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BONFIRE OF THE VULGARITIES … or … BURNING STREETS SMOKESCREEN CITY BUDGET

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BY DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, MONDAY JUNE 8, 2020) — Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski received the best gift for which they could reasonably hope when the pandemic hit. The resulting economic turmoil — in Pittsfield, more like devastation, with the tourist economy all but destroyed — provided the cities with a politically acceptable excuse to cut if not slash the budget. The unions and other special interests wouldn’t like it but for once they would have no legitimate beef. The retort would be: You put your greed ahead of people’s lives?

This perfectly teed opportunity only required a minimal amount of leadership from THE PLANET‘s Right Honorable Good Friends in the corner office and corner office (we shall momentarily let the vampiric school department rest in its coffin). This being Pittsfield, no such aggregate captains of the plebeians could be or will be found. The mayor and council have begun budget “deliberations,” and — stop us if you’ve heard this one before — The Kapanskis nightmare will continue.

City officials received the best gift for which they could reasonably hop when a rogue cop knee-necked a helpless man, setting off a bonfire of the vulgarities not seen in America since the late 60s. You won’t get one among them to admit this, of course, but in knocking the still-vigorous COVID-19 virus completely off the public agenda, these counterfeits of stewardship gained assurance The Kapanskis’ attention would not be on the $170+ million spending plan mayor Linda Tyer and her financial mastermind Matthew Kerwood placed before the council. A magician couldn’t ask for a better diversion.

In Round One of the deliberations conducted on Hollywood Squares, the council approved 10 departments in 90 minutes, an average of nine minutes per, hardly what one could truthfully call “deliberations.” Councilors froze some accounts (the public library), cut some (RSVP), and raised others. The details don’t matter. Presently, only Black Lives Matter. And thus it came to pass that in near-anonymity, councilors rubber stamped. Only Chris Connell (Ward 4), Kevin Morandi (2), and Earl Persip (at-large) had appreciable questions. THE PLANET will note that Persip questioned a budget cut! The rest of the Squares stood by as quiet as The Sphinx except to accept the mayor’s budget. It’s how Tyer likes it. Too bad we can’t say the same for The Kapanskis.

We wonder, though. Given that Democrat mayors across the country have bought into the “DEFUND THE POLICE” cry, will Tyer so the same in Pittsfield? The mayor has a lot of cred riding on it. If she doesn’t cut the people in blue, she takes a hypocritical stance similar to kneeling, especially after her violation of the COVID rules she imposed on the rest of the city but then ignored at the Park Square rally. The plus of not cutting and even increasing is how happy she will make her buddy, Chief Wynn. If she does cut the cops, she demonstrates character, the convictions of courage. The big “however” there, however,” is watch what happens to the already bad crime situation in the city. Could be some low drama when the police budget comes before the council. THE PLANET wonders what our 11 Right Honorable Good Friends will say if they dare to speak.

PETER MARSHALL: And now we go to the center square and Paul Lynde. Paul, how’s the rat race going?

PAUL LYNDE: The rats are winning!

Business continues to languish or die under government requirements for distancing, masks for everybody, no more than two in the store. They’re expected to follow the law or risk the arbitrary wrath of local Barney Fifes. THE PLANET heard from several downtown shops, including a hair salon and jewelry store, whose owners and staff chaff at the restrictions. While they must remain mummified, Tyer, the district attorney, and other “leaders” can convene a 400-strong gathering in Park Square sans masks and social distancing. Businesses can die, homeowners and honest citizens can be taxed to death, but the elite can break their own rules with impunity the pass pass a budget that cuts nothing.

To put the budget disaster in perspective, let’s go back to prehistory. The FY1986 budget came in at $46,480,070. In the intervening 34 years, the city bled population and cut services to a fraction of what they were then (i.e., the once-thriving parks system, traditionally one of Pittsfield’s gems). To reach $170+ million for FY20, the city has raised taxes an average of $4 million a year. That’s 34 straight years of multimillion-dollar increases. Let it sink in to the deep state living under your anger.

Do-gooders, social engineers, and phony officials will gather in a pandemic en masse, risking their health that of innocent others.

Once more, citizens will not storm city hall and DEMAND cuts across the board, starting with the six-figure salaries of the Do-Nothings. This year, they won’t even be able to attend the hearing — the two or three who annually perform the heroic role of Citizen.

