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JUST ANOTHER SLOW NEWS DAY ON ‘THE PLANET’

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BY DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEDNESDAY FEB. 5, 2020) — Let’s see, a Super Bowl, the Iowa Caucuses, the President’s State of the Union Address, an Impeachment vote, and in local business, hints of corruption from snow and garbage: Just another slow news day.

THE PLANET would like to write tomes on each, and we could, but today we focus on snippet comments for each. First, the two local matters, snow and garbage. We shall leave alone, for the moment at least, Supt. JIV’s crowing glory, namely, a video showing students of his “thriving, collaborative, dynamic, inclusive, diverse” school system having sex with an animal.

Snow and Garbage — We speak in hushed tones here about hints of deep corruption in Pity City, the burg that’s taxing you literally out of your home while allowing the municipal infrastructure to grind into concrete crumbs and sawdust. THE PLANET emphasizes, “hints.” There’s no hard evidence, yet, if in fact it is ever to come, just whispers and veils of smoke pointing to possible fires. Doesn’t mean the evidence isn’t there. City finance director Matt “Kufflinks” Kerwood reported the snow budget is already in the crimson half a million dollars. How can this be, you ask, in this so-far non-existent winter? There are many possible answers, one of them being graft and misappropriation of funds. We think it’s time for the city council to demand a hearing from Kufflinks and the DPW administration to account for every penny. As for trash, suffice it to say there are millions of reasons that organized crime loves this business. This is not to say the mob is running Pittsfield trash, or that trash is running Pittsfield, but, again, whispers hard to ignore float in the air like snowflakes in a light breeze. We have spies on these two stories, and we’ll keep you posted.

Super Bowl — Good for Kansas City, in Missouri, ending a half-century title drought. That, a loyal fanbase, and Andy Reid gave the Chiefs a much-awaited win. Reid got the “Greatest Coach Not To Win A Super Bowl” monkey off his shoulders, and he deserved it. As for the Niners, they had a 20-10 lead in the fourth quarter, but Jimmy Garapollo’s hard work went in building the lead went for naught as the NFL alleged “best defense” crumbled. Still THE PLANET made out well in the wager department, glad to say.

Iowa Caucuses — The state Democratic Committee there spent “Large” to install a vote-tallying system that its Bozos called foolproof. Well, they got half that word right, and fools they be. The committee sold Democrat presidential candidates on a new so-called “smart” vote counter, in which precinct watchers would send in results via cell phone. Early in the evening, the system collapsed. The “system,” we say, despite the Bozos claiming it was neither a “system” problem nor a hack job. Candidates were justifiably furious, with Bernie Sanders coming in first and best with a scathing denunciation of the Iowa Idiots. Workers were laboriously trying to recreate a paper trail to get the vote counts. Problem is that they were so sure of the “smart phone system” that they didn’t bother to keep accurate paper records. The vote tally to be officially reported will have the validity of a $6 bill. Welcome to Campaign 2020.

State of the Union — Take President Trump’s word for it. “The State of the Union is great.” The President touted his record. When you look at the economy since Trump took office, no one but died-in-wool Socialist or Communist (old style, both) can convincingly argue against Another Four Years. GOPers suffered ACL tears from getting up and down so much. Democrats developed carbuncles-on-the-butt from sitting for so long. Republicans were in their glory. Fair-minded Democrats were polite. The radical left sat and stewed. The girls in the white outfits boiled with hot flashes. It was a wonderful sight to behold.

Impeachment — The vote is today. What are the odds, ladies and gentlemen, of an acquittal? Nancy Pelosi, trying to feather the ooze of the Democrat tar pit, will say that there was no acquittal because there wasn’t a fair trial with no witnesses or evidence. Fact is, however, that the House proceedings produced countless witnesses, though none were allowed on the President’s behalf, and almost 29,000 pages of evidence. Acquittal is acquittal, Nancy. End of story. The Democrat’s desperate gamble to derail Trump by trial reminds THE PLANET of Hitler’s move 75 years ago in the Battle of the Bulge, in which our beloved father fought on the front lines with the Checkerboard 99th Infantry Division, 394th “Battlin’ Babes.” Think of a giant cigar exploding in a chomper’s face.

———————————————————

“Everything we call ‘real’ is made of things that cannot be regarded as real”Niels Bohr.

“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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Jimmy Sonbich Neverson
Jimmy Sonbich Neverson
4 years ago

Dan,youasked, so here’s your answer. Trump 50 -1 tomorrow against and 12-1 to resign.

Azwaldeau
Azwaldeau
4 years ago

So the Planet faithful for the most part are against the affordable care act….in favor of tax breaks which for the most part are for the richest which, has ballooned the deficit. And Hess-still stands here locally. The unfortunately for the Decratz,they is off to a horrible start.

