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ARPA AWARDS: A WHIFF OF AN AT BAT, AND A WHIFF OF POLITICAL STENCH

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BY DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, MONDAY JUNE 6, 2022) — When the City of Pittsfield released the list of ARPABux recipients, a notable mistake occurred. It listed the $700,000 for the newly established Berkshire Black Economic Council first and also fourth, a repetition no doubt a Rufferian oversight and also a Freudian slip, lacy frills and all.

A reposting, after a certain muckraking scribe brought it to proper attention, quickly corrected the error.

Here’s the original list [THE PLANET‘s comments follow in brackets and italics]:

  • Berkshire Black Economic Council (BBEC): $700,000 to establish organizational operations and capacity for BBEC to offer technical assistance, educational workshops, and networking sessions for Pittsfield’s black entrepreneurs and black-owned businesses. [Of course.]
  • Arts in Recovery for Youth (AIRY): $50,000 for an arts [sic] and skills-based suicide prevention program targeted toward Pittsfield youth ages 13-24. [Interesting that ages 21, 22, 23, and 24 are considered “youths.” Wasn’t that long ago that when you hit 21, you were assumed to be a responsible adult.]
  • Barrington Stage Company: $125,000 for the replacement and upgrades of the HVAC system at the St. Germain Stage and Boyd-Quinson orchestra pit to provide healthy spaces for one of Pittsfield’s most visited performing arts theater.
  • Berkshire Black Economic Council (BBEC): $700,000 to establish organizational operations and capacity for BBEC to offer technical assistance, educational workshops, and networking sessions for Pittsfield’s black entrepreneurs and black-owned businesses. [In case you didn’t get it the first time.]
  • Berkshire Community Action Council (BCAC): $500,000 to increase capacity of BCAC’s Weatherization Remediation Assistance Program (WRAP) by assisting under-resourced Pittsfield residents with home weatherization and heating system needs. [“underresourced Pittsfield residents”? You mean the Kapanskis? No such luck. They are on their own but are expected to pay for the free ride of many others who don’t deserve it. That’s what Tyer-Taylor-Ruffer-et-al mean by “equity.”]
  • Berkshire County Head Start: $700,000 to provide free transportation and full-day childcare and early education for Pittsfield families deemed ineligible for state-subsidized daycare. [Don’t you love the word “free,” as if the money has fallen from the sky like manna instead of robbery done in the name of taxes].
  • Berkshire Family YMCA: $250,000 for the renovation and expansion of childcare facilities. [Childcare? Isn’t that the job of parents, not taxpayers?]
  • Berkshire Immigrant Center: $80,000 for the expansion of legal and educational services for immigrants living in Pittsfield. [Legal? For illegals?]
  • Berkshire Museum: $250,000 to create mobile museum units to offer classroom-based portable programming in the Pittsfield Public Schools. [You knew the museum would be on this list. It has sacrificed to The Dark Side ever since the Rape of the Rockwells].
  • Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires: $500,000 for the installation of a new HVAC system for youth and families to enjoy healthy recreational spaces.
  • Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity: $800,000 for the expansion of the navigator network and to provide resources to support Pittsfield residents, households and small businesses impacted by the pandemic. [How is Habitat connected to “households and small businesses impacted by the pandemic?” Which households? What small businesses? They ain’t saying].
  • George B. Crane Memorial Center: $90,000 to offer recovery programs, support, and life skills for people struggling with substance use disorders.
  • Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires: $200,000 for the roof replacement at the Tyler Street headquarters where workforce training and support services are offered to Pittsfield residents. [Isn’t Goodwill Industries a private business?]
  • IS183 Art School: $80,000 for a multi-pronged approach to bolster and sustain artists in after school, summer and in-school art classes at the Pittsfield Public Schools.
  • MassMoCA/Assets for Artists: $100,000 to establish and deploy a Pittsfield-based Asset for Artists program. [MOCA isn’t even in Pittsfield!]
  • Rites of Passage & Empowerment Program: $550,000 to increase organizational capacity and expand programs for young women of color ages 12 to 18 to access college tours, travel opportunities, scholar stipends, and advancement of skills and professional development. [“Women of color.” This giveaway is both racist and sexist. We dare anyone from the administration or anywhere else to argue otherwise. We will even do so in public, in open debate. Any takers? Of course not, because they don’t have a case.]
  • Second Street Second Chances: $700,000 a collaborative one-stop facility to support successful re-entry of formerly incarcerated Pittsfield residents into the community and the workforce [Do the time, get a dime. Seven million dimes, actually].
  • South Community Food Pantry: $50,000 to address a systemic gap in food insecurity by renovating the food distribution space and expand the home delivery program. [Don’t you love how “hunger” has become “food insecurity”].
  • Volunteers in Medicine: $200,000 to respond and support the medical needs of under-resourced Pittsfield residents. [Define, if you will, “under-resourced.”]

———- ooo ———-

Tyer gushed in tongues: “As it was intended by the American Rescue Plan, each of today’s recipients reflects a diverse array of strategic and meaningful initiatives and projects that align with our guiding principles and the American Rescue Plan criteria.”

