UPDATE: COPS NAB JUVENILE PAIR, SIEZE DRUGS, CASH, WEAPONS, AMMO … MARCHETTI, KROL CLASH ON BIKE-LANE REFERENDUM … FIRST SALVOS MARK MAYORAL CAMPAIGN’s FT. SUMPTER MOMENT IN
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
ADD 1, MARCH 912:40 PM — THE PLANET passes this along, from the Pittsfield Police Department:
On Wednesday, March 8th, 2023, at approximately 9:46 PM, officers assigned to the Pittsfield Police Department’s Anti-Crime Unit (ACU), with the assistance of Pittsfield Police patrol officers, K9 Unit and Drug Unit arrested two juvenile males in the area of the Berkshire Medical Center’s parking lot at the corner of Wahconah Street and North Street.
While in the area of Park Street, ACU officers observed a juvenile that had been reported as missing, in addition to having an outstanding arrest warrant. That juvenile entered a grey Nissan Altima being driven by another juvenile male. Both juveniles are known to members of the Pittsfield Police Department. After a short vehicle pursuit, both juveniles exited the grey Nissan and fled on foot. Two ACU officers then engaged in a short foot pursuit, subsequently locating the two juveniles within a short distance to the Nissan. After further investigation, officers located two loaded handguns, large amounts of heroin and crack cocaine. The two juveniles will be arraigned today at the Berkshire County Juvenile Court.
Both are being charged as follows:
- Possession of Class A Substance (Heroin) with the intent to distribute (Joint Venture)
- Possession of Class B Substance (Cocaine) with the Intent to Distribute (Joint Venture)
- Possession of Firearm in Commission of Felony
- Carrying a Firearm without a license
- Carrying a loaded Firearm without a License
- Improper Storage of a Firearm
- Possession of Ammunition without FID
———- ooo ———-
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2023) — You asked for it, and you got it. In this, we have the first true public salvos involving the two favorites vying for November’s open mayoral seat.
This week, a reader asked THE PLANET about mayoral candidate John Krol’s position on the bike-lane referendum. We said we’d ask him. True to our word, we did just that, and JK responded.
Specifically, THE PLANETEER asked:
Is Krol on the record for or against the referendum or is he ducking for cover?
Here’s how he answered:
Absolutely, I am in favor of letting voters have their say. Further, I believe the wording in Councilor Kalinowsky’s petition was crystal clear.
There was also a comment from a poster to THE PLANET suggesting that on Krol’s recent appearance on It’s Pittsfield Tonight, host Mike Daly didn’t ask him about the referendum. The implication is that either Daly soft-balled or Krol ducked? Actually, Daly didn’t have to ask. Krol brought it up himself.
Here’s the interview. The bike-lane matter comes up at 25:14 in the video.
The essential quote from Krol is this: “Having a vote on the bike lanes? Why not? I feel like the more people we can get engaged in the processes of the city … is a good thing.”
Here is the full interview:
———- ooo ———-
To THE PLANET, Krol later questioned council president Pete Marchetti’s position of the referendum. Krol said, “[H]e wants people to vote, but he thinks they’ll be confused ? I wasn’t clear about his stance at the last meeting (which I guess was par for the course that evening).”
At we read this, Krol was calling out what he sees as Marchetti’s hypocrisy, his low opinion of voters, and his inability to run a good meeting.
We called Marchetti to offer him an opportunity to respond. He told THE PLANET, “My first concern is whether or not the referendum is in regards to bike lanes or 4 lanes of traffic. I think the results would be different. I also believe that the Council should propose a solution and I am working on such proposal.
In the meantime I am opposed to a ballot referendum until we are clear what that is. An example of that is 2001 whether folks were voting for or against the civic authority or stadium.”
It was clear to this address that at the most recent council meeting, the council president, who has also declared his intention to run for mayor, does not want the referendum on the ballot. That’s how he voted. Krol may be parsing Marchetti’s words from the meeting, but Pete left no about that he would vote against allowing Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski that same privilege on the November ballot.
As salvos, the Krol-Marchetti exchange was white bread, strictly mild, but it’s early, folks.
Way too early.
———————————————————————
“Serious poetry communicates before it is understood” — T. S. Eliot.
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
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So are we just going to put anything and everything on a ballot that people complain about on Facebook/social media? Let’s get real. That is not something to place on a ballot, period.
We saw a lot of people come out to the last few city council meetings in support of bike lanes and increased safety for downtown and Pittsfield at large. Where were all the Facebook and Valenti-blog warriors at that are allegedly so tormented over bike lanes and the changes in downtown? Not at open mic…
We elect city councilors and a mayor for a reason, if you don’t like what they’re doing, vote them out.
Marchetti was voted in to balance a rouge mayor. He did not choose to do so. This is why people need other options such as referendums. If the elected folk choose to go off on their own what are people suppose to do?
“ If the elected folk choose to go off on their own what are people suppose to do?”
Agree with you FH.
rogue
I prefer rouge.
Some things are just too heavy for the ballet.
Wagner?
Definitely Wagner material.
You got the faerie bikers (flitting about with magical helmets/speedos, weird mustaches to chiming of triangles, Woton-kind-of-losing-it, angry Seigfried, rogue elf-Morales, Valkyrie Kalinowsky. Conant with a giant sword on a horse – a figurant, or maybe he be Woton.