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

Pretty sure the planet faithful have a state city fed healthcare paid by the taxpayer.People are in denial about themselves. Ask what the local plumber is providing for health insurance

AverageJoe
AverageJoe
4 years ago

Eff Pelosi and the horse she rode in on. I hope her senile butt gets thrown outta office along with crying chuck, and pencil neck Shift. MAGA

Pat
Pat
Reply to  AverageJoe
4 years ago

Nancy’s behavior of tearing up the speech in full view of everyone and her fellow far left Democrats yelling and hissing was disgraceful. Shouldn’t Nancy be happy that more women than ever are able to find jobs and yet she didn’t stand or clap for that fact or that lower and middle income people have increased their income? Tlaib and Omar were acting like bored sulky teenagers and then told lies on their twitter accounts after the speech. Omar saying President Trump was discriminating against Muslims when he was talking about banning dangerous illegal immigrants from the country and Tlaib saying he was bragging about taking away food stamps when he was saying how great it was that people had good jobs and had no need for food stamps. It is frightening that these two women, along with AOC, will be given important positions in a potential Bernie Sanders presidency since they are big supporters.

JoeKapanski
JoeKapanski
Reply to  Pat
4 years ago

And why exactly should us Kapanskis be paying for layabouts groceries???? It’s bad enough we’re buying all the deadbeats kids breakfast and lunch in school.

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

The food for kids is a farmer free subsidy

Shakes
Shakes
Reply to  Pat
4 years ago

Equally as disrespectful as how GOP participants treated Obama at his addresses.

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

The weirdo speech.

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

I couldn’t disagree more with you, Dan, for two reasons; 1) I don’t think Trump saw her paw extended after he gave her the speech copy and was turning back to face the crowd (watch the replay) and 2) he didn’t shake Pence’s hand either.
Bogus claim that “she was returning serve” in my opinion. There’s no excuse for her disrespectful and obnoxious behavior.

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

Thats ridiculous

JoeKapanski
JoeKapanski
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

When she is the reason he was impeached so I don’t blame him necessarily.

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

He was impeached because he was bribing the new president of the Ukraine. Nobody has ever made Trump responsible for his actions.I going to guess that if our journalist Dan Valenti was presented with the question as a Senator he would have found Trump guilty.

Fake News
Fake News
Reply to  The school committee
4 years ago

Very fake news

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

Just cant see the the impeached president crimes.Its easy if you look.

King Donnnn
King Donnnn
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

No Dan, it was most of the lies in the speech. Come on Dan,he lied,more than once?

Ed Check
Ed Check
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

Why would you want to shake the hand of the demon trying to eviscerate you?
What she tried to do is “personal “. I would not have shaken her hand either.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

I would have refused to shake Nancy’s hand if I was being impeached by her. She is impeaching me. How can I possibly be friendly to her knowing that she hates me so much that she has been trying to get me out of office for over 3 years? Just putting myself in his place. That just seems so phony. It’s also questionable whether President Trump actually saw her reach out her hand and he didn’t acknowledge Mike Pence either and we know he likes him.

12 Gauge
12 Gauge
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

She had to rip up the speech so we could see what’s in the speech.

FOR PITTSFIELD
FOR PITTSFIELD
4 years ago

Airport manager said yesterday a chartered jet picked up Dan Valenti. Destination Washington DC. Valentin helped write Trump’s SOTU speech. Deny it Dan. Return flight landed in Syracuse Intl Airport. Deny it Dan. You’re taking Trumps $$$.

Thomas More
Thomas More
Reply to  FOR PITTSFIELD
4 years ago

Not being a great fan of the Planet’s political views I do however think that the airport manager should stick to getting the planes up and down safely. It’s none of anybody’s business where Dan or anybody else goes or why they go there.

Moranmoronic
Moranmoronic
Reply to  FOR PITTSFIELD
4 years ago

Who’d you want on duh plane? Amanda Drane?

Cordless Collaborator
Cordless Collaborator
Reply to  Moranmoronic
4 years ago

Amanduh

King Donnnn
King Donnnn
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

Truly Danill,I thought you a Mitt Guy?

Hoyt Clagwell
Hoyt Clagwell
Reply to  FOR PITTSFIELD
4 years ago

I hear that Biden holds meetings at Del Gallos and Ruberto writes his speeches.

Officer Joe Bolton
Officer Joe Bolton
Reply to  FOR PITTSFIELD
4 years ago

So what? I’ll tell you so what, to have one of our own Pittsfield born write for The President of the United States is something to be proud of. Dan is one of the Berkshires’ Favorite Sons!!

