CPA FUND CUSTODIAN IS KUFFLINKS KERWOOD; $100,000 ASK FOR CHURCH PUT IN BY MRS. KERWOOD!! TWO ISSUES: CHURCH-STATE VIOLATION AND HUGE CONFLICT OF INTEREST
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, THE WEEKEND EDITION OCT. 20-22, 2023) — One of the many rigged votes that has swamped Picklefield taxpayers was the “approval” of the Community Preservation Act, forever known as the Community Pickpocket Act, a named laid on it by Terry Kinnas.
The CPA’s euphemistic moniker tries to hide what reality; the CPA is yet another form of taxation. The Suits decided that Picklefield’s Kapanskis needed to contribute more tribute and so added surcharges on recording fees for real estate sales. The CPA is nothing other than a “legal” tax override of Prop. 2.5.
Subsection 7 of MGL Chapter 44B specifies that “the municipal treasurer shall be the custodian” of the CPA fund. That would be none other than Kufflinks Kerwood. For this year, Picklefield’s slushy haul comes to $503,613 clams.
———- ooo ———-
Now THE PLANET learns that one of the requests for this “free” money emanates from the city’s First Church of Christ, $100,000 for a new boiler. It’s part of a game of musical churches. First Church will be merging with South Congregational. Price Memorial AME Zion Church will move into the First digs across from Park Square.
Two big problems here.
- Separation of Chuch and State. The Founding Fathers wanted these two entities to be never to mix. Why on earth should it be up to bedraggled taxpayers to pay to replace a failing church’s wheezy boiler?
- First Church’s moderator is none other than (DRUM ROLL, MEASTRO) … Jennifer Kerwood! Yes, the wife of Kufflinks. It’s a small world after all. You know, just another of those Picklefield coincidences. THE PLANET doesn’t have to take out a billboard advertising CONFLICT OF INTEREST.
The city being well within the electoral, fiduciary, and financial chokehold of The Suits, the Historical Commission piped in, saying that the First Church $100G request was “historically significant.” Here’s the punch line to the joke: It did so WITHOUT DEBATE.
How Picklefield can you get?
Kerwood, not Kufflinks but Mrs. Kufflinks, says the boiler’s on its last legs and the church doesn’t have the resources. Neither does Price Memorial.
THE PLANET then has a great suggestion. How about selling the church’s large Tiffany window. That ought to take care of the finances, and we hear that Anderson Windows is offering a sale right now.
Another plan would be for the congregation to go atheistic.
On second thought, that suggestion isn’t so great. We doubt that any of the three congregations have that strong a faith.
Have a great weekend, everybody.
———————————————————————-
“Freedom should be absolute up to the limits of endurance” — Sir Donald Turpentine, Knight of the Bath.
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
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I heard a rumor that Warren Buffett is scouting Kufflinks to manage Berkshire Hathaway because it sounds similar to Berkshire County and Sara Hathaway is a Level 5 Schoolmarm in Pittsfield politics. It could all be another one of those Picklefield coinky-pinkies.
Hey, wasn’t the minister at that church on the secret arpa committee ?
I heard a rumor that Kenny Warren and Elizabeth Warren and Dews are all from the same tribe.
What about Warren Pease?
Dana’s Krol misdirection machine just keeps on churning out falsehoods and articles designed to foment anger at the current administration, and by association, Marchetti.
Dan is showing his bias again and how slovenly and lazy his “reporting” is.
One minute with the database below (select all cities, all years, search word Church.
It will return thousands of projects that CPA has funded at both historical and active churches.
Another search will show you how the SJC approaches the issue. If you read the text it will describe how often state, city, and town employees and family members will be members of CPA committees and be responsible for distributing funds to churches they may be elders or members of. It’s not a conflict.
But Dan knew this, or should have done some research but he didn’t. Why? Because this is a smoke screen for Krol, misdirection because he knows Krol got some DOR letters and isn’t talking.
https://www.communitypreservation.org/databank/projectsdatabase/access
“Many religious institution projects have been funded with CPA historic preservation funds across the Commonwealth with projects ranging in size from small, discreet repairs to complete rehabilitation. Churches played an integral role in the history of Massachusetts, and are also often local landmarks.”
Easton’s Unity Church
In 2006, Easton appropriated $380K of CPA funds for the restoration of the Gothic Revival style Unity Church, which was built in 1875 and is located on Main Street in the Village of North Easton.
Yarmouthport’s First Congregational Church
With the help of $300,000 in Community Preservation funds, Yarmouth was able to complete restoration work on the town’s First Congregational Church. The building, constructed in 1870, needed extensive renovations due to both its age and proximity to salt water.
North Andover’s North Parish Church
North Andover appropriated just over $141K of CPA funds in 2004 to restore the steeple and foundation of the historic North Parish Church. This project was part of a $2.1M renovation that included many building upgrades in addition to the historic restoration.
https://vineyardgazette.com/news/2013/11/25/judge-denies-injunction-block-use-cpa-money-church?k=vg52935c44ef0b0
Judge Denies Injunction to Block Use of CPA Money for Church
A superior court judge has denied a motion from 10 Oak Bluffs residents who are trying to block the town from using Community Preservation Act money to restore the stained glass windows at Trinity Methodist Church.
Here’s some that happened in Stockbridge
First Congregational Church about $160k
https://www.communitypreservation.org/cpc-report?report_src=bcstwv3d3%7Ca%3DAPI_GetRecordAsHTML&key=45452
https://www.communitypreservation.org/cpc-report?report_src=bcstwv3d3%7Ca%3DAPI_GetRecordAsHTML&key=49049
https://www.communitypreservation.org/cpc-report?report_src=bcstwv3d3%7Ca%3DAPI_GetRecordAsHTML&key=53144
Thanks for the comments!
As was once said, “We stole it fair and square.” Sen. Hayakawa.
Ida IS correct about church and state. Mass Constitution emphasizes protecting religious liberty as does US Constitution.
That’s not what the CPA is about nor the Separation of Church and State. The building is historic.
Their exists no such concept in the American Mind of ‘separation of Church and State.” The State protects all Faiths and the right to one’s church – that is the point of First Amendment.
I have no opinion fixed on the process by which that church got apparent approval for CPA. I do sense a conflict, based solely upon this report, that needs to be resolved.
Facts and legalities never stopped a progressive liberal Sir Chaz.
Just ask Flat Tyer, Pete Marchetti, and their ARPA Star Chamber, unless of course they are in their “safe space” deciding who OUR tax dollars are being grifted to.
The Republican party wants a Christian powered America. They are in complete denial of why people came to America.Our system was designed for religious freedom to be outside the government separated by law.A city should never pay for a churches furnace or boiler just out of common sense on the matter.Cut down the tree blocking the light on the Appleton Ave PHS parking lot.The lot is unsafe until it is lit up for safety.
Tithing doethent work.
The Leftists want to import 1 MILLION Islamist Hamas terrorists from Palestine. Why can’t they just get here on their own, and walk across our undefended southern border, like the rest of the 8 MILLION CRIMINAL ALIENS that Biden et al have let in to pillage and plunder America?
I agree that we shouldn’t be buying infrastructure for churches, but you’re understanding of history is laughably ridiculous.
How about the trip to Africa. Hands down a butt kissing to one group.
INDA: Lot’s of cases to read about, but every day in court is unique.
Dan knows this is a lie and a big nothing burger. But why let the truth get in the way of trying to protect Krol?
And you see no conflict of interest here? Now THAT’s interesting. Care to share your real name, tin man, and own your push back (which THE PLANET welcomes, by the way!).
Assuming facts presented are accurate, I would think that the request would have-to or at least want-to go through Ethics and receive a determination before awarded. The request would then present with disclosures and a stamp of approval.
The two issues: One (church-state separation) has been adjudicated by the SJC. I realize that. I still disagree with the ruling. The building is a church. A Chuch, which enjoys a tax-free life, must support itself via the congregation.
Two: The city’s financial officer, Mr. Kerwood, is the fiduciary of the CPA fund. The spokesperson advocating for the money is the CFO’s wife (Mrs. Kerwood, who, by the way, is a delightful person!). That’s a CLEAR conflict. Therefore, on both counts, on moral and ethical grounds, the request should be refused.
“Church state separation” is a current revision of the First Amendment. I regard that revision in the same fashion I regard current trends to redefine the Second Amendment.
The bedrock for any nation is rock-solid. Ours, paid in full with blood and sacrifice, is worth the price.
We otherwise are likely not in dispute. CPA has seen great abuse of the voters’ intentions in general. And the relationship between the Treasurer and the Church ought to be clarified and probably reviewed by State Ethics. When there is an appearance of conflict, the proper action is to seek guidance from Mass State Ethics, or use common sense and avoid the conflict altogether.
It came to Pittsfield by voter consent. It may also leave Pittsfield by similar means. The CPA committee serves at the pleasure of the Pittsfield voters.
SIR CHAZ
That would be a worthwhile campaign, a citizen’s petition/drive to rescind the CPA and join the 156 sane communities in the Bay State that have rejected this back-door tax.
It is within the common reach. Make a petition, get the signatures. The law states how citizens can both petition for the CPA, and how they can repeal it.