This is production material!
Kill the whabbit
The city charter allows for ballot questions. It’s not easy to get a question on the ballot. The council thought this was important enough to place on the ballot and they voted for it.
They did. But somebody more powerful decided they did NOT want any referendum and Pete is doing his best to accommodate that individual. Literally throwing his constituents under the bus. (but wants to be mayor) too effing funny
It’s bullshit that bike lanes increase safety. Bikes are dangerous. Urban cyclists are injured or killed each and every year in alarming numbers. Don’t believe the biking astroturfers.
Tony B: That crowd was mustered by Pittsfield Inc and represents elites from the outskirts of town. They speak for just themselves – a miniscule fraction of a tiny minority.
Questions for candidates for Mayor of Pittsfield politics John Krol and Peter Marchetti:
* Should sex work be decriminalized in Massachusetts?
* Would you support “Happy Ending” massage parlors in Pittsfield?
* Would you support strip clubs in Pittsfield?
* What is your position on marijuana dispensaries in Pittsfield?
* Would you support safe injection sites in Pittsfield?
* Would you support a casino in Pittsfield?
* Do you support the state lottery?
* Do you believe that the state lottery is nothing more than a (voluntary) regressive taxation scheme that targets low- to moderate-income people and makes a mockery of economically distressed cities such as Pittsfield?
* What is your position on the polluted and heavily indebted almost 25-year-old PEDA debacle?
* Do you support GE’s proposal for its so-called cleanup the polluted Housatonic River from Pittsfield to Sheffield with a proposed GE toxic waste leaky landfill in Lee?
* How will you improve Pittsfield’s public schools “Level 5” rating?
* How will you address Pittsfield always being in the top 10 cities in Massachusetts for violent crime, according to the FBI’s annual reports?
* What are your views of the two-dozen or so empty storefronts and all of the social services agencies on North Street?
* What are your views about the “Ring of Poverty” neighborhoods that surround North Street?
* What do you think the reasons are for over 1,000 gang members living in inner-city Pittsfield?
* Will you stop Luciforo’s Berkshire Roots Pot Kingdom on Dalton Avenue from stinking up nearby residential neighborhoods with his pot growing odors?
* Will you promise not to use retribution against your detractors in Pittsfield politics?
* Will you hold public forums to hear from the people who live and/or work in Pittsfield?
* Why do you think that Pittsfield has experienced 50 years of significant losses in population and living wage jobs?
* Why does Pittsfield’s middle-class tax base always shrink, but its municipal spending, taxes, fees, public debts and OPEB unfunded liabilities always grow larger and larger?
* Do you think that Pittsfield’s municipal finances are unsustainable over the long term?
NOTE: I have many more questions, but I don’t want to take up any more space on this
blog that focuses on Pittsfield politics.
Jonathan A. Melle
You are stuck on the sh** with ever post. Try something new
I want even more red thumbs down so I will ask the following questions: Will the next Mayor of Pittsfield please promise to change the Pittsfield Police Department’s CYA report that stated that Miguel “Miggy” Estrella was NOT a person in distress under the law, despite all of the evidence to the contrary? The young man was intoxicated and/or high on drugs. The young man was self-cutting his own skin with a knife. The man had a well-known history of mental illness and substance abuse history with the PPD. How on Earth is Mayor Linda Tyer still standing by the PPD’s CYA report that this young man who was shot to death by the PPD’s deadly use of force was NOT a person in distress under the law? Why hasn’t the city and Mayor Linda Tyer been sued over this legal matter? Why did then Berkshire County District Attorney uphold the city’s flawed findings on the condition of “Miggy” on the night of his death at the hands of the PPD? What the Hell is going to happen with this Twilight Zone episode of Pittsfield politics?
Watch the movie Cop Land. Of course is was flubbed up.
Word has it that seven members of the city council and TFB support self service massage parlors on North Street.
The 1st question to qualify to run is …..Do you believe Trumps lie?
Any council member who opposes this ballot question does not deserve your vote for any office.
Keep in mind local media is ALSO very much against any referendum. Big surprise huh, given their totally objective opinions on local government and how it should operate.
Let’s put everything on the ballot. What flavor jelly should the school cafeteria put on PBJ? What color should we paint the lobby in public buildings? Urinals or toilets?
How freaking ridiculous gobsick. Get a life.
I vote Marmalade, MOLLY.
KY Jelly so the city can screw us easier.
Have to teach the children early so they don’t get any independent thoughts or try to put something on the ballot
What adumb statement. No one is suggesting that we put every issue on the ballot, if you don’t like the idea change the city charter obtuse dullard.
Is this Barry?
Sounds like him
For a small city, there sure are a lot of assholes.
More opportunities for the city to shove it up our @55’s
They could always paint large red arrows in city hall pointing towards the exits. This way you would stumble and bumble your way through city hall again and “get lost.”
Any vigilant shifts scheduled yet Dirty Barry? I’m sure Cumby’s has your favorite flavored jelly.
Jelly Belly?
Let’s have a ballot question if Barry should dye his hair again and lose 50 lbs.
.” I also believe that the Council should propose a solution and I am working on such proposal.”
Yah, uh, how long does Marchetti think it will take him to come up with a “proposal”?