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
4 years ago

Eagle suggests that auditor type Scanlon was at city hall yesterday talking to our money manager Kerwood. Were they talking about the need to find a way to raise taxes? Scanlon says no need for forensic audit. That is reserved for suspected embezzlement. So my question would be who needs to suspect it? The mayor would like this forensic audit “chatter” to go away but I think you could get a few thousand taxpayers who are suspicious/curious enough to sign a petition if the mayor wants to give the populace a voice. Obviously something is askew. So if it is not embezzlement let’s find out what the problem is because there obviously is one. How about a second opinion. No, not you Barry.

hee hee

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
4 years ago

Matt Kerwood’s picture is on hard hit Pittsfield taxpayers Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski’s dart board. The City of Pittsfield has $10.1 million in reserves. I could do the same thing if I stole tens of thousands of peoples’ hard earned money.

Trump’s around 2% GDP growth comes at the expense of trillion dollar federal budget deficits. Our grandchildren will pay for Trump’s huge tax cuts. I would have tore up last night’s SOTU speech, too. Obama had bigger GDP growth numbers than Trump!

Police Report
Police Report
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
4 years ago

Contrary to the previous scuttlebutt that there is no such thing as a forensic audit, there is.
A forensic audit is done in anticipation of a problem and with the expectation that there has been some fraud.
The problem in Pittsfield right now, the administration who would request the forensic audit is the administration who should be subject to a forensic audit.
Make no mistake, none of the accounting standards nor the auditing standards are as rigorous as a what is done during a forensic audit. In fact most forensic audits uncover crimes and fraud purposefully hidden by those who understand the system and hide their crimes by playing the system.

There is a very simple thing that Pittsfield could do begin to “fix this”. Hire a different accounting firm for the general audits. Best practices would be to hire a new firm every free years to bring fresh sets of eye to the situation.
Further Kerwood and Scanlon have had such a long and cosy relationship in all the towns he has worked, scalnon has no hope of objectivity and has been accused by a number of people of actually assisting in helping Kerwood play the system.

If Mayor Linda Tyer and Matt Kerwood are not willing to engage a forensics auditing firm to look at the books, we as citizens should insist that they fire Scanlon and bring a new and much more objective firm.

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  Police Report
4 years ago

I was also wondering if the taxpayers are paying Mr. Scanlon, is there a reason he cannot come before the city council or in front of the taxpayers for a question and answer session? For instance since he thinks we need more money put away does he feel that the Stanley/Beacon giveaway was a good thing for the city finances and would he have done it himself. I imagine people have many questions like this they are curious about. So could the city pay him for 2 hours of his time for the people to get their concerns addressed?

Shakes
Shakes
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
4 years ago

Is the audit not presented to Clowncil? Want a question asked – suggest it to your ward councilor – that’s their job as your representative. Sorry, Clairmont is a CPA and his explanation passes muster.

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  Shakes
4 years ago

That is their job and they should be asking more questions themselves. If they were more aggressive in watching over the taxpayers we might not have to use Dan’s blog to oversee city issues. BUT WE DO NEED TO and thank God it is available or most of the city would be in total darkness as to what is happening. And that reminds me…What is this business about a dearth of police officers all of a sudden? Did the mayor address this publicly?

JoeKapanski
JoeKapanski
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
4 years ago

Apparently leaving in droves and Tyers line of bs is retirements and cops transferring to other departments for more money yet plenty of cops are making 6 figures. Go figure.

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

When you watch budgets from around the State they all seem to have councilors who ask questions and they expect answers.

Benigno Numine
Benigno Numine
Reply to  Shakes
4 years ago

Does Clairmont have any for profit clients ?

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

What is stopping you mayor, Pete? Do the taxpayers at the very least deserve an answer to that question? A good faith responsibly worded answer seems little to ask from an elected official for the millions of dollars of hard earned money.

Police Report
Police Report
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

There are murmurous examples of general audits passing for legitimate for years. Think how many years it took to figure out what was going on in West Stockbridge or Great Barrington.
Six years of year end audits were “just fine” for great Barrington, then again they only went back to 2012 because the statute of limitations ran out.

It’s not only time to change the lead auditor, as Scanlon always is the one who runs the show and negotiated the management letter. It’s time to change audit firms.

https://assets.kpmg/content/dam/kpmg/uk/pdf/2018/01/changing-auditors.pdf

Shakes
Shakes
Reply to  Police Report
4 years ago

You should definitely run for Pittsfield office. I’ll even donate to your campaign.

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

These audits are done by business to get a true look at how a company runs it books.A very clear look to satisfy any questions.Trump would not want one and Romney would survive one.Taxpayers want one and Tyer Kerwood and Behnke would not.Has Behnke updated our CC out of courtesy about how she spends tax dollars.We need to cut taxes with the 2 million the state is sending for taxpayer relief.Tyer wants to spend taxpayer relief money which make a bigger spending hole to fill.We need to cut taxes.Our mayor is against tax relief.Why?Our CC is against tax relief.Why?…..its because in their mind its free money. Most can’t run their own finances.They never ask how will we pay for this over time.Not one school committee person has ever asked how will my neighbor taxpayer pay for this?….it is ignorant of any elected official not to be fiscally prepared to ask the question.They need to stop using cocktail parties to spend my extra 200 bucks I gave linda this year.I want Mccandless to know I gave him 200 extra dollars.

