!!PLANET EXCLUSIVE!! SOFTBALL COMPLEX DEMISE AN ALLEGORY ON CITY’s FAILED LEADERSHIP RE: PARKS
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, THE WEEKEND EDITION AUG. 7-9, 2020) — The tragedy of dumping scores of homeless people into the waste bin of Springside Park, once the gem of Pittsfield’s fabulous parks system, serves as an allegory on the demise of the parks over the past generation of failed mayoral, council, and departmental “leadership” and service.
It didn’t have to happen. It never should have happened.
Anyone of a certain age remembers the oases of the parks. Today, they have become expensive or neglected wastelands, the former resembling botched plastic surgeries (Deming, Clapp, and the Common), the latter desert purgatories.
Case in point, the city-owned softball complex behind Maxymillian Construction on outer East Street. THE PLANET played many an inning there on various teams in the county softball league. Today, we wouldn’t play Dixie there. Our spies, ever diligent in conveying the lack of care on the part of the Kapanskis’ “representatives,” visited the complex. The photographic evidence speaks for itself.
The present neglect highlights the broken promises to taxpayers, as in the iBerkshire article that ran in 2018. THE PLANET presents the story to show you the depth of insincerity at City Hall and the gullibility of a “news” website that has lost its false teeth and gone tame. The iBerkshire story is the text in italics.
———- ooo ———-
It’s ironic that THE PLANET scooped this story shortly after the death in Florida of Jim Bridges, the Abner Doubleday of the complex. What an insult to this man’s memory to let it fall into ruin.
The next time any of the phony bee-stards promise you anything but higher taxes and less service, get out your squirt gun and fire away.
Have a great weekend, everybody.
—————————————————————————————
“A point of view can be a dangerous luxury when substituted for insight and understanding” — Marshall McLuhan.
“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.
Pittsfield politics is totally predictable! City Hall always raises taxes, fees, and public debts, while the tax base always shrinks with population and job loss. Pittsfield politics is ran by the Good Old Boys (& Girls) club of multigenerational, interrelated, and incestuous political provincial families who only serve the vested (big 3 public unions) and special (out-of-town millionaires) interests. Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski always receive the proverbial shaft. Dangerous downtown (or inner-city) Pittsfield is called “Social Services Alley” by day, and “The Shooting Gallery” by night. PEDA is 22 years old now, and it is still a vacant and polluted wasteland. Pittsfield’s municipal government is facing financial insolvency during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and 2020 economic recession. Yet, Matt Kerwood sits on a +$10 million slush fund, while over 60 homeless people live in Springside Park. Mayor Linda Tyer calls Pittsfield “vibrant and dynamic”, while Pittsfield continues to go down the tubes. The Softball Complex is yet another example of post-industrial Pittsfield’s downward spiral.
Do us all a favor just number the various bloviations you post (as most are the same) so we can all save time and space.
This is your MK Bloviation 1 or Kerwood Slush
or even easier, you could just skip over any poster you do not like?
duh???
Ummm the post still shows up and takes up space. Any given day there’s like six long boring retread posts from Melle.
Kerwood
Slush fund
Lucifaro
Open letters to the same 3 people
Melle has substantial medical and mental issues that he suffered as a child at the hands of family members and neighbors.
Due to physical, sexual, and mental abuse he fixated on male authority figures and is effusive over females.
Speaking of taking up space
If Pittsfield (and beyond)’s mean-spirited words, abusive looks and stares, and other forms of bullying could kill me, then I would have been dead long ago. Pittsfield politics is toxic! I choose not to go down to the level of my enemies and foes because it bothers the Hell out of all of them. I try to rise above it and be kind in the face of cruelty. I don’t always succeed, of course. I hope the state of the human condition will someday transform hate into love. Lastly, I will never use mental health as a weapon. I will always use mental health to heal instead of hurt people.
Your mental illness doesn’t bother me just your long ass postings taking up so much space
7 “I”s, 1 “me” and 1 “my.”
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2471705/Talk-lot-Youre-probably-INSECURE-People-say-I-arent-narcissists-say-psychologists.html
I understand where Jon is coming from. What are you supposed to put up with until you get mad? I feel like a broken record on here too and am trying to limit my comments. But how many corrupt, abject, stupid and failed proposals of the government are we supposed to watch and become desensitized too? The shitheads want Jon to stop taking and I am glad he does not.
This from a guy who supports antifa.
I never said I support antifa, but I wish antifa had defeated your and Trump’s hero: Hitler – back in the 1930’s through April 30th, 1945!
You can bet Squeaky did that on taxpayer time and coordinated that all through her office.
Kennedy had his own video guy there too and security. How many of Harrington’s security went with her?
Regina White should be ashamed, using the homeless as props for her candidate. We all know squeaky is to stupid and ambitious to care.
“ Regina White, a community advocate who visits the shelter many times a week, said she cleared Kennedy’s visit with those living in the park Sunday, after Berkshire District Attorney Andrea Harrington asked about bringing Kennedy.”
I guess this is why she got fired. No room for different political opinions in the DA’s office. The DA uses her office as her campaign headquarters, Moon knows it. She was part of it.