The Suits love it.

————————————————————————-

“There is no past, present, and future. There is only one time, and that is the past” — Donald Turpentine.

“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.

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BlackLiesMatter
BlackLiesMatter
4 years ago

You can’t get a haircut without wearing a mask, but Tyer and Harrington and crew can violate the law by holding a black lies matter rally. That’s White privilege for ya.

https://www.amazon.com/White-Guilt-Together-Destroyed-Promise-ebook/dp/B000VYX8XG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1L2GF4X6B3LTW&dchild=1&keywords=white+guilt&qid=1591576814&s=digital-text&sprefix=white+guilt%2Cdigital-text%2C182&sr=1-1

James
James
Reply to  BlackLiesMatter
4 years ago
Maggie May
Maggie May
Reply to  James
4 years ago

If that was a man you would never say such a thing. Always about what women wear or they sound bitchy etc. It’s 2020 hate to break it to you but the 50’s are over.

James
James
Reply to  Maggie May
4 years ago

You are right, there is so much more fodder to bitch about with Disaster DA Harrington. Let’s start with Defund the DAs office since we won’t be needing you all with your fat salaries once we stop “harming” our communities with police resources.

Maggie May
Maggie May
Reply to  James
4 years ago

Ya had your chance for 30 years and what did the county get? the same old crap and were swept out. Old guy with old ideas sorry bud

the school committee
the school committee
Reply to  James
4 years ago

Resort wear is sandles Jeans and a jersey,where is your resort?You need to get away from Fox think.This is how people dress.

Kermit Frog
Kermit Frog
Reply to  the school committee
4 years ago

If I ever take to the news in a white, sleeveless undershirt you can ridicule me too.

Anderson williams
Anderson williams
Reply to  BlackLiesMatter
4 years ago

Ahh, you can get a haircut go shopping hike lot’s of things and to my Knowledge neither of them organized the rally. If you are in Ma’s basement come out the weather is beautiful and real news is happening all around us.

the school committee
the school committee
Reply to  BlackLiesMatter
4 years ago

Dumbest post except for everything Trump said.

the school committee
the school committee
4 years ago

Budgets wont change in Pittsfield until we get rid of the 4 at large council seats.The Mayor and the council wont even try to cut the budget.We like the Republicans Senate and President think how can we bail out business.

the school committee
the school committee
4 years ago

Fox media new narrative is California and New York are failure run by evil democrats…hilarious but Trumps buy this nonsense…..FOX ..Hannity, Tucker,Ingraham, wont go back to work.They want to quarantine until mid July.Fox and freaks were telling everyone to get back to work.

Kermit Frog
Kermit Frog
Reply to  the school committee
4 years ago

Berkshire Co is a mess. NYS is a mess. Apart from consistently being ranked the top in corruption (above places like Mississippi) the NY property taxes are insane. The corruption is so entrenched it doesn’t matter who is Governor. Upstate is unfixable as the taxes are too burdensome for business so EVERYONE is a public employee, and it just gets worse. This seems to be Tyer’s plans and luckily until now most of MA has avoided this trap.
CA has a lot of problems too.
These are both wonderful states to visit but really hard places to get by as a middle class person. You need 500k to live comfortably in the Bay Area. I have a lot of friends who live out there and they are so glad for the increase in remote working as they can leave and go somewhere and afford a house.
I think Nancy Pelosi is a disservice – I really can’t bear her at all. I know the progressives tried to push her out and she fought back. I wish we could get some middle of the road representatives that aren’t going to
bankrupt us all trying to pay for special interests.
BTw, did you see Berkshire Hills School district is trying to Godzilla all the other districts. They want MORE money.
Now we have to pretend to be excited about Biden.

the school committee
the school committee
Reply to  Kermit Frog
4 years ago

Trumps economy was a gift fromPresident Barrack Obama.Everything else is Trump Miller Bannon

Bunco Squad
Bunco Squad
Reply to  the school committee
4 years ago

TSC, try thinking instead of drinking.

the school committee
the school committee
Reply to  Bunco Squad
4 years ago

Did you just turn to politics when dopey Don won.Read up on Obamas salvation of the American economy

Johnny2Shoes
Johnny2Shoes
Reply to  the school committee
4 years ago

Narrative? Who in the heck has been running these states from the local, state and who represents them in the federal government? And for how long? The democrats let themselves be high jacked by way too many groups all for votes.

the school committee
the school committee
Reply to  Johnny2Shoes
4 years ago

California,New York,New Jersey, Massachusetts have the best economies in America.