Ron Kitterman
Ron Kitterman
4 years ago

Think its obvious Nancy forgot her Rosary beads

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  Ron Kitterman
4 years ago

Pelosi, the petulant little child – tearing up the President’s speech like a spoiled brat. And she has criticized Trump for not “having the temperament to be president.” Oh the hypocrisy.
Great speech by the President. Shameful behavior by the Democrats. Trump 2020!

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

No one? Have you been following Donald Trump since he was elected Dan? Come on now. He makes Mrs. Pelosi look like Shirley Temple.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
4 years ago

Nope, Wicked Witch of the West

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

Trump switched the papers………., what the Wicked Witch of the West tore up, were the articles of Impeachment!!! ROFL

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

Trump saved the Obama economy.How many of you believe that one?This should be good.

Trumpian Tangerine
Trumpian Tangerine
4 years ago

The day Trump goes belly up, hopefully choked to death on a Big Mac while on the crapper Tweeting more of his BS will be the greatest day America has ever known. He’s a tangerine jackass, and I can’t wait for the day the economic bubble bursts again and there’s no way to fix it because the Fed has shot its load keeping things going. The warning signs are there, but so long as you’re the equivalent of financially dumb, barefoot, and pregnant, you’re all happy. Time will tell.

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  Trumpian Tangerine
4 years ago

Thanks for letting a little fresh air in sir.

Chuck Vincelette
Chuck Vincelette
4 years ago

Nancy Pelosi is crazy.

Richter Fumugayte
Richter Fumugayte
Reply to  Chuck Vincelette
4 years ago

Chuck,I gave you a thumbs up,but crazy is in nowadays.

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

Pelosi is crazy and Trump is a normal successful businessman. Chuck would not give Trump a personal loan.Chuck would give Pelosi all the money she requested.Who is crazy?Not Chuck.

JoeKapanski
JoeKapanski
Reply to  Chuck Vincelette
4 years ago

Nutty Nancy is what they call Bat Shit Crazy

CC The Maze Sun
CC The Maze Sun
4 years ago

“Living is easy with eyes closed
Misunderstanding all you see
It’s getting hard to be someone but it all works out
It doesn’t matter much to me

No-Thing is real

But you know I know when it’s a dream”

CC The Maze Sun
CC The Maze Sun
Reply to  CC The Maze Sun
4 years ago

”Yes, my guard stood hard when abstract threats
Too noble to neglect
Deceived me into thinking
I had something to protect
Good and bad, I define these terms
Quite clear, no doubt, somehow
Ah, but I was so much older then
I’m younger than that now.“
– Robert Zimmerman

Jumpin Joe Curtis
Jumpin Joe Curtis
4 years ago

It’s always been a running joke that the rural areas of the berkshires harbored many Pig and Goat F***ers. I guess Pittsfields finest took it too iterally. I hope that was a sick joke, and there really isn’t a video.

I bet they need more cultural diversity and counseling. Maybe Shirley was the pig.

Police Report
Police Report
Reply to  Jumpin Joe Curtis
4 years ago

It was a puppy

Jumpin Joe Curtis
Jumpin Joe Curtis
Reply to  Police Report
4 years ago

I was hoping for: It was satire and a complete joke. Sweet Jesus what is wrong with people

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  Police Report
4 years ago

I hope the kid was at least wearing a condom.

JoeKapanski
JoeKapanski
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
4 years ago

If so Us Kapanskis probably paid for it

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Jumpin Joe Curtis
4 years ago

I heard the democrats in Boston, are considering a bill to sanctify the mixed marriages of pigs, goats, sheep, with any and all perverts.

The pigs, goats and sheep, then would be able to collect all the State benefits due married couples.

Teecha Teecha
Teecha Teecha
4 years ago

I hope someone else runs for Ward 3 next time around. Nick Caccamo is Pittsfields equivalent of Bernie Sanders. Barely had a job, now he’s going to school to be a full time politician. Barely speaks up and when he does he’s essentially putting his foot in his mouth.

It’s very clear that he caters to his hipster friends and progressives as opposed to his Ward as a whole. What exactly has he done other than put in a horrible bike path on Elm Street that people use for parking?

Hack-a-Mo for Mayor. I wonder how much influence his ADA girlfriend has on his politics. The entire DA’s office is way too close/involved in city hall.

Police Report
Police Report
4 years ago

Sim’s barbershop. It’s a curious taking as there are many other properties that were not generating income that the city still hasn’t taken.

Some suggest that sim’s will be the new home of the Tyler Street Lab, granted it’s on Dalton Ave but what does that really matter.