I believe that the refusal of the Parks Commission to request CPA funding for Springside House, and instead use taxpayers dollars in the Free Cash slush fund to pay for renovations, calls for reconsideration.
Could you please petition for a report of all CPA expenditures since it was voted in?
Here.
Your a dumb a**
Dan knows he’s just trying to stir up anger at Marchetti via Kerwood/Tyer. Another sloppy reporting job aka Dan’s hack reporting.
When your candidate is Krol, you have to do anything to distract from all his failings.
https://www.communitypreservation.org/databank/projectsdatabase/access
Chose all cities, all years, keyword church.
https://www.communitypreservation.org/church-projects#:~:text=Many%20religious%20institution%20projects%20have,are%20also%20often%20local%20landmarks.
Many religious institution projects have been funded with CPA historic preservation funds across the Commonwealth with projects ranging in size from small, discreet repairs to complete rehabilitation. Churches played an integral role in the history of Massachusetts, and are also often local landmarks.
In Stockbridge alone they’ve doled out over $150k in CPA to churches
INDA
Ah, yes. The old, everybody else is doing it, so it must be a good idea. The examples you cite make my argument. That’s why 156 cities and town in Mass. did not fall for this back-door tax. In Picklefield, of course, it was decided before it was decided! Religious institutions have no moral claim to taxpayer dollars.
You have to ask yourself who other than Kufflinks and the Mayor are the one person that facilitates the big money to the sigs? Probably with some Highfalutin lawyers that make deals also with this one person. Come on Dan you know who it is.
Dan, I agree with you on that one. The whole concept of a PickPocket tax is revolting, pun intended!
The state is so far to the left they change laws to benefit anything. Church state is. All of a sudden bypass because of the history of the church is Bill
Never look a gift horse in the mouth.
Yes and it’s always been that way.
The SJC says it’s ok due to the nature and services that churches have historically provided to the community.
For all its failings, I trust the SJCs learned decision of your hack reporting any day of the week, every week of the year.
As for the lack of conflict of interest maybe take 5 minutes out of your pro-Krol propaganda “reporting” to do simple research.
The guidelines are embedded right in the 17 page decision.
We all know you are carrying the water for your boy Krol. You keep ignoring the Meth bar fundy, lack of donors, that family members have to write letters for him (and not disclose the relationship), that the AG and DOR are hot on his tail, it’s a lot not to cover so you have to make up some new controversy.
CPA funds have three uses. Some must be used for community services. Sounds like the boiler fits that category.
INDA is likely correct that the award itself is not controversial. But the relationships between city and recipient are murky.
I have reached a different conclusion, actually. It’ll post when it posts… (10.21)
ARPA , CPA, last name Kerwood, Historical commission, apologize for my oversight would be response on this one too.
Like I said in the last blog these expenditures are only the tip of the iceberg. Who do you think may have been complicit in these underhanded deals. We don’t have to look too far to find the culperts who reside in city hall the taxpayer have been duped again.i don’t think that Eddie would have gone this alone without the approval of some other higher up in city hall. The 64000 dollar question is who also thought this was a good idea. Make some guesses so we can get to the bottom of this rape of the taxpayers of the city of pittsfield. I apologize isn’t going to cut it this time.
This kind of shenanigans has to be nipped in the bud. Someone very bold is behind this robbery.
I agree with you Craig, from the article it looks the Historical Commission approval and Mr. and Mrs. Kerwood owe us at least an explanation. https://www.iberkshires.com/story/73371/Pittsfield-First-Church-to-Seek-CPA-Funds-for-Boiler-Replacement.html
Yeah these ideas do flip through some channels all day
The real elephant in the room when it comes to Pittsfield politics is why do taxpayers fork over $205.6 million and always increasing by 5 percent per fiscal year in return for….a shit sandwich? Does anyone really think that either John Krol (aka the pseudo-Financial Wizard) or Peter Marchetti (aka the banker who likes to bang his gavel) are going to change anything in Pittsfield politics for the better after decades of the city’s downward spiral? Also, what have Smitty Pignatelli, Tricia Farley-Bouvier, John Barrett III, and Paul Mark done for Pittsfield other than their HOT AIR nonsense? What have PAC Man Richie Neal, Maryland Ed Markey, Not on or anywhere near Main Street U.S.A. Elizabeth Warren, and the 80-year-old Prez Joe Biden done for the fictional Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski working family who lives in Pittsfield, Massachusetts? I know: A lot of Shit Sandwiches!
Coupla years ago some connected bigwig tried to get CPA money for new chimneys and fireplaces for a big hangout for golfers on Rte 7 south. It might have gotten shot down at the time but what about now? I see the work seems to have been done..not sure who paid for it. But goes to show you what the thought process is behind the CPA sucker tax.
Par Four, yes, the chimney request was voted down. I made the argument that it was not a project that benefitted the city. It only benefitted a select group of residents that could afford to be members of the country club. Fortunately, there was enough votes to turn the request down. The fund was set up to fund projects like park improvements within the city.
I remember that CC. Examples such as this were the basis for THE PLANET’s verdict on your councilorship, which was First Rate in every sense.
Another day in Pittsfield and another political friend getting a handout courtesy of the Kapanski’s money….I have a question has an outside audit both financial and ethically ever been done on the city’s expenditures? and on the taxpayers who seem to never pay their taxes??
CPA funds should be used to fund projects that will help a significant number of the tax payers who contribute to The fund. In my opinion this does not fit the criteria. If they don’t have the funds, do a fundraiser, if they don’t have the support, close or merge. I’d
Like a new air conditioner for my business but I would be embarrassed to ask others to
Buy it for me. Maybe I was raised differently. Maybe a change in the wording on how the CPA funds can be spent should be up for debate. Public input on this would be great.
One of the good things is that they are not politically motivated nor are there any in kind kickbacks involved.
That we know of.
I’m get you Pothole. I don’t see anything in CPA that justifies paying for boilers, or AC’s for that matter. I think this is a case where taxpayers’ money are controlled by a small and insular group that think of the money as theirs to spend. The big picture looks great for Harvard U researchers, but they never look at what happens to your ‘greenbacked stuff.
Slush fund
Dan,do you know if Krol is for the 40 million dollar new stadium.My vote will go to Krol based on audits and a no on the stadium.If he is for the stadium I might as well vote Marchetti.
Major redo for the park coming. Yankees to host the Celtics on opening day 2025.
Step One: Put an article about it on The Eagle’s Facebook page. Step Two: have a bunch of lame-brains type the word “prayers” in the comment section, maybe even kick in an emoji to be sure. It always works, new boiler should miraculously appear.
RAY
Well put. As Al Michaels once exclaimed, “Do you believe in miracles?!”
Or Jack Buck’s… I can’t believe what I just saw.
Phil Rizutto: “Holy Cow”… Curt Gowdy: “Goodbye Dolly Gray.”… Ned Martin: “Mercy!” Johnny Most: “High above court side” … Mel Allen:”How ’bout that?”
No.Johnny Most…..I can’t believe they called a foul on Larry Bird, the audacity! Bird has five fouls and has been sitting on the bench for the last ten minutes while Lambeer and the other thug Isaiah Thomas have been mugging Danny Ainge the whole game.
Look at the disgusting smirk on Isaiah’s face,disgusting,just disgusting.
“Awright, Danny bring it down, now over to Wedman, now to Bird, looking. Bird fakes left, tricky dribbles right, and he HAMMERED. Absolutely hammered. And no call!!!!!!! Oh my!!!! What a dirty dirty play. McFilthy and McNasty.”
Harry Carey: “Cubs win!”
Yup! Good one.
His 7th inning rendition of “Take me out to the ball game,” was classic too.
Even better when Harry had a few adult beverages prior to singing the song.
Don’t forget Keith Jackson and his famous, “Whoa Nellie.”
Yes!! Great addition. Another of Ned Martin’s, when a batter smoke a line drive base hit: “Rip city!”
Hank Stram??….matriculate the ball down the field
Good one!
“Havlicek stole the ball!” — Johnny Most
“Down goes Frazier! Down goes Frazier! Down goes Frazier!” — Howard Cosell
“I don’t believe what I just saw!” — Vin Scully (Gibson’s HR 1988)
“I think we’re having an earthquake” is a close second
Kufflink Kerwood demonstrates typical narcissistic behavior regularly. Never would of thought of him being married. She must be very happy, hope she believes he’s as great as he thinks he is. Anyway, he needs to be Fired and held accountable.
I. Still disagree on the Covanta Free Boiler.
Krol said at the teacher’s forum last night that all elected officials should get a CORI check, and visit the schools to see what’s going on there. Marchetti looked uncomfortable. hmmmm
Everyone running for office to should have a CORI check done and reported to voters before Election Day.
didnt’ angelo groom Peter as a young protege at Coop ?
I find that remark offensive.
Biden is off to Israel to embarASS America and make a bigger fool of himself.
Money for them, 100 MILLION for Hamas terrorists (how does that work funding BOTH sides?), and of course more BILLIONS to Zelensky’s Ukranian money Laundrymat.
