayer-funded benefits.

Harrison
Harrison
4 years ago

Of all the buildings on Tyler, this one would seem the most sellable. I guess I don’t understand why we need a collaborative think tank when we now have a new collaborative think tank a few hundred yards around the corner.

PoliceReport
PoliceReport
4 years ago

Was this the Cumberland Farms Barry was saying was so safe?

comment image

https://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/police-seek-suspect-in-armed-robbery-at-cumberland-farms-in-pittsfield,590489

Police are searching for a man who robbed the Cumberland Farms store on First Street early Sunday.

Shortly before 1:30 a.m., a man walked into the store and brandished what is believed to be a knife or screwdriver, demanded money, and left with an undisclosed amount of cash, according to a statement released Monday afternoon by Pittsfield Police. No injuries were reported.

Mark Tully
Mark Tully
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

I drove by at 3:45 this morning and that place was hopping again. Lots of cars and activity. It must be slower at 1am.

Johnny99
Johnny99
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

Yes, and was it now a Sunday as well?

Klaacmuljonstone
Klaacmuljonstone
Reply to  PoliceReport
4 years ago

Now this is funny.

James
James
Reply to  PoliceReport
4 years ago

I’m sure it was just an addict helping themselves to necessities. See Andrea Harrington who will figure out a way to blame her predecessor.

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  PoliceReport
4 years ago

Will somebody be fired for printing this story? How did it leak out? Will this one show up in the city statistics? Maybe they were just filming a movie? Elizabeth Banks is in town so probably a movie.

Klaacmuljonstone
Klaacmuljonstone
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
4 years ago

Was Barry doing Vigilante three?

Klaacmuljonstone
Klaacmuljonstone
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
4 years ago

Yeah,Barry and Banks in The Milk Dud. Beacon will be the initial showing.

Johnny99
Johnny99
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
4 years ago

Banks is a sexist progressive kook

SallySays
SallySays
Reply to  PoliceReport
4 years ago

Yes. Cumby Clairmonts’ new hangout, it was only robbed because it’s an economic engine and was doing so well. Between the working stiffs getting their drugs (caffeine) on way to work, and the riff and raft getting their scratch tickets and smokes, plus people getting gas, and milk, bread and eggs with food stamp card us Kapanskis are paying for, and the hookers offering hummers for dope money, it’s a real economic engine. So it’s a victim of its own success.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  Johnny99
4 years ago

I just read the news article. These are the allegations by Melissa Mazzeo’s campaign:

According to the statement, “there is ample reason to believe that unauthorized persons had access to the area in the office of the city clerk and registrar of voter’s office where ballots were stored and maintained.” It goes on to contend “the number of absentee ballots requested and submitted for count in this precinct and throughout the city substantially exceeded the number of absentee ballots requested in any prior city-wide election for Mayor.”

Who were the “unauthorized persons” in the City Clerk and Registrar of Voter’s offices? Did these “unauthorized persons” tamper with the ballots? Were the absentee ballots tampered with by “unauthorized persons”?

Bay bay Babbersshun
Bay bay Babbersshun
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
4 years ago

I have seen on numerous occasions other administrators behind the counter.Maybe certain officials have that right?But it states very clearly in the code of conduct the City Clerk shall not permit any person outside of her employe behind that counter. It is a fireable offense. That is why they take an oath,to prevent such event happening. Let it be known Valenti was the first one in on a this,not the B Rag.

SallySays
SallySays
Reply to  Bay bay Babbersshun
4 years ago

Yes Dan broke the story on The Berkshires Breaking News Blog. My Nostril Damus sees another breaking story in Dan’s near future.

SallySays
SallySays
Reply to  Bay bay Babbersshun
4 years ago

What codes of conduct are you referring to? And you can’t fire an elected official, be it a city clerk – and I’m not suggesting she did anything wrong here – nor any mayor or council member that decides to just not come to work anymore. Ruberto spent half his term in Florida.

Auto Phil
Auto Phil
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
4 years ago

It has been rumored that it was Barry Clairmont. I would suspect that it’s suspected that he had the opportunity (and motive) to tamper with ballots…

It will be fascinating to see how this all plays out.

James
James
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

And the mayor used to be City Clerk, so she knows how it operates, right?

Pittsfield Talks
Pittsfield Talks
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
4 years ago

Unauthorized persons was the one and only Bare Bare seen in the office multiple times with the door shut. Benjamin and Bare Bare we’re both reprimanded by the Secretary of State for their behavior. Not to mention the city prints the ballots

Bea Hindkurtinns
Bea Hindkurtinns
Reply to  Johnny99
4 years ago

More importantly if there was voter fraud you don’t just get fired it’s a felony, you go to jail.