Watch what happens next with this property, it should be quite telling.

https://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/pittsfield-evicts-sims-barber-shop-owner-following-tax-troubles,596386

Jumpin Joe Curtis
Jumpin Joe Curtis
Reply to  Police Report
4 years ago

Mr. Voilot probably wasn’t diverse enough for the neighborhood

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  Police Report
4 years ago

Why have they not taken the large decaying eyesore property way out on Rte 20? If anyone else owned it action would have been taken but if you know the right folk you get a mulligan from this mayor.

Spagirl
Spagirl
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
4 years ago

Just like the City Yard. Nothing becomes of nothing in this City.

Ed Check
Ed Check
Reply to  Police Report
4 years ago

If only he would have hired Clairmont and company. It sounds like this guy hires some very poor financial advisors.

Kermit Frog
Kermit Frog
Reply to  Police Report
4 years ago

I was wondering about that too.

Merry & Bright
Merry & Bright
4 years ago

What a sad performance and waste of time last night in the City Council chambers. The spreadsheet show was unreadable to hardworking taxpayers at home. Was this done on purpose? Has anyone else noticed that Cufflinks Kerwood is incapable of reading dollar amounts? Scary since he is in charge of the books. Wish I had kept count on how many times he says umm. After listening to both Cufflinks and Scanlon I have come to the conclusion that they both are being told how to “operate” by Lovely Linda’s hunny bun, Bare Bare. Scanlon’s response to Persip’s question about a forensic audit was almost word to word to Barry’s response to Dan last week. Also wondered while watching if the heat was turned off at City Hall, why was Lovely Linda wrapped in a horse blanket? Changed the channel and here is Pelosi acting like a spoiled brat. I could not believe her behavior, I agree with Chuck V., she is crazy. She needs to apologize to all Americans for her behavior. She also needs to be removed from the Speaker’s seat. I give Pence a lot of credit, if I was standing next to her I probably would have knocked her over.

King Donnnn
King Donnnn
Reply to  Merry & Bright
4 years ago

Prez freedom medal? The clown hated most minorities including Jews and African Americans,it’s documented.

Fake News
Fake News
Reply to  King Donnnn
4 years ago

Very fake news. Rush is half Jewish.

Butie Pegg
Butie Pegg
Reply to  Fake News
4 years ago

Jews are also code for bankers comment?That’s hate in my book.

Stoogehalloffamon
Stoogehalloffamon
Reply to  Merry & Bright
4 years ago

Speaking of screwing taxpayers. See what G E has done with benefit payouts and retirees. Welch and the last crook should be sent to prison for what they did to the retirees and benefits. I got stories that would make your skin crawl, Dan. Imagine myDad,same time frame as the teacher next door. He had 38 years in GE,get Three hunge a month. Next door, the teacher, three months off a year,20 years, 50 g?

Ed Check
Ed Check
Reply to  Stoogehalloffamon
4 years ago

The GE employees also get social security plus if they saved money in a matching 401k, they have much more than the teacher. Teachers in Massachusetts do not get social security nor any matching money if they save in a 403b.
Your comparison is not valid.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  Merry & Bright
4 years ago

A clear Pittsfield politics accounting audit would show that the city government is deep in public debts and liabilities. We are talking about hundreds of millions of dollars in municipal debts/liabilities. The tax base is shrinking year after year, while municipal taxes are increasing by a yearly average of 5 percent, plus fee hikes. About 70 percent of Pittsfield’s population lives in or near poverty. The underclass doesn’t pay property taxes. Matt Kerwood is doing Pittsfield politics a disservice because he is a big spender of Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski’s hard earned tax dollars. City Hall always takes care of the vested and special interests. The common people have to shut up, bend over and assume the position, before they are taxed out of their homes, or they will face retribution like loss of their jobs or targets of vicious rumors and mean-spirited gossip. Even a former 8 year Mayor of Pittsfield chose to buy a nearly 500k condo in Lenox because he did not buy into his own b.s. about North Streets “renaissance”. I guess downtown Pittsfield isn’t a cultural mecca like Paris, NYC, London, and L.A.

geewelchda
geewelchda
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
4 years ago

This maybe true Jon. The difference here is we can do something about it. Many many poor income working families are not going to let or stand by this nonsense. The trough is dry in Pittsfield.

Parmasabich
Parmasabich
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
4 years ago

Most of the renaissance supporters are from s berk.

Jonny Berrymoare
Jonny Berrymoare
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
4 years ago

Aw,come on man. Kirk Douglas died. Bad day all day. My favorite actor for decades.

geewelchda
geewelchda
4 years ago

Terry should tell us about the chemical pits over at chemical where they literally jackhammered chemicals that cured in underground pits Under floors,believe it was called R I P…near the medical bridge near east street? Anyone,sixtie?

Mr. X
Mr. X
4 years ago

The impeachment loss just got him re-elected in a landslide

Parmasabich
Parmasabich
Reply to  Mr. X
4 years ago

It’s only going to worse in the Pitt. Water rates haven’t sunk in yet. And now a rubber stamp Council. Hang onto your brass parts.