Pittsfield Ward 1 City Councilor Helen Moon expressed discontent on Twitter with Kennedy’s use of cameras Monday.
“We should be getting firsthand accounts and honoring the real-life experiences of our vulnerable and marginalized communities,” she told The Eagle in an interview Tuesday. “I think it becomes problematic when the onus of the event isn’t necessarily to hear from their experiences, but to get promotion out of it. … It was a campaign stop.”
Since the authorities are referring to the homeless as residents and asking for permission to enter the park maybe the homeless should accept their assigned property rights and start building lean-tos or yurts or other all weather homesteads on their plots in the park.
They could all have a big Thanksgiving (sorry national Massacre Day) celebration with the Mayor, DA, Hindend and Joe3. It would be a great showing of solidarity with the downtrodden.
Notice how Harrington and Hinds stand off to the side not even talking to the homeless in order to showcase Kennedy speaking with the homeless. They obviously want Kennedy to win, but why since he has basically the same agenda as Markey? Do they think they can control Kennedy better to carry out their Marxist agenda of no police, no private property, no guns, and total government control over everyone in this country?
So you assumed that because of a still shot picture that Harrington and Hinds never moved or talked to the homeless??
(definitely a Trumpster)
It wouldn’t matter, it’s a photo op. Staged by harrington who is trying to be seen as a political power broker.
I think Harrington is supporting Kennedy as a method of power building. A quid pro quo for helping out. Harrington expects to be the AG of MA.
This article try’s to explain it.
https://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/some-ponder-kennedys-sincerity-in-homeless-
visit,610917
https://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/some-ponder-kennedys-sincerity-in-homeless-visit,610917
Let the adults do the thinking please. Look you lost your job I get that. Putting garbage out is great Dan gives you the platform to do that, However you just sound like a jealous 12 year old child spreading rumors and getting the pack to like you on TikToc really pathetic.
What are the rumors, troll?
I didn’t lose my job. Moon unit did.
Amen, sister
Absolutely, she is as cunning as a rat.
Harrington is all about squiring her candidate and no MT, it’s not policy either. Having Kennedy endorse her is a quid pro she thinks she needs. The fact that she is almost 3 years away from an election and she’s focused on her candidacy is messed up. We are dealing with a disaster for the court system because of covid and she is thinking about running? Speaking of Trump, Johnny he’s solely concerned with his re election and not what covid is doing to this country. Same, at least Trump’s election is 3 months away. A DA gets elected based on competence and results, not media opps and scratch your back endorsements by pols.
Jimmy, again with the obsession!!! strange and creepy. freaking everyone out
Man you need to get some help. What’s the deal Mommy issues?
The funniest thing in that article was when the woman calls the homeless person over to attest to the reporter that Kennedy was being sincere and it wasn’t just a photo op and he says “No, I think it was a publicity stunt.” It was worth my subscription just for that. ROFL!
Yeah,Andrea was doing a little Community policing,right Helen. Milk instead of ice cream
The committee has voted to move the Milt hall of fame from it’s current location on 4th street to the softball complex. But keep in mind we demand pickle ball courts and camping facilities for the homeless.
I was thinking Hess Forest
Typical. And if you ride your sorry tax payer ass around Silver lake you can see some very expensive wood and iron benches positioned so that someone might rest and take in the view of the multimillion dollar renovation of the lake.
Ah, but from your sitting position all you can see if the heavy growth of tall grass and underbrush 6 feet in front of you which totally hides any view of the lake. And even standing up in most places you cannot see the water. One more super expensive Pittsfield project made beautiful and then abandoned as the money was squeezed out and there was no reason to look back at it.
This is actually exactly how Pittsfield government works. Tax like crazy. Spend like crazy. Abandon improvements and move on to the next kickback project.
This has been going on and getting worse for years and while there are still a couple of people who care, they have nowhere near enough clout to change the trajectory. And this is why thousands of people have packed up their families and moved away to places that seem to care. I am so jealous of them for being able to put a move together.
Get out if you can because outside of insider profiteering there is going to be less and less and less for the common man and his family. Don’t wait because the longer you do the tighter the noose gets around your neck as your finances are sure to get worse.
JA
Spot on. Silver Lake COULD have become a gem once more, as the city promised in all of the Consent Decree hype. But no. It took the first steps, then left the lakeside to weed over and look uninviting. Good post!
Anybody know who’s ward it is in? Have they driven by and if so do they care?
Superfund site forever.
Thanks Jerry Doyle
Johnny, that’s just the “Green New Deal” the D-s want. Lots of “Green” at the softball complex too.
Pissfield was years ahead of the curve, look at Hess on Tyler
The far left Progressives can’t stop screaming about the environment and the beauty of nature and yet they stand by and watch these once beautiful parks deteriorate. They are teaching teenagers (Marxists have also infiltrated the magazine industry) that police and privately owned property should no longer exist. This magazine article preaches that police are needed to protect property and if nobody owns property then we will not need police. See how they are neatly putting everything together for clueless teenagers. Preparing them for a future where citizens own nothing and government has total control.
https://www.foxnews.com/media/dan-crenshaw-blasts-teen-vogue-op-ed-advocating-end-to-private-property
Pat, it’s not a “Progressives” (a group I loathe) issue. It’s an issue that prominently displays the failure of local politicians.