(whatever the hell that means)
Marchetti has my vote because his waffle style is good if you don’t like change and I don’t. No toters yet he’s like Columbo so don’t underestimate him.
At the Registry of Deeds an attorney was there, altering dates on documents.
I don’t understand why an attorney would be allowed to alter dates on legal documents?
The clerk offered him whiteout.
Tell me the dates on legal document are free to be altered at the Registry of Deeds?
Troubling, if true.
True. True!!!
So he’s altering a signature, what do you think whiteout is for?
No. A notary public must never change, correct, or amend a notarial certificate at a later date.
During past blogs someone stated that all this site does is whine and complain. I couldn’t disagree more. What I see are different sides writing down their opinions on different subjects and if you read everyone you can see where people suggest what their government should be doing. Some examples are get rid of all bike lanes in Pittsfield and just follow the rules of the road that have been in existence for a 100 years, close a school and consolidate, remember politics are local so take care of the Kapanski’s by doing right by them, fix roads and bridges because infrastructure effects the Kapanski’s the most and above all BE TRANSPARENT in what you are doing with our money!!
Thanks, SHIRL. You are someone who GETS it.
How about wine and champagne?
And we can play John Kiley’s famous rendition on the Wurlitzer organ of “The Night They Invented Champagne.”
I agree too Shirl. The problem is the far-left progressives. As a heterosexual, white male, my and “people who look like me,” voice or concerns no longer matter.
If I voice my disagreement with Dina-Tucker-Martinez-Chang-Lipschitz-Guiel, about the bike lanes, then automatically I’m anti-LGFUKJB, anti-“climate change,” anti-“social justice warrior,” anti-trigger the fragile egg-shelled minds.
God, forbid I question the cultural competency coach about her family and friends, all-expense, paid vacation, funded by city government (i.e.-the taxpayers, not Flat’s money). I’m “racist,” “oppressive,” “anti-POC gettin’ YT’s money.”
Dennis, head of local NAACP can spout lies to the local press about cops “hunting, large people of color,” in reference to Miggy’s shooting. This before knowing all of the facts. Miggy, not listening to commands to stop, advanced towards the officers with a large knife for 40 yards before Miggy made the worst and last mistake of his life. No thoughts to the officers who had to do this Denny. Not to mention, I’d like to hear what Mr. Expert in police tactics would have done in a similar situation. Call a social worker Denny?
Say something against Denny, see above with the cultural competency coach.
Never a word about curbing violence with POC. Or making education a priority with POC. But they have all the answers. If you’d like to see the answers, it’ll cost you more ARPA money.
BTW- enjoy a Phiily Cheese Steak and a Ciga….(oops), I mean a Philly in NA with Warren “I” Dews “what you can’t”
Well said my friend, it is all true. I wish some one would give me money for a vacation oh sorry trip to explore my roots. Wth when will there ever be a state or federal audit of the money.
It is now krystal clear to me that you are a Krol Konsultant. And now a video of your guy on the Planet blog? Pathetic, Dan.
He is Tyer 2.0, a candidate unable to hold a job in the private sector who can’t manage his own family. He supported both Linda Tyer and Harrington in the last election – which highlights his poor judgement. And an easy, softball question regarding the North St. issue – of course he would state his support for a ballot question! He wants the public to think he’s in favor of involving the Karpanskis!
An absolutely ridiculous “column.”
Next thing you know, Dan will be supporting Mitt Romney for President.
If you have issues or questions meet at the Soda Chef tomorrow at 930am
Soda Chef – a blast from the past!
I want to know if Kroll can handle money and budgets.Is he frugal or extravagant. Will he govern from the economic bottom or from the top of Pittsfields elite.Will Mayor Kroll cut taxes.How much will he cut.Will he consolidate our high schools like the catholic church consolidate because it made the churches financially stronger.
and as we found out from tyer, a candidate saying they will do something means absolutely NOTHING! Sometimes words are so hollow and meaningless that they give off an echo.
Tyer left us helpless once she gained power because there was little or no council oversight. They banded with her and bailed out on their responsibilities to those who elected them. How pathetic is that? No sign of anyone coming in that things will be different.
City manager is needed.
His mother is well involved with the GOBSIG clique so I don’t think he will wander far from the reservation, that being said Marchetti is GOBSIG through and through so who do you vote for?
No one you don’t want as Mayor. There are NO lesser of evils.
Marchetti needs to address the reason he has been attached to Liar Tyer’s butt through her whole reign, he has NEVER gone against her. Liar Tyer steadily works on ruining the City of Pittsfield with her lame ideas. Why is he against the Open Mic, to shut up the taxpayers? The majority of her department heads are clueless and have hidden the truth and continue to from the taxpayers. Are they also afraid of her? Marchetti needs to tell the taxpayers why he has been so petrified to go against Liar Tyer. If he truly believes all her demands, then if he is elected, Pittsfield is completely ruined. In other words, he does not possess the balls to stand on his own, not a good qualification to be a mayor.
I would like to get direct no bullshit answers from both of them as to why they are for or against a city forensic audit. Yes or no and why. And if they are for it would they start it on day one if they were elected.
Any dancing around the question answers it for me.
I won’t get those answers unless they agree on them. Everyone knows this is a Valenti Cabal
His balls are in a locked box in Tyer’s office.