Auto Phil
Auto Phil
Reply to  Mr. X
4 years ago

I completely agree.

Ed Check
Ed Check
Reply to  Mr. X
4 years ago

As he should be, based on bogus, trumped up charges by the Democratic retreads.
Now, President Trump should convene military tribunals and charge these people with attempts to overthrow the duly elected president.
Hang them high and long for all to see.

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

You would vote for Hitler.

Gigi
Gigi
4 years ago

The fake indian, supporter of the New Green Deal, continues to fly private jets. You gotta see her in this video, hiding behind an aide once she departs the plane and spots a camera zooming in on her. Hypocrite!

https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/02/05/elizabeth-warren-appears-to-hide-behind-staffer-after-stepping-off-private-jet/

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Gigi
4 years ago

Bernie Sanders is just as bad. He was also taking off last night on his private jet while preaching to the rest of us about saving the planet from climate change. These people are so hypocritical to think that we will all be standing out in the rain and cold waiting for our public transportation while they are living it up with their expensive vehicles and private jets. They want to get rid of all of our private vehicles and no planes for us. They want us to live a communal (translation: Communist) lifestyle to save the planet…to live simply growing our own vegetables. Don’t expect an equal sacrifice from them though. Think of the fate of the people of Venezuela after the gun grab.

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

How do you want them to get around Pat?

Police Report
Police Report
Reply to  The school committee
4 years ago

As they tell us, commercial flights

Eric Blair
Eric Blair
Reply to  The school committee
4 years ago

All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  The school committee
4 years ago

1969 VW microbus, that leaves a trail of oil where ever it goes……

Pat
Pat
Reply to  The school committee
4 years ago

Just like they want the rest of us to travel….on public transportation. These phonies couldn’t lower themselves to take public transportation. Could you picture these Hollywood stars waiting for the bus? No, these socialist/communists will make sure we are the ones making the sacrifices in our lives with their ideas of no private vehicles and eventually no private property either if they really get their way.

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

Fly commercial and meet the electorate they want to represent. They fear being told what real people think of them.

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

Heres the problem Pat.You believe in Trumps 2 year late never coming cheaper better healthcare plan for real people who will never get it.Trump is lying again to you and the majority of the board who all have goverment healthcare but they do not want anyone else to get it.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Gigi
4 years ago

What a phony. She was really trying to hide so people wouldn’t see her doing what she is telling us we can no longer do if she or any of the far leftists get into power. No vehicles either. Life would be so intolerable with these people in charge.

Johnny2Shoes
Johnny2Shoes
Reply to  Gigi
4 years ago

Integrity…
A word of mystery if
You’re a Politician.

FOR PITTSFIELD
FOR PITTSFIELD
4 years ago

Deny it Dan. Airport manager watched you get on a spaceship bound for planet Nibiru to meet with the Russians to acquit Trump. They beamed in some global warming to have a mild winter so the Lovely Linda’s henchmen could drain the system. Deny it Dan. The ship landed in Syracuse where they phoned in the tip to the airpot manager. Deny it Dan.

Auto Phil
Auto Phil
Reply to  FOR PITTSFIELD
4 years ago

The airport doesn’t have a manager at this time. FAKE NEWS!

Charles Trzcinka
Charles Trzcinka
4 years ago

With nothing to gain and everything to lose, here is a modern profile in courage with Massachusetts roots. https://thebulwark.com/romney-one-man-alone/

I thunk Hamilton.
I thunk Hamilton.
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

Are you two remembering Poor Mitts Bain Capital that bought Kay Bee cheap and made millions throwing K B into bankruptcy. And,come on you guys, Mitts Worth mega millions. This was personal. Was he really crying for the President? For a couple of smart guys whom I respect please revisit these comments. They’re all in on it.

Charles Trzcinka
Charles Trzcinka
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

Exactly Dan. Bain Capital stepped in when others would not. It competed successfully with Wall St. People in the Berkshires remember the mistake they made with KayBe (look at ToysRUs now) but they always forget the successes. Read https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bain_Capital for the successes including Dunkin Donuts, Burlington Coat Factory,…It has about a 20% failure rate in terms of bankruptcy and most of the profits are driven by a small number of big successes. But it kept many companies going when nobody else would.

JoeKapanski
JoeKapanski
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

Maybe so but he claims this was the hardest decision he’s ever made, kept him up at night, really wrestled with it, blah, blah, blah. If he is so principled what was so hard about making the decision? If he is guided by his faith and oath and not politics, and if trump clearly abused his power, what’s to wrestle with? And by his standard of abuse of power Obama and Bush and just about all other president should have been removed from office. And if is so principled why is he known as a flip flopped? Abuse of power is a slippery and ill defined concept and not in constitution and this was a sham impeachment scam and whats wrong with investigating corruption anyway?

