MAYOR TYER REPONDS TO DEVELOPERS’ CRITICISM: ‘I DO NOT HATE MR. GRAVES AND MS. MORIN’
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, MONDAY MAY 18, 2020) — Over the weekend, mayor Linda Tyer answered THE PLANET‘s request for comments of the charges put forth by Scott Graves and Paula Morin with respect to their proposal for the former Morningside fire station on Tyler Street.
As we did with Graves and Morin, we present the mayor’s response verbatim, edited only for style and clarity. We thank the mayor for her comments and will leave the analysis largely to our readership, save for a few comments at the end:
———- ooo ———-
MAYOR LINDA TYER
Thanks for sending along Mr. Graves and Ms. Morin’s grievances. It’s not possible to take apart every single sentence in that epic story of discontent, so I’m not going to. However, there are elements of their statement that simply cannot go unanswered. Let me start by saying this – my administration and I do not hate Mr. Graves and Ms. Morin. In fact, I and others on my team are quite impressed by what they’ve accomplished over the years. We only expect them to comply with all the state and local regulations that every other business has to follow. As you can imagine, there can be different interpretations and any number of dilemmas that have to be worked out between the city and developers. Everyone on my team understands that. First and foremost, we strive to find solutions, eliminate barriers, and enable businesses to succeed.
Let me take some of Mr. Graves and Ms. Morin’s claims one-by-one:
1. I wasn’t the mayor when Mr. Graves and Ms. Morin began developing the Rusty Anchor in 2013. Dan Bianchi was mayor at that time, so I can’t answer any of their complaints about the difficulties they claim they encountered. However, during the permitting process the Rusty Anchor received a special permit to waive the city’s parking requirements. It’s my understanding that there was no pushback from the city during that process, and city staff assisted by providing options. I became mayor in January 2016. Since then, my administration and I have worked to help the Rusty Anchor. For example, in March 2019, the special permit to waive parking regulations was amended when the expansion and upgrades to the Rusty Anchor allowed for higher occupancy — meaning more people could enjoy all of the amenities offered by the Rusty Anchor, thereby increasing the success of Mr. Graves and Ms. Morin’s business operations. The expansion triggered an increase in the amount of off-street parking required for the higher occupancy. During the 2019 expansion, the city planner met with Mr. Graves and his architect multiple times as they developed a parking management plan to allow for the expanded operation of the Rusty Anchor. Mr. Graves was successful because he was supported by staff and the Community Development Board’s openness to creativity on how to balance the use of a city parking lot and a shuttle service. Yes. That’s right. A city parking lot. The success of Mr. Graves business has been reliant on a taxpayer-funded resource, a city parking lot, which is used almost solely by his members for at least six months of the year. Finally, over the years, several members of the city staff have spent many hours speaking with and assisting Mr. Graves on a variety of matters related to the Rusty Anchor. We are very happy to see his accomplishments and we know that many people enjoy the experience at the Rusty Anchor.
2. Regarding sidewalk shoveling, the city’s Department of Public Services plow sidewalks on the right-of-way for abutting city properties and on all bridges that have sidewalks. We also take care of some “grey” areas. These are large intersections or corners with sidewalks where there may not be a clear abutting owner. There are plenty of these grey areas in the downtown corridor. Pecks/Valentine/Highland is a another one of those “grey” areas. Another reason the city would remove snow from sidewalks is if we get calls from schools alerting us that the sidewalks on a particular walking route have not been cleared. As you can imagine, students walking to school and being forced into the road is dangerous. In that scenario, we alert the residents and business that are responsible for clearing their sidewalk, but we do not wait for action due to this serious safety concern.
3. Tyler Street Fire Station: The city has issued five Requests for Proposals (RFP’s) for the disposition of the Tyler Street Fire Station. In FY14 (prior to my time as mayor) the city received one response, which did not result in a contract being issued; and we only received one response this time. All other RFP’s received no responses, even though there had been explicit interest at the time the RFP was issued. Here are the facts of this particular Request for Proposals: Proposals were opened on March 5, 2020, and distributed to the evaluation committee members on Friday, March 6. Impacts to normal city operations due to COVID-19 happened one week later on March 16. This put all projects in a holding pattern. The evaluation committee members were working tirelessly, along with many others in city service, in figuring out how to operate essential city services during a global pandemic, always with the intent to resume the evaluation process once some normalcy could be restored to the city’s operational procedures. At this point, the evaluations are being performed by the evaluation committee members. Two of the three evaluations have been completed. Evaluations are done independently and then a recommendation to award is determined based on those evaluations. Often, this process takes a significant amount of time, but nothing like what COVID-19 has caused. We’re at fault for for not contacting Mr. Graves and Ms. Morin to let them know that the process would be significantly delayed. We were mistaken to assume that Mr. Graves and Ms. Morin would expect a delay because of COVID-19 restrictions and limitations.