Calls to import 1 MILLION Hamas terrorists,er Refugees….. from Palistine,………as if our border was not porous enough with thousands of CRIMINAL ALIENS pouring in EVERY DAY. Where are they all?, Traitor Joe don’t know, he’s taking a nap.
Liberal/Leftist policy, America LAST!
Anything on the Robert last night. Or the Conte incident?
Robbery at Mavis?
Shall we discuss the 260 billion dollars the US has given to Israel since1948.
Israel has been the the largest benefactor of US aid since 1948.
And they are one of the wealthiest countries on their own without our taxpayer money. The Gaza strip on the other hand is one of the poorest places on the face of the earth.
Palestinians are the black sheep/offal of the Arab world, even they don’t want them.
Iran will use them and Hezbollah to do their dirty work, that Liberals here are also funding with glee.
How’s building that border wall you said we didn’t need, and now we do, coming along Joe? Word is that was a ruse to get the funds Trump appropriated in 2019, to spend elsewhere. Traitor Joe already sold off sections of paid for border wall a bargain prices to his cronies. Just like he sold off our strategic oil reserves to China and India. Gasoline is not close to $2/gal like it was 2020.
For a very poor people, they have a lot of fine weapons.
They weapons Joe gifted to the Taliban have been in Gaza quite a while now. Even Newsweek did a story on it months ago.
6/17/23
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230617-israel-us-arms-left-in-afghanistan-reach-gaza/
“US arms left in Afghanistan have been smuggled to the Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip, Sama News Agency reported on Friday.
The local Palestinian news agency disclosed that Newsweek reported an unnamed senior Israeli military official confirming: “Some of the small weapons seized in Afghanistan had been spotted in the hands of Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip.”
Traitor Joe leaving 80 Billion in United States modern weapons of war with Taliban terrorists, what could go wrong?
Except for rockets. About 20% either blow up at launch or land well short. Maybe Joe’s billions to Iran , where they make much finer rockets, will fix that too.
They were making homemade rockets, digging up water supply pipes Israel put in, and using those as casings. Those are the ones that can’t hit a broadside of a barn……
Biden has squandered nearly half as much, in a little more than a year. at the Zelensky/Ukraine USD laundrymat.
None of that is accounted for, none. Weapons given to Ukraine are also showing up all over the globe.
And don’t forget the TWO infusions of USA taxpayer dollars the IM-POTUS gave Iran to hate Americans and support both Hamas and Hezbollah. The 6 BILLION and the 3.5 MSM never talks about.
Iran has granted passage of the Taliban, along with Joe’s “gift” of 80 billion in modern weapons of war, to start a 2nd front in Northern Israel. Via Lebanon,Iraq, and Syria.
Was leaving all that military hardware with the Taliban a good idea? Some of it has already been used in Hamas’s Oct 7th terrorist attack on Israel.
What could go wrong? Joe’s having ice cream then taking a nap………
But Trump is in court almost every day for one crime or another. Who would you rather be? Ice cream and naps or headed to prison where nobody is going to worship ya?
Biden needs a dirt nap for high treason.
Iran has NO ACCESS to those funds.
Wrong.
How about the pallets of cash Sotero gave the Mullahs who chant “death to America!”? Good investment?
Magic?
Sucker
Mayor Race SAME OLD STATUS QUO promises.
Biden went into a war zone to try to move diplomacy forward.
Can you imagine Trump doing that?
$100 billion to Ukraine and Israel to feed The War Machine. The absolutely wrong move.
Disagree. We are the moral, military and economic leaders of this planet.
Agree there.
Morality left America with/before the millennium. The moral decay is chronic and America is toothless now concerning morality.
e.g.
School Administrators thinks ugly men in garish makeup, dressed like cheap hookers, should twerk in front of 5 and 6 year old children.
History that is inconvenient for “main stream” views is ignored or altered.
MSM confuses what they present to the public, with being the truth.
There is more than two genders.
………….
Biden
Is
Demented
Effin
Nuts
No, I can’t see Trump doing that. That’s because there were NO WARS during the Trump presidency.
I’m sure the Israeli military appreciated having to stand down on the war with Hamas, so they could add an extra measure of security for Joe Xiden, and using this war as his pitch for more Ukraine money.
Gaza would be a nice place for the Bidens.
As long as we can add: Barry and Big Mike Obama, Pelosi, Schumer, Mittens Romney, McConnell, Graham, the antisemite Group (AOC, Ilmar, etc), and let’s not forget the Ayatollah John Kerry, then it’s a deal.
And that’s not all folks!
Well stated. Very true.
It wouldn’t be a war zone if Biden was not installed, like a toilet.
How many decapitated babies can you fit in a tunnel?
You mean a Hamas abortion? My sword my choice !
Flip Wilson:
“The problem is the church doesn’t have enough money “. Well Flip, if only you had CPA back then you’d have enough money.
Yes.
THE REV. DOLLAR: In order for this church to move, it gotta crawl.
CONGREGATION: (ENTHUSIASTICALLY) Make it crawl, Rev! Make it crawl!
REV: And after dis church crawl, dis church gonna walk.
CONG: Make it walk, Rev. Make it walk!!
REV: And after dis church walk, dis church gonna run!
CONG: Make it run, Rev, make it run!!!!!
REV: But in awda for dis church to run, did church gonna need money.
CONG: (SILENCE, LONG PAUSE) Let it crawl, Rev, let it crawl.
Fake Marchetti needs a life coach Linda Duyle to follow him around everywhere and make him *portray* confidence. I hope she’s charging a fortune to put lipstick on that pig.
Might help to cut that mess off his face and try to look like a mayor rather than some homeless guy who just came out of Springside Park.
By the way, there are about 15-20 Marchetti puppets giving thumbs down to comments like this so do the math for more accurate appreciation.
You referring to Krol? Cuz he ain’t exactly lookin like Dapper Don!
I noticed that as well, Linda Duyle is always there, in the shadows at events and debates, propping Pension Petie the Puppet up. What will he do if he becomes Mayor? He’ll have to keep her on retainer or else a few weeks into his term, he’ll be absent, drunk and full of excuses.
Krol’s pitch for more teacher’s rights is nepotistic, given his current wife is a teacher. Did anyone catch her letter? She writes like a 7th grader. Maybe just get new teachers.
TheLetter….. Give me a ticket for an airplane ain’t got time for a fast train… lonely days are gone,Im a going home,my baby she wrote a letter…
The Box Tops version or Joe Cocker’s?
That’s a tough one. BOX TOPS…
She probably wanted to be sure that people with your IQ would understand it.
Yes, clearly she holds us in contempt if she thinks we’re dumb enough to vote for him after he madoff with charity funds.
You’re dumb enough to vote for Lumpy
I still don’t get the ‘charity’ thing. From what I read from press releases about AD, the only beneficiaries are the people handling the funds. The cats, by descriptions though getting canned food and a cage appeared to be victims. Traumatized by unwanted human contact, forced to eat cheap stuff that to them probably tastes weird, and caged, and completely deprived of the one thing that gives them joy: sneaking about and masticating mice.
Who stands to profit if the church chooses to sell and get more money after the boiler is fixed??
Some connected developer (s) that will turn the church into “ market rate apartments “ (lol, market rate @$2 G’s per month) will profit if they unload it.
Oh, and Menu Man aka Houseless Pete will claim it a win for the houseless if it happened.
Same as COVANTA.This isn’t the first Boiler Rodeo….
Yeah are fearless leaders at the time…Tyer /Marchetti really negotiated well with that contract. At a time the area could use cheap electricity burning garbage for electricity would solve 2 problems, what to do with our waste and getting electricity for cheaper.
Chesebro pleads guilty. The dominos are falling. Trump appears screwed.
Trump co-defendant Kenneth Chesebro pleads guilty in Georgia election case (msn.com)
What a state. Governor and Country Buffet hovering around to give Marchetti and Tyer there endorsement for the past and present? The only thing we can do locally is to get the city council in its current regime reduced to a more comparable group that will Check and Balance.
Vote these lazy and they are Lazy 6,the hell out of office. If the new group coming in can’t do the job then vote em out in two years. What’s the matter with you people?
No,really What-is wrong with the voters in Pittsfield?
In a nutshell. Total lack of viable candidates.
In Pittsfield it is a rare candidate whose goal is to represent the people as intended. Most run because they are urged by special interest with promises of good things happening to them. And from there one hand washes the other and the taxpayer gets beat over the head with a bat.
Just look at some of nice things that have happened to some of these people. Grants and or tax abatement for their business s, homes, free meals, easy permits and access to a network of helpful sycophants.
There are no affordable apartments in Pittsfield now for minimum wage workers so where is Marchetti going to put all the immigrants he has heading this way? Gonna kick out a hometown family and give the apartment to someone who is new in the country? And give it to them free? Or are they going to be living in the motels all winter courtesy of Johnny taxpayer?
Ask the managers of local Dollar Stores. The one near Stop n Shop spoke of two buses of illegals stopping at the store and clearing out shelves of lots of products. All paid with “Get Out of Jail Free” EBT cards, courtesy of Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski.
FJB!!!
It’s Happening
Was Marchetti in City Hall measuring for curtains today?