Dan, You’re spot-on about the dismal park situation in Pittsfield. In the heyday there was a terrific swimming area on Pontoosuc Lake. I bet you remember that. Of course, the city was richer then with GE and the folks who worked there. But Pittsfield has not managed itself well at all since those times. I believe Pittsfield desperately needs a city manager if there is to be any hope of pulling itself out of the muck.
The city budget today, as opposed to then is over 20 times larger. The city was not richer then but it WAS much better managed because there was much less skimming and nepotismal feed bagging by its overseers.
The people running our government out front now, guided by the people running our government from behind the scenes, is mega sucking money out of the citizens and have gotten so greedy that they are killing their own golden goose. The city is on taxpayer funded life support right now and that source is becoming weaker and weaker.
Remain in Pittsfield at your own physical and financial peril. Ask those who have left why they did so.
Dan could turn the City around.
Yes,Dan could turn things around for the better.but for his sake and for the sake of his family , I hope he doesn’t ride down the escalator!
Thanks, J2S!
Pretty sure they are spending a lot more on parks than in the GE days, it’s the intelligence and ethics that are poor, a city manager would probably just be another puppet
That’ll teach ya Superintendent McCandless. We’ll show you who’s boss around here. Seven years of service means nothing to us, and one must assume, the deputy superintendent and assistant superintendents and principals are not qualified to manage Pittsfield schools. All these titled people with help from a paid school committee and Pittsfield is still forcing the superintendent to adhere to a 90 day leave policy. The man is not going to China. He’s still only a phone call away if we need his advice.
Don’t sign account cobtract unless you can fulfill it. Would Fletcher have abanded the ship during the Mutiny?
A contract….just sayin…
The district spent over a million dollars for that service, Chuck. He owes us a better transition than the one he tried to get away with.
I’m getting blasted here, but here’s my point: if the superintendent leaves it should make no difference on preparation for opening schools. We have assistants to the assistants to the assistants who are supposed to be school experts who are all making over 100 G’s a year, and “on the ball” school committee for 8 G’s a year – used to be community service – for direction and guidance. Hopefully, someone can make a decision here even if the manager leaves.
A baboon could replace JIV.
Superintendent McCandless Explains Decision To Leave Pittsfield For Mount Greylock
https://www.wamc.org/post/superintendent-mccandless-explains-decision-leave-pittsfield-mount-greylock
Thanks Jon! Amusing he said Pittsfield is to bureaucratic. Yet Tyer thinks he walked on water? That’s why you were give 160 g a year plus bennies.
Mt Greylock with way less schools and students should fit his skill set? Then why are they giving him the same money.. Jake,my advice to you is start getting on a treadmill,you are 49? You won’t reach fifty the weight your carrying.
and trim his got damn mustache, looks like an idiot
But I thought he stated his love for the job here in Pittsfield after being rejected elsewhere? Not saying he can’t change his mind to go somewhere else. But a written and signed legal contract may somewhat throw a wrench into his plans to leave for a 90 day period. Wondering if he can use accumulated sick, vacation and personal time to put a dent in the 90 day notice clause?
Oh my god! Is he really going to add to the pile of bullshit he is leaving behind? No one believes that tired old boiler plate vomit.
All you need to be a superintendent of schools here is lie about the academics,bullshit the silly council and ask for tons of kapanski cash. Below par works in our school department.
BEDTIME FOR BONZO!
Blasted,but we love you Chuck! I know of a front liner who was leaving before it (Covid) hit. But decided to stay. That was just ethical. Jake has a stinking obligation and the s c decided that also. Call it what you want. But don’t abandon the ship when it’s about to sink.
Agreed a well paid sub (s) off the bench should be able to step in and make some tough decisions and move forward. Letting your supposed star player go play for another team while under a legal contract after getting compensated doesn’t bode well for the those who already paid for him to be on the team. He did state less politics was also a factor.
He is earning a salary of $169,000 per academic year. He is 49 years old. in another decade or two, he will have a lucrative retirement paid for by Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski. It sounds wonderful to me!
Yes, CHUCK. Great point. The assistants have associates who have deputies who have vice-deputies, who have … it goes on forever on the top-heavy system. The schools should not even fill the position.
Don’t forget the Morons, Vice-Morons, Assistant Vice-Morons………..
He signed a contract, Chuck. Fair is fair.
@ChuckGarivaltis. Hmmmmm… service? He was employed by the city and received substantial compensation for his work. He has bamboozled some – not Mr. Nice Guy, for sure. The city owes him nothing,
Used to play at the complex for years and so many great memories. Absolutely disgusting the city allowed this to happen and 0 accountability
I agree, TK2! No reason for it to ever happen, but it did. Tells you everything you need to know about the “leadership” of the city.
Did anyone else choke on their subway over this one? “White later told The Eagle that park residents “feel much better now” after seeing messages in which Harrington offered to bring her laptop and work with residents to get legal help.” 1. Our DA has so little to do she can personally be hanging around the park offering legal advice to homeless 2. What legal advice? Is that legal?