I’m not sure where you are getting the idea that Marchetti wants to shut down the open mic. I do know that at one of the open mic sessions he did threaten to shut it down because people were not following the rules (the bikers were cheering each other on which is not allowed, and some were ignoring the 3 minute rule). So I applaud him for maintaining control of the crowd. And Tyer is the Mayor, Marchetti is Council President. Thus he should be neutral and carry out the meeting according to the established rules, which he does well in my opinion. If the election boils down to these 2 candidates, Marchetti has my vote hands down.
Kerwood and Morales along with Tyer’s other buffoons thank you.
If the election boils down to these two candidates, I stay home. They both make a mockery of government representation. I would lose respect for myself if I voted for either of them.
More like a gulf of Tonkin moment Danny. Alls i know is anyone who remembers cruising North Street in a GTO knows these bike lanes are dangerous.
https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/why-desantis-cant-announce-presidential-run-yet
Because under FL law, he’d have to resign as Gov.
Article states that the Republican legislators are working on making changes to that law.
Stay in FL guv!
The Clown-slor Prez Pete is “working on a solution,” to the bike lane debacle. Where have we heard of another Clown-slor “working on a solution” before?
I remember, VP Porkchop Pete told the taxpayers he’s “working on a solution” with the Pittsfield’s “houseless” problem. His unknown and to date, unannounced “solution” is entering year 5 now. Ask yourself, has the issue gotten better? Porkchop Pete certainly thinks so. If he didn’t, he’d be in the forefront with his “solution.” He did offer his glowing review of the jalapeno-poppers he enjoyed with dinner recently.
Prez Pete must rival the ‘Man from Mensa’ with his intellect and knowledge of issues. I’m really glad Pete’s helping the “confused” taxpayer with the bike lane issue. Where would we be without him?
The taxpayers of Pittsfield DO NOT want bike lanes on North Street. There you go Pete. Not much confusion behind that statement.
Thanks, MARK. I will add that no one topped The Man from Mensa, our Right Honorable Good Friend, Mr. Ozias “Chuck” Vincelette.
Krol,
Will wag his tail for any hot button issue of the day. Play the dumb who me look as his new buddy Mike Daly does. Dan, please ask Krol what his plan is to partner with our worthless Senator and State Rep to Bring new business and more importantly Jobs to the area?
–
Then dig into the abandoned store fronts on North street. Crime Drugs etc.
trust me he will give you some vague answer or maybe he will consult the crystals.
Dude is a total Fraud!
He was a lame duck council-member then he left town,how does Valenti make him the favorite? And I sure as hell don’t want my Marchetti. Someone please enter the race so there will be no excuses.
We have become a city of immigrants in the last ten years. I would love for some of them to run for office and shake things up. They may not know enough to be afraid to speak up. I will vote for almost any new name
Never notice after Pete White speaks usually about rules and regulations, which he should know about for the last umteenth years he’s been on the Clowncil,he speaks and then his expressions on his face look like….who farted?
Funny. When Kerwood was a councilor he would go off on these endless mind boggling rants about nothing, and then he too would look around like…Who farted?
Nothing changed.
Yes, I do remember Fizz.
How could you ever forget Cufflinks on the Clowncil. The lisp in his voice as he droned on about nothing. His hair perfectly combed and slicked back. Giving him the doppelgänger image of Eddie Munster.
He was as much of a dumpster fire than as he is now.
I liked it when he dyed his white hair black. He looked like he was wearing a skunk skin cap when it grew out
Hilarious
I agree that anyone who opposes this ballot question does not deserve our vote.
I suppose if a gun were put to my head I would vote Krol.But another candidate should come forward .I know the people I would want to go on November most of the counselors definitely pig nada
No guns allowed in a voting booth – free elections! It’s perfectly acceptable to vote ‘none of the above.’
True for at-large. If only one floats your boat, only one gets your vote.
Is there a minimum number of people who must show up to vote to make it legal? Like a quorum? Could Krol get elected like if he gets six votes and Marchetti gets two?
Yes. Or six people voting 100 times also works. Or six ballot counters voting 80,000 times is also legit now.
All you need is a 1 vote lead, how doesn’t matter.
Weren’t the bike lanes the result of a grant? If so it has zero cost to taxpayers and limits input
My understanding is that we are still in the study phase of this.
Looks like Howard ( Mayberry) has confused the Clowncil even more. Words like unwind, limbo, 2/3 vote,Point of information
Grants are funded by taxpayers, so pardon us we feel like we were forced to pay for them (hence the referendum). And the time wasted painting them had better uses.
Who got the grant money? City workers didn’t, but someone got paid for the lanes. You do raise a good question.
Sam.gov, everyone gets a grant
Pittsfield has turned into Grants tomb.
Where grant goes to die.
Very clever.
Zero cost to taxpayers? “Grant money” is the taxpayers money.I wish they would call it “Taxpayers Grant money “ when they hand them out. To many people think when they hear grant money, it’s free money which doesn’t exist..
I agree OP. People that think Grant Money has zero cost to taxpayers are truly mistaken.
DEENA is either new or hasn’t been paying attention to The Planet.
