D.A. TIM SHUGRUE LEADS PROBE THAT BRINGS DOWN MAJOR DRUG OPERATION
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEDNESDAY FEB. 11, 2025) — THE PLANET commends the office of Berkshire County District Attorney Tim Shagrue for its leading role in bringing down what was a major drug operation. Sources tell THE PLANET that the bad actors were planning even bigger infiltration of the country but the actions of local law enforcement led by Shugrue prevented that.
When he ran for D.A., THE PLANET backed Shugrue. The work of his office on the in Friday shows we put our trust in the right place.
Here is the full text, unedited, of the D.A.’s press release. We will follow with comments:
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On Friday, February 7th, a joint law enforcement effort was executed to disrupt a drug trafficking organization attempting to entrench itself in Berkshire County. Friday’s operation was the result of a months-long investigation. The organization was bringing in large amounts of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl pills to the Berkshires.
The investigation was led by the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office.
Berkshire District Attorney Timothy J. Shugrue stated, “I ran for office on a platform of accountability and commitment to building a safer community. Friday represented a critical milestone in fulfilling that pledge. Thanks to months of diligent investigative work and the brave actions of local and state law enforcement, the Berkshires became a safer place. Those bringing large quantities of drugs to our community, exploiting those suffering from addiction, will be prosecuted to the greatest extent of the law.”
District Attorney Shugrue added, “I am incredibly proud of the team of dedicated law enforcement professionals who worked on this investigation. Altogether, 20 firearms and over $200,000 in street value of drugs were removed from the streets.”
On the morning of February 8th, the Berkshire State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office and the Berkshire County Law Enforcement Task Force, along with assisting agencies identified below, prepared to execute the 23 search warrants both simultaneously or in very close proximity of each other. The first search warrant was executed slightly after 9:00am with the others to follow.
The search warrants included residences in North Adams, Adams, and Pittsfield; vehicles; a long-term storage facility (U-Haul, West Housatonic Street, Pittsfield), and six Defendants. (The six Defendants who had an active search warrant are Richard Colon; Jose Carrasquillo; Henry Vidal; Victor Colon; Julio Colon-Valentin; and Andy Rivera-Medina.)
Additional search warrants were executed on the same day in Lowell Massachusetts. The search warrants in the Berkshires and Lowell were part of a connected investigation.
Colonel Geoffrey Noble of Massachusetts State Police said “This operation shows the Massachusetts State Police will relentlessly pursue anyone who distributes opioids and possesses illegal guns in the Commonwealth. Every member of our ranks is committed to making our communities safer by getting illicit drugs and guns off of our streets,”
Colonel Noble added. “The complexity of organizing a regional takedown, arresting 10 individuals, and seizing 20 firearms, narcotics, and currency cannot be overstated. I commend the Berkshire County State Police Detectives for their thorough investigation, our regional partners from local police departments for their professionalism during Friday’s tactical operation, and prosecutors in the Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office for pursuing charges in this case. These efforts will strengthen public safety in the Berkshires and beyond.”
Pittsfield Police Chief Thomas Dawley stated, “The Berkshire County Drug Task Force (BCDTF) have done an outstanding job in dismantling a significant network of illegal drug activities in Berkshire County. Their diligent efforts, dedication and expertise have led to a successful confiscation of illegal narcotics and firearms. The investigation has had a profound disruption of illegal narcotic sales in Berkshire County. Their commitment to justice and our community’s safety showcase how critical their role is in combatting illegal drug-related crimes. I would be remiss if I did not honorably mention the vital role our Berkshire County Special Response (BCSRT) and the Massachusetts STOP Teams had in securing the safety of not only our officers but all the involved individuals and our community. Finally, I want to thank the Pittsfield Police Officers. Every day they devote themselves to building a safe community and protecting our residents. The City of Pittsfield is fortunate to have such dedicated individuals serving their community.”
Chief Mark Bailey of North Adams said, “This operation led to the successful dismantling of a large-scale drug distribution and firearm trafficking network. I want to thank each and every member involved in the operation for their dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment during the multi-agency operation. It is a testament to the power of collaboration between law enforcement agencies in our ongoing efforts to combat violent crime and illegal drug distribution. This operation required extensive cooperation, intelligence-sharing, and strategic execution. The arrests made and contraband seized will have a lasting impact, making our streets safer and sending a clear message that we will not tolerate criminal activity that endangers our community. The North Adams police officers, and all law enforcement involved in the operation, exemplified the highest standards of law enforcement. Their courage and commitment to public safety does not go unnoticed.”