“Our guiding principles.”

We The People shudder.

Possessed by the Spirit, she continues: “Together we will be serving a wide spectrum in our community and meet many of the needs that we heard and that were voiced during our community engagement experiences, we are eager to get these funds into your hands so you can begin doing the work that you do to make the city of Pittsfield a great place to live and to work and to visit.”

Uh, right. “… our community engagement experiences … to … make … Pittsfield a great place to live to work and to visit.”

Maybe where you live, Madam mayor, in your gated community as far away from downtown while still technically residing in the city. Maybe where you work, where you’re peeling off six-figures large not counting bennies. And maybe where you visit, which is the office and the city itself, where you are often MIA.

———- ooo ———-

In March, THE PLANET wrote:

C’mon down, Deanna Ruffer and Gina Armstrong. Ruffer resigned as city OCD director. Armstrong did the same as director of public health. Voila! Like magic, two new gigs opened up for them as mayor Linda Tyer put the two in charge of deciding who gets what of the $43 million windfall.

We also named the kind folks who lent their names to ARPA gals Tyer, Ruffer, and Armstrong. Six of the nine have a direct interest via the organization they represent to get the “Free” Ka$h. The others went in thinking they were to be part of the decision making. They were tokens, there to cast a whiff of legitimacy to this criminal (but legal!!) theft. Names, please:

  • Brett Westbrook, executive director of Head Start.
  • A. J. Enchilli, Berkshire Black Economic council.
  • Rev. Joel Huntington, recently retired pastor of the South Congregational Church.
  • Sheila Irvin, a teacher in the Pittsfield Public School system.
  • Dr. Alan Kulberg, M.D, of Berkshire Health Systems.
  • Peter Marchetti, council president.
  • Ellen Speak, president and CEO of Hancock Shaker Village
  • Kaman Taliaferro, local chapter NAACP.
  • Dubois Thomas, executive director of Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity.

From one of the PO’d ARPA board members: “This process was a sham. [Deanna Ruffer] was clearly running the show in cahoots with the mayor and who else I don’t know. If I knew this was going to happen, no way do I serve. I am embarrassed and wish I had never been a part of it.”

Do we have to draw you a map?

————————————————————————————

“Part of me suspects that I’m a loser, and the other part of me thinks I’m God almighty”John Lennon.

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL.

Copyright (c) 2022 By Dan Valenti, PLANET VALENTI and EUROPOLIS MANAGEMENT. All rights reserved. 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. Those who leave comments own all the responsibilities that are or can be attached to those comments, be they rhetorical, semantic, or legal. Such commentators remain solely responsible for what they post and shall be and remain solely accountable for their words. 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, but not limited to, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and this website’s terms of service. We serve as a marketplace of ideas, without prejudice, and available to all. 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 and their use of/participation in this website. When PLANET VALENTI ends with the words “The Usual Disclaimer,” that phrase shall be understood to refer to the full text of this disclaimer.

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ShirleyKnutz
ShirleyKnutz
2 years ago

ARPA members should all be ashamed of themselves. Instead of giving the Karpanski’s a tax break by putting the money to the expensive water and sewer project which every citizen would have benefitted from, instead greasing the pigs at the trough. Most of the individuals on the “committee” know the Pittsfield way, so I am not sure of which one was quoted, a little unbelievable, more like someone realizing people aren’t too happy with what the committee did!

Shittsfield
Shittsfield
2 years ago

A great place to live, work and visit???

Once upon a time, perhaps. Now, It’s a shithole of a city by any objective measure. And I biffed the curb with my kid in the car coming around Elm by East Hous over weekend. But at least we escaped the gunfire.

Tyer is a total effing disgrace.

Gobsig
Gobsig
2 years ago

All the local con artists and social grifters did very well. The only one not getting a taste is the Big Guy.

Auto Phil
Auto Phil
2 years ago

What a crock!

So Shirley Edgerton gets 700,000 for the black council and 550,000 for ROPES (Right of Passage…”)

Edgerton is the founder and director of ROPES.

Roberta Dews, the mayor’s assistant, is a ROPES volunteer and has served as the group’s spokesperson.

Edgerton is also the Vice President of the Berkshire Black Economic Council.

Warren Dews, the husband of Roberta Dews (mayor’s assistant) is a board member of the BBEC.

What an incredibly corrupt disbursement of public funds. Right in front of our faces. What a shame.

It would be interesting to know which applications were rejected.

The BBEC sounds like a huge scam. In the 13 months they’ve been operating, they’ve held one event. Three of the board members are father and sons. A membership costs $35 a month.

$700,000 is a lot of money.

Shirley seems to have raked in quite a mother load at $1.25 million dollars total.

