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ROSSI PROBE YIELDS MORE SERVICE NET FIANCIALS … CEO STUBBS, @$225K+/YR., ‘FEELS GUILTY’

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BY DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE–LU, WEDNESDAY SEPT. 2, 2020) — While the homeless languish in Springside Park at night and bums overrun downtown Pittsfield by day, Mayor Linda Tyer continues to hide. ServiceNet abruptly closed the homeless facility at St. Joseph’s High School on Maplewood Avenue months ago and still no proper explanation of why. While other local media ignore this story, THE PLANET has been quietly at work, digging.

Today, we report the work of an investigation into ServiceNet’s financials.

Bottom line: ServiceNet spent $200,000 for staff at the Barton’s Crossing Shelter. It spent $1,762,506 on administrative and staff costs elsewhere. That’s almost 90% of the costs spent outside of Pittsfield.  Here’s the text of an e-mail summarizing the work of attorney Stacey Rossi of Williamstown. Rossi owns property in Pittsfield. The council can no longer claim ignorance or even (im)plausible deniability.

From: Stacey Elin Rossi <berkshirelegal@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, Aug 28, 2020 at 3:12 PM
Subject: Here are the figures you have requested from Jay Sacchetti
To: <amaffuccio@cityofpittsfield.org>, <hmoon@cityofpittsfield.org>, <patrickkavey@gmail.com>, <chrisjc1@charter.net>, <chrisjc1@nycap.rr.com>, <kmorandi@cityofpittsfield.org>

I figured I would save you some time and provide these to you myself. I compiled this data from the organization’s most recent Uniform Financial Statement and Independent Auditor’s Report (FY 2019, one of the years that was subject to State Auditor Bump’s report citing inadequate documentation which I am also attaching here, see https://www.gazettenet.com/State-auditor-calls-on-ServiceNet-to-improve-spending-oversight-30113643?fbclid=IwAR2G6M9nYajRFK9sZx-qix4gDtd-bDfDTmlB40zjLfCUvfzXFLuztIxt2Kg).

Interestingly, at the most recent City Council meeting, Mr. Sacchetti stated that payroll for Barton’s Crossing was approximately $200,000 per annum. This means that there is a roughly $1,762,506 difference between what the direct employee compensation is at Barton’s Crossing and the total employee compensation and related expenses ($1,962,506). In short, it appears that ServiceNet spends $200,000 for staff at the shelter and $1,762,506 goes to administrative and executive staff elsewhere.

Hope you find this useful.

Stacey Elin Rossi, Esq.
Rossi Legal Practice
56 Spring Street, #730
Williamstown, MA 01267
413-248-7622
It’s interesting that rather than rely on Sachetti, who as far as THE PLANET knows has not responded to councilors, Rossi undertook the job herself.
———- ooo ———-
Meanwhile, ServiceNet’s CEO Sue Stubbs, sent this message to staff on June 9, not long before the “non-profit” agency pulled out of SJHS. THE PLANET has added bold face.
———- ooo ———-

 

Sue Stubbs, ServiceNet CEO. She “feels guilty?” Is it her fat salary?

 

“Since late May, we have witnessed millions of people across the country marching in the streets … As a person with white privilege, I am ashamed that we have not been able to put an end to the racism that has plagued our country since its inception. …

“I am sad and angry. But I can only imagine what this experience is like … What it feels like to move through the world in fear that some unintentional misstep or random circumstance could lead to your death at the hands of a racist police officer. … And to worry 24/7 about the safety of your sons and daughters, even after you have had “the talk” and drilled into them how dangerous it could be to do anything that might remotely annoy a cop. …

“Those of us who enjoy white privilege need blah blah blah …”. At that we put this self-serving message out of its misery. We assure you the death was painless.

———- ooo ———-

THE PLANET‘s examination of the most recent tax forms available, TY2017, shows the salaries:

  •  Stubbs, 2017 salary $202,302 … “other compensation and benefits” $15,241 … total compensation $222,549.
  • James Frutkin, senior VP strategy. Salary $141,543 … “other compensation and benefits” $12,829 … total $154,362.
  • Abbas Hamdan, senior VP development. Salary $157,837 … other $15,247 … total $178,959.
  • Pittsfield’s own Jay Sachetti, VP shelter/substance. Salary $130,059 … other $6,227 … total $136,286.
  • How much of a percentage increase should we add to these three-year-old salaries? 10% 15% 20%.

If Stubbs feels so much guilt from “white privilege”, why doesn’t she refuse her fat salary and donate it all to charity?

You know the answer to that, Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski.


“Never make someone a priority when all you are for them is an option”Maya Angelou.

“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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North Stareetblows
North Stareetblows
3 years ago

Great info Staci…Dan! Good ol Sue Stubbs.

RN
RN
3 years ago

This is old old old news and pretty weak.
ServiceNet has over 1,400 employees and contractors. They actually subcontract out certain services.

Of course they spend most of their money outside of Pittsfield, most of their staff is outside of Pittsfield.
Also maybe report that although it may ave been $91k in errors most was journal entry errors, billing to the wrong programs.

If you want to look at the audit, why look at a stupid news article?
Here’s the actual audit
https://www.mass.gov/doc/audit-of-servicenet-inc/download

Here’s their contract for certain staff
Yes they have subcontracted union services with the UAW

https://uaw2322.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ServiceNet-Counselors-Contract-2021-web.pdf

https://www.geouaw.org/call-to-action-tell-servicenet-to-bargain-a-fair-contract-now/

Labor action against servicenet

https://casetext.com/admin-law/servicenet-inc-1

State filings

http://www.charities.ago.state.ma.us/charities/index.asp?charities_app_ctx=details&charities_sub_ctx=entry&origin=search&did=28323325&bod=1599000933

Stacey Rossi
Stacey Rossi
Reply to  RN
3 years ago

The point is that these monies are dedicated to specific Pittsfield programs.

Merry & Bright
Merry & Bright
Reply to  Stacey Rossi
3 years ago

Stacey, thanks so much for this information. Evidently our elected officials have yet to realize that they can’t look the other way or hide behind their ZOOM Hollywood Square screwed up communications meetings. Thankfully someone like you comes to the forefront and tells it like it is. Thanks again.

RN
RN
Reply to  Stacey Rossi
3 years ago

No. [!REDACTED!] Those monies are dedicated to both Pittsfield programs and support of clients from Pittsfield and associated “in-movers” and those who’s last known address before becoming homeless was Pittsfield. Their services are paid for based on their “last known permanent address.” [REDACTED]

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
3 years ago

I was sad to read about Remo Del Gallo’s passing on Tuesday morning. He was always very kind to me and my family when we lived in Berkshire County.

J2S
J2S
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
3 years ago

Enjoyed cold beers and those hamburgers with that large slice of onion on it many times served by Remo. He seemed like a caring man on the everyday issues.

TellitLikeitIs
TellitLikeitIs
Reply to  J2S
3 years ago

I went to his place back in 78, on my way to a date nearby. Ordered a cold one and he gave me the cold shoulder.

J2S
J2S
Reply to  TellitLikeitIs
3 years ago

Sorry to hear that. I must have caught him at a better time? I remember when GE employees would crowd the place after walk outs occurred. Same with the East Side. Late 60’s early 70’s.

Johnny Absurdo
Johnny Absurdo
Reply to  TellitLikeitIs
3 years ago

Probably because he did not serve minors.