He wasn’t measuring for curtains in the city hall gym
There are 30 or 40 low income developments in Pittsfield. How many more do we need?
Plus as many special-needs homes, countless non-profits, and then you have the usual bums, misfits, druggies, gangs, “houseless,” illegals, mentally ill, and so on. Vibrant and dynamic.
Lots more especially when the illegal immigrants start pouring in unless the far left starts giving them free houses.
Start pouring in? Uh, look around you Pat.
We’re all screwed. You just don’t know it yet. Kronick….Quote….Muy Favorite….Special place in Hell.
A closed Mayoral debate? UNBELIVABLE.
Yes. THE PLANET is looking into it.
It was put together by the Union’s? So?
Would never had agreed to that.
Would you have chosen those terms as a candidate Dan? I’ve never heard of such a venue. Why did they just call it executive session?
No. Never. Every debate/forum/informal meeting I’ve ever had was taped (radio and video) and or televised. Every one was broadcast in its full form, without edits. I insist on broadcasting on a WYSIWYG basis.
The Berkshire Eagle covered that debate what more do you need? Marietta says Marchetti slayed!
MUTHA
You’re kidding, right? There’s no other way to take this.
Dan, can you please copy-edit your F-ing blogs? Painful to read.
But I do in general agree with your position on federal or local tax $$ going to private organizations. Charter or public schools get public funds, but not parochial or private schools.
K
My dear friend, we do copy edit though at times with this the of meatball surgery, errors get through. One man: assignment editor (dreaming up topics), writer, managing editor, copy editor, and publisher. Went through the piece again and found the one typo. If you see any others, which you won’t, let me know. Thanks for the reminder, though. Love ya, dwah!
Just remember one thing Pittsfield silly voters who don’t vote. They can kill you,but they can’t eat you.Ive never heard of a privately held debate without media coverage. As in LIVE!!!!
I can’t believe Krol cannot beat what looks to be a dummy sitting on a stump.
K. Outed!
Nah, there’s more.
Two things that are CONSISTENT…..they both support arts and schools. Not for Kapanski’s, not in the least.
And those two things just happen to be high on the list of special interests and involve gigantic sums of discretionary taxpayer cash.
What a koinky dink.
How about CRIMINAL ALIENS getting a free ride from Traitor Joe?
Pittsfield’s going to full of them and the crimes they sow.
What are you talking about, Trapper?
I’m paying for healthcare, housing, and food for 8 MILLION CRIMINAL ALIENS Biden/Liberals have approved of invading America.
Soon the bums the Democrats dumped here under the ruse of Kung Flu, will seem like nothing when thousands of CRIMINAL ALIENS get dumped on your doorstep.
Migrants, er “inclusive diverse welcoming” Martha’s Vineyard, seem to be exempt from the scourge. Just as Healy’s neighborhood.
That’s what.
And, what crimes do they sow?
Rape, murder, kidnapping, vehicular homicide, robbery, assault, drug peddling, home invasions, human trafficing……..1st crime was crossing the border illegally.
Happens EVERY day now. MSM tends not to report on this, just like the border invasion.
You can thank Biden for these criminals/crimes, and don’t forget to vote, er have him “Selected” again.
Taking things that they ade not theirs to take.
*Taking things that are not theirs.
Wasn’t the CPA tax a question on the ballot a few years back? That residents ultimately supported?
Yes and yes.
But it was done with more than a bit of chicanery. Most people had no idea what they were voting for at the time. Certainly not to dump large chunks of money on private interests as we see now.
That’s correct. What did you think it was invented?
Close the churches, sell them off to pvt investors for housing, business what ever. The people going to church has decreased over the years it is happening all over at least Massachysetts. The church was one of the most wealthy assocation every where. What has taken them down first all the out of court settlements for the pedo priest, pay offs to nuns that where involved with priests, and then the lack of people going for what ever reason. You do not have to go to a church to pray, and pay money.
The minister thought he was telling a sex joke when he said to turn the other cheek, but then his mistress asked him for another $50. Mary Joe and Joe Kapanski thought Kufflinks was telling them a surtax joke when he said he was going give their $50 to the minister to replace the boiler in his church. But now that it is happening in Picklefield, they told Kufflinks to take it from the minister who gave it to his mistress. John Krol said the $50 payment was the fault of the local credit union. Peter Marchetti said that he could easily raise $50 with a meal’s tax. Mayor Linda Tyer said her mansion in her Gated Community neighborhood is insulated with $50 bills. Nuciforo said that he is suing the city because Mayor Linda Tyer acted in BAD FAITH in the city’s HCAs with Berkshire Roots, and he wants his rolls of $50 bills back to pay for for his new mansion in their Gated Community neighborhood that borders Hancock. Greedy lobbyist Dan Bosley wanted the $50 to buy a $50 scratch ticket to try to win millions of dollars. Jon Melle should make $50 for his goofball blog posts.
I’ll give you fifty not to post.
Didn’t you made $50 singing karaoke at The Man Hole gay bar a couple years ago?
Jonathan can belt out an excellent Whitney Houston song in karaoke.
These two guys for mayor,are to be subservient to carry on the bushel full of taxpayer money to fund schools and more important the arts. One of them if I heard it right wants the city to start thinking outside the box and paying for their building maintenance and upkeep costs instead of it coming out of their own funding,that’s what I got from the sentence. Which would put more burden on the cities coffers better known as you the taxpayer to fund those entities.
Marchetti just got an email from a Nigerian Prince. If he wins he said he’ll turn over the money install to the city
The favorites ought to do a photo op lower north street by kk liquors road is not drivable, is literally a lake. Ricardo where are you?
Little Ricky is contemplating how large to let the craters get on Holmes rd, between H River bridge and Lenox Town line. There is a growing chasm near the sewer treatment road, clear down to the gravel below the layers of broken pavement.
The private debate at the recent venue was illegal as it was not taped live for residents. The taxpayer funds the entity and deserved to see it. Like another person said on here this is an outrage? What was the point?
THE PLANET shall be writing about this on Monday. Thanks, W.
Open meeting law violation?
No. There is no requirement to have debates in public. Public funding does not require a public display nor access.
This is another manufactured outrage or a nothing burger.
If it’s government officials disscusing using public funds, it needs to open to public, Know Nothing.
Broadway theater in New York City area is so down but it has to be subsidized, what do you thinks gonna happen here in Pittsfield in Berkshire County, yeah we’re gonna have to subsidize theaters because nobody’s going to them.
Theaters were supposed to be foolproof economic engines? Covid put a dent into that. Expect the city’s budget to swelter in the next decade.
We must make sure that ward 6councilor and Ricardo morales don’t narrow the roadway at the intersection of west and new west street. This intersection has been problem free for the past 100 years and only recently we saw a tragic accident where a life was lost. This tragedy could have happened at any of the many intersections in our city. To narrow the roadway at west and new west street would lead to many head on collisions which would be more problematic than the situation we presently have there
Blinking red and yellow lights with increased cautionary signage should go a long way to increasere safety at this intersection
Mrs. Guiel tried to jump on this bandwagon and make a politicL statement for her re election bid but all she accomplished was to let us know that she possesses very little common sense and absolutely no scientific or technical acumen what so ever. In the past several years on the city council she has but one accomplishment and that was having a sign changed aT the Barrington stage company. With such a dismal record as a ward 6 counselor she should be sent packing with the other five rubber stamps who have enabled secretary tyer to destroy our beloved city. I am running for w
The idea is for the rubber stamps to take away speech and rights to taxpayers which can include the three minute open Mike,charter objections and ramrodding any affirmative project that will benefit the sigs. Look at the Wahconah Park reconstruction idea, after one of the first meetings I think it was the first meeting,Persip didn’t want any input from the public so as to get a head start from the members ideas first,by the way-who don’t represent the taxpayers.
That’s Dumpster Earl’s MO. Damn the public. We know better than you do.
Him and his butt buddy from LENCO want all the credit.
Colonial Theater’s only asking $85/ticket for Max Creek New Years Eve show…………that’s a lot of loot.
I remember seeing The Band, Bruce Springsteen, Allman Bothers……for $5 at The Music Inn.
Lawn tickets for Jethro Tull and The Who, 1970, $2.
Was too young for that one Dan.
Saw Muddy, BB, Bo Diddley. Albert King, Eagles, Roy Buchanan, Hot Tuna, Kinks, Outlaws, CDB, Marshall Tucker, Nils Lofgren, Arlo/Pete, Mahavisnu (sp?), ………Music Inn
A forensic audit might reveal just how much money goes to the colonial theater every year. You don’t hear much about it but not likely they are supporting themselves.
And don’t look under line item “Colonial theater” because it could be listed as “removing dust bunnies from large anonymous public building”.
Liar, thief, stick a fork in him.
https://www.berkshireeagle.com/opinion/editorials/our-opinion-john-krol-animal-dreams-transparency/article_14e043fa-6f59-11ee-925f-df9722760992.html?fbclid=IwAR1ML5NP0QGR7DU5w598o4jBc9-H_jT3zfoRfzfr7YyXyxcQuft8GGXK2mI
Rutberg?
Heah come da judge.