Remember the great words of Ferdinand De Marcos on his 1700 mile voyage. ‘ if I quit at the 1600th mile then I’ll never reach my destination. Jake take heed.Finish the Voyage. You have been paid very well.
Absolutely not legal.
Is she showing the Dunning-Kruger effect?
She can’t even offer legal advice to a lamp post. She has no legal knowledge
…”if it bit her in the hand”
Does anyone remember Wild Acres? Nice buildings, place to picnic.
Trout fishing for the kids every spring?
Devastated by airport expansion, along with the Kaminsky farm, left in ruins………
Oh, yes! What a time it was for the people. Prizes, Food and Trout, remember It well.
After years of decay and the Pittsfield Airport land grab, the Pittsfield connected suits, had a photo op, of what they had to rebuild after their years neglect and destruction
https://www.iberkshires.com/story/46361/-Pittsfield-Unveils-Renovated-Wild-Acres-for-Arbor-Day.html
And now it’s an abject shithole and the building were vandalized, and the city shut down the parking lot at the picnic area, so you have to walk an extra 1,000 yards to even get into the place. Shameful.
Mayor Bianchi’s legacy
Dan should be given some pictures of that to post here too.
My camera is fubar, anyone got some pictures to shame, the city/park commission/mayor/city council, handy?
https://www.cityofpittsfield.org/city_hall/conservation_commission/docs/2016_FinalPittsfield_WinterPlanSet_High.pdf
Challenges
The community’s passion for Wild Acres make it a location of concentrated recreational use and group gatherings, which could be damaging to its ecology. The same facilities that attract visitors have been vandalized many times in the two years since they were unveiled. If the gate at the entrance to the parcel is left open, the picnic pavilion and education center become the site of late night illict partying.
Off topic but left winged MSM media won’t touch this:
August 6, 2020
The Commission on Presidential Debates
Attn: Co-Chairs Frank Fahrenkopf, Jr., Dorothy S. Ridings, Kenneth Wollack; Executive Director Janet H. BrownP.O. Box 58247Washington, D.C. 20037
Rudolph W. Giuliani Former Mayor, New York Donald J. Trump for President, Inc.1300 N. 17thSt.14thFloorArlington, VA 22209
Dear Members of the Commission:
Thank you for your swift reply to our letter of August 5, 2020.
We are disappointed in your response, but appreciate your openness to a fourth, or earlier, debate “[i]f the candidates were to agree that they wished to add to that schedule[.]”Your reply makes it clear that the idea of an earlier debate is, in effect, locked away in the basement, alone and diminished. We continue to believe that the American people deserve to see their candidates for president compare their records and visions for the United States before actual voting begins.
We strongly disagree with your assessment of early voting in the upcoming election.In 2016, 41 percent of all votes were cast before Election Day and that figure is certain to rise in 2020.Countless hours of television news coverage and miles of newspaper columns have been devoted to the effect of the corona virus on voting, with the news media openly advocating for universal mail-in balloting prior to Election Day. Our concerns remain the same: Americans will have already started voting in 16 states well in advance of the first scheduled debate on September 29.
The Commission’s current debate schedule remains outdated and fails to adapt to the election calendar of today. In 1980, only 5 percent of voters cast their ballots before Election Day, with that figure certain to be over 50 percent in 2020. But even in 1980, the debate schedule began earlier, with the first debate held on September 21, as compared to this year’s first event on September 29. The old, tired answer of “we’ve always done it this way,” simply will not suffice in this extraordinary year.
It also seems to us that adding a debate or moving one to an earlier time should not present any logistical challenges you have not already encountered. Indeed, the University of Notre Dame withdrew as the host of a 2020debate and was promptly replaced by Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Clinic.Finding an additional host and location was evidently possible once and should be again.
We are likewise not persuaded by your assurance that the Commission is “ready for any contingency that is necessary as a result of the pandemic.”Since your current refusal to consider an additional debate or an earlier date is based on Mr. Biden’s unwillingness to agree, it would be logical to assume that any further changes to debate arrangements would hinge on his opinion. We must insist on a commitment that the two candidates will definitely appear on stage, in person–whether in a television studio without an audience or elsewhere –and not through separate, online transmissions where Mr. Biden could rely on notes, teleprompter, or handlers.
While we do understand that Mr. Biden has been sequestered in his basement in Wilmington,Delaware for some time, President Trump still believes that the American people deserve to see the candidates for president side by side at some point. The President has committed to and will participate in the three debates already on the schedule and we hold out hope that Mr. Biden will eventually realize that it is a disservice to the American people to try to hide for as long as possible. We aim to continue to put public pressure on Mr. Biden to agree that Americans must see an in-person comparison of the records, visions, and vitality of the two candidates for president before voting begins.
Sincerely,
Rudolph W. Giuliani Former Mayor, New York
CC:Fmr. Vice President Joe Biden Basement Wilmington, DE
Seems to have hit some TDS nerves?
Satire…
Joe emerged from the basement and the light hurt his eyes.
Biden had an annocement: “I’ve chosen a woman as VP candidate. Her name is Alexa, she has all the right answers…..”