Johnny Dimentia
Johnny Dimentia
4 years ago

So Tyer is jacking up her taxes on “almost” everybody again. Some will still come out ahead due to their getting mayoral handouts. Anybody see the list of lucky winners yet? Some better be minorities. We know senior citizens on fixed incomes ain’t catching any breaks cuz they are the mayors bread and butter. She has those people for breakfast lunch and dinner. No breaks for you old fools. Not with Mayor Tyer as she samples the pate from the Stanley crowd.
 
With many councilors lying around for a couple of months, but still getting paid and generous health benefits on the taxpayer dime did any of them even wonder if anything could be cut from the budget? Well we know nine of them didn’t cuz they knew ahead of time this mayor wasn’t going to buy even a hint of cutting anything.
Look for more people with the capabilities to pack up their shit and move on. Mazzeos move is a candle in the dark. She weighed the pros and cons and decided this burg ain’t worth the trouble and she is so right about that. A smart real estate person would start advertising homes outside Pittsfield and combine it with all the how-to logistics of moving. Many of us just can’t put together all the pieces as they seem insurmountable.

Pat
Pat
4 years ago

Mayor Jacob Frey of Minneapolis is fighting to keep his police force against the protesters in that state who want to get rid of it. Jacob is liberal, but tons of protesters outside of his home are chanting, “Go home Jacob, go home”. Somebody should tell these protesters that Mayor Frey is home and they need to get off of his property. What will Mayor Tyer do here in Pittsfield when the pressure mounts to get rid of the police? This is so crazy. Reforms are good like transparency and banning certain types of restraints that police can use, but not getting rid of police altogether. That is extremism.

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  Pat
4 years ago

Our mayor is not going to fire anybody, least of all her friends.

Bunco Squad
Bunco Squad
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
4 years ago

She’ll fire all the cops except the chief.

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  Bunco Squad
4 years ago

Chief won’t let her fire anybody. If she isn’t cutting the budget now she ain’t cutting it for that. Not in her DNA.

The Thought Police
The Thought Police
Reply to  Pat
4 years ago

Will there be protests at Linda and Barry’s house?

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

White House,Trump would have been a genuis in Pittsfield. You guys would elect him mayor.

Kermit Frog
Kermit Frog
Reply to  the school committee
4 years ago

There isn’t much difference. There is no rule of law here – persistent and endemic ethics violations in Pittsfield and all of the towns. The worst schools in the State. I don’t like Trump but did your beloved Warren come to North Adams once? North Adams – the shit hole in a sea of shit. I doubt it … she went to Lenox and BCC where she took questions filtered by Hind end. You are living a lie and benefiting off corruption that ruins other people’s lives and yet you feel morally superior? Why?

Last edited 4 years ago by Kermit Frog
Defund Dacounsull
Defund Dacounsull
Reply to  The Thought Police
4 years ago

Are they still on linden st? When is it?

Info
Info
4 years ago

“The FY1986 budget came in at $46,480,070. In the intervening 34 years, the city bled population and cut services to a fraction of what they were then (i.e., the once-thriving parks system, traditionally one of Pittsfield’s gems). To reach $170+ million for FY20, the city has raised taxes an average of $40 million a year. That’s 34 straight years of $40 million increases. Let it sink in to the deep state living under your anger.”
 
It looks like the increase would be an average of $4 million a year, not $40 million. $3.6 million to be more precise. A typo i’m sure.

Johnny Dimentia
Johnny Dimentia
Reply to  Info
4 years ago

Ruberto is the one that started jacking it up exponentially and he is one of Tyers financial advisers it would seem. What ever happened to the idea that government was supposed to do the right thing by its people? These guys have turned government of the people and for the people right on its head. And there is absolutely NO oversight from the council or in Boston. We are soooo efffed in Pittsfield.

Bunco Squad
Bunco Squad
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

A zero snuck into the mayor’s office too.