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  JoeKapanski
4 years ago

Don’t worry. Trump will get pay back by ruining his and his whole families life. That is what he does best. Revenge. MAGA

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

Trump supporters actually think Trump is cool. Normal people think hes a dick.

JoePesci
JoePesci
Reply to  The school committee
4 years ago

Lots of Trump supporters know he’s a dick, but voted for him anyway. Anybody but Hillary. And the way the dems are going, only an idiot would vote for a dem this time around too. That leaves Trump, faults and all. You want an abortion loving wing nut in the white house who supports open borders and sanctuary cities, and student loan forgiveness????

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  JoePesci
4 years ago

Seriously abortions? 90 percent of all woman are in favor of abortions and those southern Baptist no abortion woman have more abortions than anywhere else in the country.

Ed Check
Ed Check
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
4 years ago

Really fake opinion. No real data. Abortion is down. Younger generation is seeing through the lie.

JoeKapanski
JoeKapanski
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

You’re welcome Dan. I like Romney and thought he would’ve been a great president and I voted for him for everything he ran for when I could. I just don’t get his consternation over the whole thing.

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

He said Trump was guilty and should be removed .The rest agree but are afraid of Trump .

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

The rest do agree with Romney but are terrified of Trump taking their cushy Senate jobs. They are willing to sacrifice the whole democracy for their jobs. Not a one of them, woman included, has one ounce of courage. Thank god none of them are being depended on in a firefight.
Heard a story that Trump is going to step down and the republicans are going to run Romney. They have been using reverse psychology for three years and so this makes sense.

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

Dan you are journalists. Can you honestly say that those state department foriegn civil service employees who are trained to make connection and logical assumptions about what the president did were lying or did not know right and wrong during a war in the Ukraine.This is what they do.They carry out United States policy.They all knew it was outside policy and wrong……Im surprised you believe Trump over these brilliant foriegn service lifelong vocations.

Gigi
Gigi
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

Mitt Romney is a creature of the swamp, a globalist, a RINO and a flip-flopping politician. CPAC has cut him from their invitation list. A self-centered egotistical RINO still reeling over the fact that Trump would not have him as his Secretary of State. The impeachment was a hoax guys, no facts justified the charges.

https://thefederalist.com/2020/02/05/romneys-entire-career-has-been-about-punishing-republicans-for-voting-for-him/

Gigi
Gigi
Reply to  Gigi
4 years ago
Charles Trzcinka
Charles Trzcinka
Reply to  Gigi
4 years ago

Wrong. His firm gave jobs to thousands more. Just read about this in Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bain_Capital

Gigi
Gigi
Reply to  Gigi
4 years ago
Clear Delunesonbich
Clear Delunesonbich
Reply to  Gigi
4 years ago

Gigi,when Romney left office, Massachusetts had the largest debt per capital in the United States.

Clear Delunesonbich
Clear Delunesonbich
Reply to  Gigi
4 years ago

Planet thinks we don’t know what his relationship with Romney is”

Markus Aurelius
Markus Aurelius
Reply to  Gigi
4 years ago

Romney, much like Juan McCain, are just D’s posing as R’s. Spineless and worthless. Enjoy your short time left Mittens. But don’t feel bad for Mittens, he’s made millions off working Americans backs (Bain Capital). And I’m sure he’s got a cushy job lined up in the cult….err, I mean Mormon Church.

Lenny
Lenny
Reply to  Markus Aurelius
4 years ago

Quit Mitt!

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

Trump invited Romney for the interview

Jerry Packard
Jerry Packard
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

Agree with Dan and Chuck.

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  Charles Trzcinka
4 years ago

Profile in courage?? The guy’s a spineless RINO!

The school committee
The school committee
4 years ago

What Trump supporter thinks Trump saved the Obama economy?This should be good.

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

They believe what they are told to believe. Trump turned their brains off and half of them don’t make a move in the morning until Trump starts texting instructions for them. Oh Yah it’s true.

Johnny2Shoes
Johnny2Shoes
4 years ago

These politicians can’t get along until it’s time to pass a two thousand page budget that no one reads and is done at the last minute in the middle of the night. Then pass it in a pretty much a bi partisan way.Pork is still installed like no tomorrow. R’ s & D’s playing the voters and keeping us divided in order to keep the game on going.

Hack Sawsonbich
Hack Sawsonbich
Reply to  Johnny2Shoes
4 years ago

It is incredible how much President Trump is taking his cue out of the Vince Mc Mahon playbook. Now he’s calm-cool and collected today in front of his partisan peers,just like McMahon would do periodically with the wrestling fans,it’s almost eery.

If you know McMahon in the early yeas,he built his Empire in phases. Sometimes he was all American boy as an announcer and he became a mogul in the wrestling industry going from good to bad,evil and good again,crazy.