Last edited 2 years ago by Auto Phil
Capt. M. Taylor ABC Army
Capt. M. Taylor ABC Army
Reply to  Auto Phil
2 years ago

Good, she needs it to maintain her dreadlocks. They are as dirty as she is

Last edited 2 years ago by Capt. M. Taylor ABC Army
J2S
J2S
Reply to  Auto Phil
2 years ago

I’m curious as to if the Volunteer board members of the Berkshire Black Economic Council went to being Paid board members after receiving the $700 G’s? If so, what is the pay each is receiving? Same for ROPES?

Auto Phil
Auto Phil
Reply to  J2S
2 years ago

Excellent question. I imagine they went from practically no funding to half a mil, 3/4 of a mil funding overnight.

That’s a lot of free cash with no oversight or requirements.

Pittsfield Plummett
Pittsfield Plummett
2 years ago
Pittsfield Plummett
Pittsfield Plummett
2 years ago

Meanwhile, as they toss money into the wind like there is no tomorrow, Marchetti is running a back door begathon for the 4th of July parade. So it seems that all these new ventures somehow qualify for free, no questions asked, money from heaven gifts, but the iconic Pittsfield trademark 4th of July parade requires the taxpayers to dig into their already drained pockets. Does anything at all make any sense at all in mayor Tyers king making kingdom?

Markus Aurelius
Markus Aurelius
Reply to  danvalenti
2 years ago

Dan, you mean to tell me you didn’t miss going to the 4th of July parade and seeing the scores of vibrant, dynamic, and inclusive residents, swigging from their 40oz of beer in one hand, while clutching to the leash of their aggressive pitbulls with the other?

Pittsfield Plummett
Pittsfield Plummett
Reply to  danvalenti
2 years ago

Last time I was there ( about 20 years ago) I was early. And being early I picked out a nice spot to stand near park square. Everything was fine until just as the first part of the parade was in front of me, some asshole moved right in front of me. Then he put his little brat on his shoulders. Seemed no matter where I tried to move there were these totally classless self serving morons that felt they had the right to be right up front no matter who they blocked out. So now I avoid any gathering that might be a magnet for assholes, and this parade is certainly one of them.
And with the added decay of civility and the possibility of getting mugged in broad daylight (as happened at the big Y recently) I will stay home and not watch it on TV. If there were still elephants crapping in the road and the possibility of some vote seeking politicians stepping in it with both feet I might go. But alas, no elephants anymore.

The City I Hate
The City I Hate
Reply to  Pittsfield Plummett
2 years ago

The last time, several years ago, was the very last time for the Pittsfield 4th of July parade, which was is infested with lowlifes and white trash, included city officials. I do remember when going to the 4th of July parade was enjoyable. It wasn’t the VERY LAST TIME I made the mistake of going to that shit show parade. For several years I went to the 4th of July parade in Williamstown, but I stopped that too because the last time I went to that parade, it was dominated by queers. This year, as in years past, I plan to go to South County, Chesterwood, with a picnic of wine, cheese, olives, bread, hummus and grapes from Guido’s and then Berkshire Botanical Garden. And I’ll bet that I won’t get mugged.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Pittsfield Plummett
2 years ago

“I will stay home and not watch it on TV. If there were still elephants crapping in the road and the possibility of some vote seeking politicians stepping in it with both feet I might go. But alas, no elephants anymore.”

ROFL!!!! That is priceless.

J2S
J2S
Reply to  Markus Aurelius
2 years ago

And if Harrington gets her way with the so called safe injection sites, the drug addicted can shoot up and still watch the parade without missing anything.

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

A Trump military parade was ok though.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  the school committee
2 years ago

The Democrats had “parades” all summer 2020, remember those?

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
2 years ago

Perhaps the dictionaries, need to add: thief, liar, charlatan, pervert…….

To synonyms for politician

the school committee
the school committee
2 years ago

The City and School department are offering pennies for raises to Paraprofessionals,cafeteria workers and custodial workers and they spend million on new positions with ridiculous starting pay.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  the school committee
2 years ago

That’s the way Democrats do things, TSC

LEVITAN
LEVITAN
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

Why attack him?

ShirleyKnutz
ShirleyKnutz
Reply to  LEVITAN
2 years ago

Why do you feel it was an attack, seems to me he joined the argument

levitan
levitan
Reply to  ShirleyKnutz
2 years ago

Shirl – It looks like he joined in with an attack. I just don’t understand attacking someone when you agree with them.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  LEVITAN
2 years ago

I replied that’s what Democrats do. Did I offend You/Democrat?

LEVITAN
LEVITAN
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

Now you attack me? Why?

Last edited 2 years ago by LEVITAN
Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  LEVITAN
2 years ago

If You might be offended, by Your own behavior, maybe time for a change!

I’m just being observant. ; )

levitan
levitan
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

That’s weird. You’ll have to explain that.

levitan
levitan
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

You’re too inattentive to be observing anything.

I say you and fizz could share a tub and a bar or soap.

BlackLiesMatter
BlackLiesMatter
2 years ago

Thanks for this expose Dan. Over a million bucks of our taxes for black lies matters bullshit and not a nickel for crime prevention, as in reducing the shootings, that are actually killing da blacks. Black Lives Matter my ass. These woke A holes don’t really care about black lives, they only care about enriching the chosen few.