TellitLikeitIs
TellitLikeitIs
Reply to  Johnny Absurdo
3 years ago

I was 18 and he served me after he carded me. Drinking age was 18 then. Let’s just say he didn’t offer me a second one. But the girl was delicious.

McSqueakyToy
McSqueakyToy
3 years ago

Well Squeaky backed the wrong horse in that race. She ain’t no king maker.
The Kennedy Dynasty is dead.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  danvalenti
3 years ago

The Planet was wrong last fall when the lovely Linda Tyer defeated Melissa Mazzeo.
The Incumbents won last night. Ed Markey and Richie Neal have been in public office since the dinosaurs roamed the Earth! Joe Kennedy had the same policy platform as Ed Markey. Why? If you want to oust an Incumbent, then one should state how his or her policy position are better than the status quo. Alex Morse had utopian policy position. Like Bernie Sanders, Alex Morse utopian policy positions never happen on Capitol Hill, which is ran by wealthy corporate K Street Lobbyist Firms that have given many millions of special interest dollars to Richie Neal.
What has either Ed Markey, who really lives in an upper class Maryland suburb, or Richie Neal, who really represents K Street, done for Massachusetts, especially Western Massachusetts? The true answer is absolutely NOTHING AT ALL!!!!
From my experience when my dad was a Berkshire County Commissioner for 3.5-years (1997-mid-2000), I saw Boston (“Big Dig”) and its wealthy suburbs (million dollar homes) get all of the state and federal money, while Western Massachusetts actually lost out financially. Peter Larkin and Daniel Bosley were Berkshire area State Representatives back then, and now they are both greedy State House lobbyists in Boston who also collect taxpayer-funded state pensions.
Politicians do a disservice to the taxpaying public. In closing, just look at the following debt clock web-site:

https://www.usdebtclock.org/

Also, look at Massachusetts’ debt clock web-site:

https://www.usdebtclock.org/state-debt-clocks/state-of-massachusetts-debt-clock.html

Our country’s children and grandchildren will inherit only debt!

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  danvalenti
3 years ago

I must have been confused. The lovely Linda Tyer won in 2019, while the lovely Melissa Mazzeo finished second. The Planet predicted the lovely Linda, but endorsed the lovely Melissa.

Merguez
Merguez
Reply to  danvalenti
3 years ago

If a Kennedy came along with real merit, I would consider voting for him or her but not just because he/she is a Kennedy. Ragin’ Rachel Rollins, who was AH’s mentor (recall trip to Portugal at the beginning of her term as DA) called Kennedy a “privileged and entitled person.” Baby Joe still has a long way to go – the Springside Park Pow-Wow was a debacle- is anyone else fed up the endless social media photo-ops that substitute for position papers/debate/ speechs? Yes, to the UK ridding itself of monarchy. Totally ridiculous waste of time and resources. Agree with RN that the original source – the audit- is far more usefull than a cite to Gazette news re: Servicenet $$$$$.

Tom Betit
Tom Betit
Reply to  Merguez
3 years ago

A Kennedy with merit?
Is that a new trendy liquor?

Merguez
Merguez
Reply to  Tom Betit
3 years ago

Sounds like a good venture!

Rector Sukail
Rector Sukail
Reply to  danvalenti
3 years ago

Who you got for President Dan.

James
James
Reply to  McSqueakyToy
3 years ago

It appears it was a vote against Harrington as Kennedy lost almost everywhere in the county. What has she done other than try to let gang bangers and thugs off as juvies or let them out on bail or get away with shoplifting? Needles anyone?

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  James
3 years ago

Hello Patrick Fennell,

Both political parties are STUPID! The United States Senate is still on its 25 day long vacation, which is ran by Mitch McConnell, who is a top Republican Party leader. Economic experts are all telling Capitol Hill to pass a new stimulus bill soon or else a lot more small businesses will shutter their doors this Fall, which will see the flu season on top of the COVID-19 pandemic. What is wrong with the U.S. Senate taking a 25 day long vacation, while around 1,000 Americans are dying everyday?

Best wishes,

Jonathan Melle

Merguez
Merguez
Reply to  James
3 years ago

It certainly means that Harrington is not a king maker. Joe didn’t even win in that hotspot of righteous pro-AH fervor, Great Barrington.

James
James
Reply to  Merguez
3 years ago

I think the majority of Democrats everywhere are tied of hearing these lefty loons declare openly they will not prosecute our laws. DA’s protect law abiding citizens, not criminals. BTW, when will we see transparency re all the crimes she has promised not to prosecute, as she promised during her campaign?

Maggie May
Maggie May
Reply to  James
3 years ago

Just like Cacca was crushed in a landslide that was pathetic ..even with little joey Peter pan having his mom calling everyone so sad

Pat
Pat
Reply to  James
3 years ago

We can’t win with either candidate though because Markey was backed by AOC and we know how far out in loony land she is with her Green New Deal.

Tom Betit
Tom Betit
Reply to  McSqueakyToy
3 years ago

Harrington, Morse, Kennedy and AOC are in the twilight of their careers.
Back to bartending and Starbucks.

Merguez
Merguez
Reply to  Tom Betit
3 years ago

I actually think the Green New Deal is important. Climate change is an existential threat.

J2S
J2S
Reply to  McSqueakyToy
3 years ago

Wonder how AH feels with our own little AOC (HM) picking the right horse? Of course TFB was in on it also.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  McSqueakyToy
3 years ago

Now if only the radical left would disappear.

Stubble And Beer
Stubble And Beer
Reply to  McSqueakyToy
3 years ago

bunch of lazy cops directing crane ave traffic while three car pile up on Benedict dalton ave. Doesn’t surprise me accident there dalton ave near Benedict is a speedway for years. Start giving citation and maybe defund police programs won’t exist.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
3 years ago

K Street won tonight, while Western Massachusetts lost once again. (Sarcasm): Congratulations to “PAC-Man” Richie Neal on his 17th term in U.S. Congress.

Merguez
Merguez
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
3 years ago

PAC-Man gets it done, Jon.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  Merguez
3 years ago

Hello again, Patrick Fennell,

Please read the following news article about the revolving door between “PAC-Man” Richard Neal and K Street.

https://readsludge.com/2020/09/01/richard-neals-inner-circle-of-corporate-lobbyists/

I believe Neal should be investigated by the U.S. House of Representatives for his cozy relationship with D.C. Lobbyist Firms!

Best wishes,

Jonathan Melle

Merguez
Merguez
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
3 years ago

Jon, if that were the trigger for an investigation there would be investigations of every member of Congress.

J2S
J2S
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
3 years ago

That is outright discrimination on your part JM! To leave out all the other politicians or family members who received support from the lobbyists is wrong. They all do it and some get more than others,the ones getting less doesn’t make it better or right. It’s all bs.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  J2S
3 years ago

I hope you don’t get sick and go to a hospital and end up with thousands of dollars is surprise medical billing because “PAC-Man” Richie Neal was influenced from K Street lobbyists to kill the bill to end surprise medical billing.

J2S
J2S
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
3 years ago

When I had my amputation there was no surprise billing.

Pat
Pat
3 years ago

So because they think that white privilege exists and that police are making certain groups of people uncomfortable, we need to get rid of all police for everyone and let lawlessness take over the country? Can someone please explain the logic in their argument because I don’t see any. Lots of people will die horrible deaths under their plan of no police including the people they want to protect from the police. Wouldn’t people of all races worry 24/7 about everyone they know and love if we have a lawless society because we don’t have police and criminals are out of control? I agree Dan that Sue Stubbs should donate her extremely high salary to charity if she has so much guilt.