4. Finally, I’ll respond to the claim that there are drawings for residential development on the Hess property. The city is not aware of any such drawings. Currently, MassDevelopment is in purchase and sale negotiations with the corporate owner of the Hess property. A purchase and sale contract may include certain deed restrictions for the future development of the property. If MassDevelopment is successful in those negotiations and it purchases the property, they will, in turn, give it to the city for no cost. Once the city takes possession of the property we will undertake a demolition of the existing blighted structures and construct a green space with the intent of making the property available for future development. Thankfully, the city council has already approved funding in the amount of $200,000 for this work.
In closing, I hear loud and clear that Mr. Graves and Ms. Morin feel mistreated by the City of Pittsfield. I don’t expect that my response will ease any of their mistrust. Their belief that I and other city officials are “evil and devious” appears to be well entrenched. We won’t let that deter us from finding ways to be as supportive as possible to Mr. Graves, Ms. Morin, and any other business that seeks the city’s assistance.
———- ooo ———-
Again, thank to the mayor for her response. A few thoughts:
- We were impressed at the forthright tone, direct and neutral.
- The mayor showed leadership owning up to and admitting fault for not notifying Graves and Morin of the delay due to COVID-19.
- Tyer expressed realistic understanding of how the pair feels about the city. THE PLANET thought the mayor was classy in acknowledging the Rusty Anchor as an asset.
- She also brought out something that Graves and Morin didn’t mention: Their user of a taxpayer-owned parking facility.
THE PLANET has offered Graves and Morin an opportunity for rebuttal.
We welcome your thoughts.
——————————————————————————–
“Bird, fly. Soar sky. Innocent free. Was, is Be — an indictment most gentle” — 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. Copyright (c) 2020 by Dan Valenti.
And I’d bet my last dollar that that was not the Mayors words responding. Just a thought. Sounds like someone else we know.
seems like there is three sides to every story the truth is usually in the middle
Just as I suspected. It was all Bianchi’s fault. What a relief.
It had to take some time to put that reply together. Too bad she could not spend three minutes addressing the dispensation of taxpayer money for business s and landlords. We know she has the time to respond but apparently has some anxiety about how her answer will be received. And it puts quite a stain on her political standing as a representative of all the people.
Absurdo,
As others on this blog have reported, the info on disbursement of money to local businesses is public info. You seem to have a lot of time on your hands, based on how often you post on this blog – do some digging, file an FOIA request – you’ll make yourself a hero by revealing your findings to the rest of us!
I would like to see the mayor name the business and landlords if she thinks her program is such a good idea. Apparently the Berkshire Eagle does not think naming the recipients of a tax giveaway is a good idea or they would do it. Unless she is ashamed or embarrassed to be giving away taxpayer money to people in business I think she should do up a proclamation and detail the whole thing. Who, why , when and where. OR…..at the very least explain why she want the names kept under wraps. She should do one or the other because her silence suggest something stinky is going on behind the scenes.
There is an ugly pattern forming where people close to the mayor are getting financial handouts and there needs to be some accountability.
Any opinions on the recent shootings here? Anything on school layoffs?
Wow, three of her sycophants neg me before AM. Let’s see just how many of them are in her group by not giving any positives to offset. Thanks ahead of time.
Anothet Monday and President Trump and his two boys who have been hiding during our Virus War are all starting to emerge with lots of stupid expected starting today…..Fox brain will give out Hannitys Invisable Dunce Caps that can only be seen when you repeat Hannity ordered thoughts….Obamagate and Bidengate and FBI…….Will Trump leave office if he is voted out?