Capt. M. Taylor ABC Army
Capt. M. Taylor ABC Army
Reply to  BlackLiesMatter
2 years ago

good let them kill each other. Throw Warren, Dennis, Roberta and Shirley into the fray as swell.

TellitLikeitIs
TellitLikeitIs
Reply to  BlackLiesMatter
2 years ago

That’s right. Tyer has had what, 6 plus years as mayor, and has she reduced violent crime ? No, she has not. It is worse now than when she ran and pranced around the scene of the mega shooting on Robbins near Linden and said she wouldn’t tolerate it, yada, yada, yada! She has said nothing about all the black victims of the shootings committed by other blacks. If she really cared, she would put some of this piss away cash towards actually enforcing the laws, even if all a big game of catch and release.

BlueLivesMatter
BlueLivesMatter
2 years ago

I missed the part about cracking down on crime with this Covid cash. Maybe some of the rest of the 41 million will be going to law enforcement.

Ozias Vincelette
Ozias Vincelette
2 years ago

Dan
How is the rating of an article determined?

Poast Moretoomb
Poast Moretoomb
Reply to  Ozias Vincelette
2 years ago

Probably posts Chuck. But I believe there are at least five hundred who read this blog daily,which is huge. And that is a conservative number. As opposed to the stooge show on pctv. He’s lucky to have twenty watching and less listening on t b r.

fizzlehead
fizzlehead
Reply to  Ozias Vincelette
2 years ago

National Grifters Chart. The whole country uses it as well as some quasi-alternative charitable organizations.

Ghost of Krol’s Marriage
Ghost of Krol’s Marriage
Reply to  danvalenti
2 years ago

The stars at the top people don’t know you can vote for the article.

Ghost of Krol’s Marriage
Ghost of Krol’s Marriage
Reply to  Ozias Vincelette
2 years ago

You click on the number of stars you rate if. It averages all the votes. So if you click on 5 stars it adds one vote for five.

Capt. M. Taylor ABC Army
Capt. M. Taylor ABC Army
Reply to  Ozias Vincelette
2 years ago

You can vote for how many stars you want to give each article on the top by the headline and the algorithm figures out the average.

I gave this 5/5 stars and it went from 3.7 to 4

Ghost of Krol’s Marriage
Ghost of Krol’s Marriage
2 years ago

So if you suffer from white guilt, are insulated from the impacts of crime, or are a thug, it’s Andrea Harrington signs.
If you are a normal human being, it’s Timothy Shugrue.

I live in Williamstown and you can tell who’s who by the signs. Second homeowners and the white guilt liberals, Andrea. Working people and store owners, Tim.

One of the most liberal store owners I know and a good friend of mine who went crazy for Andrea last time, said “no fucking way!” this time when asked to place signs in her window. Her position, “Andrea is great for shoplifters, very bad for shop owners.”

She told me that the DA failed to prosecute a habitual shoplifter. The woman has stolen thousands of dollars in running and hiking shoes and clothes since Andrea has been in office. The Williamstown PD has my friend phone the reports in, they don’t even bother going out to her store.
The PD has said they tried to get the DA’s office to file charges, they just won’t. It’s a “victimless crime”.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Ghost of Krol’s Marriage
2 years ago

Go to the judge. Get Wrong Way impeached

Public Enemies
Public Enemies
Reply to  Ghost of Krol’s Marriage
2 years ago

There has always been two Berkshires, in almost every town with a few exceptions. I don’t think this DA’s election is about that at all. I don’t think voters are going to get out and defend their liberal principles. I think they got fooled once and woke up hard. I think there is a grassroots anger at those who think the laws do not apply to them and this has been fueled by the lack of consequences for Trump and the Jan. 6 outrage and now the nation’s appalling body count due to gun violence. BLM fell apart. Calls to defund the police fell flat. Worry about crime is at an all time high nationally. Crime makes everybody more moderate. We need someone who can actually do the job of district attorney. People I talk to want to send a message that criminal behavior will not be tolerated here. Even the local political establishment is totally silent on Harrington, a weak kneed but important indicator that citizens have had enough of her incompetence and flakey views.

Markus Aurelius
Markus Aurelius
Reply to  Public Enemies
2 years ago

Public,

You are correct about the local establishment being very quiet this time around in their support for DA Wrong Way.

If you’re sick of the crime wave in Pittsfield, remember these names. They helped put DA Wrong Way in place. Ask them why they are so silent this time.

Adam Hinds
Tricia Farley-Country Buffet (D)
Smitty Pigantelli
John Barrett

Elected officials and primary voters have supported Andrea Harrington for District Attorney – The Berkshire Edge

Teedoff
Teedoff
Reply to  Markus Aurelius
2 years ago

It was Mark, not Pignatelli but silence is no better.

Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius
Reply to  Teedoff
2 years ago

We are both correct. They are both mentioned in the article I cited as endorsing WW.

fizzlehead
fizzlehead
Reply to  Markus Aurelius
2 years ago

What about Tyer and Marchetti. Seems like they would champion a DA that contributes no oversight.

Shittsfield
Shittsfield
Reply to  Public Enemies
2 years ago

The truth is, crime has been toleerated here in Shitsfield for way too long now. It is out of control and neither Shugrue, nor a new chief, is going to fix it, unless we have a new mayor that disavows all the woke bullshit, puts a cop in every shcool and makes the school department pay for it, and gives the police the resources and the mandate to get really serious about taking back the streets. I could kick Tyers ass all the way back to Colorodo but I’m done with the shitty.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Public Enemies
2 years ago

Until the crooks that were involved in the fraudulent 2020 election are brought to justice nothing else really matters. From the ballot stuffing “mules” and those caught on video tape in Georgia, to the ones who benefited the most, e.g. politicians. The machines that they are still using also need to go. They finally have admitted that the Dominion machines are designed so that the vote can be rigged.

I have no faith the 2022 Selection will be any different.

Gun violence is rife in Democrat controlled cities (Chicago, Baltimore, NYC,…) yet the liberals solution is to confiscate guns from the law abiding and gut the 2nd amendment. How are the “tough gun laws” working in Chicago? Or Pittsfield for that matter?

The “summer of love” 2020, shows how liberals support the two tiered system of in-justice. Riots arson rape and murders were committed nationwide, and the MSM/liberals called it “peaceful protests”. BLM and Antifa thugs were given free reign to “do as they wilt”. Our Selected VP Harris, even went so far as to bail out some of the criminals.

Last edited 2 years ago by Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Public Enemies
2 years ago

https://rumble.com/v17h6qx-the-truth-of-january-6th.html

“THE TRUTH ABOUT JANUARY 6th”
Narrated by Political Prisoner Jake Lang from Inside Solitary Confinement.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

-3 for me!!!

3:30 PM 6/7/2022 some liberals got hurt watching, or are cowards to watch!!!!!

the school committee
the school committee
Reply to  Public Enemies
2 years ago

Republicans are all for defunding police to now use the mental health proffessionals to save the selling of AR-15s to 18 year olds for mass murder at hospitals,church,grocery stores and schools….Republicans should have to see a mental health professional after watching FOX NEWS STATION…..I watched Hannity last night and almost puked….how can you people watch that crap and think you have been informed.I know where all the dumb shit opinions come from.

12 Gauge
12 Gauge
Reply to  the school committee
2 years ago

If you didn’t drink so much you wouldn’t puke

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  the school committee
2 years ago

TSC, it’s the LIBERALS who want to defund LEO, wake up, they started that CRAP 2020 along with their riots!

LEVITAN
LEVITAN
Reply to  Ghost of Krol’s Marriage
2 years ago

The town of williamstown needs to hire a shrink and a social worker for mass therapy.

fizzlehead
fizzlehead
2 years ago

How come there is no money in there for new chimneys for the Country Club?? Will somebody please step up and help this poor organization out for Gods sake?

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  fizzlehead
2 years ago

It went to the dirt floor cellar you inhabit.

Rodent lives Matter!

Last edited 2 years ago by Mad Trapper
fizzlehead
fizzlehead
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

I know the HIPPA laws are suppose to prevent me from discussing this, but, did they find your brain tumor to be malignant or is it just jamming up any cognitive thought processes in your skull?

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  fizzlehead
2 years ago

Your butt cheeks are still keeping your ears warm enough?

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
2 years ago

Donkey Pox – The disease killing Americans

Markus Aurelius
Markus Aurelius
2 years ago

How many “financial gifts” has Linda “Flat” Tyer given Shirley Edgerton over the years?

I’ve searched for the article when Flat Tyer gave her “grant money” to pay Shirley’s expenses to recruit black teaches from historically black colleges, but I can’t find it.

I did find this article though. It appears to have been in 2019 when Shirley went on her recruiting mission:

Strategies to Increase Diversity and Equity in Education – MassINC

It begs the questions: (1) how much “grant money” was Shirley given back then, (2) how many black teachers did she recruit, (3) if so, how many are still employed in Pittsfield Public Schools? (4) As a city employee, how much total grant money and/or ARPA money has Shirley received over the years? (5) Has any other city employee received as much money as Shirley?

Last edited 2 years ago by Markus Aurelius
Poast Moretoomb
Poast Moretoomb
Reply to  Markus Aurelius
2 years ago

I’m not saying all of them maybe 3% of them but there are some seriously disturbed bus drivers here for the schools I got a video with one that pulled out in front of me 5 feet before I got there at the intersection

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Poast Moretoomb
2 years ago

The bus drivers just ignore the traffic light at RT 7/Reid school. Light turns red and they just keep on coming.

Pittsfield Plummett
Pittsfield Plummett
Reply to  Poast Moretoomb
2 years ago

How many school bus accidents in the last month locally?

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Pittsfield Plummett
2 years ago

If I didn’t want to broadside a bus running the light, with a load of kids, would have been at least one. That’s THIS LAST month.