Be The Change
Be The Change
3 years ago

Feeling “guilty”/Knowledge of intent.

Stacey Rossi
Stacey Rossi
3 years ago

The most recent tax form available is for FY 2018.

Johnny Absurds Accountant
Johnny Absurds Accountant
3 years ago

Why in the hell are we paying taxes? Our governement is running one huge scam and the supposed oversight is in on it.

Stacey Rossi
Stacey Rossi
Reply to  Johnny Absurds Accountant
3 years ago

Very good question. According to the Executive Office for Administration & Finance Operational Services Division’s FY ’2018 UFR Audit & Preparation Manual, “Public money derived from the Commonwealth is generally available for solving the health, welfare and community problems of society only after a determination has been made that all other sources of revenue, such as voluntary contributions from the general public, are not available.” ServiceNet receives money from the Department of Housing and Community Development, Department of Developmental Services, and Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission for its programs in Pittsfield.

Stacey Rossi
Stacey Rossi
Reply to  Johnny Absurds Accountant
3 years ago

and the Department of Public Health, I must add.

juicylucy
juicylucy
Reply to  Stacey Rossi
3 years ago

Thank you attorney Rossi for your knowledge and insight.

Hendrix
Hendrix
3 years ago

The people in the park have at least one thing going for them, they don’t drive. Took a walk up North St today to get a breakfast sandwich and on a largely desolate street there was the ever welcoming beacon of lights known as the meter maid. She was parked right outside the business that had 1 single car in front of it writing a ticket for said car. Between the lockdowns, local government playing favorites with who gets public money, and the city parking debacle, why anyone would consider remaining on North or opening a business is baffling. Unless of course you offer some form of public assistance, then you would have a large goldmine.

Also now that the primaries are over, what are the chances the DA gets back to what she was actually hired to do rather then turn a public office into a campaign HQ.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  Hendrix
3 years ago

Hello “Hendrix”, I agree with you about the homeless and poverty in inner city Pittsfield. I hope Pittsfield politics will approve the emergency homeless shelter tonight for the over 60 homeless people who need a roof over their heads, especially during the cold nights of Autumn and Winter. I have read many books concerning BUREAUCRACY over the course of my studies. The BUREAUCRATS are never fair and/or humane. Just look at the corrupt EPA and their plans to allow GE to put a toxic waste dump in Lee (Mass.) In closing, BUREAUCRACY is not about technical and rational operations, but rather, it is about power, money, privilege, and control/domination. If you kiss the right behinds, and have no dignity and self-respect, then you will go far in a BUREAUCRACY. If you stand up for what is right against those with power, money, privilege, and control/domination, then you will find yourself “pounding sand”.

Stooge Guin
Stooge Guin
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
3 years ago

The Mayor is leaving the situation in limbo because the city is not the professional,those service professionals closed the shelter. Stubbs feels your pain homeless ones. And you wonder why north st is dead

Ok Lumbeau
Ok Lumbeau
Reply to  Hendrix
3 years ago

On north you can get mugged,drugs,even get a quickly, anytime of the day or night.

Johnny Absurds Accountant
Johnny Absurds Accountant
Reply to  Ok Lumbeau
3 years ago

and you can probably get all that from the same person

Just don’t park in the wrong place while you are doing it lest ye get yerself a ticket

Bydone Bydon
Bydone Bydon
Reply to  Johnny Absurds Accountant
3 years ago

Now that’s diversified!

juicylucy
juicylucy
Reply to  Ok Lumbeau
3 years ago

Vibrant and Dynamic.

RN
RN
Reply to  juicylucy
3 years ago

Have you ever noticed Vibrant and Dynamic abbreviates to VD. And that Special Tyer incentives are STI

Stacey Rossi
Stacey Rossi
3 years ago

Here is the spreadsheet I compiled. I must make an amendment as when I was looking at the UFR Audit & Preparation Manual for the activity codes, I noticed that I have overlooked one Program in Pittsfield. That would be Berkshire Recovery Center, Program 054, with its revenue total of $68,697 ($46,619 of which is for employee compensation). I have adjusted the original table to reflect this addition. New figures tally: Total Pittsfield Employee Compensation $2,009,125. Sacchetti stated that ~$200,000 is spent at Barton’s Crossing for employee compensation. The difference is $1,809.125. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xU61zoQ2kOA1w9MOtJiU3dAOFuAqjM9x/view?usp=sharing

Bydone Bydon
Bydone Bydon
Reply to  Stacey Rossi
3 years ago

The mayor dropped the ball. It took her six months to persuade servicenyet to take responsibility.

Stacey Rossi
Stacey Rossi
Reply to  Stacey Rossi
3 years ago

Typo. Sure wish there was an edit feature. $1,809,125.

Stacey Rossi
Stacey Rossi
3 years ago

There are some other interesting findings from the FY2019 Uniform Financial Report (UFR). Only 2 of the 5 Department of Housing and Community Development Programs in Pittsfield are coded (Programs 06 and 06a). The others, 06b, 06c, and 007, are not. ServiceNet reports that it has $2,884,026 in revenue from the Department of Housing and Community Development (“OCD”) in total for the entire organization. However, when you total the 5 Pittsfield OCD programs alone, their UFR shows $2,522,852 in total expenses. I may be missing something, but something is NOT adding up here. There is no way that ServiceNet allocates $2,522,852 of its $2,884,026 in OCD revenue to Pittsfield, leaving only ~$300,000 for OCD operations in the other regions. Why are Programs 06b, 06c, and 007 not coded? I will be sending this information to the State Auditor by the end of the week if someone does not provide an explanation.

RN
RN
Reply to  Stacey Rossi
3 years ago

Because you are too stupid to understand how coding and Medicaid and other costs are allocated. Stick to chasing ambulances.

Stacey Rossi
Stacey Rossi
Reply to  RN
3 years ago

Explain it to us, then. (I’m not practicing law with this… merely trying to sort out issues related to ServiceNet) Why are there no MMARS program codes for Rapid Rehousing (Program 06b), Home Works (Program 06c), and Individual Homeless Shelters (Program 007) in ServiceNet’s FY2019 Uniform Financial Report? These three programs all appear to be programs that fall under the Department of Housing and Community Development. And what does Medicaid have to do with this spreadsheet which identifies all the MMARS program codes for each of ServiceNet’s programs funded with state money? Programs not funded with state money are identified as “Programs Not Funded with State Money” and, of course, have no MMARS code.  

RN
RN
Reply to  Stacey Rossi
3 years ago

When the censor releases the information you can read it and I can answer more

Stacey Rossi
Stacey Rossi
Reply to  RN
3 years ago

Furthermore, according to the UFR AUDIT & PREPARATION MANUAL, MMARS codes that are associated with Medicaid programs, they are identified as such.