Doesn’t that editorial prove the suspicions about the editors’ intention to swing the election after the primary?
Yes, it does. Rutberg is not a newspaper publisher as much as he is an ultra left ideologist who uses a newspaper as his personal soapbox. A newspaper isn’t a podcast, blog, of social media. A local daily newspaper has much greater communal responsibilities. Thus when a newspaper fails to the extent the local daily has, it creates a vacuum that becomes filled by skunks who pass as politicians who pretend to be officials posing as “representatives” of We The People.
Rutberg is the publisher of our home town paper, like it or not. That newspaper has survived the death of dailies all over the US over the past 30 years by doing the things necessary for a paper to survive. He is using the BE as a personal soapbox no more than Dan is with PV, with its decidedly right-wing bias. The BE is the opposite of a failure, serving thousands of readers across north and south Berkshire (‘fold it at the B and E’).
I was waiting for this one. Thanks for taking the bait, K. A blog fits the personal soapbox model well. The lone local daily does not. If you knew anything about the function of a free press as The Fourth Estate, you would not be so deluded. I can recommend some wonderful texts that might enlighten you. Let me know. Dwah Red! Love your contributions here.
That’s why Freddy boy has to panhandle
I see the local as the right arm of local govt. They just seem so synced up.
Print journalism left town with the Miller Family. Each new owner of the Pittsfield newspaper has made it worse.
Go check a day’s paper from the 60s 70s or 80s.
Say what you will about Free em Freddy but he’s a lawyer and a judge who surely must be 100 % sure he’s got truth absent malice on his side.
https://youtu.be/NRS62nccwmw?si=lgHpPyuQuceANJV5
Hey Peter….I know this is you or one of your minions with the comment above.
Tell me, why are so you so weak and pathetic that your entire campaign has been based on taking out your opponent? The entire strategy of your campaign has been to make up shit about Krol, spread by his angry ex and her angry family. Whoops, they were called out on their lies and it got too hot, and now you’ve distanced yourself from them. Perhaps some of your decent-minded staffers pulled you aside and told you to do that. Someone has to tell you what to do. That’s your MO.
You are a puppet for Barry and you’ll cover his and others asses. That’s why they are so pissed that the hit piece didn’t take out Krol.
You have people telling you what to do at every turn…what to say and how to act. It’s a wonder that you’re still standing with all the dancing you do following instructions and copying Krol on every issue. The people of Pittsfield are not stupid. In front of the cameras you say you’re taking a cut in pay to be mayor…oh how righteous. The truth is you’ll be double-dipping with a full pension from Pittsfield Coop, and then you’ll have your vested 20 years and lavish pension with the city at the mayor’s salary level after four years. You’ll be milking the taxpayer so hard their heads will explode.
If the Eagle wasn’t so in the tank to get you elected, they’d be asking more questions about all the young men you aggressively solicit, the horrible way you have treated countless employees at your bank, and the shady financial dealings you have had your hand in with the city.
Karma is a bitch, Peter. Buckle-up.
Sorry but Krol is doing himself in quite nicely with no help from anyone.
I am not a Peter supporter. I don’t know the ex and I don’t even live in Pittsfield so you can stop blaming politics or showcasing your fatphobias and gay bashing. John Krol deserves to be outed for his character which he has now put on display for everyone to see. He pretends to be a moral upright citizen when he is not.
Thank you Mr Wilson.
Earl Wilson. He spoke at our BRL banquet in the Bubble Room. Union Federal, winner of the city championship, got awarded their jackets that night. I still have mine!
It’s ok to bash Krol but Marchetti is a sacred cow? Get real buffoon.
CC apparently doesn’t understand the meaning of ‘double dipping.’
“the inference that voters are left to draw is that Mr. Krol believes more information from his accountants will not support his claim of innocent mistakes. It is ironic that shedding more sunlight on this issue might be harmful to the position of a candidate who ostensibly champions transparency.”
Oh, it will all come out if he sues for defamation and it’s all subpoenaed and the civil suit is countered with a criminal suit.
In that case, John Krol will be arrested and sent to jail.
You might be in for a surprise of Krol decides to seek legal remedy for demotion, Mr. T. Depositions will be taken, under oath, and those findings could very well dismiss the chances of a criminal trial … for Mr. Krol, that is. For others? Not so certain.
Did you NOT read all the articles from the Eagle?!
It probably wouldn’t take much of a nudge for Tim Shugrue to go after a landmark case for himself.
Also, there is still the threat that someone could email contact.berkshireDA@mass.gov the three election campaign documents on which John Krol forged signatures.
You like scooping the Eagle? Ask them about the forged election documents they have. Three of B. J.’s signatures are forgeries by John Krol. Maybe you can write that article before they do.
What is this about?
I do not know Mr Krol and do not have a dog in this race. Anyone who ingests all available info can see clear as a bell that Krol is inferior damaged goods.
Thanks just it, K. You haven’t ingested “all available info.”
K. What the BE did not prove or want you to ask is who set up the routing for the payments.
I guess that is why no one is talking to the police. Also, sounds like the partners of the firm were not handling investor money correctly. That sounds more problematic. Who cares about cat food anyway? Wild cats are experts at feeding themselves.
Not defending Krol. MY vote’s up for grabs.But the Eagle’s vote is purchased. Their endorsements are antimatter.
Word is the only reason there is not an indictment on Krol now is because the charity he stole from doesn’t want to see him jailed, just not in any public office ever.
“Word” … in other words, the whisper campaign that’s seeking to destroy John Krol, fueled by the personal venom coming from the ex-es.
Hmm. How is it a whisper campaign when it’s all over the local paper, radio and this blog?
No names.
Charity? What charity?
Apparently the owners of the Berkshire Mall have decided against an indoor marijuana growing facility and are now looking at a tear-down & new build of affordable senior housing & multifamily units on the site. Joseph Jones of JMJ RE Holdings announced this Monday before Gov. Healey’s visit on Wed. with her Affordable Homes Act of $4.1 billion. Jones then announced on Thursday that he wants to participate in her program. In addition he wants an outdoor cannabis growing component which at present is not allowed under Lanesboro’s zoning laws.
I’m getting mixed messages about this – will this project become low income housing for migrants? We all know that is the main focus of Healey’s program as eastern MA is overrun with illegals. She would like nothing more than to ship her problems out here.
I can’t imagine having seniors, migrants and cannabis as a good neighborhood mix!
Stay tuned!
They could make the whole thing a locked dementia unit for democrats
Hey Ben Dover, you yourself are the only one needing to be locked in a memory care unit at this point in time.
I would hate to have a Target store right next to that place.
My understanding is that it’s going to be mid-level apartments.
Built-in customer base though.
Hello blogger Dan Valenti,
A tale of two weasels: It was the best of times for one weasel (Nuciforo), It was the worst of times for the other weasel (John Krol).
The best of times weasel is Andrea Francesco Nuciforo Junior, who is suing the City of Pittsfield for $440,000 in HCAs fees he paid to the city for his CONTROVERSIAL Pittsfield Pot Kingdom named “Berkshire Roots”, plus Nuciforo is asking the city to pay his pot company interest, fees and unspecified damages. The heart of Nuciforo’s lawsuit essentially argues that Mayor Linda Tyer acted in BAD FAITH with Nuciforo’s “Berkshire Roots” marijuana company when the city charged Berkshire Roots fees for the HCAs. Mayor Linda Tyer said that the city will vigorously fight Nuciforo’s lawsuit.
The Dirty Bird (Berkshire Eagle) allows the best of times weasel (Nuciforo) off the hook over his years of acting in BAD FAITH as a Berkshire-based State Senator in Boston whereby Nuciforo chaired the State Senate Finance Committee in the mid-2000s while at the same time Nuciforo allegedly illegally double-dipped as an Attorney for the Boston Law Firm Berman and Dowell whereby Nuciforo served as legal counsel for Boston’s big banks and insurance companies from 1999 – 2006, which led to Nuciforo having to step down in disgrace from his elected position as a Massachusetts State Senator in 2006 after one decade there (1997 – 2006). The Dirty Bird (Berkshire Eagle) could but does not write news articles and editorials about Nuciforo’s disgraced political legacy and his hypocritical ongoing lawsuit against the city, but the best of times weasel (Nuciforo) gets a free pass.
The Dirty Bird (Berkshire Eagle) writes news articles and editorials about the worst of times weasel named John Krol, who allegedly embezzled $6,100 from a not-for-profit charitable animal shelter years ago. John Krol faces criminal legal allegations, but to this date (10/21/2023), John Krol was never allowed due process of law for the Eagle to hear both sides of the story under oath. On November 7th, 2023, John Krol and Peter Marchetti are on the ballot for the elected position of Mayor of Pittsfield. It looks like the Eagle is trying to prejudice Pittsfield voters against John Krol over mere allegations of wrongdoing.
Best wishes,
Jonathan A. Melle
Mere allegations!? The only people who dismiss the obvious evidence and believe that John Krol is merely incompetent when it’s evident John Krol embezzled is you, Dan Valenti, and John Krol’s mom.
Are you Pete’s friend Dickinson?
A Tale of Two Weasels would be a great title for a book about Pittsfield upcoming election.