It’s a chronic moving violation every afternoon, at Reid school, with “the children “ on board!!!

And that’s Pittsfield drivers, NOT Dufour.

Last edited 2 years ago by Mad Trapper
WrongWayDA
WrongWayDA
Reply to  Markus Aurelius
2 years ago

“Leaders” like Shirley Edgerton allow her community to get bought off. Who do you think are the victims of most crimes? Who do you think has to put up with gunfire while they try to raise their children in the city of Pittsfield? Andrea Harrington couldn’t get a conviction on a simple gun case after rejecting a plea deal and insisting on trying the case herself despite being totally unqualified. That hurts Shirley’s community most of all but who cares, Shirley has a job for herself and some of her friends and family.

Get Over It
Get Over It
2 years ago

Dan an interesting follow up for The Planet would be an expose on the recent stated employee shortage in the berkshires, juxtaposed with the homeless and north street begging issue. Seems if there is a such a shortage (and the shortage from the article seems to be in the unskilled labor portion) then the homeless should be able to find jobs and not be homeless.

To me it seems a lack of motivation. Stop giving them free stuff and the unskilled jobs would quickly be filled. To quote Judge Smails ” the world needs ditch diggers”

Get Over It
Get Over It
Reply to  danvalenti
2 years ago

Exactly. All the homeless beggars seem to be in the 25-50 range and all look fit enough to pick up shovel, or server a Big Mac.

Cut the benefits off and they can become tax paying citizens OR, and this is not a bad thing, they will leave for greener woke pastures to baby them.

WIN-WIN

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Get Over It
2 years ago

The bums/beggars all got imported into Berkshires, by Liberal politicians in the eastern part of the state with little/no resistance from the yes girls/boys in the Berkshire delegation.

On the ruse of “the Kung Flu” and many empty hotels/motels, they were were sent here to spread Covid, they were NOT under quarantine.

No provisions were made to return the offal, to their former stoplight/corner begging “worksites”, at their back East hideouts.

But hey folks, like Liberals always say, “DIVERSITY!!!” Now the Berkshires are more “diverse”.

Isn’t that “wonderful”?

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

Most shooters are conservative

LEVITAN
LEVITAN
Reply to  the school committee
2 years ago

No. Shooters are deranged. Put them away, preferably after they’ve been discovered torturing animals.

Get Over It
Get Over It
Reply to  the school committee
2 years ago

That is sick and disgusting to say. Even for you. Shame on you.

J2S
J2S
Reply to  the school committee
2 years ago

No, people who do any shooting that harms innocent people are EVIL disturbed individuals!! The shooter’s should be wearing tee shirts: “Guns don’t kill people, I kill people.”

Get Over It
Get Over It
Reply to  J2S
2 years ago

Cain killed Abel with a rock. Did God ban rocks?

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  the school committee
2 years ago

Nope, most are Leftists, and not Caucasian.

You can type here, type a search after you read this.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Get Over It
2 years ago

Ditch diggers can’t afford gas to get to work anymore. FJB!!!

fizzlehead
fizzlehead
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

Why can’t they just dig a ditch in their own damn yard? Or their neighbors? Isn’t that what you do?

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  fizzlehead
2 years ago

^^^^ Product of PPS system.

the school committee
the school committee
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

So you are from out of town.Sounds like a Dalton comment.

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
2 years ago

May I suggest you all bring your “REPLACE MAYOR TYER” and “FORENSIC AUDIT” signs to the Pittsfield 4th of July parade? And try to be in front of the PCTV cameras!

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
2 years ago
Last edited 2 years ago by Mad Trapper
Pittsfield Plummett
Pittsfield Plummett
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

So what you are saying is that if Trumps coup was successful he would have kept gas prices low? How can you be sure?

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Pittsfield Plummett
2 years ago

The coup started with H-Beast and the DNC summer 2016. The end result was Mr Potato Head was Selected Nov 2020.

Can you name ONE thing good he has done for Americans/America?

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

Biden hasn’t done anything good.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Pittsfield Plummett
2 years ago

Addendum, gas sure would not going to be TRIPLE SOON, AND HOME HEATING OIL, QUADRUPLE!!!!!

Coup was H-Beast and DNC, that is STILL ongoing against Americans. Go to gas station, go to supermarket….FJB!!!

LEVITAN
LEVITAN
Reply to  Pittsfield Plummett
2 years ago

An insurrection is planned to seize the Supreme Court. I wonder if people will be disappeared for this one too.

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

Actually I think “FIRE TYER” might be more to the point!

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
2 years ago

How about FRYER TYER, with a turkey cooker?

Pittsfield Plummett
Pittsfield Plummett
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
2 years ago

That is actually an excellent idea. But I am guessing a call just went from the corner office to PCTV ordering them to aim their cameras at the sky when these signs come into view. She could yank their license and funding in a heartbeat should they veer off course.

levitan
levitan
Reply to  Pittsfield Plummett
2 years ago

Need to use army speak. “No Forensic Audit! Tell it to the marines!”