2012 Obama tweet takes on new meaning as Flynn scandal implodes
https://www.wnd.com/2020/05/2012-obama-tweet-takes-new-meaning-flynn-scandal-implodes/
White House adviser ‘glad’ Obama has new job as ‘Biden’s press secretary’
‘His administratior
https://www.wnd.com/2020/05/white-house-adviser-glad-obama-new-job-bidens-press-secretary/
Jim Jordan: Documents tie ‘whistleblower’ Eric Ciaramella to Hunter Biden
https://www.wnd.com/2020/05/4819453/
Biden struggles badly during ‘virtual roundtable’ as gaffes continue to pile up
https://www.wnd.com/2020/05/biden-struggles-badly-virtual-roundtable-gaffes-continue-pile/
Obama’s Bloodiest Scandal Reemerges as Mexico Demands an Apology for Operation Fast and Furious
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2020/05/11/mexico-is-still-waiting-for-an-apology-for-operation-fast-and-furious-n2568565
Blah. Blah. Blah.
TSC your hemorrhoids have spread to your pea bra
in
Dan, I was impressed that Tyer even got back to you. Yes, she sounded forthright, direct, and neutral, and reading her response, at first glance, reminded me of how she sounded before she was elected mayor, and before the bunker mentality took hold. But a deeper analysis is telling. And yes, you can say she showed leadership in owning up to and admitting fault for not notifying Graves and Morin of the delay, but not notifying them is so typical of the city way of operating, that these bureaucrats see nothing wrong with it – leave The Average Joe hanging. Is she calling Graves this morning to update him personally?
She states it is not possible to take apart every single sentence in that “epic story of discontent”, but of course she could if she really wanted to, rather than cherry pick her replies, which is what she did. Tyer’s “epic story of discontent” words are dripping with distain, like drops of paint from a cheap brush. She claims not to hate Graves and Morin, and she and team are quite impressed, but she expects them to comply with all the state and local regulations that every other business has to follow, yet for years now, her administration has failed to enforce the sidewalk shoveling ordnance, which leads me to:
SIDEWALK SHOVELING. Tyer says cities take care of “grey areas”, states there are plenty of them, and Pecks/Valentine/Highland is a another one of those “grey” areas, and that “In that scenario, we alert the residents and business that are responsible for clearing their sidewalk, but we do not wait for action due to this serious safety concern.” This nonsense has been going on for years. The city should be enforcing the sidewalk shoveling ordnance instead of cleaning the sidewalks in “grey areas”. She had over 4 years to fix this. Either the city owns the property, or they don’t.
THE OLD FIRE STATION. Somewhat confusing and obfuscating response here. She starts by saying how there have been many RFP’s over the years, with only 1 response, and only 1 this time, but writes “Proposals were opened on March 5, 2020”, and that there are 3 evaluations happening. I assume she means there are 3 evaluators individually evaluating Grave’s proposal. Regardless, what she is telegraphing here is that it is a problematic site and his proposal is DOA, and therefore, her plan can proceed. And who makes the recommendation to award, she did not say.
HESS FOREST. Tyer totally ducked, bobbed, and weaved here. She never denied that there is a plan, however nebulous at this point, to put up something on the forest, and use the old fire station site, for a parking lot. In fact, in her long, drawn out response, she paved the way, pun intended, for just that. The only thing she denied was knowledge of drawings, a term a builder like Graves would likely use to mean a plan. I guarantee she won’t deny knowledge of the dual site/development/parking concept. And no doubt the developer is already known to her.
In a sense, what she delivered here was an FU response to Graves with a smile on her face. In closing, I hear loud and clear that the GOBSIG network is alive and well in Pittsfield.
Average Joe, great comment and very true. Dan, I need to ask you a couple questions. Is this the new norm, us taxpayers send you our questions, you submit them to the Mayor, we wait several days for her to gather her “team” to draft an answer and then we receive the final “team” concocted answer? Have also noticed that she must communicate to her trolls as soon as she responds to you because the thumbs down starts immediately as soon as anyone posts about her drafted answer. One more question for you, during your chats with the Mayor, has there been any mention of a salary for you to perform this question and answer game she is playing? You certainly are the go between of the taxpayers and her. Maybe you could have the title of Communications Director. Although, I am a bit miffed that she would not answer my questions about the condition of the City a few weeks back. They were not sarcastic questions at all, just wanted to know why there is no traffic enforcement, why the speed limit on Dalton Ave. and Merrill Road is around 65 to 70 mph and why the potholes are not being taken care of. Thanks so much Dan for being our go-between.
M/B She waits for her legal counsel.
If this was a boxing ring with the Mayor she just knocked you out COLD!
I still think Sonny Liston to that dive in Lewiston Maine to Clay.
Took
The “phantom punch.” I’ve seen that fight and studied that round. Can’t say for sure, but I agree. Uncle Remo and the Boys said to Sonny, “Kid, this ain’t your night. We’re going for the price on Clay.” His night! Sonny could have taken Clay apart.