Or, How Pittsfield Fell To The Absolute Bottom of the Abyss.
Or, How Insatiable Greed Ate Pittsfield, Mass. and Shit It Back Out in a Cornfield.
This from a person who believes JR lives in Naples when he actually lives in Punta Gorda.
Hello blogger Dan Valenti,
Over the years, you have written to me and others that you know that I was hurt in Pittsfield politics, that you have defended me on your blog, and that we are family friends with our families are all natives of Pittsfield.
While I know I have written to you about it many times before, it bothers me that Pittsfield politics other name is RETRIBUTION. When Nuciforo started his conspiratorial, mean-spirited and hurtful bullying of me, I was only 20 years old during the Spring of 1996 when my dad, Bob, campaigned for the elected position of Berkshire County Commissioner (1997 – mid-2000), while Nuciforo campaigned for the elected position of Berkshire-based State Senator (1997 – 2006).
It has been 27.5 years of my adult life of me being treated like a doormat or a lot worse, a toilet that Nuciforo’s network shits on. I have read that I am a delusional, paranoid schizophrenic, a horrible person, that I am messed up, and so on due to my writings on this ongoing unusual situation and unusual events.
John Krol is going through it in Pittsfield politics, but like me – Jon Melle – nobody in Pittsfield politics is affording John Krol due process of law, including the Berkshire Eagle newspaper. Both sides need to be heard under oath in a court of law for allegations to be considered legitimate. Why isn’t the Eagle writing that John Krol is facing allegations of allegedly embezzling $6,100 from a not-for-profit charitable animal shelter account, but over all of these years, nobody has afforded him due process of law? It looks similar to the unusual events that I – Jon Melle – went through in Pittsfield politics because like John Krol, I never had my day in court with Pittsfield politics.
Everyone has somethings that they hope to hide in their lives. When Jon Melle or John Krol face allegations over many years of our adult lives, the other side doesn’t want to testify under oath because they don’t want the truth to be told on them. It is easy to point a finger at a person, but when it comes to due process of law, it leaves the finger pointer(s) vulnerable to legal jeopardy.
Best wishes,
Jon Melle
Jon, you are in dire need of Cymbalta.
When one thinks of the CPA funds used as an alternate tithe, I do have a question. It is extremely problematic for public money spent to repair a boiler for a church that is expected to raise its funds through its congregation. On top of which, it is not a struggling church seeking to use the funds for extra-religious programming, so the CPC does fail to abide by our laws.
CPA can be used only for historic preservation, housing, open space, recreation. I would argue that the boiler is not historic preservation in that it does not preserve a historic feature. Combined with the ethics, I have questions about the composition of the CPC. (Community Preservation Committee). Add to the mix reroofing a derelict portion of the pile of old bricks on Fenn Street, I would strongly consider a repeal movement.
The tax burden is not large and it is stable, but it is a burden and contributes to the nickel and diming of the perpetually harassed taxpayer. We have seen enough abuse of our money, and it is time to begin repeal efforts.
Your lack of knowledge of what CPA funds can be used for is one of the best reasons for you to move on from political life.
The church in question is historically significant. The boiler keeps the church warm which drives out moisture which can damage the interior of the church.
Some of the other projects funded include, roof repairs, siding, gutters, structural repairs, handicapped access, improving parking access.
The Yarmouth church included a new climate control system as well as ongoing exterior work.
Both you and Dan speak up now, only to create controversy, when both of you had years to discuss this issue or have an actual impact.
Where were you in 2018/19 when CPA funds were used on another church in Pittsfield (Zion Lutheran)?
Why didn’t you do anything prior to this in your position as city councilor? I guess you didn’t care enough to do your job and only now are saying something as a lame duck.
Where was Dan’s fake outrage in 2017/18 when CPA funds were used in Stockbridge?
INDA
In 2017, when CPA fund were used on a church in Stockbridge, my home, I loved it. Why? I’m a hypocrite. Unlike you, I an an honest one! Every blade of grass, each leaf on a tree, every nail and board in Stockbridge is “historically significant.” Why, man, the entire town should be publicly funded for us lords and ladies who live there.
Careful, or he find another SJC case to with which to batter you.
Batter me? Why, lad, it was a spitball against battleship! If you know anything about the composition of the SJC, you know what I mean. And why is it that people get so enthralled as a court’s opinion? Ruling in favor (or against) means little unless you factor in the political components of a decision. In the case of church v. state, the SJC erred, so citing it makes my case.
Yes, we know the composition of SJC – all the handpicked beauties of Patrick, Baker, Romney double-checked for fleas by the Gov’s goon council.
I had stopped short of that point since it naturally blows you off course into the fact that the appellate court do not end at SJC or that some complaints, such as First Amendment, are not even in its jurisdiction (which answers his examples.)
Battered Dan served with maple syrup.
Last time I looked Dan’s home was in Dalton.
Does anyone know if a low was given cpa funds when his cell phone burnt up?
For someone calling himself indaknow, you don’t know much at all.
Wouldn’t want you for a lawyer either.
Your knowledge of my political career is sloppy too, not to mention your ignorance of Pittsfield’s history of CPA admin.
INDAKNOW, don’t know much.
In da no brain
INDADONTKNOW.
In The Know rarely errs.
Phunny!
What do I know?
I dunno.
My name’s indano,
I just eat snow.
John is posting pictures of him eating out all the time. I’d like to Know who’s paying ??? He obviously doesn’t have a job. Anyone ? Ron Holmes buying all the time ?
Center and west again another accident.
Impact initiated traffic control also happened at Wahconah and North. Airbags were not required. For now, there are two fewer cars which will lighten traffic for a short time.
Two cars got too close and stopped very fast. Police provided additional calming at 4 way intersection with lots of options for detour. I chose to go North one block, then one block West, then head 5 blocks South, then headed Southeast. Traffic engineers should study vehicle response for 1/4 mile radius of area of special service.
Road calming measures are working.
Marchetti and Tyer are the ones with the weight problems, so as you don’t have to buy their meals don’t worry.
Hello blogger Dan Valenti,
Someone posted on your blog: “Mere allegations!? The only people who dismiss the obvious evidence and believe that John Krol is merely incompetent when it’s evident John Krol embezzled is you, Dan Valenti, and John Krol’s mom.”
My – Jon Melle’s – response: I never wrote that I dismissed the evidence in the mere allegations against John Krol that he allegedly embezzled $6,100 from a not-for-profit charitable animal shelter years ago. I never wrote that John Krol is merely incompetent over this matter. Why do you allow someone to put words into my writings on your blog?
The Berkshire Eagle’s editorial today omitted that the allegations during John Krol’s political campaign for Mayor of Pittsfield are not legitimate because John Krol was never given due process of law whereby all statements are made under oath and both sides are heard and that all are vulnerable to legal jeopardy when they are heard in a court of law. As it stands, John Krol is innocent just like the rest of us until he is proven guilty of the alleged embezzlement from many years ago in a court of law.
The Berkshire Eagle should be questioning the disgraced former politician and lawyer turned Pittsfield Pot King named Andrea Francesco Nuciforo Junior, whose lawsuit against the City of Pittsfield basically argues that Mayor Linda Tyer did NOT act in GOOD FAITH in the city’s signing of the HCAs with Berkshire Roots.
Here is Nuciforo’s lawsuit:
https://www.cannabisandthelaw.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/Berkshire-Roots-Complaint.pdf
Please go to page 8 to see the name under the signature of Berkshire Roots’ lawsuit against the City of Pittsfield: Andrea F. Nuciforo, Jr.
There are 43 pages of Nuciforo’s lawsuit that essentially argues that the “BAD FAITH” actor named Mayor Linda Tyer defrauded him of $440,000 in HCAs fees from Berkshire Roots to the City of Pittsfield.
For Nuciforo to argue in a lawsuit against the city he once represented as a disgraced Massachusetts State Senator from Pittsfield – who never really lived in Pittsfield – that the “BAD FAITH” actor named Mayor Linda Tyer defrauded him of $440,000 in HCAs fees to the city is the height of hypocrisy by Nuciforo.
The Boston Globe has published multiple news stories and editorials about Nuciforo over the years. The Boston Globe reported that from 1999 – 2006, Nuciforo allegedly double dipped as a State Senator, who chaired the Senate Finance Committee in the mid-2000s, while at the same time, he served as an Attorney for the Boston Law Firm Berman and Dowell whereby Nuciforo served as legal counsel for Boston’s big banks and insurance companies. In 2006, Nuciforo had to step down from being a State Senator in disgrace over this matter.
Nuciforo’s public record was NOT in GOOD FAITH! Nuciforo’s double dipping was allegedly illegal. Nuciforo should have been charged over this, but he stepped down in 2006 to cover his behind. Nuciforo should be a Convicted Felon over this matter. Nuciforo should have been disbarred over this matter. Nuciforo’s ongoing lawsuit should not even be reality if we lived in a perfect world whereby Nuciforo was held accountable over this matter.