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  Bunco Squad
4 years ago

Well said.

Free Bird
Free Bird
4 years ago
WarOnCops
WarOnCops
4 years ago

Anybody who supports defunding the police – don’t call us when you need us.

Warren Cops
Warren Cops
Reply to  WarOnCops
4 years ago

Call the social worker SWAT team and they’ll show up with a nice bundt cake.

Sojourner Truth
Sojourner Truth
Reply to  Warren Cops
4 years ago

Who ya gonna call ?…Ghostbusters????

Jim dandy EE
Jim dandy EE
Reply to  WarOnCops
4 years ago

I would think you need cops-especially in the roads and accidents.

Edward R. Murrow
Edward R. Murrow
4 years ago

Under the New Stalinism, you had better find out exactly what you’re supposed to say, or not, or there’ll be trouble for you.
 
“No free speech for you! Come back–never!”
 
“Buildings Matter, Too”: https://www.inquirer.com/news/stan-wischnowski-resigns-philadelphia-inquirer-20200606.html
 
“Floyd-19”: https://www.forbes.com/sites/isabeltogoh/2020/06/08/reebok-and-athletes-cut-ties-with-crossfit-over-founder-greg-glassmans-george-floyd-tweet/#751902a04c83
 
All lives matter. Oops, I’m fired.

Markus Aureluis
Markus Aureluis
4 years ago

Where is Shirley Edgerton? Isn’t she the “expert,” in race relations? Or is she just an “expert,” in the indoctrination of young, white, school children, that they are bad and need to conform to BLM views or be labeled “racist.”
 
Speaking of that, it’s the same principle of Kamala Harris’ presidential bid: disagree with me, “your racist.” A one trick pony.
 
Again, I’m all for having an honest discussion and trying to move things forward. But two huge issues have to be addressed within the black community:
 
(1) address the issue of black-on-black violence. They are killing each other in record numbers. In Chicago, over Memorial Day weekend, 25 people were killed and another 85 were wounded.
 
(2) why when a black male/female does good in school or wants to be a professional, is deemed an “Uncle Tom,” and despised upon.
 
But they celebrate drug dealing, music career (rapping), or an athlete. They chances of the last two is slim and none. The first choice (drug dealer) has a short expiration date.
 
 

Edward R. Murrow
Edward R. Murrow
Reply to  Markus Aureluis
4 years ago

I doubt Harris’s grammar is that bad. She’d say, “You’re racist.”

Markus Aureluis
Markus Aureluis
Reply to  Edward R. Murrow
4 years ago

Wow, Eddie, after everything I wrote you found a typo or three. I’m proud of you. Did your mommy or daddy not tell you that enough growing up? We’re proud of our big Eddie!!
 
Now getting back to the adult conversation, answer my questions.
 
I’ll give you another question to all you knee-bending Dem’s. (*) What social program, academic program, house built, job, has been created, by BLM to date? A lot of money has been donated to their cause over the years. Inquiring minds would like to know.
 
I want facts, not what TSC read on the bottom label of her 3rd bottle of ripple by 2:30PM.
 
Mr G-you too seem quiet on these facts? Cat, or should I say, facts got your tongue?
 

Last edited 4 years ago by Markus Aureluis
Edward R. Murrow
Edward R. Murrow
Reply to  Markus Aureluis
4 years ago

Not a typo, but an ignorance of the English language, seen too often in here and elsewhere.
 
Your welcome, or is it my welcome, or you’re welcome?
 
Impressed with the adult conversation, too. Great job.

the school committee
the school committee
Reply to  Markus Aureluis
4 years ago

I was wondering who they are.This board is going bonkers trying to hold back.I m saying and this might not be high enough that 7 out 10 white men are ignorant.At least the one where I read their thought of the day.

Last edited 4 years ago by the school committee
Acute Angina
Acute Angina
Reply to  Markus Aureluis
4 years ago

Where is Shirley? Did you check the all you can eat buffet?

Bunco Squad
Bunco Squad
4 years ago

Would city charters allow defunding PD’s

Bunco Squad
Bunco Squad
Reply to  Bunco Squad
4 years ago

?