Dan,
I also have watched it over and over and can’t tell. It just doesn’t add up about it though. Read stories and that’s why I think he did the Swan Dive and the mob made sure. Liston was such a heavy favorite.
Dan, I’ve seen he punch and could never see it as a viscous hit.
And the last place you need worry about repercussions would be Lewiston Maine. Vegas,Africa,L A…peeps would have charged the ring and really knocked Liston out.
Exactly. Who falls asleep for no reason in the middle of the ring in a Championship fight anyway.
Merry & Bright
She is in your head again. The lady answered Dan’s question in what appears to be an open and honest way, even Dan thought that. Whether you believe her or not is not the point (I believe some answers and not others). Before you bitched that she didn’t answer questions, now you are bitching that she is. You’re just bitching. If someone called you “Useless” and all the other names you called her would you answer that person’s question? If you answer yes to that then you are a glutton for punishment. I don’t have great respect for her but lets be fair. Maybe if you were nicer she would have answered your questions. Try being Merry & Bright.
It was either that or Barry would just answer for her here under his name or the other ones he uses.
Also, I find it funny the people interjecting a purported feminist ideal to the mayor don’t find it embarrassing that the mayor’s husband is always speaking FOR her when he doesn’t work for the city and is not a spokesman.
Dan, while you have a Mayor in such a lucid mood, ask her about the “homeless hilton” on South Street?
1) how did it come to be? Local , State politicians/players. $$$ involved and who were recipients?
2) future/current plans for eastern Massachusetts derelicts that have been DUMPED HERE?
3) LONG term implications, such as crime, drugs, prostitution, and additional homeless in Berkshires.
I second the motion. Us Kapanskis deserve to know.
See if we can find out what “administrative” costs are. I mean like, how much goes to city hall or uh, city official types for their hard work.
JA,
Wonder if costs are listed or going to be listed as miscellaneous expenditures?
I forgot
4) Is this a PERMANENT thing? Taking the city, foul, offal, spoor ,to the country?
Is Berkshire county a human waste receptacle? Now that we no longer have a “tourist/2nd homeowner economy”
The dirty birds in BASSTUN should clean up their own fouled nests, not dump the poop here!!!
Sounds like a permanent thing. Just like Tax Hikes are always permanent.
Mad Trapper, I have some friends that have reservations at the Hilton Garden on South Street for a fall wedding. Should they be concerned? Should they cancel and book elsewhere?
They might want to bring their own sheets.
I would be hesitant about eating at their restaurant (Jae’s), with so many of them lingering around. And have they been tested for the virus?
As some of you know I was on the city council with Linda many years ago. I did not agree with much that Linda said.
However I always respected the way she presented herself. She was prepared, direct and articulate.
This response reminds of that person I knew some 20 years ago.
I am hopeful that the mayor will continue to respond, where appropriate, to Dan and his followers.
I remember those days of past Pittsfield politics. Linda Tyer had a vision to move Pittsfield out of the 1950’s and 1960’s GE mindset and into the 21st Century. I have long been a Linda Tyer supporter since the first time she ran for City Councilor in 2003. I have always thought that her heart was in the right place, she supports Human Rights, she is a progressive politician, and she cares about everyone, including the poor people who live in Pittsfield. I agree with Chuck Vincelette that Pittsfield’s distressed local economy should not have spent an excessive amount of taxpayer dollars on the vested and special interests.
Chuck, I have always held you in high esteem/regard. Are you drinking the “kool-aid” and smoking “weed”?
Nice Post Chuck, I think you would get a lot more responses to city leaders without all the childish names and innuendos. Treating each other with respect has been tossed out the window you see it in every local election and the lead up. and all the time in daily life. Sad but true!
Ozias? Is that a family name? I had an uncle named Ozias. They called him the Big O. He would have taken any player out of Berkshire county history, in basketball. He had a tryout with the Minneapolis Lakers and was cut off because of the service. Marines! My Mom told me he once had eighty points in a game in which they won eighty two to Seven.
The only big O I ever heard of was Oscar Robertson. George Miken played for the M Lakers I believe. Cool though if we have two big O’s.
It was nice to see a tone change along with ownership. My frustration with the Mayor has always been her attacking tone, rather then understanding and trying to work with those that disagree on certain issues. Her behavior towards Mazzeo on the council was embarrassing at times and childish. It seemed like anyone that questioned her policies or spending of tax dollars was seen as a pain and not wanting to move the city forward. I hope the sentiment in this response continues especially as we start to deal with the challenges of opening up and major shortfalls in state and local government.