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Pittsfield Plummett
2 years ago

The the TV cameras, could pan in, to the bums, er “clowns”, begging at each and every traffic light……….then a token screenshot; “vibrant and dynamic”!!!

Last edited 2 years ago by Mad Trapper
gotcha22
gotcha22
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
2 years ago

I will be carrying signs for the district attorneys of Iowa, San Francisco, and Baltimore if anyone would like to join me in this important effort to keep Berkshire County safe. We’ve got to get the message out to reform our justice system! Was it over when the German’s bombed Pearl Harbor? Who’s with me??

Pittsfield Plummett
Pittsfield Plummett
Reply to  gotcha22
2 years ago

Is it going down Norths street or will they have to reroute it because North street has been too damaged and unrecognizable for a celebratory parade? Did mayor Tyer fix it up so well that it is not good for anything anymore?

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Pittsfield Plummett
2 years ago

The BLM contingent will detour West onto Linden and Columbus…….the Antifa East to Tyler, Orchard, and Maplewood looking for nearby drugs from Latin gangs….LGBTXYZ contingent will just be confused as always, poking around every orifice, looking for wide open back doors and welcoming furry carpeted entrances……

Capt. M. Taylor ABC Army
Capt. M. Taylor ABC Army
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
2 years ago

Lets keep it local

FBC!

levitan
levitan
Reply to  Capt. M. Taylor ABC Army
2 years ago

That’s the spirit! We are united on the local and insane on the national.

Gobsig
Gobsig
2 years ago

Was Tyer always a lunatic liberal?

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Gobsig
2 years ago

Are Liberals all lunatics?

the school committee
the school committee
Reply to  Gobsig
2 years ago

She’s following Joe Curtis lead at the PPS.Both are examples of the Peter principle.She and Curtis along with the CC and School committee are in jobs they can not do.Name one person in Pittsfield that will consolidate the High Schools…..There are only 1500 kids in 9 to 12.This number goes down 100 every year yet there is nobody talking consolidation.The brand new Taconic has 600 kids for a 125,000,000 building as PHS requires 2 million each year for repairs and 1 million in heat and 400k in electronic…..Closing PHS will save 6 million per year and every student will go to a new building….The Catholic church consolidated.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
2 years ago

I’d like to salute all our Veterans.

Today is the 78th anniversary of D-day.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

I forgot, Vets, thank you for your service and sacrifices.

God Bless You All.

day late now………

Pittsfield Plummett
Pittsfield Plummett
2 years ago

So according to the Eagle they have a searchable database for complaints against the police. So do you have to go through them to access it? And if so wtf?

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Pittsfield Plummett
2 years ago

If it’s The Left Winged Parrot, must be pay for play.

Rutberg/the Parrot’s big guy, needs his 10%

Whigs
Whigs
2 years ago

you actually can make this shit up –

According to the Berkshire District Attorney’s office, a bus carrying jurors, prosecutors, defense counsel, and court staffers was involved in a collision en route to the scene of the crash. It was not immediately clear if there were injuries. -WAMC

Lenny
Lenny
Reply to  Whigs
2 years ago

Yeah and Harrington’s opponent was on it!

LEVITAN
LEVITAN
Reply to  Lenny
2 years ago

To be precise tyne is not her opponent. Harrington just figured she could knock out a judge, putting herself on every judge’s radar. She’d be advised to stay out of court even after she loses reelection. (If she could swing it)

Ghost of Krol’s Martiage
Ghost of Krol’s Martiage
Reply to  LEVITAN
2 years ago

Shugrue was on da bus as he’s a defense attorney in the case.

levitan
levitan
Reply to  Ghost of Krol’s Martiage
2 years ago

Strange things. A real who’s who of DA Harrington

LEVITAN
LEVITAN
Reply to  Whigs
2 years ago

Weird. With two people gone to BMC and wrecked vehicles, I would say it was immediately clear there were injuries. Must be Landes trying to think it through.

Capt. M. Taylor ABC Army
Capt. M. Taylor ABC Army
Reply to  LEVITAN
2 years ago

I’m surprised he even covered it in an article. There as no political pandering or POC’s to coddle up to. He must not have much to report on these days since all went quiet for Miggy

LEVITAN
LEVITAN
Reply to  Capt. M. Taylor ABC Army
2 years ago

He probably covered it from his apartment 6 blocks away.

fizzlehead
fizzlehead
2 years ago
the school committee
the school committee
Reply to  fizzlehead
2 years ago

I’m tired of the stupids.

J2S
J2S
2 years ago

Sen. Adams Hinds didn’t make the ballot to run for lieutenant governor candidate. Now onto seeking another taxpayers supporting opportunity.

Capt. M. Taylor ABC Army
Capt. M. Taylor ABC Army
Reply to  J2S
2 years ago

He can be an ottoman for Maura Healy. About all he is qualified for, or maybe he can be the full time spoon feeder for Tricia Farley Buffet

LEVITAN
LEVITAN
Reply to  Capt. M. Taylor ABC Army
2 years ago

Yes

The Downtown Umbrella guy
The Downtown Umbrella guy
2 years ago

That big bully Barry make poor “It’s Pittsfield” Mike cry.