Nuciforo’s Pittsfield Pot Kingdom on Dalton Avenue, as well as his dispensary in East Boston, is CONTROVERSIAL! Nuciforo used his disgraced political connections in Pittsfield and Boston alike to cash in on the multi-billion-dollar predatory pot industry in Massachusetts. There are questions about how Nuciforo’s marijuana business always had such deep pockets of money. Where did Nuciforo receive his pot company’s investments from? How was he one of the first people to receive permits over other worthy candidates to start marijuana businesses?
Why does the Eagle always give Nuciforo a FREE PASS on all of his corruption in politics, the law, and the marijuana business? For crying out loud, Nuciforo is suing the City of Pittsfield and he is arguing that Mayor Linda Tyer acted in BAD FAITH to defraud him of $440,000 over Berkshire Roots HCAs with the city. For crying out loud, Nuciforo has a long history of acting in BAD FAITH on many levels in Pittsfield and in Boston alike.
When one compares the Eagle’s coverage of John Krol’s alleged embezzlement of $6,100 to Nuciforo’s lawsuit against the city that argues Mayor Linda Tyer acted in BAD FAITH to defraud Berkshire Roots of $440,000 in HCAs fees to the city, one sees the Eagle’s double standard of questioning John Krol with mere allegations, while giving Nuciforo a FREE PASS.
Best wishes,
Jon Melle
Someone wins dance off with your pants off at the Man Hole and he’s king of the world all of the sudden.
To a Sir Charles and his calming effect on lowering Motor accidents is working? Saturday in just a nine hour period. There were nine motor vehicle accidents.
sarcasm.Just saying traffic calming measures don’t really calm traffic.
Thanks for the plainspeak. Sometimes you can’t tell, you know.
Just put Valium in your gas tank, or maybe CBD.
Given the clouds of green smoke that billows out of the average car, I don’t sense that THC is doing much either to calm traffic.
On supporting Israel with aid? Of course we have to support them.
Jesus, Jon, do yourself a big favor and let Nuciforo go. The only one you are hurting is yourself.
Without Andy, Jon has no purpose.
Churches are not easy to heat as they have high ceilings and as heat rises much of it is wasted immediately.
So my question is, how much oil does this church blow through in an average winter and will CPA be covering that as well? Boilers also need maintenance and who will be covering that? Can we see the books on how much this church takes in annually so that we know they really need money? Has anyone taken measures to insure that heat loss through window and door cracks are minimized?
Has the mayor and her people already picked out a favorite contractor to do the work and has that bumped up the request by ten percent or more?
EMPTY
Great questions.
That marvelous city landmark deserves to be preserved.
That is what they said about Stanleys theater so they fixed it up for him and he turned around and sold it for a very nice profit.
Totally not enthused with either candidate for mayor, will most likely vote for the lesser of two evils. Can’t make my decision from articles in the Beagle, too one sided. Recently I was able to be in a crowd of folks to discuss a city issue. Peter Marchetti was present along with other councilors. He presented himself as very standoffish, quiet to the point of being withdrawn. When asked pertinent questions he seemed to stumble over his answers and gave a fumbled mumbled answer. Maybe he had other things on his mind, but needless to say I was not impressed. After enduring eight years of a hidden non communicating mayor I can’t help but think will Peter also be a hidden non communicating mayor. There is way too many secrets in this current Administration and I am sure there are many more, Peter is supposed to be the mayor’s righthand helper, was he aware of these secrets? We need a mayor with honest answers and will not avoid the taxpayers. Going to try to attend a meet and greet of John Krol before election day to see if it helps me in my decision.
Pete gives off the same vibes he did the first time around, against Bianchi, who by the way is now one of Pete’s best campaign buds. Nothing to see there. What are those vibes: An unenthusiastic reluctance of a man who deep down is conflicted and doesn’t really want to do this.
Found in very hard to believe that Peter could not answer simple questions such as “where is the pot money going”, where is the excise taxes going”. His answers were as mumbled as BowTie Kerwood. Why are these questions so difficult to answer from anyone in this administration. Even if Peter was not running for mayor, you would think the president of the CC would have these answers, unless there are more budgetary secrets being hidden from the taxpayers.
Krol gives off the vibes of lying cheating stealing fraud. Quiet competence, charlatan. Pick one.
The sunflower turns to the west, Grasshopper.
Great post Dan! I’m not sure if your readers were able to catch one of the most important lines you wrote “ANOTHER FORM OF TAXATION” and “A LEGAL TAX OVERRIDE OF 2.5” Think of all the ways our “city leaders” have screwed over the hard working tax paying Kapanski’s! First they separated the sewer/water tax out of the tax rate so they could get their grubby hands on more money to pay “their friends” oops I mean pay for the infrastructure of the city that they are doing so well with, I saw where BULLSH!T artist gavel man said the money couldn’t be used on the water treatment facility,,,,he needs to check his facts before speaking! Now the CPA tax which they can dole out to any friend they want and the people have no say!! I think if the church does get the money they should have to sign a form saying they won’t move nor sell the church for the next 10 years, If this precedent is set I think I will put in for a new roof so I can sell my house next year!!
Thanks, SHIRL.
All of Krol’s lies hinge on one small issue, one he could easily prove if he wasn’t lying.
It’s clear by receipts and calls to the DOR that he tried to use animal dreams checking account to pay his business excise taxes.
Those funds were returned to Animal Dreams. Once that happens he’d be in default on business excise taxes and DOR would immediately sends a collection letter to the business address (which it did for four years). This would have happened 4 years in a row, 2016-2019 inclusive (which it did).
John also said to the Eagle that he “knows the excises taxes were paid.”
A simple request for John Krol, show that you personally paid your business excise taxes.
He can’t. It would prove he got a letter saying that the funds were returned to account ending in xxxx (which was the animal dreams account) which means he knew in 2016 that he was improperly using Animal dreams accounts and it would establish intent for all future improper uses.
He can’t because he knows he didn’t pay the excise taxes because it was the subject of his involuntary dissolution of 180 media, in 2019. (Corporate insolvency). Which means he knew the incorrect account was being used in 2016, did nothing about it, and lied when he told the Eagle the excise taxes were paid.
It also means he gave two different accountants incorrect “router” (sic) numbers 4 years in a row.
John Krol, the taxpayers deserve an answer, preferably one that has documentation, and said documentation at least doesn’t show more defalcations.
If this is all you have, INDA, a rehash of a hit job, you are actually campaigning FOR John Krol. You might wish to take a more direct approach and send him some Benjamins. This note, though, does almost as good a job!! So keep the discussion away from REAL CITY ISSUES. Keep it on non-sequiturs, please.
As usual, In The Know has hit the nail On The Head with a precise, finely-articulated statement of the facts. He’s gotta be either an accountant or a lawyer.
“Hit the nail On the Head.” Another hit from the cliche factory.
CPA nothing-burger versus a candidate for mayor misappropriating funds and lying about it. We know what the real issues are, it’s obvious you don’t.
This-burger, that-burger. So how about enlightening this board on “the real issues?” We’ll wait as long as it takes. Or maybe you try setting up a board such as this one!
Dan,
Krol will lose. He embezzled money and has offered stupid excuses to explain it away. And, even if there were this forensic audit you’ve been salivating over for years (while cashing government checks for teaching dolts at BCC), nothing much will change in Pittsfield. At least you have claimed to have seen Meredith Nilan’s pics.
Hello blogger Dan Valenti, and the Honorable Mayor Linda Tyer,
Someone wrote on your blog, Planet Valenti: “Jesus, Jon, do yourself a big favor and let Nuciforo go. The only one you are hurting is yourself.”
I wish to thank this person for looking out for me. However, I have something to say here.
I had breakfast with my 79-year-old dad, Bob, this Sunday morning. I asked my dad, Bob, if he is surprised that Pittsfield’s former disgraced State Senator named Andrea Francesco Nuciforo Junior is suing the City of Pittsfield and essentially arguing that Mayor Linda Tyer acted in BAD FAITH and that she thereby allegedly defrauded Nuciforo out of $440,000 in the HCAs fees that Nuciforo’s Berkshire Roots marijuana company paid the city years ago. My dad, Bob, said that Nuciforo wants the money.
I also asked my dad, Bob, who is a former Berkshire County Commissioner (1997 – mid-2000) if Nuciforo’s lawsuit could backfire on him given all of the corruption and allegedly illegal double dipping Nuciforo was accused of in the mid-2000s when he was the Chair of the Massachusetts State Senate Finance Committee while he also worked for the Boston Law Firm named Berman and Dowell whereby Nuciforo served as legal counsel for Boston’s big banks and insurance companies from 1999 – 2006. Nuciforo was a State Senator from 1997 – 2006, but due to his corruption in state government with Boston’s Financial District, Nuciforo had to step down from being a State Senator in disgrace in 2006. My dad, Bob, said that the city’s lawyers can present Nuciforo disgraced political legacy in Massachusetts State Government to the Berkshire Superior Court as part of Nuciforo’s character, especially given that Nuciforo’s lawsuit against the city is basically arguing that Mayor Linda Tyer’s character is one of her NOT acting in GOOD FAITH with Nuciforo’s marijuana company named “Berkshire Roots”.