Kopp Towne
Kopp Towne
Reply to  Bunco Squad
4 years ago

I think we have pretty good services here in Pittsfield,police and fire do respond, don’t like that most of their calls are repetitive nonsense ie cumbies, and trespassers nerds multiple times very impressed with Gina and her staff at the Health Department,one of the workers Myra does yeomans work enforcing code violations in particular and Gina and her staff are always accessible.

The one department that I don’t care for are the animal enforcement, especially dog feces led owners on city and private property,you call and get a recording and maybe a response days later.

Kopp Towne
Kopp Towne
Reply to  Bunco Squad
4 years ago

There is a group of lawyers that has formed a watchdog committee for certain authorities like the Mayor, that if certain venues a mayor or town authority opens, where there is a risk of Covid because of the social distancing, Like Camps, Day Cares private, the people can get sued for doing so.

Kopp Towne
Kopp Towne
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

Great reply Dan. Yeah,it can be a good Oldboy network with Cops also. I don’t think we’ll ever know the extent of who and what went on with the steroids episode a few years ago.Some cops got a free ticket and they actually had a cop getting illegal steroids in the mail and hired him back?

Medbutnotevors
Medbutnotevors
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

Jerry is 100 percent correct on those BulletPoints’ George Floyd was a man that’s all he was, he wasn’t without sin,right? Who is? He was murdered and tortured,just like J C. The only difference here is George Floyd was not Judas Iscariotas manyTrumperss and topix clowns believe. Now Floyd is one of the most revered in the World,like it or not. His sacrifice are in the History Books forever.

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

This board thinks Trump came to save the country

Maggie May
Maggie May
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

Dan, the Police want to help especially with and while arresting people with mental health problems drug addiction and the like. This is the most common complaint among the officers they need funded resources to help. That is where the funds need to go, just a restructuring not a defunding. The jail is just a revolving door do they receive any services at the Jail? if so what? besides one mans Gardening greenhouse

James
James
Reply to  Maggie May
4 years ago

Here is a list of the services they get at the jail. They look very extensive especially in substance abuse area. https://bcsoma.org/inmate-programs/

Boston need
Boston need
Reply to  James
4 years ago

Trump says f u on defunding police. Are we still paying Carm his 100 g pension?

Kicabuc
Kicabuc
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

If Barr says he doesn’t think police are systemically racist then why do other officers let it happen. Who has spoken out about this…Serpico? Dan Valenti lookalike…

BlueLivesMatter
BlueLivesMatter
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

Dan, cops are absolutely not systemically racist. The stats will tell you the truth. Read The War on Cops by Heather MacDonald for the truth.

Kicabuc
Kicabuc
Reply to  Bunco Squad
4 years ago

Where is he police community board. Where’s Igor?

Blare
Blare
4 years ago

Interesting use of technology. Seems to confirm what most already suspected – this virus was spreading around the world and within with the U.S. long before anybody knew it was there. All thanks to the behavior of Chinese leadership and their allies in the WHO. Expect underwhelming media coverage on all this since it validates some of Trump’s claims – which can not ever be allowed to happen in our current world gone mad.
 
https://abcnews.go.com/International/satellite-data-suggests-coronavirus-hit-china-earlier-researchers/story?id=71123270

RN
RN
Reply to  Blare
4 years ago

Fake news. Odd that the same idiots, like you, who only think confirmed tests matter, will jump on this BS.

What did the parking lot of BMC tell you about the status of COVID in the Berkshires, so much less traffic, so many fewer cars, so does that mean there were lots of cases of COVID or not? I can tell you dumb ass
At the height of the number of cases of COVID we had the fewest number of visitors and cars in the decks and lots.

This is what happens when idiots try and draw R1 correlations to data that isn’t relevant.
There are more cars in the parking deck this morning at BMC than in a month and COVID cases are lower.

Blare
Blare
Reply to  RN
4 years ago

“COVID” did not exist at that point, genius. People in Wuhan were getting sick but did not yet know what it was. And so they went to the hospital. People avoided our hospitals like the plague during COVID, because it had been identified and people wanted to avoid places at risk, which obviously includes hospitals. Sorry, but your analysis is ridiculous. Nuance ain’t your thing.
 