I thought she sounded pissed off and sarcastic. Given how we all sound on this blog I was not surprised.
You would never ever describe a Man with a attacking tone or the way he dresses.. Dude wake up it’s 2020
I think she sounded pissed off and sarcastic. I often sound pissed off and and sarcastic. I think any person is allowed to be pissed off and sarcastic if they feel that way. Read my post again.
what??? a woman can’t be pissed off and sarcastic???
It sounded like a late night missive from mr mayor.
What time did it get emailed in? If it was after midnight but before Barry’s “research” on the transgender prostitutes in the area, you know it was him.
Paaalease Mayor Tyer. Clairmont, Sucksausage and the rest create fake social media personalities to quell any statement made against the Mayor and it’s been 5 years in exclusion and not inclusion in Pittsfield. Graves did not support her and she will make everything he does painful, but in a “transparent”, insidious way…let’s get real here.
Sucksausage? , does that refer to a Councilor and phallic appendages ? ROFL!!!!
The reference is to a Team Tyer cabinet member, Tom Shakshaug.
Clears that up. I thought Peety was refered to
thanks!
And on the “homeless hilton” behind Guidos, with the beggars/bums strollin’s into Lenox, Dan,
was/is the “Tyerless mayor” , she aware/open/dumb of that?
Trump re election….deep state,Hunter Biden,Media hates me,Obamagate,Russia probe,Comey.Are you better off today than you were 4 years ago…..Flynn sold influence to Russia=Fake news
Earth to TSC.
WE didn’t understand last gibberish, translate, in English
I sent it to Fox brain and they will explain it to you after dinner.
Blah. Blah. Blah. Put your name to your posts.
Chuck,if you just want a Trump love fest ok,I get it.Loved you on the council as a old style republican philosophy of how much will it cost and why do we need it.Also if you know Pittsfield as I think you do a non koolaid drinking person could not get a job in this town.You cant use your name here because you wont work in this town……Im done.Tell the Trump family for me I did not think he could pull off this big a lie.He is going to win and I believe you folks really need to ask yourself why you support him.This is a very regressive closed minded group of angry white men.
We’ll I’ll try again as censors are at full tilt
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2020/05/11/mexico-is-still-waiting-for-an-apology-for-operation-fast-and-furious-n2568565
why bother censor will let it be posted next week……
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2020/05/11/mexico-is-still-waiting-for-an-apology-for-operation-fast-and-furious-n2568565
It sometimes censors links, get over it.
Can you imagine if President Trump had said something like Governor Cuomo said when being criticized for the deaths of so many in nursing homes in New York in large part due to his policy of sending infected patients back to nursing homes? Nobody should be prosecuted he says because these were elderly people and it’s inevitable that some of them were going to die.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/cuomo-says-nobody-should-be-prosecuted-over-coronavirus-deaths-amid-pressure-over-nursing-home-policy
Katie Hill ? The D-wench who did her intern with her husband. The wench with a nazi tatoo on her crotch.
She resigned. but now …
‘F***ing devastating’: Dem cried for days after Republicans flipped her seat in Congress
https://www.wnd.com/2020/05/fing-devastating-dem-cried-days-republicans-flipped-seat-congress/
i wonder why?
What did Fox brain say about it.
Those guys iin the clean white suites, coming over, TSC………
This is Demintia Joe and I forgot…. you know, the thing.
Fox said, don’t turn to CNN or MSNBC because you won’t find the seat was flipped. Like I said before, find the information where it is and make your own determination.
Barry writes under a lot of names, including at least two here.
Sotero or Clairmont?
What r the two he uses here?
New “truth over facts” Trump video;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8QMexz2wyM
One of the homeless from Springfield scheduled a follow-up today and actually made the appointment.
He and his girlfriend are living in a tent in the woods by stop and shop and the dialysis center. They get new clothes from the drop off bins and dumpster dive for food. He said there’s a small camp of homeless in those woods. One of them sleeps under the deck of one of the condos that not being used.
Sounds vibrant and dynamic.
Ms Tyer/Mayor? YOUR CITY!!!
I’ve got property, the bums are NOT welcome.
No Trespassing!!!
We have guns and shovels!!!
Let’s call the mayor’s words her I Have A Scheme speech.