For example, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind

2100 MEDICAL EVALUATION – NON-MEDICAID
2101 MEDICAL EVALUATION – MEDICAID
2103 DIAGNOSTIC & EVAL- MEDICAID
2105 HOME HEALTH AIDE – MEDICAID
2106 PHYSICAL & MENTAL REST
2109 PERSONAL VOC ADJUSTMENT– NON-MEDICAID
2110 PERSONAL VOC ADJUSTMENT- MEDICAID

see https://www.mass.gov/doc/ufr-audit-and-preparation-manual-for-fy2018/download

P.S. Regarding your comment up top – “If you want to look at the audit, why look at a stupid news article?”, if you read Dan’s post, you would see in my email that I wrote “… one of the years that was subject to State Auditor Bump’s report citing inadequate documentation which I am also attaching here, see [news article]” indicating that the audit was attached to the email. Why look at the “stupid news article”? Maybe if one wanted a summary of the 19 page report?

Joe Blow
Joe Blow
Reply to  RN
3 years ago

Wow…you are so nasty! Bedside manner of a rattlesnake.

Johnny Absurdo
Johnny Absurdo
Reply to  Joe Blow
3 years ago

Probably the hemmoroids

RN
RN
Reply to  Stacey Rossi
3 years ago

Because the funding comes from other sources. Coded programs are also for the purpose of BILLING. If the are not billing to that program there’s no code. If it’s a federal grant, grants or donations from third parties, those programs MAY be in support of coded programs but the coding is for billing.
If the state is paying for it, it’s coded.
It’s the same with DYS. But you send that on to Bump. She’s give you a remedial lesson in coded billing.

Stacey Rossi
Stacey Rossi
Reply to  RN
3 years ago

I appreciate the informative answer. Very helpful. Could do without the snark but shows your character. In any case, the issue of a gargantuan administrative bloat to the tune of $1,809,125 compared to ~$200,000 at SN’s Pittsfield programs. Of course, from a taxpayer’s perspective, how SN runs its operations is its business so long as no violation of public contracts occurs, etc. That being said, knowing what we know, advocates and organizers may look disfavorably upon the organization as a result and seek to build alternative solutions to the homeless issue.

RN
RN
Reply to  Stacey Rossi
3 years ago

Look the point is you don’t have to go down this rabbit hole at all.

It’s a question really of three things

Is the executive staff over paid?
It’s hard to tell because so many not for profits pay so much for management and executive teams it seems like a race to the top.

Are the underpaying frontline staff, probably but again unions are fighting tooth and nail for more pay. At what point does it become too much? Is $32 an hour too much for an overnight councilor responsible for 20 beds?
When a flag man makes $36 or a state trooper makes $51 for road detail work?

Is there waste and fraud?
Yes we know there is. Most of the “fraud” is bad accounting. You’ve gotta know none of these people want oversight, so they actually follow the rules as best they can. They rules are stupid and change and are actually very difficult. You can’t bill booze to program costs for entertainment to the state but you can to federal grants? Those kind of things.
You can’t bill pharmacy give outs to Pittsfield for addiction treatment but you can charge for the bottles they go in? So it’s free drugs and expensive bottles. Or create a “fund” with grant money and that fund can pay for the prescriptions at retail prices, and that fund can then be reimbursed out of the Pittsfield money because it’s an “indirect service or program cost”.

Ms. Rossi, You lack the imagination and lack of ethics it takes to ferret this all out. Even if you did, they would just say whoops, take a slap in the wrist and get twice as many contracts next week.

BHS makes these guys look like children.
WAMC has a good shell game going
Hancock Village, Tanglewood, BTG. I’ve been on boards and committees at every one.
The quid pro quo is disgusting.

And then what are you really going to do? Send it to bumps office.
She committed tens of thousands of dollars of tax fraud BEFORE she was elected and she still got elected.
http://archive.boston.com/news/politics/articles/2010/10/07/auditor_candidate_claimed_two_property_tax_exemptions/?page=2

Stacey Rossi
Stacey Rossi
3 years ago

If anyone is interested in the raw data (UFR) from which I compiled the Pittsfield data, here it is: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QwCpjHTfYLVY_2OE1RM-xjGdBBLkb0ap/view?usp=sharing

Merguez
Merguez
Reply to  Stacey Rossi
3 years ago

scared to open that link!

Stacey Rossi
Stacey Rossi
Reply to  Merguez
3 years ago

Oh, it’s a google doc. Sorry the link looks scary.

J2S
J2S
3 years ago

Homeless condos being built? That’s what it appears to be in a photo from a recent letter to the editor.

https://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/letter-love-our-neighbors-as-ourselves-including-those-experiencing-
homelessness,612581

J2S
J2S
Reply to  J2S
3 years ago

Sorry link won’t open.

RN
RN
Reply to  J2S
3 years ago

To the editor:

This letter is in regards to the proposed homeless shelter on Fenn and Pearl streets, at the First United Methodist Church in Pittsfield.

I understand the concerns expressed by some merchants and citizens. What I’d like to point out is that most of the homeless population has been here all along anyway, doing the same things for many years. There won’t be new or more smoking or hanging around the downtown area than there has always been.

Barton’s Crossing (the present shelter) is on outer North Street. It is a very old facility with mold, mildew and infrastructure problems, and needed to be replaced anyway.

As a trustee and lifelong member of the Methodist Church, I have seen a working relationship form over the years between the receivers of our outreaches (such as the soup kitchen and food pantry) into taking part in helping with these efforts themselves. What greater gift can we give to others than to acknowledge them and invite them to be part of our community?

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER THESE ADS

Many of the homeless didn’t come from stable, comforting family situations and the blessings that some of us have. So, in many cases this is a “If but the grace of God go I” situation. Aren’t we all asked to “Love our neighbor as ourselves?”

The main difference the new shelter at FUMC would make is, instead of homeless people being in the alleys between our downtown buildings, they will be offered a chance to be inside our building. This will actually reduce the problem for both our fellow downtown building owners and our homeless population.

This is why I ask for the support of the community at large for this project.

Alan Honig,

Pittsfield

J2S
J2S
Reply to  RN
3 years ago

Thanks RN,
I was hoping the picture of the condo popped up. It took some effort to build that and was wondering if more were being built?

Truthsayer
Truthsayer
3 years ago

OFF TOPIC NEWS – Word is that our illustrious chief of county law enforcement, Andrea Harrington, got pulled over going the wrong way on Gordon Street. She was driving with a suspended license and did get written up because the officer didn’t recognize her.

Two Cents
Two Cents
Reply to  Truthsayer
3 years ago

Probably trying to find her way to the courthouse again!

Ghost Rider
Ghost Rider
Reply to  Truthsayer
3 years ago

Short cut to George’s!!

juicylucy
juicylucy
Reply to  Truthsayer
3 years ago

Suspended License?

Stacey Rossi
Stacey Rossi
Reply to  juicylucy
3 years ago

Misdemeanor in NJ

Rector Sukail
Rector Sukail
Reply to  Stacey Rossi
3 years ago

Huh. Suspended for what?

McSqueaky Toy
McSqueaky Toy
Reply to  Rector Sukail
3 years ago

Not paying taxes

James
James
Reply to  juicylucy
3 years ago

Chief law enforcement officer in the county does not pay her taxes repeatedly and was driving with a suspended license. Big story anywhere but here apparently.

Agent 86
Agent 86
Reply to  juicylucy
3 years ago

expired?

EWendt
EWendt
Reply to  Truthsayer
3 years ago

Oh it’s hardly off topic. What a bozo explosion.