Last edited 4 years ago by Blare
Joe Blow
Joe Blow
4 years ago

These people are unhinged and dangerous ……..
 
https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2020/06/08/minneapolis-city-council-president-defends-plan-to-dismantle-police-expecting-help-is-privilege/
 
Monday on CNN’s “New Day,” Minneapolis City Council President Lisa Bender defended her council’s attempt to disband the Minneapolis police department following the death of George Floyd.
Bender said, “I think in Minneapolis, watching George Floyd’s death, and the actions of the four police officers that were involved has been a huge wake-up call for so many in Minneapolis to see what many already knew, which is that our police department is not keeping every member of our community safe. And so I think step one for us is to tell the truth. Nine council members from communities all across the city of all different backgrounds, standing together, to tell the truth, and say, this system isn’t working for too many of our neighbors for too long. Our reform efforts have failed, and we have done many, many attempts at reform and new leadership in the department and many things, and we still see this tragic death. And so I think the wake-up of our community is what’s driving the city council’s announcement yesterday. And now the hard work begins for us to rebuild systems that really work to keep all of our communities safe.”
Host Alisyn Camerota asked, “But to be clear, you’re not talking about reform. The word dismantle is intentionally different than reform. This is more than reform. This is dismantling. I mean, activists who support this are calling this a police-free future.”
Bender said, “Yeah, and you know, a lot of us were asked if we could manage a future without police back in 2017 when we were running for office, and I answered yes to that question. To me, that future is a long way away, and it would take an enormous amount of investment in things that we know work to keep people safe. For a lot of folks in our community, stable housing is a safety issue. Having access to health care is a safety issue. So, having, you know, I think one thing folks are asking is to stop investing so much money in this militarized police force and instead invest in the things that our community really needs. So, you know, I know the statement was bold, and I stand by that bold statement, but the work ahead of us will be long, it will include every member of our community. It has to.”
Camerota asked, “What if, in the middle of the night, my home is broken into? Who do I call?”
Bender said, “Yes, I mean, I hear that loud and clear from a lot of my neighbors, and myself, too, and I know that that comes from a place of privilege. Because for those of us for whom the system is working, I think we need to step back and imagine what it would feel like to already live in that reality where calling the police may mean more harm is done.”
Follow Pam Key on Twitter @pamkeyNEN

The Thought Police
The Thought Police
4 years ago

Barry, what does Linda think in regards to defunding the police department? Please answer the question. Don’t be a coward.

Col Gladdhams
Col Gladdhams
Reply to  The Thought Police
4 years ago

Get rid os shot spotter for sure. That instrument is useless. Can’t wait till the fireworks start.

Col Gladdhams
Col Gladdhams
Reply to  The Thought Police
4 years ago

Clairmont is not to be trusted.

defund the taxpayer
defund the taxpayer
Reply to  The Thought Police
4 years ago

Are the nationwide protesters against police? Trump? Politicians? We know what it’s for but who are they protesting to?

Johnny2Shoes
Johnny2Shoes
Reply to  defund the taxpayer
4 years ago

The free for me Gods?

Free Bird
Free Bird
4 years ago

Can’t wait to see how Jake plans on implementing this… class size limit of 10 with a level funded budget. It’s as plausible as the green new deal.

https://www.boston.com/news/coronavirus/2020/06/08/massachusetts-schools-reopening-fall-2020-guidelines-covid-19

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  Free Bird
4 years ago

The state ed commission has lost their minds…..this pandemic is, for the most part, OVER. Requiring the schools to provide ppe for the least vulnerable to the virus is absurd. Classroom limit is ridiculous. Every fall – winter viruses make their rounds……these over-the-top “guidelines” which are, I assume, unfunded, should be tossed.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
4 years ago

I read your (Dan Valenti’s) blog posting today regarding Matt Kerwood’s fiscal year 2021 municipal budget proposal for our native hometown of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Mayor Linda Tyer is increasing property taxes on Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski and their neighbors by $1,870,892 plus $750,000 from “free cash” for a total property tax increase of $2,620,892. The city government’s levy capacity changed by –80.8 percent. Moreover, Pittsfield’s fees are increasing by double digits. Also, Matt Kerwood has a 10.1 million slush fund, while senior citizens choose between food and medicine.
 