Donald is taking (unless he is lying again) hydroxychloroquine to protect him from the COVID monster. He hopes his supporters will follow him and start buying it up. He did not comment on whether his friend does or does not own 10 million dollars of stock in the company that makes it. Hopefully he does not take your Obama care away because you may need it for aftercare if you take it.
It’s terrible how the far left is making people afraid of a medication that may provide relief for some if taken only with your doctor prescribing it. There may be no one medication that cures COVID-19 for everyone. Different people may respond to different medications or even a cocktail of different medications. Hydroxychloroquine may be very effective for certain people because the list is growing of how many people say it saved them.
Pat, given Donald’s penchant for twisting the truth into little balloon animals, do you think he is really taking the chloroquine or is he just hyping it up so his friends will get even richer if people buy it?
On the one hand Donald was the only guy seen on national TV looking directly into the sun during an solar eclipse and then there is the Donald who would do anything for a dollar. It is a toss up I guess.
Trump Media Machine is going into overdrive. The best media machine ever put together.Even I have to admit that the corporate powerful and the wealthy elite have built a media machine that by any standard make CNN and little MSNBC the A ball league going up against the Major League AllStars with messaging so effective the average man thinks its patriotic to support the elite and powerful.Trump was sent by god.
Why does Nancy Pelosi want to give big tax breaks to the wealthy in blue states and put this into the COVID-19 relief package?
Ask Pelousey, why her STANKY TUNA, got people $5 , for underfilling tuna cans for decades!!??
Settlement was supposed to to >~$50
Star Kist , don’t ever buy it. It’s got Pelouseys rancid beaver smell on it
Not hard to recognize you as a Trump guy. Are you related or just an avid follower?
YOU stank as bad as Nancys crotch tuna!!! We Smell you two blocks away!
Because like any politician she needs their money. The same dark money the democrats bitch about the republicans getting.
Excellent article on the media.
https://thefederalist.com/2020/05/17/media-must-report-truth-of-anti-trump-spy-operation-before-its-too-late-for-them/
Molly Hemingway is good people.
The media lied and lied and lied and lied, then died.
Molly: “No one could defend the journalistic merits of killing such an explosive story. These attacks on [Catherine] Herridge — which sadly did not result in a strong defense from her employer or colleagues — are chin music directed at everyone else who might be courageous enough to step out of the groupthink zone.”
Nice baseball analogy, eh, Mr. Planet?
And welcome to my party, Molly:
“Yet the world is eager to see if there are many real journalists left.” !!!!!!!!!!!!
“No, not the types of journalists who give each other awards for peddling false narratives that the average American can see right through. But real journalists who can think critically when a spy chief or operative comes to them with a ludicrous claim about prostitutes and videotaped urination in a Moscow hotel or Jeff Sessions being a Russian spy or the key to the 2016 election result involving subliterate Facebook memes. Far too many journalists failed that test in recent years. But they have another opportunity to get it right.”
I thank Johnny2Shoes for the link.
Molly does seem to light up both sides of the aisle when needed. She is fair sounding.
The paper is making a big deal about the cases of COVID being under 500 in the county. It was over 500 a month ago we are well over 600 cases, yesterday’s reporting was off by at least 6 new cases. This has all been a ploy by BHS to make it easier for them to open and to make it seem like they didn’t fuck up the response in the beginning.
Remember when they used to name the cases and BHS/BMC had its own cluster?
Yeah just be careful, when things open up there are going to be spikes again
Pittsfield and Georgia share at least one thing in common. Bad data
https://www.ajc.com/news/state–regional-govt–politics/just-cuckoo-state-latest-data-mishap-causes-critics-cry-foul/182PpUvUX9XEF8vO11NVGO/
Others worry the data is being portrayed in a way that favors Kemp’s early easing of restrictions. A separate graph on DPH’s page has led readers to think that cases were dropping dramatically, even though lower case numbers were the result of a lag in data collection.
https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/2020/05/18/censorship-covid-19-data-researcher-removed-florida-moves-re-open-state/5212398002/
Another state lying about the numbers.
Late last Friday, the architect and manager of Florida’s COVID-19 dashboard — praised by White House officials for its accessibility — announced that she had been removed from her post, causing outcry from independent researchers now worried about government censorship.
The dashboard has been a one-stop shop for researchers, the media and the public to access and download tables of COVID-19 cases, testing and death data to analyze freely. It had been widely hailed as a shining example of transparency and accessibility.