Chief K. Scott Kelly of the Adams Police Department commented, “I’m proud of my department’s involvement, as well as the multitude of officers from around the state. It is important for the community to recognize the magnitude of what was taken off our streets and the work that was put into this effort. All of this to create a safer community for all of us and to send a message of zero tolerance. Lastly, to all officers involved. It comforts me to know that everyone went home safe from something that is never without its dangers.”
Detailed information regarding items seized, search warrants, and individuals arrested are below. There will be a follow up press statement on Tuesday, February 11th, once all individuals have been arraigned.
Law Enforcement Agencies Involved:
- Berkshire District Attorney’s Office
- Berkshire State Police Detective Unit
- Berkshire County Law Enforcement Task Force
- Berkshire County Special Response Team
- Berkshire County Sheriff’s Department
- Massachusetts State Police STOP Team
- Attorney General’s Office Massachusetts State Police
- Pittsfield Police Department
- Great Barrington Police Department
- North Adams Police Department
- Adams Police Department
- Lowell Police Department
- Franklin/Hampshire County Law Enforcement Task Force
- Middlesex State Police Detective Unit
- Assisted: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms – equipment for the operation
Items Seized
The following items were seized during Friday’s operation. (Street value of the drugs combined is approximately $200,000.)
- 20 firearms including numerous large capacity rifles and pistols
- $60,000 cash
- 700 grams of cocaine
- 320 grams of heroin
- 300 grams of fentanyl pills
Search Warrants
Locations
- 93 Beaver Street in North Adams, Massachusetts
- 97 Beaver Street in North Adams, Massachusetts
- 101 Beaver Street in North Adams, Massachusetts
- 76A Howland Avenue in Adams, Massachusetts
- 76B Howland Avenue in Adams, Massachusetts
- 78A Howland Avenue in Adams, Massachusetts
- 78B Howland Avenue in Adams, Massachusetts
- 11 Quaker Street Apartment 2 in Adams, Massachusetts
- 11 Quaker Street Apartment 3 in Adams, Massachusetts
- 3 Orchard Street Apartment 12 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts
- 138 Mill Street Apartment D in Pittsfield, Massachusetts
- U-Haul 434-436 West Housatonic Street Unit 1424 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts
- U-Haul 434-436 West Housatonic Street Unit 1548 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts
- 239 Lakeview Avenue Apartment 2 Second Floor in Lowell, Massachusetts
Vehicles
- A 2019 gray Nissan Rogue bearing Massachusetts registration 3NHW53
- A 2017 blue Infiniti QX6 bearing Massachusetts registration KVX2453
- A 2017 gray Nissan Sentra bearing Massachusetts registration 5EKS44
Persons
- Richard COLON
- Jose CARRASQUILLO
- Henry VIDAL
- Victor COLON
- Julio COLON-VALENTIN
- Andy RIVERA-MEDINA
Individual’s Arrested:
Henry VIDAL
DOB: 08/23/1982
3 Orchard Street Apartment 12, Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Charges
- Trafficking Cocaine 36-100 Grams
- Trafficking Heroin 200 Grams or More
- Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law
Jose CARRASQUILLO
DOB: 01/18/1975
239 Lakeview Avenue Apartment 2, Lowell, Massachusetts
- Trafficking Cocaine 200 Grams or More
- Possession of Ammunition without an FID
- *Firearm charges are being handled by Lowell Police Department*.
- Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law
Richard COLON
DOB: 11/10/1980
11 Quaker Street Apartment 3, Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Charges
- Trafficking Cocaine 200 Grams or More
- Trafficking Cocaine 100-200 Grams
- Trafficking Heroin 100-200 Grams
- Trafficking Fentanyl 300 Grams
- Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law
Victor COLON
DOB: 12/19/1979
101 Beaver Street North Adams, Massachusetts
Charges
- Trafficking Cocaine 18-36 Grams
- Possession with Intent to Distribute Class A Fentanyl
- Possession of Firearm without LTC/FID x2
- Possession of Firearm in Commission of a Felony x2
- Improper Storage of a Firearm x2
- Possession of Ammunition without an FID
- Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device x3
- Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law
Julio COLON-VALENTIN
DOB: 09/04/1998
101 Beaver Street North Adams, Massachusetts
Charges
- Possession with Intent to Distribute Class A Heroin
- Trafficking Cocaine 18-36 Grams
- Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law
Andy RIVERA-MEDINA
DOB: 07/09/1980
78A Howland Avenue, Adams, Massachusetts
Charges
- Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law
Kahlil LANPHEAR-DYER
DOB: 10/13/1998
11 Quaker Street Apartment 2, Adams, Massachusetts
Charges
- Trafficking Cocaine 100-200 Grams
- Possession of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony x16
- Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device x7
- Improper Storage of a Firearm x13
- Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law
Ismael BELTRE-BELTRE
DOB: 07/25/1985
76B Howland Avenue, Adams, Massachusetts
Charges
- Trafficking Cocaine 100-200 Grams
- Trafficking Heroin 36-100 Grams
Gerard MENDEZ-NAVARRO
DOB: 07/25/2005
76B Howland Avenue, Adams, Massachusetts
Charges
- Trafficking Cocaine 100-200 Grams
- Trafficking Heroin 36-100 Grams
Meagan OAKLEY
DOB: 02/22/1992
76B Howland Avenue, Adams, Massachusetts
Charges
- Trafficking Cocaine 100-200 Grams
- Trafficking Heroin 36-100 Grams
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You will notice the abundance of Hispanic/Latino names. How many are in this country, this county, illegally? How did they get here? Was it because of Gov. Maura Healey’s disastrous “sanctuary” polities that have made the Commonwealth a magnet for illegals, drug traffickers, welfare cheats, and many other types of undesirables?
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“Americans, representing 4.4 percent of the world’s population, consume roughly 30 percent of its opioids”
― Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America.
OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.
LOVE TO ALL.
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“Plenty more where they came from.” – The Queen Cockroach.
THE Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers
Of course the supply of drugs will not be altered.
Also The fabulous Furry Freak Brothers: Drugs will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no drugs.
When street drugs are cheaper than eggs and we know that poverty is the biggest driver worldwide of problematic street drugs use, what do you think happens next?
Appreciate all the effort but just one or two questions.
Will there be even one user that will now have trouble getting his fix? Will there be even one junkie that says “aw shucks, gonna have to get clean now?”
Good questions, REAL. I would respond by saying that law enforcement faces an overwhelming problem. As long as so many people choose to get high, the market will be there. Market creates supply and suppliers. Eliminating these dealers creates a break in the supply line. Will it be repaired? Likely. Will it be a deterrent? Perhaps.
The supply is not even scratched. Buying narcotics is a crime.The buyer is both violating controlled substances and engaging in business activity that likely involves international bribery and frauds along with murder an theft. the police can arrest the consumer. And they should.
Great statement there Sir Jizz, because we’ve seen how successful this country has been trying to jail it’s way out of the addiction problem. You are a buffoon.
I didn’t specify jail. What are you on? Pills or vapes?
Sadly what busts like this create is a higher risk of fatal overdose as the drugs users change the pliers and may not have the tolerance for the new suppliers product
This is a really well documented problem that law enforcement can’t help with until they’re picking up the bodies
No. There will be not even a bump in the price. That gang of nine taken have already been accounted for by the cartels. It’s another pound of smoke. Just PR. Same goes for those DEA hauls of tons of cocaine or opiods at the border. Those ‘catches’ were never expected to hit market, and their seizures have no impact on supply.
The war on drugs is an international war, and results will only be seen if we take the fight to the enemy and renew education and law to depress consumption. These hits are a distraction. Need to seize the users.
Safe place to use gtfoh
I hear the reading is very nice at Popping Molly’s library with the needles and junkies lounging around, nice fires burning in the courtyard. No, no don’t think about reprimanding them or heavens hauling them off to face a judge.
The Defendant list is a shining example that Diversity is our Strength right Lefties?
Da’ts Wacist!!!!
Excellent job by the office of District Attorney Shugrue. The Berkshire Eagle reported on Friday that there were lots of federal looking vehicles gathered in Cheshire and reported it as a potential ICE raid on this area. They later clarified that it was drug related, but they were initially trying to warn locals about a potential ICE raid. Tom Homan is warning people in the FBI and others about giving away their plans on ICE raids.
The Eagle should get talk about this.
Eagle sucks. Waiting for the day the downsize to Zero days a week.