James
James
Reply to  EWendt
3 years ago

Funny if not so serious. Operating a motor vehicle after your driver’s license has been suspended is a criminal violation in Massachusetts. The penalty upon conviction, 1st offense for operating after suspension (OAS) is up to 10 days in jail, or a fine not less than $500 up to $1,000; or both jail and fine

RNtoo
RNtoo
Reply to  James
3 years ago

Page one Eagle, I predict

RNtoo
RNtoo
Reply to  Truthsayer
3 years ago

I’m guessing she doesn’t pay her tickets or taxes because rules don’t apply in her alternate universe. Working on campaigns is an excellent use of her time. Just please please keep her away from legal matters!

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  RNtoo
3 years ago

Typical leftist – “the rules don’t apply to me.”
Marital issues? Alcohol issues?

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  RNtoo
3 years ago

What is worse? Then Berkshire County D.A. Gerry Downing illegally hiding exculpatory evidence (for nearly 2 decades since the mid-1980’s through his [Downing’s] death in late-2003) to frame Bernard Baran, and then the next D.A., David Capeless, waiting a couple of years to release the illegally withheld audio tape recordings of the sexually exploited young children to the Massachusetts Appeals Court – OR – the current D.A. “ Andrea Harrington, got pulled over going the wrong way on Gordon Street. She was driving with a suspended license and did get written up because the officer didn’t recognize her.” – and – her “not pay[ing] her taxes repeatedly.”?

I would say that D.A. Downing and D.A. Capeless were a lot more wrong than D.A. Harrington!

James
James
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
3 years ago

I predict Melle will need a lawyer soon. Any takers?

Agent 86
Agent 86
Reply to  James
3 years ago

Matlock ?

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  James
3 years ago

Why? For my Constitutional Right to Freedom of Speech? Or for Speaking the Truth in the face of injustice? Or all of the above?

Agent 86
Agent 86
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
3 years ago

More like freedom of screech.

McSqueaky Toy
McSqueaky Toy
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
3 years ago

You have no constitutional rights here. This isn’t the government, this is a private.

Truthsayer
Truthsayer
Reply to  danvalenti
3 years ago

My info comes from PPD and within just an FYI for you. Give it a poke and watch the spin.

EWendt
EWendt
Reply to  Truthsayer
3 years ago

Yes, here comes the “We struggle” spin from someone earning $170K+ with a state provided vehicle who despite having zero experience legally or administratively is in charge of the largest law office in the county and a nearly $5M budget. Let that sink in.

Maggie May
Maggie May
Reply to  EWendt
3 years ago

Anybody know if Dana has made her way through the Fat married man down south yet? asking for a wife

Maggie May
Maggie May
Reply to  James
3 years ago

Creepy James come out of Ma’s basement..

Agent 86
Agent 86
Reply to  Truthsayer
3 years ago

arresting offence in mass?

MrsMiaWallace
MrsMiaWallace
Reply to  Agent 86
3 years ago

Yes

Maggie May
Maggie May
Reply to  MrsMiaWallace
3 years ago

How about kids at college if they get caught with weed? before it was legal hmm

Bunco Squad
Bunco Squad
Reply to  danvalenti
3 years ago

Was her first call to the chief or the mayor?

Johnny Absurdo
Johnny Absurdo
Reply to  Bunco Squad
3 years ago

Cliffy

Merguez
Merguez
Reply to  Johnny Absurdo
3 years ago

He is retired but still…you’re probably right.

Johnny Absurdo
Johnny Absurdo
Reply to  Merguez
3 years ago

He still has retroactive clout

Agent 86
Agent 86
3 years ago

Service net is a better racket than what’s used for a Pittsfield pickle ball tournament.

Agent 86
Agent 86
3 years ago

Squeaky must be having severe financial issues. She must have gone to Springside Pk. a few weeks ago to check out living space if she looses the house.

Stubble And Beer
Stubble And Beer
Reply to  Agent 86
3 years ago

Stubbs has to not one persons back…..The Mayor

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
3 years ago

Nan Bookless stated:

It’s Unanimous: Shelter Waivers Approved!
Thank you to the Pittsfield Community Development Board for taking the time to listen, consider, and vote to approve the waivers needed to begin the renovation of First United Methodist Church’s classrooms to a new shelter for people experiencing homelessness in Pittsfield and Berkshire County.

Agent 86
Agent 86
3 years ago

There are approximately 64 ways to lose your license. The following is a list of Massachusetts License Suspension or Revocation Reasons. Many of these are automatic suspensions which are triggered by the court notifying the RMV of a conviction for a triggering offense. Out of state violations committed by someone living or licensed in Massachusetts will count as if they had occurred in Massachusetts.