These bike lanes cost, or let me rephrase, “gifted” to the Pittsfield taxpayer; the “houseless,” those leaving half-way houses with no job skills/education, and those in the final stages of drug rehab with no forward plan to help with success in staying sober. All these vibrant and dynamic citizens came from the central MA and the Boston area, during the pandemic time.
You can thank the MA Illegal Immigrants and Prostitutes Czar, Tricia Farley-Country Buffet, (D-illegal immigrants and prostitutes) for this wonderful gift she bestowed upon the taxpayers. It made everyone happy. Flat even told people how much this grant money benefitted Pittsfield. It made Pittsfield more “diverse,” I believe was the term tossed out at the time. How’s that diversity plan going as we fast forward a year or three?
Flat and Dirty Barry had a prosperous year. TFCB served her Boston masters well. Nick Russo got to work 46-hour days crafting the bike lanes. Didn’t the Kapanski’s enjoy or gain a little financial freedom too?
Grant money doe indeed exact a cost, usually hidden. Those who don’t think so need to check the files. Look it up under “F” for “Free Lunch, No Such Thing.”
Every time the city gets a grant and builds something the taxpayers have to pay to maintain it. Forever.
In 2020 Northampton had the same “Shared Streets Initiative” grant from the State and it only took a week before merchants complained to their Mayor. The Mayor listened to the merchants and had the bike lanes removed. No vote needed, just a mayor who listens. Here Is a link to the story
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMIjPP-FAzE
i tossed a penny into the well today
“Please dear lord anybody but these two”
These two will be very easy to beat! just state the obvious take a look around this city you like what you see?
then vote for me___________ = Landslide
JOHN
Perhaps but with a huge If. IF that third challenger (a) has an organization and (B) can raise money — minimum $20,000 up to $100,000+ Personally, I think a winning campaign could be forged with $20K, spent not just well but brilliantly, combined with getting as many good people in (a) as possible and (c) knocking on a record number of doors.
$10,000 ideal minimum. Maybe even less. There are plenty of tales of folk running for senate and congress on shoe strings and boot leather and winning.
When you have a corporate identity, but, you’re pretty sure grants were awarded to Goodwizzle unbeknownst…. it’s just a number anyone can steal it to get a G.
Campaigning is basically marketing. Even a good product won’t sell well if no one knows about it.
Yup, needs some popular media outlet to push for him or her. Krol has taken the lead on that venue. Has the Eagle weighed in yet?
“La plus belle des ruses du diable est de vous persuader qu’il n’ existe pas.” – Charles Baudelaire
(“The devil’s finest trick is to persuade you that he does not exist.”)
Taxpayers do not deserve four years in a krolchetti HELL! Don’t be deceived by these deceivers.
This guy hit the mail on the head.
I might add egos get in the way also from of some councilors.
Letter: It’s apparent that the Pittsfield City Council experiences personality issues
Mar 7, 2023
To the editor: After attending a few meetings and doing some research on the current rules, it’s apparent that our elected officials (including the city clerk) violate rules — especially rule 11 — often, from eye-rolling, body gestures and other inappropriate (nonverbal) gestures.
Rule 11 states, “Every Councilor, except the President, when about to speak or to deliver any matter to the Council, shall respectfully address the presiding officer. Councilors shall confine themselves to the question under debate and avoid personalities.”
A ward councilor even voted against a line item for road repairs (in another ward) without questioning the item or getting more information. Is this vote against this line item anything but a personal issue toward the presenting councilor? Are the residents best interests even considered or is this a personal vendetta?
As a lifelong resident of Pittsfield, this leaves me questioning the validity of these meetings. This behavior should not be condoned or tolerated.
Mike Barosso, Pittsfield
I honestly believe many councilor votes are decided before any given meeting. I think in many cases they are “instructed” what their position is to be. Which is why so many of us see them as puppets, either unable to or afraid to make decsions on their own. This is why special interests put up and back candidates in the first place. They do not dare go rogue.
And it is the main reason Pittsfield is in such a state and why referendums (or pretty much any citizen input) are not welcome.
FIZZ
These are fair and accurate observations.
And when votes are always at 90 percent one way you would have to believe that.
Agree FH.
It sure seems certain councilors hammer out how they will vote on any given issue behind the scenes and then at the meeting make it look and sound like they are individually making their own independent decision on the issue at hand.
I love when Earl does a line of questioning T trying to justify some stupid Tyer move.
Vote his ass out.
You are correct. We can tell by the phony choreography
And certainly the clerk is NOT the city attorney..
First shots fired? Hardly a Ft. Sumter moment……more like a rubber band/spitball volley.
Please tell me what Krol’s accomplishments are?
Not a fan of Krol, I still can’t forgive him for being the unvetted Syrian Refugee czar, working with Jewish Family Services of Springfield and Mayor Tyer to relocate the migrants to Pittsfield. Not a fan of his prior service on the City Council as a progressive Democrat spender. I was happy when he moved out of town. BTW I believe his current wife #2 is an employee of the Pittsfield School Dept., according to her LinkedIn profile. That is a major conflict of interest, as the Mayor sits on the School Committee.
Johnathan Melle’s list of questions would be appropriate for a good debate between the two candidates.
Hyenas jump all over the opportunity to roll in something gross they find on the ground, and then hyenas get clean by licking themselves (or even better, by getting others to lick them.) Don’t expect this one to change its spots! Krol was a horrible loathsome city councilor and he’ll be an atrocious corrupt city mayor.