Trump always looked up to Vinces business model and entertainment genius and literally copied Vince’s personality in many aspects in front of the camera.One other thing,Vince followed his Fathers footsteps and so did Trump in real life.

Johnny2Shoes
Johnny2Shoes
Reply to  Hack Sawsonbich
4 years ago

Bruno Samartino was a favorite of many. Years ago when they had a wrestling card there at the Boys Club featuring George the Animal Steel and others, they were down in the swimming locker room playing cards together waiting for their matches. All friends until they took the stage just like the politicians do. Fake just like the politicians are fake.

Rain kit up
Rain kit up
Reply to  Johnny2Shoes
4 years ago

Yeah,Trumps politics are like Sammartino, a real serious wrestler who made more money faking it. It’s the fans,and Trump has them now. Tough to beat Trump. McMahon made a ton with theatre and acrobatics. My favorite wrestler was pctv Stooge look alike George-the Animal steel

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  Hack Sawsonbich
4 years ago

And Trump is just as big a phony as Vince. But at least
Vince was a funny guy with a good sense of business. Did not go bankrupt near as much as Trump.

Hack Sawsonbich
Hack Sawsonbich
Reply to  Johnny2Shoes
4 years ago

Trump will win. And I’m not an original fan. And let’s give two people a shout-out for the good work they did and do. Pat a Kavey for whipping Low’s arse. And a former employee Bruce who made Stooges life very miserable when he had to pay for his own water sewer pipe,good job Bruce.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
4 years ago

The nightmare is happening in the United States of America! Trump wants to issue an Executive Order to end birthright citizenship, which is protected by the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Trump is similar to Hitler! We must speak out to protect the human and civil rights of all United States citizens. First they come after immigrants, then they will come after you, and by then, it will be to late for you. Remember, Donald Trump had neo-Nazis work for his presidential campaign and administration. As a disabled Veteran, I am worried I may be among those who will lose my legal rights under the EVIL Trump administration!

– Jonathan Melle

Donald Trump wants to amend the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution by executive order to deny citizenship based on birth in the U.S. This is similar to what Hitler did to deny citizenship to Jewish people born in Germany.

John R fifty
John R fifty
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
4 years ago

What is that big ass plow doing on side streets,especially when there is no snow. Tearing up the bare road and lawns.

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  John R fifty
4 years ago

Funny you mention that. Had a huge private plow/salter up and down and around for 3 hours this morning. guess that was what he was told to do but Jesus what a wasted effort. I think it looked pretty good after the first 9 times.

Jamakea Lakeuh
Jamakea Lakeuh
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
4 years ago

Your correct J just like Hitler but worse,a hidden agenda and layers of racism in Code.

Wilson
Wilson
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
4 years ago

Unfortunately no one is planning to revoke anchor babies’ citizenship, just stop new ones. Israel does not have birthright citizenship, you should inform them they are Nazis.
The best warning sign that Trump is about to “come after you” is if he switches to the Democrat Party! They say clearly they want to take down America and the white population, and they plan on using mobs of hostile foreigners to do it.

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
4 years ago

The nightmare is the only happening in your head, Jon.
I’m ecstatic that he was ACQUITTED!
Get over it!
TRUMP 2020!

The school committee
The school committee
4 years ago

Prayer Breakfast and News conference were crazy ramblings of something going on in his head

Pat
Pat
Reply to  The school committee
4 years ago

Nancy Pelosi was shaking with so much anger during her press conference today that I think she needs to be the one on medication. Trump on a sedative? No way. After dealing with these far left crazy power mad Socialist/Communist Dems for 3 years, it would be enough to drive anybody to medication, but NOT President Trump. That is still no excuse for the terrible treatment of President Trump by the far left Progressives. President Trump is fighting to keep our country free from the “structural changes” that Liz Warren and Bernie Sanders want to bring to our country like the Green New Deal which gets rid of all private vehicles, murders the cows, and makes us all completely dependent on an all powerful “We know what is best for you” type of government. NO THANK YOU!!!

Police Report
Police Report
4 years ago

Off topic:
There is a hidden and very expensive cost to bring a state that issues drivers licenses for illegal aliens and who don’t report immigration status is that DHS will suspend Global Entry and other Trusted Travel Programs like NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST.
The money you’ve spent on Real ID will be wasted as DHS plans to issue new guidance letters that “sanctuary states” will lose access to those programs.
Plan on flying and using your real ID? If you live in one of the 14 states that have some form of sanctuary system, your Real ID will not qualify.

MA plans to be one of those states.

Pat
Pat
4 years ago

A reminder to everyone to go to UTUBE at 8 PM tonight to watch the Glen Beck final report on what was really going on in Ukraine and what happened to the 9 billion dollars that disappeared during the Obama administration. It’s an Iran Contra type of story and it also involves what happened in Benghazi. Private wars were being funded by taxpayer money.

Gigi
Gigi
4 years ago
Gigi
Gigi
4 years ago