65 WAYS TO LOSE YOUR LICENSE

Abandoning a Motor Vehicle, (90 day to 1 year suspension), G.L. c. 90 § 22
Allowing or Employing an Unlicensed Person to Operate, (up to 1 year, license and/or registration suspension), G.L. c. 90 § 12
Allowing an IID restricted driver to use a non IID vehicle, (up to 1 year license suspension), G.L. c. 90 § 12
Breathalyzer Failure, above .08 BAC. (30 days), G.L. c. 90 § 24(1)(f)(2)
Bribing an official regarding a Driver’s License (60 day disqualification) 540 CMR 2.06(a)(5)
Cheating on the Driver’s License Written Test (60 day disqualification) 540 CMR 2.06(5)(a)
Chemical Test Refusal (Breathalyzer Refusal), (180 days to lifetime), G.L. c. 90 § 24(1)(f)(1)
Complaint of Improper Operation / Incompetent Operator. G.L. c. 90 § 22(b)
Complaint Regulatory
CDL Violations, (up to lifetime revocation & disqualification) G.L. c. 90F § 9
Drag Racing: 30 day minimum suspension, up to 3 years, depending on whether driver has a regular license, JOL, or Learner’s Permit and whether it is first or subsequent offense. G.L. c. 90 § 17B
Drug Violations, (up to 5 year suspension), G.L. c. 90 § 22
Fake ID or False License (6 months to 1 year suspension), G.L. c. 138 § 34B, G.L. c. 90 § 22(e)
False License Application (6 months to 1 year suspension) G.L. c. 90 § 24B (“COMP FRAUD LIC/ID”)
False Motor Vehicle Insurance Claim (1 year suspension), G.L. c. 26 § 8B
Failure to File Accident Report, (indefinite), G.L. c. 90 § 26
Failure to Appear on Criminal Automobile Law Violation, (Indefinite license revocation), G.L. c. 90C § 3
Failure to Notify the RMV re: change of name or address, G.L. c. 90 § 26A
Failure to pay child support, (indefinite revocation), G.L. c. 119 § 16A, G.L. c. 90 § 22
Failure to pay parking tickets on lease or rental car (indefinite), G.L. c. 90 § 20E
Failure to pay Required Fees to the RMV
Failure to pay motor vehicle sales tax
Failure to pay Property Damage Judgment (indefinite), G.L. c. 90 § 22A
Failure to Register as Sex Offender, (indefinite) G.L. c. 6 § 178C
Failure to stop for a school bus, 2nd or subsequent offense, (1 year revocation), G.L. c. 90 § 14
Habitual Traffic Offender: 3 major or 12 minor traffic violations, or any combination thereof, within any 5 year period. (4 year revocation) G.L. c. 90 § 22F
Handicap Plate or Placard Violations, (30 days to 1 year revocation)
Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Violations, (10 years to lifetime), G.L. c. 90 § 24.5
Illegally Carrying Firearms in a Motor Vehicle (1 year suspension), G.L. c. 140 § 131C
Immediate Threat to Public Safety (Indefinite Suspension) G.L. c. 90 § 22(a)
JOL – Driving Outside of Hours or Passenger Restriction Violation, (60 days to 1 year) G.L. c. 90 § 8
Learner’s Permit Violations: Driving without Licensed Person in vehicle or outside of hours (60 days to 1 year) G.L. c. 90 § 8B
Leaving the Scene of an Accident, (1 to 10 year license suspension), G.L. c. 90 § 24
Littering, (up to 30 day suspension), G.L. c. 90 § 22G, G.L. c. 270 § 16
Medical Reasons including seizures or loss of consciousness, poor vision, psychiatric conditions, diabetes, epilepsy, and various other medical conditions which effect the safe operation of a motor vehicle. (Indefinite Revocation) G.L. c. G.L. c. 90 § 22(b)
Minor in Possession of Alcohol, (90 day revocation), G.L. c. 138 § 34C
Obstructing a Police, Fire, or Emergency Vehicle, 3rd offense, (driver retraining class), G.L. c. 89 § 7 
Operating After Suspension, (60 days to 1 year) G.L. c. 90 § 23
Operating so as to Endanger, Negligent Operation, (60 days to 3 years), G.L. c. 90 § 24
Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle (60 day to 1 year suspension), G.L. c. 90 § 34J
Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (OUI), (45 days to lifetime), G.L. c. 90 § 24
Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (OUI) with Child Endangerment (1 to 3 years), G.L. c. 90 § 24V
Operating Under the Influence Causing Serious Bodily Injury (2 years), G.L. c. 90 § 24L
Out of State Violations (indefinite), G.L. c. 90 § 22(c)
Out of State Violations – CDL (indefinite) G.L. c. 90F § 8
Payment Default: failure to pay a traffic ticket (Indefinite) G.L. c. 90C § 3(A)(6)
Procuring Alcohol for a Minor, (180 day suspension), G.L. c. 138 § 34A
Refusal to Have Tractor Trailer Weighed, (90 day license suspension), G.L. c. 90 § 19A
Refusal to Submit to a Police Officer / Failure to Stop, (60 days), G.L. c. 90 § 25, 540 CMR 2.06(5)(b)(4)
Registration Violations (6 month suspension), G.L. c. 90 § 3
3 speeding tickets in a year, with the year being measured from conviction date to conviction date (30 day suspension) G.L. c. 90 § 20
1 or more Speeding Tickets while on a learner’s permit (90 day suspension for 1st offense & 1 year for 2nd or subsequent) G.L. c. 90 § 20
Speeding Tickets while on a Junior Operator (JOL) License (90 days for 1st offense & 1 year for 2nd offense) G.L. c. 90 § 20
Stealing, Stripping, or Vandalizing a Motor Vehicle, (1 to 5 year license revocation), G.L. c. 266 § 28
Stealing, Forging, or Falsifying RMV Documents, (1 year revocation), G.L. c. 90 § 24B
Tagging, (1 year suspension), G.L. c. 266 § 126A
Texting or Using a Cell Phone While Driving (JOL Only) 60 day suspension for 1st offense, 180 days for 2nd offense, 1 year for 3rd offese.
Tinted Windows, 3rd offense, (90 day suspension), G.L. c. 90 § 9D
5 Surchargable Events in any 3 year period (indefinite suspension until NSC Attitudinal Dynamics of Driving Class is taken) G.L. c. 175 § 113B. After October, 2010 this will be replaced by 3 surchargeable events within any 2 year period.
7 Surchargable Events in any 3 year period (60 day suspension) G.L. c. 175 § 113B
Using a Motor Vehicle without Authority, (1 to 3 year revocation), G.L. c. 90 § 24
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) related Violations: (1 year suspension). G.L. c. 266 § 139
Vehicular Homicide, (15 year to lifetime revocation), G.L. c. 90 § 24G
Vehicular Manslaughter, (15 year to lifetime revocation), G.L. c. 265, § 131/2
Youth Alcohol Program (180 days), G.L. c. 90 § 24P
Warrants, any outstanding arrest warrants, (indefinite license suspension), G.L. c. 90 § 22

Thee Izzues
Thee Izzues
Reply to  Agent 86
3 years ago

Drag racing? Is road rage on there?

Johnny Absurdo
Johnny Absurdo
Reply to  Agent 86
3 years ago

Pretty inclusive list. And yet, in Pittsfield people drive like maniacs blowing through red lights and stop signs and crosswalks at high speeds hitting houses and knocking over telephone poles. None of these people seem concerned about losing their license.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
3 years ago

Carole Owens’ op-ed in The Berkshire Edge explains how Trump is using similar Nazi-tactics that Hitler used in Kristallnacht, which is the night of November 9-10, 1938, was when German Nazis attacked Jewish persons and property.

https://theberkshireedge.com/connections-103

Donald Trump is a dangerous man and I hope he is defeated by Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on November 3rd, 2020.

– Jonathan Melle

Come On Man
Come On Man
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
3 years ago

Eye roll

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

Melle = Marxist

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
3 years ago

That is so much nonsense Jonathan and by the Berkshire Eagle yet, the most far left newspaper in the country. Meanwhile in real life our schools are indoctrinating and brainwashing K-12 and our colleges with Marxism which is what Germany did with Hitler youth. Wake up Jonathan and realize that everything the liberals are accusing President Trump and the Republicans of doing is what the liberals are doing. Their rioters in the street calling people “fascists” when in fact their tactics of “everybody must think like I do” is the real fascism.

Johnny Absurdo
Johnny Absurdo
Reply to  Pat
3 years ago

Speaking of brainwashing, exactly what techniques did Putin use on the Trump family? I mean it was like he sprinkled fairy dust on them and they just seem to join the KGB and are the best agents he has in his effort to destroy America.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Johnny Absurdo
3 years ago

That whole Russia/Trump collusion has been shown to be false so many times that this is getting really old.

Johnny Absurdo
Johnny Absurdo
Reply to  Pat
3 years ago

Actually Putin himself has been bragging and laughing about it. He sent TRump a box of chocolates for not saying anything about the bounties he put on American soldiers heads.

J2S
J2S
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
3 years ago

Every 2-4 years during election cycles you can count on identity politics being used for gain. Instead of the bread and butter issues that are far more important to the entire voting people. Those identity politics are usually used when the opposition has nothing meaningful to offer. It is a diversion from having to talk of their lack of offering something new that moves us forward on the current issues. Actually, many times current issues are old recycled ones because the politicians never took care of them in the first place.

Edward R. Murrow
Edward R. Murrow
3 years ago

Time.com
October 26, 2016

“Hillary Clinton Leads Donald Trump by 14 Points Nationally in New Poll”

https://time.com/4546942/hillary-clinton-donald-trump-lead-poll/

Trust the polls.

Edward R. Murrow
Edward R. Murrow
3 years ago

Tom Terrific, RIP.

Back when men were men and baseball was fun.

He also hosted an awesome sports show back in the day, but the name escapes me.

J2S
J2S
Reply to  Edward R. Murrow
3 years ago

Tom Seaver, 69 Miracle Mets!

Johnny Absurdo
Johnny Absurdo
Reply to  J2S
3 years ago

I watched that whole series. He worked for peanuts compared to what great pitchers get now. They would have to pay Tom Seaver about a billion dollars a year to play these days.