Mr. Valenti you are neither transparent
or neutral on this site. How could you have a blog about mayoral candidates without mentioning the Gman. He is light years ahead of krol and Marchetti and will demolish them in the debates.why didn’t you mention him as being someone who is considering running for mayor. That’s the same language used by krol and Marchetti. (They are considering) a run for mayor. Neither of the three are on the ballot yet. Thus they should be treated as equals.you have not been fair to G. Let’s see if you have the decency to rephrase and start over but this time include Mr. Gaetani as being a intended mayoral candidate . This is where you have not been transparent or neutral in your coverage. Try again.
CRAIG
Track records. Krol and Marchetti have a strong chance at winning and deserve coverage because they will (a) organize, (b) put money into it, and (c) actually campaign (lawn signs, literature, ads and the like, knock on doors, have a public HQ). Anyone who doesn’t do the same will not win because they cannot compete. Debates are maybe 5% of a campaign, and without (a, b, & c) they mean next to nothing. That type of token, “15-minutes” campaign gets maybe a 150 votes or so, but to what end? To stroke an ego? Waste everyone’s time? Also, neither John nor Pete tries to use THE PLANET as a pseudo-proxy-virtual campaign site. Neither send threatening messages our way. That type of behavior turns people off. In short, without a serious effort, no one will take such a candidate seriously.
You asked. I answered.
Your theory doesn’t hold water. One name Peter Arlos. Never campaigned or spent a dime.
The exception that proves the rule. Pete was a county commissioner, headed the county retirement board, had everyone in state office on speed dial, knew everyone in town, councilor for one score and 10 … I could go on and on. No one comes a fraction of close to that or to what Peter was to Pittsfield and Berkshire County.
He ran for mayor a number of times. Never came close.
What makes you an election official? Stick with being a carnival barker.
Hurry! Hurry! Step right up!!! Come see the fabulous egress!!! Yes, just step this way, sir!
THE PLANET heard from John Krol on that final point. He said, “Cara and I have had conversations with state ethics regarding this question, and there is no conflict. If and when I’m elected, and become mayor, we will address any and all ethical concerns. We are well aware of the guidelines set forth by state ethics and the people of Pittsfield can rest assured that my administration will maintain the highest ethical standards, including the question of Cara’s employment as a teacher in the Pittsfield Public Schools.”
Wow Dan you contacted your boy right away to “clear that up,” did you?
”No conflict of interest” – right! If I were a local resident, that would be a big issue to me as the schools pull in major bucks from the city budget!
Krol will maintain the “highest ethical standards?” This from a guy who cheated on his wife!
What a pile of BS!
Now That is funny! Post of day
“We will address any and all ethical concerns.” I think not. This issue needs to be addressed NOW before the election, with a written statement by Mrs. Krol that she will quit her PPS job if Krol is elected mayor.
This is a big red flag to me, given the size of the PPS budget and the fact that the mayor is a member of the School Committee.
Does the mayor sign off on the school budget or just the council?
The important thing to remember here is that the Mayor is on the School Committee and has input into their budget and budget discussion. If your spouse is working for the PPS you certainly will deliver the goods to benefit your spouse and the school community to which you are beholden.
The Mayor is responsible for preparing and presenting the city budget to the council for approval.
This statement is more about your personal makeup than anything else. If you follow this logic than everyone on the School Committee is in ethical violation from family members working or going to the schools, past workers and having to run so being beholden to he GOBSIGS!!
No one died or was injured at fort Sumter. My question is will Marchetti bring his gavel to the various candidate forums?
He’ll just bang his shoe like Khrushchev
https://youtu.be/aKdo1xwVK7s
Crane Ave is a pothole nightmare, as is upper North Street and Center Street, which I use to avoid Bicycle Lane, formally known as North Street, Pittsfield’s main street, formally home to thriving commerce.
But I digress, a Black Lies Matter leader was arraigned in Saratoga Springs City Court on a charge of disorderly conduct because she went over her allotted two minutes of free speech at a city council meeting. The Saratoga Springs public safety commissioner was so upset over the two-minute time violator that he requested an order of protection from the court against the two-minute violator of free speech. The Black LIES Matter leader was making the point that “When you were running for election you made sure to have conversations with us then because what did you want us to do? Hickenbottom said. “You wanted us to make sure that we put you in power” and then you did nothing, for the Black community. To that, I say it’s not just the black community that city councilors/elected officials lie to when they want to get elected, it’s everyone.
Schumer is right . Tucker Frederickson should not be on TV.
His replacement off the bench, we hear, will be Steve Thurlow.
Not Ernie Wheelwright?
Can’t handle the truth that your Dem & Republican leaders lied to you?
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2023/03/they-should-be-tried-for-fraud-and-treason-president-trump-on-jan-6-committee-members-who-hid-video-exonerating-jan-6-victims/
It seems Americans no longer care about justice as long as they can live off of the government, they will look the other way. Meanwhile, the elderly are suffering the most under this administration. Losing money they have saved and being forced to work longer to pay their bills. 401Ks have tanked under Biden.
I don’t know about yours, Pat, but mine has gone up.
MR. BON
What say we get together soon for a nice cuppa? Yeah? Let me know.