But over the last few weeks it had “crashed” and gone offline; data has gone missing without explanation and access to the underlying data sheets has become increasingly difficult.
The site was created by a team of Florida Department of Health data scientists and public health officers headed by Rebekah Jones. She announced last week her removal as of May 5 in a heartfelt farewell note emailed to researchers and other members of the public who had signed up to receive updates on the data portal.
Citing “reasons beyond my division’s control,” Jones said her office is no longer managing the dashboard, is no longer involved in publication, fixing errors or answering questions “in any shape or form.”
“As a word of caution, I would not expect the new team to continue the same level of accessibility and transparency that I made central to the process during the first two months. After all, my commitment to both is largely (arguably entirely) the reason I am no longer managing it.”
Jones signed off, “It was great working with you guys. Good luck, and stay safe.”
Jones did not respond to emailed requests to comment and the Department of Health did not reply to inquiries from FLORIDA TODAY regarding Jones’ removal and access to data.
But researchers who have relied on unobstructed access to underlying raw data said they interpret Jones’ removal as a clear indication of government censorship of science.
“We would not accept this lack of transparency for any other natural disaster, so why are we willing to accept it here?” said Jennifer Larsen, a researcher at the University of Central Florida’s LabX.
Ask the mayor how many private businesses rely on public parking? Pre COVID, after 6pm we’re all those lots and lots downtown being used for municipal benefit or for private companies? What parking deck does the movie theater own? What parking lot does the fitness place own? Hot Harry’s? Trattoria Rustica? Is the new brewery or cigar bar going to have private parking? Does that shared office have private parking? Methuselah do they have private parking?
Maybe mayor McMeatFlaps aka Mayor Crayola aka Queen Of The Stupid should take a look at the deeds and why the city even owns that lot. It’s good to claim that a business uses a lot that was donated to the city when that lot and surrounding land was donated for public use for the fucking boat house.
Mayor Roadtbeef Curtains needs to get her man to do more research before doing her homework for her.
Clearly the adults have left the room.
Clearly you are too stupid to understand.
Every business downtown benefits from free parking after 4pm. To complain that the rusty anchor benefits from free parking on a municipal lot is what you’d expect from mayor mc meatflaps.
She should also research that lot and it’s history. It was donated to the city to allow public parking. When it wasn’t a public lot, only the old club members could park there. So they gave the city the lot so the public could use it too.
But Barry is too busy researching transgender prostitutes at cum-bies to research the lot when he wrote the answers for his wife.
Parking Shittsfied sucks.
Tell Tyer that
The mayor was grasping with the public parking thing. Mr. Graves should apply for a Dotties type handout and reference how much he pays in taxes. Speaking of Dotties, doesn’t she set up tables on a public sidewalk? In fact lots of North st. business s put their shit out on the public sidewalk. Some have so much stuff you have to walk around it to get by.
Clearly women issues.
Too stupid? You are too stupid to realize that any points that you make lose any validity because your tone is highly confrontational. Or, you sound like a colossal asshole if that suits you better. You may now have the last word so that you may win the argument.
Here’s the truth for you ya idiot.
The truth is the truth I’m not trying to make any points or win friends or influence people. Any asshole that came up with Mayor McMeatFlaps response doesn’t care about the truth anyway.
That the point stupid, they don’t care, they just do what suits them and we should all be enraged by their attitude. You can make all the well thought out arguments, present the charts and findings in a civil manner, but it doesn’t matter to Mayor Crayola and her husband the transgender investigator.
The truth loses no validity except for those that are too stupid to see the truth.
Free parking would help downtown but it is too dispersed in who it benefits to support the Pittsfield Oligarchy/Patronage for votes, iBerkshite racket. A public pool for health care buy in for all the tourism lackey workers would be good too. Sooooo many families without decent health coverage in this great Democratic state as nobody takes MA Health.
Again, tourism is great for the big law firms and the goombas but for the $15 people working at Canyon Ranch, meh, it could be any low paid job.
“Dispersal.” That’s the key city parking problem. There has always been enough parking, but not enough in the right places. Also, paid parking and the kiosks need to be ditched. Try free parking for a year, study the data, and then decide on free or continued paid.
Actually, I think two thirds of the city are on Mass Health.
I knew you’d pop right up.