Handler: “Joe, Alexa isn’t a real woman……go back downstairs…”
I’m sorry, who elected Andrea Harrington lawyer for the homeless? How is this a proper subject for her attention? The taxpayers pay her to do a job and she spends it holding media events in parks to pander with Kennedys????? She has FAILED to build a team, FAILED on the organization of the office, FAILED on continuing community outreach program that were working and FAILED on promised transparency of how she is handling cases. What about those Williams allegations of sexual assault? FAIL. If she refuses to do the job she was elected to do we the citizens should petition to recall her. Can we get some legal advice on how to do that?
What does campaigning for Kennedy have to do with being a D.A.? She is engaging in political activity on state time. A violation.She took the state ethics test just like every other state employee. She knows this is wrong but doesn’t care.
BS
don’t know of she cares of not. That is for Andrea to determine. But it clearly looks like politicking. Helen Moon has privately admitted that there’s a political campaign being run from the D.A.’s office. Of course, she has a gripe and can not be considered an impartial source.
Where is State ethics board?
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/state-ethics-commission
You want legal advice on that?
Ya dresses yourself up in some dirty clothes and muss up your hair. Ya gets yourself a battered cardboard sign that says “homeless, hungry and in need of legal advice”. And then you go to Springside Park and wait for Mizz Harrington to show up with her legal pad and some Oreos.
and then be VERY patient. You might even want to set up a camera and do a time lapse video of yourself as you grow old waiting. But what else have you got to do right?
Better yet, set up on the sidewalk on North St in front of her office.
Call in Albany and Springfield TV stations so Mz DA will have the photo op she craves so much.
If asked to leave, tell her “it’s a peaceful protest”, got problems with that?
I’m not really a DA, I just play one on TV.
Brilliant.
She isn’t getting the data she needs. That’s the problem according to her.
https://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/2-years-on-criminal-justice-reform-bill-not-measuring-up-to-data-collection-goals,611063
Link won’t work unless you allow the Left Winged Parrot to spy on you.
Don’t go there
So it looks like Joe Curtis has been appointed as interim superintendent while retaining McCandless for 90 days as there is no such thing as too many administrators. Then the mayor wants to do an intergalactic search to find a permanent replacement. In the past those searches gave us Lafrankie and Darlington. Some things never change…
Why can’t Barry be the new super? 95% of the job is accumulating money and then spending it where you can make the most friends. I think Barry can handle that if he stays out from behind the counter
Love.
Administratoritis.
Did anyone hear Pittsfield police chief Wynn on the radio yesterday? He was talking about changes that the far left wants to make to police and he said some of it is good, but a lot of it is not. He said the changes that they (the far left) wants to make will effect more than just the police, it will effect citizens in a big way. Meaning our communities will become much more dangerous.
They can’t get anymore dangerous.
Oh yes they can. Just look at Portland.
He is a big part of the problem. Letting an abusive officer remain on the job knowing the officers abuse and violence against women and protecting him. He recruited this officer to the force. Wynn may finally be accountable.
So let’s get rid of all police because a policeman supposedly did something wrong? Really? Lots of criminals are guilty of abuse and violence against women and getting rid of police will not protect women, in fact, just the opposite. No police means more women will be in danger from violent criminals. Especially once all the guns are taken away from law abiding citizens.
You’re just not that bright. I was agreeing with you. He is a big part of the problem in Pittsfield. As Valenti’s column points out failed leadership is Pittsfield.
I wonder if that police advisory board has figured out what they are supposed to be doing yet? Another brilliant idea brought to you by the big blue wave.
The PAB gets fed pabulum and excretes progressivism.
You mentioned nothing about the far left getting rid of police so how are you agreeing with me? I actually am agreeing with Chief Wynn that the far left is going too far in wanting to get rid of all police. Does anybody on this board have an opinion on such an extreme stance being taken by the likes of AOC and many Democratic mayors and governors and even Joe Biden who wants to redistribute police money to needy people in the community which is a tricky way of saying they want to get rid of the police.
Chief Wynn answers to the Mayor.
Hello Pat,
I agree with your letter criticizing Congressman (or PAC-Man) Richard Neal’s +3-decade-long public record. He has sold out the people of Western Massachusetts by taking millions of dollars of K Street lobbyists special interest dollars. He is a career politician who is more interested in power than grassroots democracy.
The ratio of K Street lobbyists to Members of U.S. Congress is huge. It costs millions of dollars to run to Congress. Even if one starts out with good intentions, he or she will eventually have to receive the backing of the political and K Street lobbyists establishment to stay in power.
Over 160,000 Americans have died of COVID-19, while millions are infected. Tens of millions of Americans have lost their jobs and health insurance. U.S. Congress is at an impasse over the newest stimulus still bill. The flu season is coming in 2 months in October of 2020. Hospitals will be stressed out with patients. We are in a crisis, but things are still going downhill.
On Beacon Hill, I read that the State Legislature won’t pass a fiscal year 2021 state budget until after the November 3rd, 2020 election. After they are all re-elected, then they will cut state, local, and public education funds. It is all a political game to our highly paid federal and state Legislators!