To read Nuciforo’s lawsuit against the City of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, please go this link:
https://www.cannabisandthelaw.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/Berkshire-Roots-Complaint.pdf
Given all that I know about how Nuciforo operates in politics, the law, and the lucrative marijuana industry, how could I stay silent and allow Mayor Linda Tyer to be persecuted by Nuciforo? The other thing is that there are no other lawsuits or formal complaints that I know of that argues that Mayor Linda Tyer acts in BAD FAITH and allegedly DEFRAUDS people or businesses. I understand that there is another Pittsfield marijuana company suing the city to receive a lesser amount of their HCAs back, but Nuciforo’s legal argument targets Mayor Linda Tyer’s character.
The hypocrisy by Nuciforo of attacking Mayor Linda Tyer’s character is that Nuciforo is the disgraced politician, not Mayor Linda Tyer!
Best wishes,
Jon Melle
The Springside Park Pump Track also wants funding from the CPA as they’ve only raised $17,000 towards the $400,000 cost of the track.
Charles, how do we get rid of the CPA?
All one needs to do, and Kronick could have done this as a city councilor, but didn’t, is petition to have a vote to rescind it.
Once he’s out of office he can also, as a citizen, petition to rescind it.
He could have tested the waters by proposing a non-binding CPA revocation referendum, but he didn’t do that either.
He can also propose a modification referendum to the CPA that would not allow it to be used for religious institutions or buildings, but he’s not done that either.
In the end though it would just cost the city more money because the SJC would rule against it.
You know those same courts that protect free speech.
Yes. Petition so the vote can again be rigged … legally, of course.
Only $17,000? Gee, they paraded hundreds of eager rich bike enthusiasts an all their colorful snobby wardrobe through the city and that is all they could give? Looks like one more of Tyers elite guppie groups playing for even more taxpayer handouts. And she, with the assistance from her turncoat council president, rarely disappoint.
It could even buy two high end bicycles!
Yes. Give ‘em the money to ruin more swamp land.
How did Pittsfield adopt the CPA in 2016? Did City Council vote to put it on the ballot?
“Come November, Pittsfield could vote on whether to enroll in a program designed to preserve historic buildings and promote restoration.A citizens group is hopeful city voters will adopt the Community Preservation Act that would add a 1 percent surcharge to tax bills to support preservation and restoration projects. John Dickson chairs the Pittsfield Historical Commission, but says he is leading the effort as a private citizen. The group came together after learning about the potential demolition of St. Mary the Morning Star Church on Tyler Street to make way for a Dunkin’ Donuts.
“We were looking for mechanisms — what can we do to help neighborhoods and communities preserve and protect their structures and sense of who they are,” said Dickson.
Separate from the levy limit, the group’s petition would raise funds by placing a 1 percent surcharge on tax bills with exemptions for low-income residents, senior citizens and on the first $100,000 of assessed property value. According to the Community Preservation Coalition this would mean a $14 annual increase for the average Pittsfield homeowner. More importantly, Dickson says it’s a way for the city to capture money collected from document fees at the state Registry of Deeds that is given to the 161 communities that have adopted CPA.
“I bought a house here in 2007,” Dickinson said. “I paid those transaction fees and those transaction fees went to other towns and cities around the state. It’s time that we bring these fees back here.”
The coalition estimates the city would raise about $384,000 and, with the average 30 percent state match, have nearly half a million dollars each year to work with. The money would be administered by a community preservation council that consists of representatives of the city’s conservation and historical commissions, planning board, recreation and housing authority along with at-large seats. Stuart Saginour, executive director of the Community Preservation Coalition, says the most popular use of the money is to preserve historic municipal buildings.
“CPA funds can rehabilitate parks, playgrounds, athletic fields and build new ones,” Saginour said. “Trails, community gardens, skateboard parks are very popular in urban areas and dog parks. We’ve had lots of communities build dog parks with CPA funding.”
Pittsfield decided against adopting the CPA in 2006, but Saginour says lawmakers made a number of changes to make the program more flexible. He says 16 communities have already placed adoption on November’s ballot or are considering it. Voters in Springfield and Holyoke will decide this year while those in Great Barrington and Williamstown have already approved it. Saginour says no community has ever left the program. The city council’s ordinance and rules committee unanimously recommended the petition. Councilor John Krol says St. Mary the Morning Star Church could benefit from the program.
“I zeroed in on that one because there is a lot of community interest, but also because it is kind of a case study to say ‘Is this something that would work for us in Pittsfield?’” Krol said. “Because there is the Springside House and many other historic buildings that may be able to be reused in a variety of ways.”
The full city council needs to approve placing the question on the ballot by September 8th. The only scheduled meeting before then is August 9th.”
WAMC 7.29.2016
Low hanging fruit would be focusing on the exemptions. Otherwise, it appears that the City Council would have to vote to put it on the ballot. State law indicates(my interpretation) that if it comes to the ballot by way of the Council, only the Council can put repeal on the ballot. If it came to the ballot by citizen petition, then a petition would initiate a repeal.
To get momentum for repealing, you would do best to make people aware of :broken promises. EG, Springside House is funded by their Free Cash. Pols advocated for you to approve the CPA on grounds your taxes would restore city properties. Second, inform people that 1% is 1% on top of fast rising water/sewer rates (auditors are arguing for hikes). Third, educate the fixed income and retired they are exempt and make certain they are claiming their exemption. Then, you have the basis for a party.
It was put on the ballot, We were told that the average fee would be about $14.00 and that seniors would not have to pay if they didn’t want to. A friend went in and applied and I’ll let you guess how that turned out.
Ah, but the trick is it was put on the ballot by City Council. I would like to know how that turned out. What is the income & age, source of income of your friend. What happened to the application?
$14 in 2016 values.
He was in his eighties, good GE and SS pension, 30,000 shares of GE stock and a home on Holmes Road. He was well heeled but just didn’t want to pay it. He paid it.
Tax Rate for 2019: $19.42/$1,000 (0.01942)
Average House value 2019: $168,095 (16,426 residential props/$2761462888 total value)
Calculation for CPA tax: Deduct $100,000 (assuming we grant that exemption)
Average Value for CPA: $66,095
Property tax CPA Surcharge: $1322 ($66,095 * 0.01942)
Assume 1.0% CPA Tax applied to $1322:
Average CPA tax = $13 in 2019
With increased assessed values, CPA tax has grown substantially since inception in 2017. May not seem large to the affluent, but it counts, and legitimate question is how does the common man benefit? It was rejected in 2006. Would you take a Pittsfield 2006 over Pittsfield 2023? I would.
On Monday morning, October 23rd, 2023, YouTube presents Pittsfield politics mayoral debated number three between John Krol & Peter Marchetti:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9WgBbCTQvo
Taxpayers shouldn’t shell out money to any private concern including a church.
That being said the words separation of church and state do not appear in the Constitution.
How about separation of Arts and New Yorkers?
Mayor Debate 6 -8 Conte. NaAcp open to public. T.V ? How the hell do I know?
As usual, my comments in support of The Berkshire Eagle have ended up on the cutting room floor (‘fold at the B & E’).
This blog or message board comment section has become a bit disappointing. I have tried to stay out of it but it’s gotten a more and more distressing.
I would like to address two main issues as they have appeared in the last month.
John Krol
I’ve known his immediate family, some of his relatives, his ex-family, and have met him a few times.
I will not be voting for him. There are too many open questions that are half answered for him to be a serious candidate in my eyes.
He’s support for Andrea Harrington shows he’s not serious about issues but is following either the money or letting his little head think for his big one.
In 20+ years in law enforcement I’ve dealt with violent criminals and petit crooks, I know when someone isn’t telling the truth and John Krol is not telling the truth. He either knows more than he’s saying or he’s trying to cover something else up. I personally find him untrustworthy and I will not vote for him and suggest others do not either.
CPA funds
There was a long debate about CPA, we saw what other cities and towns were using it for. We were 16 years into the learning curve, I attended listening sessions about it, went to city council meetings and had my say.
It’s a good program, my only reservations was that it should have exempted more for seniors and low income when it came time for collecting money. It also didn’t address high value properties that transfer via trust and are not “sold”. In the meetings in 2015 churches were brought up and people were fine with it. It came on the heels of plunkett school being demolished and Cafu Management looking into St. Mary the Morning Star Church and putting up a Dunkin’ Donuts.
Community preservation is important. I have more faith in the CPA than I do the back room TIF deals that seem so common in Pittsfield.
I supported the CPA then and I would support it again. I see nothing wrong with community preservation of landmark buildings, be it roofs, painting, siding or HVAC. I’d rather those buildings stand than have the building torn down and replaced by a Dunkin’ Donuts, a bank, an automotive store, or another dispensary.
I find your comment very helpful all around. Regarding the CPA, maybe the best solution to the CPA is to require turnover in the CPC roster and make it more reflective of range of neighborhoods.
Next mayor should make a priority to rebuild civic commissions to reflect and and exploit the forgotten talent.
What is of concern with current application of funds, to me, is not so much the levy on the taxpayer. It’s nominal, relatively fixed (it changes at rate of 1% to the real estate tax), and there are exemptions. The problem I see is that the funds are empowering special interests to the disadvantage of the unconnected resident and business.