Truthsayer
Truthsayer
Reply to  Bea Hindkurtinns
4 years ago

Anybody believe our all-about-the-politics DA would pursue anything against her cheerleader Tyer?

James
James
Reply to  Truthsayer
4 years ago

But the state police would investigate, right?

Cordless Collaborator
Cordless Collaborator
4 years ago

What’s the best location to register new voters?
The bum smoking parks on north st?
Hess Forest?
Cumbies?
Tyler St. lab?

Clide Bacstabbor
Clide Bacstabbor
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

The back end of the Big Parade.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Cordless Collaborator
4 years ago

Hess has pickleball written all over it

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
4 years ago

Will any investigation into possible voter fraud be public? Will the Eagle be all over it like a real newspaper or remain loyal like Fox news?

SallySays
SallySays
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
4 years ago

No. And no. And if there was a crime, and it’s a real big if, and a real investigation, Harrington won’t prosecute because it’s a non violent crime.

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  SallySays
4 years ago

I agree a big if. But past city government practices (such as the Stanley/Beacon scandal) and others make the possibility more believable to the people. All the secrecy and behind closed doors behavior has made people think voter fraud is possible in Pittsfield. Very few would be surprised these days. And while everything is probably on the up and up this administration has fueled the skepticism.

Kuckoo cooku
Kuckoo cooku
Reply to  SallySays
4 years ago

Sally way off,the AttorneyGeneral does the deal.

The school committee
The school committee
4 years ago

The Catholic Church even consolidated in order to restructure and energize.When the Catholic Church moves faster than Marchetti Tyer Mccandless and Yon to save money and build more energy inside these schools. The Crosby building is sick with so much water leaking into a dark environment under the roof creating mold.You need less schools that can be maintained at a high level. Caccamo and White and most importantly Moon need to rediscover GEs toxic swamp that Allendale school is built on.You may want picklball courts and Tylers street labs but Moon and Caccamo need to tackle the problem of Allendale. Marchetti was supposed to update people on testing of that property

JohnnyTwoCents
JohnnyTwoCents
4 years ago

Well Danno, looks like a recount after all. Who will be the overseers for each camp? Claremont a numbers guy but perhaps he will have the good sense to stay out of it, since he seems to be already implicated in it.

Ozias Vincelette
Ozias Vincelette
4 years ago

Stop the presses. Call in the National Guard. Cancel school. Get the plows out. Dump salt on the road.

It’s snowing!!!!!!!’mmm

Mansion Colunyrent
Mansion Colunyrent
Reply to  Ozias Vincelette
4 years ago

It’s not a joke Ozzie.

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  Ozias Vincelette
4 years ago

Has the DPW budget gone over yet? It has been snowing for almost an hour.

JohnnyTwoCents
JohnnyTwoCents
Reply to  Ozias Vincelette
4 years ago

Sorry Oz, ere outta salt!

Clide Bacstabbor
Clide Bacstabbor
4 years ago

So, the person that robbed the Cumberland Farms should give himself up. If he/she does they would have hit the lottery. Three hots and a bed,Paid by the state,mental health,paid for by the state, schooling and rehab paid for by the state, free living quarters paid for by the state,subsequent stipend for food paid for by the state,lawyer paid for by the state,monthly check for life,paid for by the taxpayers also, Give yourself up,we need in the Restorative Justice System.

Ghost Rider
Ghost Rider
4 years ago

Add this to the “infamous list.”
Tyler Street? Infamous, nah. 38 years ago…violent shooting outside a pizza parlor, businessman John Fontaine Sr dead.

PopQuiz
PopQuiz
4 years ago

How many murders on Tyler St ever?

Johnny99
Johnny99
Reply to  PopQuiz
4 years ago

Too many to count

Kuckoo cooku
Kuckoo cooku
Reply to  Johnny99
4 years ago

I know of at least, we’ll lets count them,Leo’s bar, the barbershop,ma and pas, leery lent was living there,he probably murdered the poor Bernardo kid there,sad.. Many stabbings

Tax&Spend
Tax&Spend
Reply to  Kuckoo cooku
4 years ago

And didn’t somebody write a book about a Famous murder there years ago? Family blamed an intruder, family member charged and beat case.

Two Cents
Two Cents
Reply to  Kuckoo cooku
4 years ago

Don’t forget the Tyler Home Supply employee beat to death in his Tyler Street home over a 500 dollar lottery ticket.