Best wishes,
Jonathan
Pittsfielder’s Petition Questions City Councilor’s (Chris Connell’s) Residency
https://www.wamc.org/post/pittsfielder-s-petition-questions-city-councilor-s-residency
Mayor Jimmy Ruberto never owned or rented a place of residency in Pittsfield when he ran for and was Mayor of Pittsfield. His residency was in Naples, Florida. However, as a man who was then in his 50’s, he moved into his then mother Edith’s Pittsfield home back in 2001. 19 years later in 2020, City Councilor Chris Connell lives in his elderly mother’s Pittsfield home while his place of residency is in upstate New York. Is there a double standard?
Jon,
Chris Connell is the only city councilor with a working brain. He is the only one asking intelligent questions, the only one with common sense. Shame on you Melle – why don’t you probe the goings on in your own community in NH instead of picking on the one Pittsfield councilor truly looking out for the taxpayers! Spreading BS about other people is not kind, which you claim to be.
C’mon, Mr. Fritz. It is a public new article and a petition on the next Pittsfield City Council’s meeting agenda. I am not being mean-spirited! Why doesn’t someone file a petition to remove the lovely Linda Tyer from the corner office? Or Peter Marchetti from the City Council? Or how about all of the Pittsfield politicians from public office?
Hit job by the Mayor? The Pittsfield city hall has bent all kinds of rules and regs to accommodate contractors, friends and elsewise useful idiots when it suits their own purpose. This smells like political hardball. Isn’t this guy one of only two that ever object to the mayors wishes?
Hit job is right!
That’s a ridiculous petition. As the Kennedy’s proved when they would use a humble Boston address as their residency, as Dick Cheney proved when he claimed to be a Wyoming resident when he was living in Texas, you live where you say you live and where the paper trail backs up the claim. Our Right Honorable Good Friend Chris Connell has nothing to worry about. It’s a harassment petition, plain and simple. It would be interesting to find out who, if anyone, was behind the petitioner.
Take a half a guess.
Technically, all you need to be a councilor, mayor or school committee member, is a legal city address and that can even be a P.O. box. There’s no requirement that you be a full time city resident.
Correct.
They want Chris gone because he doesn’t always go along. That’s it period.
Exactly. They privately call him the bad ass from mass.
E. Herland is on the community development board of Pittsfield.
https://www.iberkshires.com/story/61708/Pittsfield-Planners-Say-No-To-Eliminating-Pot-Growth-
In-Residential-Zones-.html
If they remove Chris Connell from the Pittsfield City Council, can he appeal the decision or is that it? Have they ever removed a sitting Pittsfield City Councilor? What is the legal precedent? How does Chris Connell feel about the petition filed against him? Is this another act of retribution by Tyer and Marchetti?
Cities With the Worst Unemployment Since the Pandemic Started
9. Pittsfield, MA – the metro area’s unemployment rate jumped from 3.4% to 17.9%, one of the largest percentage point increases in the country.
https://247wallst.com/special-report/2020/08/07/cities-with-the-worst-unemployment-since-the-pandemic-started/6/
Trumps signing executive order for stimulus package. I am voting Trump.
Should not have gone down too much as the mayor was paying business s to keep on their help. Did they not fulfill their end of the deal? (paying out of taxpayer money by the way) not cool
What are the sixty businesses that are getting relief here¿
JA,
Your absolutely right on that. I have seen the $$ amount that went out here in Pittsfield, but can’t seem to find a detailed list of who and how much they got.
We have seen no list. And why is that? Could the mayor at least answer the question why this is not public information? It looks very suspicious and like something is being covered up. I actually thought it was a law that taxpayers had a right to know where their money went. Stupid me.
Would love for Barry too give us his version.
Hope you didn’t miss this. Pittsfield School Committee has appointed Deputy Superintendent Joseph Curtis as interim superintendent of Pittsfield ‘s school department. The school committee is holding superintendent McCandless to his contractual 90 day notice to leave. Now we have 2 superintendent of schools. Look at the extra money this is costing us. Who cares? It’s only taxpayer dollars. Let the man go, you clowns. Joe can handle the job. After all, you have oversight.
I’m watching it now and can not understand a word Lady Boots is saying. Honor the contract. Chuck does Curtis have a Doctorate?
Sanjuana, I don’t think so. For an interim position, 90 days at the most, I didn’t think it was that important.
Chuck,
This seems to be a thorny issue for you. Don’t let it eat away at you because it isn’t worth it. I see your point on costs, but I see the legal side of it also.
Johnny, You are correct. I’m off it now.
Chuck why are you so indifferent to the ninety days? It can’t be the money. Tyer throws money away like a drunken sailor.
Contest, I just figured for a 90 day max period with school committee backing all would be okay. Agree with you on throwing money around. No problem just raise taxes. At the federal level just print more. Economics 101 tells us printing cheap dollars over and over must lead to severe economic difficulties. Look at what happened to Germany in the 1920’s. If we don’t learn from history we are bound to repeat it.
Great job President Trump for trying to get money to unemployed workers, people who might get evicted, and more money in paychecks for middle class workers. Nancy Pelosi and fellow Dems just wanted to bail out poorly run Democratic cities. She has no interest in people suffering due to COVID-19.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-to-sign-coronavirus-relief-executive-orders-saturday-to-help-unemployed-americans-renters
Nothing more than a political stunt to help his reelection. He could give a rats ass about the country. If he did he would let the professionals make the important decisions on how to deal with the pandemic instead of cock blocking them and making things one hundred times worse than they needed to be.