J2S
J2S
Reply to  Johnny Absurdo
3 years ago

So true JA. The athletes back then seemed to play for the love of the game. Even though they were paid good salaries for the time, they played hard. Now these spoiled athletes break a fingernail and they sit out a few games.

J2S
J2S
Reply to  danvalenti
3 years ago

A memory you will cherish! Glad you mentioned the time he spent with you personally teaching you the mechanics. Not many do that anymore. I sat with some Celtic players and Johnny Most having a few cold ones. Johnny was great. A time I’ll never forget. Danny Ainge, Mchale, Reggie Lewis (rip) and a couple others.

J2S
J2S
Reply to  danvalenti
3 years ago

I will take the time to have a look at it to see what you describe. Funny how people miss those things (MECHANICS) while focused on the game. I do it all the time.

J2S
J2S
Reply to  danvalenti
3 years ago

Dan,
You were spot on.Tom’s knee is dragging into the dirt just about. Shows him pushing off like no tomorrow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRxQNcepHak

Edward R. Murrow
Edward R. Murrow
Reply to  danvalenti
3 years ago

Goes for the entire(?) pitching staff of the 1969 Mets.

Ryan, Gentry, McGraw, et al.

Dip ‘n’ Drive.

J2S
J2S
Reply to  J2S
3 years ago

Also I have a picture of Bird shooting over Akeem O.of the Houston Rockets (swish) that I took at the Garden. I blew it up and framed it. I was a couple rows back of the Celts bench. The Chaplin of the team Bill A. got them.

Edward R. Murrow
Edward R. Murrow
Reply to  Edward R. Murrow
3 years ago

Saturday nights after “Emergency” only thing on our 12 channels was the Mets.

Not sure why I remember this. Aaron vs. Seaver, at Shea, I believe.

Tom busts one inside to Hank, off the plate.

Hank turns on it and puts it in the upper deck down the left field line–but foul.

Still amazed that anyone could even get any wood on that pitch, never mind drive it 450 ft.

I think Aaron was saying, “I can handle that pitch, Tom. No one else can. So maybe try something else.”

Kermit Frog
Kermit Frog
3 years ago

The New York Times ran an article about upper west side indignation over the homeless in Covid hotels there. It was very NIMBY of the pissed off progressive types living on the upper west side. And none of those Covid hotel people were kicked out to live in the park.
I wonder if the dingbat running WhatTheHellNet net has any shame over her job performance?
Thanks for the Maya Angelou quote.
Thank you Staci for making such an effort.

Last edited 3 years ago by Kermit Frog
Gigi
Gigi
3 years ago

Gov. Andrew (Grandma Slayer) Cuomo threatened Trump because Trump is looking at pulling funding from Democrat cities that allow mayhem. Good for Trump!

https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/09/02/gov-cuomo-trump-better-have-an-army-if-he-thinks-hes-gonna-walk-down-the-street-in-new-york/

Johnny Absurdo
Johnny Absurdo
Reply to  Gigi
3 years ago

Yah, democratic cities don’t need police or fire protection anyway. Typical Trump throwing out the baby with the bath water. Hope none of your family or friends live in democratic states dude.

Acute Angina
Acute Angina
3 years ago

Which DA office employee is squeaky”s chauffeur now?

RNtoo
RNtoo
Reply to  Acute Angina
3 years ago

I would be interested in a list of cases the DA’s office declined to prosecute under DA Harrington’s reform policy. How would I get that information? An FOI request letter?

MrsMiaWallace
MrsMiaWallace
Reply to  RNtoo
3 years ago

Yes

Stacey Rossi
Stacey Rossi
Reply to  RNtoo
3 years ago

First, the MA DA world is not federal, so the applicable law is the MA Public Records Law (if I am citing that correctly) not the Freedom of Information Act. Here is my BASIC understanding (as I do not practice criminal law at all). Whatever information someone from the public can get will always be incomplete, as the system stands now, in terms of criminal “cases” and whether or not they are prosecuted. One might make a well-tailored request for the DAMION (the DAs’ database) records for information such as that which was fought for by the Boston Globe:

Case ID Number; Offense Date; Case filing Date; Docket number; Court name where the case was handled; Criminal Count Number; Charge/crime Code (Ex: C266 sl); Charge/crime Description (Ex: Arson of dwelling house); Charge/crime Type (Ex: Arson); Department that filed the charge; Way charge was initiated (Ex: grand jury indictment, filed by police…etc.); Defendant ID Num (Internal tracking number used by DA’s office to identify defendant); Defendant Race/ Ethnicity; Defendant Gender; Judge’s Name who handles the disposition; Disposition Date; Disposition Code; Disposition Description; Disposition Type; Disposition/sentenced recommended by prosecutor for each charge; Sentence Type; Sentence Description; Case status. 

[See this long ongoing case: https://www0.bostonglobe.com/business/2019/01/08/das-will-appeal-court-order-turn-over-files-globe/7lSd6GSyI0DLtbf63OoXNI/story.html
https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2019/04/19/DAR%20-%20SJC-12722.pdf

The local DA’s office should already have all this information ready, per the Globe case, as the Appellate Court ruled in the newspaper’s favor; so I would think that the DA complied with the court order, compiled the data, and sent it over [to the Globe/Plaintiff]. Whether or not the office provides the information again, to another requester, is another story. Does the requester want to fight this kind of fight to get the information if and when denied?

Another issue is that not all citizen complaints to the police get to the DA’s office. What happens when one makes the police report: the reports go to the Clerk-Magistrate, who then decides whether or not to hold a Show Cause hearing. It is at the Show Cause hearing that a complaint is issued (if cause) or not (if no cause). Here’s the rub. The Clerk-Magistrate not only has full discretion whether or not to hold these hearings, he or she does not have to provide ANY information to the public regarding these potential cases (police reports).

So, I guess the answer to your question depends on what you mean by “case.”

Last edited 3 years ago by Stacey Rossi
Merguez
Merguez
Reply to  RNtoo
3 years ago

Yes. There is. FOIA request form available online.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
3 years ago

Hello Patrick Fennell,

Thank you for your response. The Berkshire Edge should print letters from all sides. COVID-19 is hitting the elderly, as 40% of deaths occur in long term care facilities and nursing homes, and poor minority populations in America. Trump should have done more about these crises. Instead, he is blaming cities, which vote Democrat, and says he is trying to protect upper class suburbs by defending law and order.

The following are some items that show that Trump = Hitler:

“Donald Trump has been an open racist for much of his adult life. He defended white supremacists after Charlottesville, told congresswomen of color to “go back where they came from,” filled his administration with bigots and inspired white nationalist terrorists.” – Heidi Hess, Co-Director, CREDO Action from Working Assets, September 2, 2019.

“[Trump’s comments] that there should be a religious test imposed on entering the U.S. or the fact that there should be state-sponsored torture or that families of suspected terrorists should all be killed — all of those things are violations of international human rights law and the values that underlie that,” she [Amal Clooney] said, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Stephen Bannon, former CEO of the extreme right-wing conservative outlet Breitbart News, is known for his record of sickening and dangerous attacks against women, people of color, the LGBTQ community, immigrants, Jews, and Muslims. – Michael Brune, Executive Director, Sierra Club

Donald Trump stands for White Nationalism.

White supremacy is based on a racist belief that white people are innately superior to people of other races; white nationalism is about maintaining political and economic dominance, not just a numerical majority or cultural hegemony.

The white nationalist movement argues that the United States should protect its white majority by sharply limiting immigration, and perhaps even by compelling nonwhite citizens to leave.