Tyer and Kerwood are big spenders of taxpayers’ dollars. They are also big borrowers! Pittsfield has $164,239,033 (as of 6/30/2019) in capital debt accounts, which does not include its OPEB liabilities. Matt Kerwood’s municipal debt projections increase during the 2020s decade.

Dissband Council
Dissband Council
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
4 years ago

What can we say other than Pittsfield is driven by DEBT.

Dissband Council
Dissband Council
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
4 years ago

Living the dream here in Pitts. No job,no home,no entertainment and deep in taxes.

Mr. Worldwide
Mr. Worldwide
Reply to  Dissband Council
4 years ago

If you don’t have a home, how are you deep in taxes?

Johnny Absurds Accountant
Johnny Absurds Accountant
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
4 years ago

And that is why thousands of people who understand numbers are bailing out of Pittsfield. Pittsfield will NEVER be financially stable and will have to substantially increase taxes EVERY year. And because there are so many tax breaks for connected and non profit people that puts a huge unfair burden on those who are not.
Get out if you can. You owe it to your family to not be giving a huge chunk of your earnings or retirement money to people who have no idea how to, or incentive to manage money. And I say that knowing Barry has his eyes on everything.

Dissband Council
Dissband Council
Reply to  Johnny Absurds Accountant
4 years ago

Just because someone is an accountant doesn’t mean anything as far as policy or changing numbers? Kris Behnke took him to the cleaners during an School City Clowncil summit a while back. Humana Humana Humana was his retort.

TDBKX
TDBKX
Reply to  Johnny Absurds Accountant
4 years ago

I am totally against certain openings at least until we really know the numbers and when the virus is supposed to start up again in some reports even more so than before. Summer Camps absolutely not, Days Cares,absolutely not, even heard the Arts are going to open in some form,absolutely not. We are at least a year away from a full scale opening in my opinion.

JohnnyTwoCents
JohnnyTwoCents
Reply to  TDBKX
4 years ago

Open every damn thing. Now

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

TDBKX,
You’re an idiot. Glad you’re not in charge!

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

Better yet TDBKX – quarantine yourself for a year, I’ll let you know when it’s safe for you to come out he he he….

Johnny2Shoes
Johnny2Shoes
Reply to  Johnny Absurds Accountant
4 years ago

JM,
Well said! The financial house of cards has fallen.

Weezel Danbuch
Weezel Danbuch
Reply to  Johnny2Shoes
4 years ago

Your mountain goat mayor has been spending to much time in the mountains.

Johnny2Shoes
Johnny2Shoes
Reply to  Weezel Danbuch
4 years ago

So the high altitude is the cause of not enough oxygen getting to her brain to realize raising taxes and fees aren’t going to help anyone but the dependent on government?

Johnny2Shoes
Johnny2Shoes
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

All of these crises are designed to do one thing , create a dependent class. The democrat party has no base without creating groups that are dependent on government. The pandemic, the riots, illegal immigration, all destroy jobs and gear the victims toward government dependency

Weezel Danbuch
Weezel Danbuch
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

Dan,the game or should I say ‘new game’ if your not going to incarcerate them,why even arrest them. What the hell do they want? A mental health worker at every police call?

LuciforPeel
LuciforPeel
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

Dan,the Ward Six Pat came out against the Mayors pay increase and he was correct. Lead by example. Was it a ploy?,I dont think so, but so far have been impressed with him. Thank Heavens J Lo was defeated because this kid is going places,he’s for the peeps.When he realizes that, he’ll knock kooki yooki to the curb and gain the glory he’ll so stoutly deserve,watch. Give him a chance.

Johnny2Shoes
Johnny2Shoes
4 years ago

Politicians and trillions later over a long period, have the same problems to campaign on in inner cities every election season. With the kinda dough spent you’d think we would have mostly new issues to work on. Politicians create most of the problems, so they can supposedly solve them in election years only. Same playbook, different years.How come very few from inner cities aren’t moving on up to the east side?

Bidunn Sux
Bidunn Sux
Reply to  Johnny2Shoes
4 years ago

Biden says Daddy’s looking down at you, (Floyd’s daughter) and is so proud. Trump,he’s in his bunker,Mel’s shopping for new shades.

HisnamewasFlotd
HisnamewasFlotd
4 years ago

DAn,you you remember Orlando Cepeda? Please clarify that when you do your shooting article. The perp Teddy has the same last name.