Both Markey and Kennedy want to legalize prostitution thereby turning our cities and towns into red light districts. Both want the Green New Deal and favor every other far left agenda item. Both of these candidates are walking in lockstep in their far left agenda. Why should anyone bother to vote for either candidate? They are one and the same.
https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/08/07/markeys-and-kennedys-call-to-decriminalize-prostitution-misguided-survivor-says/
Massachusetts legalized casino gambling and then marijuana. It was only a matter of time before they supported legalizing sex workers. I wonder who the pimps will be? Who will be the lobbyists? Will the unemployment agency offer job training skills to sex workers? Will taxpayers be liable for sexual harassment and other legal claims? Would PEDA be Pittsfield’s Red Light District?
I thought the left cared so much about women, but they want to encourage prostitution and all of the abuse that goes along with that lifestyle? The beatings and the humiliation. Not to mention the moral downward spiral of cities that would be encouraged to allow lots of prostitution.
Speaking of beatings, prostitution and humiliating woman, how many times did I see Trump happily posing for pictures with Jeffrey Epstein and his mistress? Quite a few huh? And that leaves out his own dark history of abusing woman which is quite a story unto itself right Pat? Or does get a pass because he da man?
Bill Clinton went to Orgy Island on a regular basis and you love him. Bill will even be speaking at the Democrat convention after his endless former and current sexual scandals. Posing for a picture with Epstein, well, all of Hollywood did it including Oprah, the heroine of the far left. President Trump NEVER abused women. Huge fake news from the far left.
District Attorney Andrea Harrington says an antiquated system limits the ability of DAs to work with data. “Every day, we’re making huge decisions that have big impacts on people’s lives,” Harrington said. “Without backing, I don’t really know what I’m doing”
It is an utterly absurd story about a ridiculous campaign promise made by someone who hadn’t and hasn’t the first idea what law enforcement involves in Berkshire County. Harrington tried to feed into the ACLU’s “mass incarceration” narrative by making the case that people being held on bail or jailed here were disproportionally black. It wasn’t true. Many if not most were not even residents. Even if you find out certain people are being prosecuted what are you going to do, stop asking for bail every other time? Tell the police, hey, lay off the hispanics, our numbers are up.
Why didn’t the Eagle reporter ask DA Harrington about the case tracking system she purchased with tax payer $$? How much did it cost? Sadly, I guess he doesn’t read The Planet.
She’s got that right. All the bitching about data is a smokescreen attempt to mask her utter failure as a PUBLIC SERVANT. She’s a political hack, period. She lied to get into office about everything from drug court to ignored sexual assault cases. Listen, girlfriend, the data you chase is information about cases; but what you seem not to grasp is that cases represent people, whether defendants or victims. You need to stop politicizing everything you do (recall the photo op when the state auditor was here–really?) and start paying attention to what your are supposed to be doing–ethically, responsibly, and objectively prosecuting cases and directing your staff to do the same.
I’ll wait for Maggie May and Anderson williams to call me a creep and engage in ad hominem attacks against me rather than pointing to any accomplishment of the fake DA.
The homeless in Springside are not to be called homeless. They are now park residents, according to the Eagle.
What happens when the cold weather comes? Will they be called frozen popsicles?
The Left Winged Parrot is a dirty bird. It should be sold as “kitty box liner”……..
But wait, I tried that. The cat wanted to go outside all the time……….
Attention: “Mr. Fritz”!
PUBLIC DOCUMENT:
PITTSFIELD CITY COUNCIL
August 11, 2020
Agenda:
NEW BUSINESS
39. A petition from Elizabeth Harland asking the City Council to determine whether Ward Four City Councilor Christopher Connell has removed from the city
Best wishes,
Jonathan Melle
Why isn’t this concerned citizen trying to find out who her friend, the mayor, gave taxpayer money to in virus related payments? She seems narrowly concerned about the city for some reason. Does she want his position?
Can we get the other councilors to give us their opinions? Get them on record? Especially Marchetti.
And on record with non answers wouldn’t suffice. Sounds like they are laying ground work to use this residential nonsense for the next election. If they could take Chris out earlier with a petition than that works even better for them. With so many other things going on far more important the energy should be used on those issues.
As a city taxpayer, I’m aggravated that my tax dollars are being wasted on this nonsense. Councilor Connell has a second home in New York. His primary residence is in Pittsfield. Case closed.
Dose Tyer have a second home in Arizona?
The Public should have a vote of no confidence in Pittsfield Mayor and city council, and have a recall vote thereafter.
Anyone seriously interested in this, please email me: berkshirelegal@gmail.com
I agree but you have to promise that Marchetti won’t be taking over. We need a real person with real values for ALL the people, not just banker rich folk.
https://www.cityofpittsfield.org/city_hall/community_development/parks_and_recreation/parks_commission.php
“The Board of Park Commissioners is comprised of five appointed individuals whose primary objective is to set policy and render decisions on park usage. They meet on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm at City Hall Room 203, 70 Allen Street, Pittsfield.