To kill two birds with one stone, I attached a post from Twitter (X), to highlight your comments Dan at the bottom of the article and to question why JM, or “Marxist-Melle,” hates Americans and supports Maura Healey and her illegal alien s first policy.
I ask this based on his recent post in support of Maura and “her policies.” He didn’t list any of those policies he supports, just a fawning post about her.
*In Maura Healey’s latest blunder, she plans to remove felons from illegal alien shelters and find them PRIVATE HOUSING WITH $30,000 IN RENTAL ASSISTANCE, PAID BY ME AND YOU.
https://x.com/AntiWuCoalition/status/1889438899107144040
Aiding and abetting. Federal felony, lock her up and remove her from public office.
February 12, 2025
Hello Governor Maura Healey,
Please read the posted comment. I am NOT fawning over you. I respect you as an elected official who I believe means well by the people and taxpayers of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
I am NOT a Marxist. I wish to note that when Karl Marx wrote and published his works promoting Communism, Slavery was still legal in parts of the U.S.A. Moreover, many of the Founding Fathers owned Slaves. Furthermore, there were many other injustices in the 19th Century. Therefore, I believe it is wrong to single out Marx without mentioning the world he lived in back then.
I have written and posted the reasons why I support Governor Maura Healey and her 2026 re-election campaign. I support her advocacy for Veterans, including her signing the HERO Act into state law in Massachusetts. I support her opposition to the 78-year-old Orange Jesus buffoon and his far right MAGA extremism. I support her commitment to Western Massachusetts and other regions of the Commonwealth in the Boston-centric state government. I support her fight for women’s rights, including in the post-Roe reproductive policies.
Some people write and post distorted words about my support for Maura Healey in politics, but I am for her vision for Massachusetts. I hope that she runs for U.S. President in 2028.
Best wishes,
Jonathan A. Melle
Jonny instead of fueling these MAGA members with your brand of politics why don’t you talk about topics people are interested in. Things like what was it like coming out of the closet and how long did it take for your dad to finally accept it. Did you try and pray your gay away in church or how you only support gay male politicians like Pete Buttigieg because you don’t support toxic masculinity.
There is one overriding question to ask yourself. Is America better off with Trump as President or with the democrats that lie to you about their intentions and then promote evil, Socialist policies overall but go to church…like Joe Biden?
Vice President JD Vance warned on Thursday that the United States could send troops to Ukraine and hit Russia with further sanctions if Vladimir Putin doesn’t negotiate a peace deal in good faith.
Speaking to the Wall Street Journal on Thursday, Vance said the option of sending US troops to Ukraine was “on the table,” as well as economic punishment if a peace deal doesn’t guarantee Kyiv’s long-term independence.
“There are economic tools of leverage, there are of course military tools of leverage” Vance told the newspaper.
Fawning.
Lock YOU up too Melle if you support CRIMINAL ALIENS
Are you a member of a gang?
Answer: Yes. I am a violent criminal who deals drugs.
Welcome to prison!
Are you a politically-connected drug dealer of marijuana?
Answer: Yes. I own a marijuana dispensary on Dalton Avenue that stinks up nearby residential neighborhoods with unpleasant pot growing smells.
Welcome to owning a $950,000 mansion in Pittsfield’s elitist Gated Community west of Berkshire Community College!
Did you know anything about the Dean of PHS Students being an alleged cocaine trafficker?
Answer: Nobody “no’s nuttin'” about “DAT”.
Welcome to being an elected official in Bitch-field!
Are you going to pay over $6,000 in taxes and fees for all of the above?
Yes. My name is the fictional Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski family.
Welcome to The Twilight Zone’s episode of Pittsfield 2025!
The City of Pittsfield has become a welfare city. You can see it when you go to the Pittsfield Walmart. 90% of the people are in pajamas and filthy, they wander around in a daze. The scum factor is very strong in the Pitt. I go to Walmart in North Adam’s when I can it is actually a much better experience. Who would of thought. When I was a kid we made fun of North Adam’s, how the tables have turned.
I will definitely take a Stab at the North Adams Walmart. Comparing Pittsfield and North Adams , is like comparing Silver Lake to the Housatonic River, both are extremely dirty, one’s just bigger.
” I will definitely take a Stab at the North Adams Walmart.” I see what you did there.
Pittsfield has been a shit hole of a city for several years now, and that’s why its called “Shittsfield”. It keeps getting worse though.
Starts at the top.
Those two stranded astronauts might have made a baby by now.