Sure, when I get home.
With Viagra?
They didn’t hide the video, and it doesn’t exonerate the attackers.
You know with Whiskey Rebellion, president Washington did not convene a Whiskey Panel and hunt everyone associated with it down for years on end.
To me, the Garland vendetta is the face of our descend into tyranny.
Not sure what the garland vendetta is, but The whiskey rebellion was clearly not an attempt to subvert an election. It was taxation without representation, And fully justified, in my view.
My favorite rebellion was the boxer
As New Englanders, Boston Tea Party folk, we should have an underdog appreciation for the riot of 1/6.
I like the Shay’s Rebellion myself. Under Garland’s watchful eye, we are all being downloaded into his database of insurrectionists – Bonner included because he approved of the Whiskey revolt.
Yes, I have a great affinity for that one as well.
Whiskey Rebellion was an armed revolt. Ant it was actually pretty violent if you happened to be a tax collecter in the land of the stills.
Washington sent his army to cut them off and that was the end of it. No investigations. No senate empaneling. No FBI hunt and destroy missions. No Whoopi Goldberg sycophantry.
The Capital riot was a riot. My point is that we convened a kangaroo court to subpoena people, drag them into a political court. Garland has made it the business of his job to hunt down absolutely everyone he can identify at the capital that day – people who otherwise are leading good decent lives, but on account of that pound of smoke, they shan’t sleep easily to the end of their days. Garland will grab them, regardless of age, health, occupation. That is hard tyranny I speak of. It’s a vendetta.
Washington would have called the rioters a bunch of villains, and then he’d say ‘good riddance’ to them the day after.
“they didn’t try to subvert an election”
There is no trial data supporting the rioters were trying to anything at all other than commit trespass and property destruction.
The Whiskey Reb was looking like a fresh revolution threatening more than a constitutional challenge to electoral votes. As I say, Washington sent the army, and was satisfied when the revolt dispersed. Sorry about the repetition – but how our government responds to the 1/6 is an essential test of the state of our government. I argue we failed it.
Sorry, PFH, I respectfully disagree. The intent of the rioters, and the president, was to halt the certification of the electoral vote, thereby subverting the results of the presidential election. The Shay’s and Whiskey rebellions – and the Boston Tea Party for that matter – were different matters entirely.
“The intent of the rioters, and the president, was to halt the certification of the electoral vote”
Doesn’t address my argument. The intention of the President was to have a rally to protest what he believed to be fraud. The rioters intentions unclear and disputed.
My argument is the government’s response which is not unlike that of the Stasi or Russian FSB. People disappearing into unmarked cells, etc… (All for the love of State and Law)
Sidepoint and tangent: The Crown’s response to the Tea Party was the Intolerable Acts. I see an argument forming that forms a parallel in Biden’s government response to 1/6 to Parliament’s response to TP that is dissimilar to Washington’s approach. And Washington represents a balanced and centered approach to civility.
I will respond to your post just as I wish. My memory tells me that Shay’s rebellion was a general tax but since the farmers raised barleycorn it ended up being a tax that put them into the red. The whiskey rebellion was a tax on whiskey. And we all know that the Boston tea party was truly an instance of taxation without representation. For you to believe that the January 6 rioters were not trying to stop the certification of the election is naïve. The president explicitly stated that that was his goal, and the rioters explicitly stated that they were there to support that goal.
I’m far from naive, Bonner, and old enough to resent the snipe. Of course Trump wanted certain electors disqualified – that was his right given the law. And his right remained to peaceably assemble. Trump’s rally was not associated nor organized with the riot. In fact, we don’t know who organized the riot or who even conducted themselves there, do we?
You may respond anyway you wish, but you do not answer the argument. If you don’t want to argue, just say so!
The ‘reasons’ for the rebellion is not the dispute – it’s the behavior of the government that I challenge.
The government’s behavior is completely justified given the desire of the president and his followers to halt the final certification of the election results. It is not a snipe – it is a fact. You are truly naïve if you believe that the president and mob did not want to stop Pence from certifying the results of the election.
Peacefully and patriotically making your voices heard is such a threat.
Yes – it was a peaceful and orderly rally. It also ended when the President told everyone to go home and go in peace. He had nothing to do with the riot. That riot, in fact, demolished the opportunity for the VP to make the constitutional charge of challenging the illegal electors (ones who were sent to the convention under a cloud of election official crime.)
Now wasn’t that a coincidence.
Not buying your story. You conflating events and misrepresenting the facts of the day.That’s the statist’s argument.
PFH, if you want to know the truth you need to do the work. Go listen to all the news sources (Fox CNN CBS Newsmax ABC MSNBC PBS OANN Breitbart The Gateway Pundit etc) and decide for yourself which stories make the most sense – that is where the truth can be found.
I wouldn’t call fox and msnbc etc… the good work. You won’t find much truth there.
Then where do you look? You look where there is relevant evidence.
original testimony, combine with acquired knowledge/experience and logic
“ we don’t know who organized the riot or who even conducted themselves there, do we?”
Of course we do.
Yes we do know but even there we’d disagree and in the end it’s possible neither of us know. I would like to spare us that argument.
I can see why you would like to spare us that argument.
FBI organized the riot with Ray Epps and others.