Current Park Commissioners
https://www.cityofpittsfield.org/city_hall/community_development/parks_and_recreation/docs/Public%20Parks%20and%20Conservation%20Area%20Rules%20and%20Regulations.pdf
Did they fill out an application for Springside?
https://www.cityofpittsfield.org/city_hall/community_development/parks_and_recreation/parks_use_request_information.php
Is that the Michele M. from the Springside Park displaced individuals article, or a different M.M. ?
Make Your Own summer of “FUN”!
https://www.cityofpittsfield.org/city_hall/community_development/parks_and_recreation/summer/make_your_own_summer_of_fun.php
“UPDATE July 1, 2020
SOCIAL DISTANCING
REQUIRED IN ALL PARKS, AND FACE
COVERINGS WHEN NOT POSSIBLE.
No mention of squating/camping due to Covid-19.
“restrooms are closed” port a poties open?
https://www.cityofpittsfield.org/city_hall/parks_and_recreation/index.php
Give em all a months supply of depends.
just trying to be helpful ……………….. (one more arrow in our quiver, as Kerwood use to say)
Kuffkinks for town manager
“I’m not dying on that hill”
“Does this haircut make me look short?”
Cliff don’t care
Can they camp in the woods behind the mayors home?
She’ll do anything fo votes.
Democrat students disinvited Morse because of inappropriate behavior.
https://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/citing-inappropriate-behavior-3-democratic-student-groups-put-morse-at-arms-length,611067
I would like to hear the whole story. Did any of the college students flirt with Morse? Is this about inappropriate behavior and/or political retribution? He did apologize.
This is a way for progressive Democrats who have already picked a candidate to win, to nullify the “gay man” protected class of a candidate they don’t want in the race.
The Dems can’t come outright and admit he’s not who they want, they can’t marginalize him or they would be called homophobic.
So they drag out his love for younger men and his use of position to gain sexual favors.
Typical police answer to a tresspassing call.Yes,you have been trespassed for the umteenth time and you have been advised. So keep trespassing and we’ll keep advising you.
One does NOT have sex with one’s students, flirts or not. Period.
The university’s Title IX rules state, “faculty are prohibited from entering into a sexual relationship with any student or post-doc for whom the faculty member has any responsibility for supervision, evaluation, grading, advising, employment, or other instructional or supervisory activity.” None of the complainants were his students, from what I understand. If that is the case, no transgressions occurred.
Let’s see how the facts shake out, shall we?
August 9, 2020
I read Alan Chartock’s op-ed where he endorses +3-decades-long career and ultimate corporate politician named “PAC-Man” or Congressman Richard Neal. I would like to point out that mostly rural Western Massachusetts has a lot of poverty, joblessness, and homelessness. I have read the Boston Federal Reserve’s reports on Springfield through Pittsfield, and it basically states that the underclass is a structural and entrenched problem. Both Beacon Hill and Capitol Hill delegates from Western Massachusetts do nothing to address the scarcity of living wage jobs and safe affordable housing in their respective legislative districts. To illustrate, Western Massachusetts has decades of population and job loss. A majority of young adults cannot afford to live in the communities they grew up in because they have to move away to find living wage jobs that will support their respective families. To make matters worse, PAC-Man or Congressman Richard Neal takes in millions of dollars from K Street lobbyists. He chooses money and power over grassroots democracy. I believe PAC-Man or Congressman Richard Neal has sold out the people he supposedly represents in Western Massachusetts! I wish I didn’t have to say all of this, but it is the sad truth. Please note, I am not endorsing Alex Morse for U.S. Congress. Also, I am 100% sure that PAC-Man or Congressman Richard Neal will win his “1,000th” term on September 1, 2020. In closing, there is only one real political party on Capitol Hill, and it is the well taken care of Incumbents like Richard Neal.
– Jonathan Melle
In closing Mr. Melle, same shit, different park!
Two cents to add atop the 172 comments that are mostly totally off the map on this thread.
DAN brings to light here a where others have turned a bling eye to the neglect of another city park of unique nature. The rot and decay of the Berkshire County Softball Complex is insync the state of this city. It’s a mere wonder that the city allows for a once thriving city-owned property that has been privately managed for decades go to rack and ruin. The pictures of the clubhouse underscore the depth of neglect of the city. To attract a viable suitor to run the property and create a safe and enjoyable environment the city must be responsible for what has become of this once great place. There are indeed a number of issues across the city but this is one that could be effectively addressed with the rehabilitation or razing of the existing structure.
Per the article that you include I would say the code violations had the suitors running right for the hills. I would imagine that they did not what the liability of the structure on even their best day. There is most likely a future for this place post Covid but it starts with the city tearing down the club house and taking care of the mess off East Street before it becomes Springside Park 2.0. If the city were to follow through and cleanup up the place they should thing about reconnecting with the potential suitors that clearly give a damn about the place and give them a fair chance at being successful in operating the grounds as there seems seems to be some potential for a rebirth of adult rec sports in Pittsfield.
Let’s hear some more constructive thoughts here on this topic rather than the 172 off topic comments range to the moon and back.
RYAN
Thanks for addressing the topic of the column. It’s bizarre how unfocused this board can get.