Ann T Up
Ann T Up
Reply to  Johnny99
4 years ago

Don’t want to take focus of of voter or murder on Tyler but state police seized 1000 bags of heroine two on 10000 bail and another on forty dollar bail? How about no bail,this is incredible,people are dying because of drugs? And this is the bail?

JoePesci
JoePesci
Reply to  Ann T Up
4 years ago

Drug possession is a non violent crime – surprised DA asked for a nickel bail

Kuckoo cooku
Kuckoo cooku
Reply to  PopQuiz
4 years ago

One in the Seventies I front of the old ma and pas some dude named Martin blew away a Fontaine domestic deal.

Medulla progeram
Medulla progeram
Reply to  PopQuiz
4 years ago

Great job by State Police on the thousand bag heroine bust) guess iberkshires isn’t interested in the story. This should put us number one in crime next year.

Tax&Spend
Tax&Spend
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

Yes Dan and now they are soliciting donations – that’s not a sustainable business model round here.

Medulla progeram
Medulla progeram
4 years ago

Why isn’t iberkshires covering the thousand bags of heroine story?

PoliceReport
PoliceReport
Reply to  Medulla progeram
4 years ago

Maybe it was their heroin?

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
4 years ago

I do not believe the mayor or hubby would do actual tampering themselves. That is what lap dogs are for. And where can you find lap dogs in Pittsfield? Why on the 411 you can find team Tyer lap dogs panting up a frenzy. And now they are here where they will get a reality check. Hopefully we can pull a few of them into the real world and away from the smoke and mirrors of Allen street. As I have always said. “Lap dogs are people too.”

Commander Hoodwink Lochs
Commander Hoodwink Lochs
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

The Chief has been spotted in kuffkinks office
on a regular basis

Skunk Baiter
Skunk Baiter
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

The first thing I asked my husband after Mazzeo beat the he field in the Mayor prelims was, do you think Mazzeo will win in November? He said with stank eye Tyer will win,she used to be City Clerk. I’ll always remember that. Something stinks Dan,just a feeling I have.

Joanne Dopillianjour
Joanne Dopillianjour
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
4 years ago

If you rob a bank and you get caught where there is no money you still go to jail,it’s the intent J A.

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
4 years ago

My blood is boiling after watching part of the impeachment inquiry. Lt. Col. Vindman should be court martialed for insubordination, leaking and lying. More holes in his testimony than a sieve. This inquiry is a giant, expensive charade. The Bidens are the ones who should be on trial for violating the Hobbs Act.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
4 years ago

Thats what Nunez said.

Soilent Frawd
Soilent Frawd
Reply to  The school committee
4 years ago

Where is Peter G

Soilent Frawd
Soilent Frawd
Reply to  The school committee
4 years ago

The Cumbies picture looks like Adam Hall,but he’s in jail,no….

Restorative Justice?

Soilent Frawd
Soilent Frawd
Reply to  The school committee
4 years ago

What the heck…do not give to cable funded Stooge Show telethon on wtbr Don’t like it anyway. The Show is to promote Administrative School propaganda and City political propaganda for pay increases, Had nothing to do with the original volunteer intent of radio for students by the originator Larry
Kratka”

Ed Check
Ed Check
Reply to  The school committee
4 years ago

What Fritz days is true, this “army officer” should be educated regarding foreign policy. The president directs foreign policy, not lower level state department officials or military personnel. These people are basically the enemy within a/k/a the deep globalist state.

BaaD Bands
BaaD Bands
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
4 years ago

Fritz,So isn’t mine for a different reason,.Where is Spectrum,the School Committee,and the F C C as well as legitimate radio stations currently operating in Berkshire County?

A fund drive on PCTV t support a non educational show sponsored by the City School system? The Stooge Show of Politiv
V
CalmAnd Arts,with Administrative School at a boy doctrine, not relating to any school sponsored or educational format for the students,for which the T B R was intended,Incredible.

Two Cents
Two Cents
Reply to  BaaD Bands
4 years ago

I’ve heard from a colleague that a commercial Pittsfield Radio Station did file a formal FCC complaint over illegal marketing fees collected by one of it’s former hosts and the political nature of it’s programing on an “Educational License” The agency’s response was basically that they didn’t care because their limited manpower has better things to do.

Do I off Stephee
Do I off Stephee
4 years ago

Please my N Y friends. Dump Elise Stefanik in the Twenty first district. Stefanik is a political whore for Trump,and not bright at all. And I love Trump!

SallySays
SallySays
Reply to  Do I off Stephee
4 years ago

I think she’s great, terrific, and tremendous and has more gonads than half the men I know