Van Lingle Mungo
Van Lingle Mungo
Reply to  danvalenti
4 years ago

Those were the days.

the school committee
the school committee
4 years ago

Trump bunker talk is,what can we do to make them believe we are saving America from the poor.I can say anything I want as long as I let the racist believe they have a brain.

Johnny2Shoes
Johnny2Shoes
Reply to  the school committee
4 years ago

So why hasn’t it been saved or even really made great strides over the last 30-50 years then, by any of the politicians and trillions later? Your moniker should be , Dodge City.

BlackLiesMatter
BlackLiesMatter
4 years ago

George Floyed might as well have had a presidential funeral. 12 mile procession, gold casket, all the phonies like Sharpton speaking about how dare you take his breath away, but not a word about all the blacks killed by other blacks in America. Only 15 though in Obamas town of Chicago last weekend. An improvement from the 25 the week before. Blacks are only 13 percent of the population yet commit over half the homicides in America. There is your crime problem in a nutshell. Black on black. Crime rate was way lower in the 40’s and 50’s before all the democrats fell all over the blacks and put them in housing projects. Black lies matter. They don’t really care about black homicide victims. If they did they would be up in arms about the black on black crime rate. Just blame the police.

Maggie May
Maggie May
Reply to  BlackLiesMatter
4 years ago

Go wash your white robe and cone hat bubba
 

Last edited 4 years ago by Maggie May
Concordia Saleemna
Concordia Saleemna
Reply to  Maggie May
4 years ago

Several upticks in States with Corona. No camps,no Day care,noCrowds Tanglewood should have sent the first message….. and no children events at least until March.

BlackLiesMatter
BlackLiesMatter
Reply to  Maggie May
4 years ago

Not a racist bone in my body. Truth hurts eh bubba? I don’t wear robes of any color, not even white. But your hero Harrington looked mighty fine in her white getup. Glad to see she put some meat on her bones. I’m starting to like her.

Ska Reemine
Ska Reemine
Reply to  BlackLiesMatter
4 years ago

That’s insane. So,the white people percentage killed by whites is dispropotionate? Where do these people come from? This is about equal rights and systemic racism by white cops.

Defund Dacounsull
Defund Dacounsull
Reply to  Ska Reemine
4 years ago

Man it looks like a couple of these City Clowncilors ask loaded and scripted questions. How else could kuffkinks be able to actually give a straight answer.

Bunco Squad
Bunco Squad
Reply to  Ska Reemine
4 years ago

Liberals can’t handle the truth.

BlackLiesMatter
BlackLiesMatter
Reply to  Ska Reemine
4 years ago

Yea, disproportionately low. There is no systemic racism in policing.

Debt Realeefe
Debt Realeefe
Reply to  BlackLiesMatter
4 years ago

Floyd is now a Martyr and in History Books forever. His Family will be millionaires and will do good work in the future.

BlackLiesMatter
BlackLiesMatter
Reply to  Debt Realeefe
4 years ago

Time will tell on family legacy. Hope your right but I doubt you will be.

Bunco Squad
Bunco Squad
4 years ago

So Dennis Powell holds a big protest but makes stupid statements that show him to be an anti-semite. The man is a total joke.

Runkunkel Spunkul
Runkunkel Spunkul
Reply to  Bunco Squad
4 years ago

Is that the guy they call Tibbs?

BlackLiesMatter
BlackLiesMatter
Reply to  Bunco Squad
4 years ago

Yea, and to equate this to a modern lynching is way outta line.

Tony Blair
Tony Blair
4 years ago

Is it a coincidence that the police budget is the only increased department budget? Anyone know why or caught on to that yet? Not great timing.

No one is gonna stand up to those police unions either. “Defund” will go no where.

the school committee
the school committee
4 years ago

Stockbridge has lost 225 country curtain curtain jobs and all related tourist and restaurant employment.The state of our Union is divided and a economic disaster.We are only respected in Russia as Putin has taken Europe and used Trump to neutralize them.We are on pace to add another 3 trillion in debt.Putin must be amazed at what he has accomplished with the useful idiot.

Last edited 4 years ago by the school committee
Eric Blair
Eric Blair
4 years ago

A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves and traitors are not victims, but accomplices.