London and New York City mayors are taking over previously busy streets for traffic and turning them into walking paths. Their ultimate goal is to get rid of private vehicles altogether like with the Green New Deal in this country. They are not happy about traffic coming back and far left environmentalists are in heaven that people are not traveling because of the effect on the environment. They claim the water is cleaner and air pollution is going down. They are even trying to push a bizarre connection between COVID-19 and air pollution.
and the Wizard of Oz was based on a real happening. . And the flying monkeys are beginning to show up at liberal gathering places ready to attack people while at the same time harassing coal miners inside their caves. It is awful I tell ya. Just awful.
I think they are trying to make cycling an option to keep people off the subway. I think it’s a great idea.
Cycling is great is nice weather, but not so nice in winter and other treacherous weather. Just imagine if we didn’t have private vehicles during COVID-19. We would all be stuck on public transport and public transport was responsible for spreading a lot of the virus in New York City.
I tend to vote Democrat for President but I believe this reporting below. I think it’s accepted knowledge that the Obama administration FISA warrant meant there was eaves dropping on Trumps campaign. They claim it was because of collusion not that collusion was the propped up reason.
https://www.nationalreview.com/2020/05/the-arts-of-government-criminality/
Tyer is old news Dan,you don’t need her here. Andrew Chang’s idea of a thousand a month for over eighteen is-was brilliant. We should re-examine it.
That’s the problem too that these are smart people so they know how to get away with just enough that is considered corruption, but is not criminal and they know they will skate away from their wrongdoing because they are important people. This is what happens when a lawyer becomes a president. They get away with a lot. Another reason why big government is so dangerous.
I think it would be pretty empty in DC of they got rid of all the lawyers! It’s good to see people in politics with other backgrounds. Our political system is a big toilet. They all will knife each other in the back to score points for their team rather than do the right thing.
One of the worst bad actors is Adam Schiff. His lies helped fuel the entire Russia/Trump hoax and the corrupt media ran with it.
https://www.twincities.com/2020/05/18/boston-herald-editorial-disinformation-from-schiff-media-damaged-america/
The good news for you Pat is that the Trump administration is getting rid of all oversight so that he can do whatever he wants whenever he wants and nobody can do shit about it. MAGA
Great article! It explains the whole plot against President Trump.
Obama was also spying on journalists…..
Sharyl Attkisson: You Know The Obama White House Spied On Me Too
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/mattvespa/2017/09/21/sharyl-attkisson-you-know-the-obama-white-house-spied-on-me-too-n2384394
And citizens…
IRS Apologizes For Aggressive Scrutiny Of Conservative Groups
https://www.npr.org/2017/10/27/560308997/irs-apologizes-for-aggressive-scrutiny-of-conservative-groups
Gun running to Mexico…
The scandal in Washington no one is talking about
https://nypost.com/2016/05/21/the-scandal-in-washington-no-one-is-talking-about/
These are just the cases we know of…so much for Obama’s “scandal free” administration
Yep. Sounds pretty much like what North Adams heard from JB3 every time somebody slammed the cookie jar lid on his fingers. Deny the backroom machinations and bullying. Nothing ever changes no matter who gets elected. Always have to remember that there is no honor among thieves and politicians always seem to form a closed den.
After President Trump’s meeting today with the Senate, he took a few questions for several minutes. One reporter at the end is heard saying, “He didn’t take the bait” and then laughing hysterically. This is what the news media has become in this country. Trying to bait the president because the far left doesn’t like him and giving easy non-confrontational questions to anyone on the far left. So disgusting.
Instead of reporting news they make themselves the news. The public would be so much better informed if they would just report on the issues at hand rather than telling what they think it means. Not many middle of the road reporting anymore. If you want left leaning news or right leaning news you can just preset your tv to it. I try best as I can to watch ,read and listen to a variety and find a little from each that makes sense.
Dow Down…..Agan…more stimulus to the peeps..
ATTENTION ALL DELIVERY DRIVERS!!!
On both May 11 and May 15, pizza delivery drivers from separate Pittsfield restaurants had their vehicles stolen while making a residential delivery in the Morningside neighborhood. The suspects are believed to be a pair of black juvenile males.
Delivery drivers making deliveries in the City of Pittsfield for any and all businesses should exercise elevated awareness, and secure their vehicle anytime it is left unattended, even if for a short amount of time. Use of remote door locks, or multiple keys is recommended to prevent such criminal activity
Only in Pittsfield.
With TSC we do ‘t have to worry about Covid 19. It’s Smirnoff 21 that’s the problem.
Wonder what his posts would look like in sober form?
Did our President make us proud to be Americans today?
President debt was on?
Don’t need anyone to make me feel proud to be an American , I do it on my own.