Where can I find the exact Trump quote where he said that? You are just repeating democrat/ media lies. You’re gullible.
Insults.
I am not gullible; I am a scientist.
And you probably invented Flubber
Actually, he did. In 7th grade!
Sure, me & Fred MacMurray.
What? And no Bill Frawley??
He was around the corner fighting with Ethel Mertz.
Ah, so THAT explains it! I thought he was at Ft. Lauderdale, coaching the Yanks, Maris, and Mantle, in SAFE AT HOME.
You spelled Socialist Communist wrong
I argue they were the perpetrators, especially teh Speaker at the time
Who was charged with attacking anyone?
FOX is the information source of Trump followers.It makes perfect sense now.Father forgive them as they don’t know anything.
It’s ‘Father forgive them, for they do not know what they do.’
OK Whoopie, still saying all those racist things on TV and getting away with it?
Does this apply to Commonwealth or not ?
No State shall deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
Enough is enough with coddling bikers and making motorists the enemy! How about enforcing the MA laws that bikers are breaking every day in Pittsfield like wearing helmets, mandatory head lamps and tail lamps at night, and absolutely no parking on sidewalks or roadways where it will be in other people’s way. Will the candidates please go on record? Councilors?
As a biker I say ‘leave us alone.’
agree
You mean let it be,I believe?
Yes.
I remember a day when no one wore helmets. And the one’s who did looked like giant lightbulbs bobbing along. Not all of us survived, but those that did are naturally stronger.
ER nurses had a nickname for helmetless riders – they called them ‘organ donors.’
Phunny!
Pay your fair share.
Yes, the state should require registration of all bicycles with the RMV to pay for these bike projects. It can be done.
Yeah right and watch the PPD chase bikers all over town, through backyards, into stores. It’ll be a real mess.
License plates for bikes? Really now….
Oh, you folks are talking about bicycles; I misunderstood, thinking y’all were talking about motorcycles.
Thank you to Councilors Kalinowsky and Kronick, on the Finance Subcommittee, for voting against using $500,000 free cash as the city’s match to a national grant for Springside House. Any monies matched for this project should come out of the CPA funds (deadline has passed), not free cash which is money from overtaxed Pittsfield citizens. Let’s see how the city council votes on the Springside House issue.
Where do you think the CPA funds came from, Cathy?
From the same people who voted Lampylousy
Yes, you are correct, Joe – taxpayer monies – designated for restoration of historical properties among other things. I don’t like the CPA but that is where funding should come from for Springside instead of free cash which could be and should be used to offset our tax rate (but I’m not holding my breath on that one!). $17 million in free cash is making the City Council spenders delirious with joy and I for one don’t want to see it “invested” in that house, a bottomless money pit.
GREAT point, Cathy. Free cash instead of CPA (Community Pickpocket Act) money? Just more stupidity from Your Government (Not At Work).
Genus Biden is I a bad way. He almost fell asleep standing up?
When he falls asleep he really falls
I am 100% against the CPA, aka Pick-Pocket TAX. I don’t just mean I’m against the use of it for this scam, and every other scam it’s wasted on, I’m against the added Pick-Pocket TAX perpetrated on the taxpayers. I didn’t vote for this additional RIP-OFF TAX, I don’t agree with this additional RIP-OFF TAX, I’m completely against this additional RIP-OFF TAX and I want rescinded, retroactively to the date it was rammed down the throats of the overtaxed taxpayers.
Was one of those missing kids the son of the bus driver who has cancer and had a gathering put on in her honor ?
Are these two-armed youthful drug dealers under the watchful eyes of DCF/18 Degrees/Wynn’s million-dollar grant project for At-Risk juveniles? Have these armed drug dealing juveniles ever been in DCF custody? Have these juveniles ever been in state foster care? Are these armed drug dealing juveniles old enough to legally drive the vehicle they used to speed away from the cops. And is the illegal gun found in the possession of these armed juvenile drug dealers a family gun?
They were “known to the police.” That says it all.
Democrats just put out a warning that anyone watching unedited Jan 6 footage could arrive at an unapproved conclusion.
That’s not far from parody. Half the nation seems to think that suspicion of election fraud is seditious, and th eWhite House wants a Minister of Truth.
Dan a good friend of yours died from the past. You’ll see it,I sure.
Can you share a name?
Jim Arpante
Good guy, constitutional scholar. Jim did have lawn signs and he did knock on doors. But I grant your point. However, Jim and Arlos did it in what is now political prehistory, when you could run for mayor on $5K or less … and have a chance at winning. Token candidacies are all well and good, but they have no chance of attaining office. You and I both agree that Pittsfield needs someone in office who will stand for The Little Guy and who will do the things necessary to actually compete for the office (and the power).
Lady Liberty
Truth will set you free
https://www.wbur.org/news/2023/02/22/massachusetts-dookhan-hinton-drug-lab-cunha
Others served tainted sentences and are now living under the heavy burden of wrongful drug convictions. And still others may have been convicted of crimes they did not commit.
Soon, a Superior Court judge will decide whether victims of these “mistakes” by Massachusetts prosecutors deserve better. It should never have come to this.
*Correction, March 16, 2017: This story originally misidentified where the faulty drug tests were conducted. **It was in the field by local law enforcement, not in the local laboratory.