Capt. M. Taylor ABC Army
Capt. M. Taylor ABC Army
Reply to  The Downtown Umbrella guy
2 years ago

This post was edited in fear of reprisal from the Mayors wife, Barry

Last edited 2 years ago by Capt. M. Taylor ABC Army
Hell Toupee
Hell Toupee
Reply to  Capt. M. Taylor ABC Army
2 years ago

Barry the brainless buffoon needs help. Maybe his half wit side kick can help him out.

# Trouble at the pheasant phantasy phactory?

Last edited 2 years ago by Hell Toupee
Matt
Matt
2 years ago

Dan, I have another data dump from the city regarding the scooters.

It’s twice as big as the first one but is still lacking information. One interesting tidbit, Matt Kerwood claims absolutely no knowledge of the program, it’s funding, or how it will accept the money.
No revolving fund has been set up, no program will get the money, it’s all general fund money.

comment image

Burny Mad Off
Burny Mad Off
Reply to  Matt
2 years ago

My guess is Kerwoods answer is the same one he would give to basically ANY question. Prolly written by the city solicitor as instructed by the mayor. He don’t be knowing nuttin bout nothin and probably was not even there that day. Practicing that answer in case there is ever a forensic audit.

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
2 years ago

Isn’t there a candidate running against Trisha Farley? There’s another person (TFB) you guys oughta be targeting with signs- “TOSS TRISH!”

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
2 years ago

There is a begging bum, on East St, I’d vote for before TFB!.
Can we get/make him a campaign sign ,and feed him a burger/Whopper from the BK?

Then some more $$$ for more signs for bums, all across Pittsfield. Empower bums!!! They care more than TFB!

And those poor people, would be: more honest, better politicians and representatives, for Massacusetts citizens…..than THE person who loves criminals, domestic and foreign,……. TFB!!!

….the Berkshires could be better…with a bum

Last edited 2 years ago by Mad Trapper
LEVITAN
LEVITAN
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

But will they work?

the school committee
the school committee
2 years ago

Never ever forget 1/6/2021 and the Trump conspiracy. FOX NEWS STATION…LOL…IS Working full time telling the lemmings what to see.

Get Over It
Get Over It
Reply to  the school committee
2 years ago

I notice you didnt thank a veteran for a date you should not forget. 6/6/44

fizzlehead
fizzlehead
Reply to  Get Over It
2 years ago

Well he can’t thank Trump because he was a draft dodger, but you are right there were others.

Get Over It
Get Over It
Reply to  fizzlehead
2 years ago

Same as Clinton

Went Whoyuare
Went Whoyuare
Reply to  Get Over It
2 years ago

Dan. Let the G Man into the Water Plant.. Nothing to lose. But your Homes.

the school committee
the school committee
Reply to  Get Over It
2 years ago

I thank my Father and Uncles and Father in Law for their brave service defending our country so that I can express to the Trump idiots what they have supported which is a disgusting disrespect of every single veteran in America and that is a democracy that cost them their lives.Trump is destroying their America.

Get Over It
Get Over It
Reply to  the school committee
2 years ago

Trump will save America

J2S
J2S
Reply to  the school committee
2 years ago

Your Funkin Nuts for sure.

J2S
J2S
Reply to  the school committee
2 years ago

Sounds and looks to me with a majority of Americans ready to kick the democrats out of control in the midterms, they are more concerned with the direction Joe ‘s taking the country versus hearings that don’t help them in anyway at all with the current mess we are in.

J2S
J2S
Reply to  the school committee
2 years ago

CNN, While reporting live during protests: the city that is being burned to the ground with rioters in picture frame isn’t what your seeing because it a peaceful protest.

LEVITAN
LEVITAN
Reply to  the school committee
2 years ago

No one will forget the kangaroo court picked and edited by Pelosi. The number of people believing Trump was involved is under 30% – just the diehard dems.

The rest of is will remember, you got that right.

Stahhp the presses
Stahhp the presses
2 years ago

https://www.virginiamercury.com/2021/09/23/protesters-call-for-investigation-into-judge-who-jailed-witness-in-domestic-violence-case/

Protesters call for investigation into judge who jailed witness in domestic violence case
‘It has made the prosecution of this nearly impossible,’ prosecutor says
______

Ned, a Lexington native, has been a fulltime journalist since 2008, beginning at The News-Gazette in Lexington, and including stints at the Berkshire Eagle, in Berkshire County, Mass., and the Times-Dispatch and Style Weekly in Richmond. He is a graduate of Bard College at Simon’s Rock, in Great Barrington, Mass. He was named Virginia’s outstanding journalist for 2020 by the Virginia Press Association.

si vous plait
si vous plait
2 years ago

A b.l.t on rye, side of fraud. Hold the pickle.