In closing, Trump is taking our beloved and great country down a slippery slope. Trump is similar to Hitler, and I do, indeed believe that Trump is a dangerous U.S. President.

Best wishes,

Jonathan Melle

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

Melle,
Your argument that Trump is Hitler – is based on comments made by air-head actress AMAL CLOONEY??!! Pathetic!

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

Our country was founded on Human Rights, which was a quote from the 40th U.S. President named Ronald Reagan.

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

The Hollywood Reporter is your source? Again, pathetic!

Verbal Beach
Verbal Beach
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
3 years ago

Why isbiden lowering his head and breathing so hard. This guys falling apart. Am I wrong?

J2S
J2S
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
3 years ago

Once again you prove why you are considered the undisputed champ at the game of Twister, at least on this blog.

Johnny Absurdo
Johnny Absurdo
3 years ago

Rumor on the 411 that the local paper is dropping the Sun and Mon. editions. I generally take that source with a grain of salt but even a broken clock can be used as a paper weight.

J2S
J2S
Reply to  Johnny Absurdo
3 years ago

Interesting if true JA. Wouldn’t the Sunday edition be the one they would want to keep? It must be worse than they are letting on.

McSqueaky Toy
McSqueaky Toy
Reply to  J2S
3 years ago

No because they convert the Sunday into a Saturday delivery weekend edition. Then print Sunday and Monday on Tuesday.
This is what papers do before they fold or drag it out by then going to e-version for a year or two.

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  Johnny Absurdo
3 years ago

They should completely drop all editions Sunday THRU Saturday. I can dream….

jon doe
jon doe
Reply to  Johnny Absurdo
3 years ago

Sunday seems highly unlikely. Probably the most profitable paper of the week. The free standing inserts alone make a ton of money and people actually have the time to read the paper on Sunday. Now Monday….well, that wouldn’t surprise me.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
3 years ago

Hello Patrick Fennell,

Thank you for your response. I don’t fully understand “Inside the D.C. Beltway” politics either. When the economy and financial system collapsed in 2008, U.S. Congress and The White House not only bailed out Wall Street with trillions of tax dollars, but also, they bailed out foreign banks who did business on Wall Street. I really don’t think that the Founding Fathers (& Mothers), who rebelled against Great Britain over economic and financial oppression, would support using American tax dollars to bailout foreign banks.

I am also upset with how much corrupt influence K Street in D.C. has over Capitol Hill, including “PAC-Man” Richie Neal. I really don’t think that the Founders would have envisioned an Army of K Street lobbyists running the federal government. Then there is the 27 trillion dollar U.S. national debt that is projected to grow to 78 trillion over the next 8 years in 2028. Capitol Hill is similar to Napoleon running the printing presses several centuries ago. The federal government is printing trillions of dollars out of thin air. It is the worst of the worst kind of economics.

I have a good heart, which means I can never support Donald Trump as our country’s U.S. President. Unlike Trump, I believe in Human Rights, which was what our country and laws are founded on. All I want from a politician, no matter their partisan background, is to stand for Human Rights and give every American Citizen a fair shot in life. I believe our country should not have such a large population in the underclass, especially our youth. I also believe every American Citizen should live on safe streets, be able to attend well performing public schools, live in an affordable home, have equal access to healthcare, and be able to earn a living wage and save for their retirement.

In closing, I agree with you that our politicians do not always mean well. I understand that the economic system has unfair rules that tells the common people: “Heads Wall Street and the Billionaires always win, Tails the common people always lose”. I understand that over the past 4 decades, the “Have Nots” have not gotten ahead of the game, while the “Haves” have substantially grown their wealth. We need to change our economic system soon, or else all the children of tomorrow’s America will only inherit today’s unsustainable debts.

Best wishes,

Jonathan Melle

J2S
J2S
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
3 years ago

Another Pen Pal letter?

McSqueaky Toy
McSqueaky Toy
Reply to  J2S
3 years ago

This is absurd. I know it’s Dan’s blog but think about the people that don’t post here anymore because in order to read comments they have to scroll through JM mental absurdities.

Acute Angina
Acute Angina
Reply to  McSqueaky Toy
3 years ago

Was this an open letter to Pat Fennel?

Chuck Garivaltis
Chuck Garivaltis
3 years ago

So Remo’s gone. I’ll miss him. I spent a lot of time in Remo’s bar when I was active in politics. Ray was intelligent, fair, likeable, and a friend. His advice always was first class. Always to help you, not to harm. All the big shot phonies who stopped by to have their tea were treated with respect, but we knew the phonies. Bones was there, as was best friend Jimmy, Pete was there, too, always. If you had a beer at Remo’s at that time you understand what I mean. I’ll miss the man. Bye, Remo, I’ll miss you, and God bless.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  Chuck Garivaltis
3 years ago

I always like Remo, too, Chuck.

Terry Rumfeva
Terry Rumfeva
Reply to  Chuck Garivaltis
3 years ago

I just saw about ten minutes ago a bunch of black teenagers chasing a white girl down first street near Cumberland farms going north. WTH? Where are the cops?

Thomas More
Thomas More
Reply to  Chuck Garivaltis
3 years ago

Have to agree Chuck – those were the greatest of Friday nights. I remember so well explaining to Bones why you got more votes than he did. They were truly the best of tines, Pete Miller would sometimes drop in. Ted Kennedy one night bought every one in the bar a drink and didn’t have any money. Asked Ray if he took Diner’s Club. Those times can never be recreated. We’ll all miss him. I was there and I understand Chuck. We’re getting fewers in numbers..

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
3 years ago

Dear Honorable Massachusetts State Representative Smitty Pignatelli,

I am writing this letter to you as a friend from when you served on the Berkshire County Commission for 2 years (1997-1998) with my dad, Bob. GE is nearly financially insolvent. GE’s net market capitalization is $4 billion, and it has been going down for years. The Housatonic River cleanup project that is still in the public comment phase will cost at least $1 billion. Pittsfield’s so-called cleanup project cost over $500 million. I understand that you, Smitty, have a degree in Finance and you once worked at a bank in Lee (Mass.), which is the town GE plans to put a toxic waste dump in. Please do the math, Smitty! GE is nearly insolvent, and the cleanup project over one dozen years cost at least $1 billion. GE has yet to make a financial commitment, and there is not even one penny in an escrow or trust account. The corrupt EPA and nearly insolvent GE 2020 settlement is nothing more than an empty promise. Please read the following online news article about GE’s diminishing financial situation. Please know that I am sending this letter to you as an old friend from 1997 – 1998 when you were a Berkshire County Commissioner with my dad.

https://www.axios.com/general-electric-ge-heads-towards-zero-94ed6624-cb72-4a84-b034-341e0f031f44.html

Best regards,

Jonathan A. Melle

Come On Man
Come On Man
3 years ago

Biden is such a stiff I’m surprised Antifa hasn’t attempted to lasso and topple him.

McSqueaky Toy
McSqueaky Toy
3 years ago

You got to clamp down on JM his 6 and 7 pages of crap are really messing this place up.
At least a get a block feature like somebody suggested.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  McSqueaky Toy
3 years ago

Thanks!

McSqueaky Toy
McSqueaky Toy
3 years ago

For god sakes pay for a feature that lets us block this idiot out.

the school committee
the school committee
3 years ago

Stealing from the homeless.The salaries are immoral.