And that baby will be an illegal immigrant the moment it hits the ground. Going to Guantanamo before being sent back into space on one of Musks rockets.
There is a white supremist going through your financial information and Trump is not defending our constitution.We are being attack by weird Elon Musk
When Leftists call someone a white supremist , it generally means they have no more ammunition against their target, similar to calling someone a racist. It has virtually lost its sting by overuse.
Name calling, insults and slurs are the default position most Democrat/Marxists resort to when they have no cogent argument.
Exactly, OPIE.
You mean like Marxist-Melle”calling Trump, “Orange Jesus,”
Marxist-Melle fails to acknowledge that democRATS are the most bought and paid for by Big Pharma.
You know the ones who suppressed free speech about Gates/Faucci/Obama creating a man-made, biological, weapon of mass destruction.
And then the clot-shot to go with it.
MM, care to respond with facts to dispute this?
Exactly ! Melle is out of ammunition, he just doesn’t realize it.
The only people who should worry about personal info violations are 150 years old and are long departed. They are in a place so remote that they have absolutely no possibility of knowing or caring about this intrusion.
Musk’s DOGE, just found BIDEN’S FEMA appointees putting up CRIMINAL ALIENS in $700 luxury hotel rooms in NYC, TSC!
To the tune of $60 MILLION. He fired the 4 principals in charge/responsible already
This is the same Biden’s/FEMA, that gave USA families $700 LOANS who lost their homes in a hurricane. As long as there was no Trump signs on their lawns.
I knew POTUS Trump was going to clean house in DC this time around and Mr Musk would be part of it.
77 MILLION other Americans concurred with me, Nov 5th 2024.
Go cry a river/flood of blue Leftist tears.
Trump and Musk are a couple
You and crazy are a couple forever.
Curtis to quit in June
That is good news.
He is not able to make tough decisions.
Too bad the Asst Supt as well as the PHS principal have not resigned as well.
Lucky to last this long.
Yes he was encouraged by everyone. To leave.
That’s what they do when their assets devalue. They trade them out.
And it will provide a little bit of cover when the non report report comes out.
VEry sensible. They publish the report, and no one has to answer any questions. “It was all in the Supers hand, I am just trying to catch up myself.”
https://www.iberkshires.com/story/78045/-BREAKING-Pittsfield-Super-Announces-Resignation.html
TSC, go to a bank of the Housatonic, your BLUE TEARS WOULD wash it clean of GE’s PCBS in a week.
Why did your D-friends FROM BIDENS FEMA give @700 day rooms in NYC LUXURY HOTELS, to CRIMINAL ALIENS?
One of those, MURDERED the yoLAKEN RIELY!
EXPLAIN THAT, TSC!
The one who murdered the young girl, Laken Riely, and was LET GO BY BIDEN/DOJ/HSS?
E-X-P-LAIN THAT, TSC!!!
https://www.berkshireeagle.com/news/local/former-mayor-robert-t-capeless-dies-at-91/article_06b0ac35-1a7f-507e-a4e0-e8535ce7be3c.html
Holy shit Batman!
Did the Parrot’s Editors proofread that story?
B. 1917, died at 91………
Invented tax rolls.
Standard oil !!!!
Parrot obit stated B. 1917 D. 2025 this month? Would make him 107!!
Wait until Rutberg croaks, he’ll be a friend of Moses……
Article was published in 2008. Why Bill posted it now, who the eff knows!
Was he temporarily reincarnated?
Clown shoes Is a joke. Once again the Sheriffs dept has no fn right to be involved in any law enforcement operations. Next will be patrols like Hampden County increasing there own budgets and powers.
Patrols on North Street would be appreciated by business owners. Thank you.
THIS
I remember North Street Thursday nights, when ALL the shops were open, wasn’t VACANT SHOPS THEN, and kids cruised cars they could drive for $300.
MAGA!!!
Already going on. 75 parking tickets a day being handed out unless the owner lives in one of the N. st condos who get a pass.
Pittsfield’s toters woes. The Pittsfield City Council talks trash.
https://www.wamc.org/news/2025-02-12/pittsfield-city-council-expresses-frustration-with-flaws-in-toter-system-rollout-questions-city-contract-with-casella
Pittsfield is saving money with the new toters system, but the garbage isn’t being picked up on some streets and days, the city has trouble communicating with Casella, which has poor internal communication, and the contract has no accountability measures for alleged breaches of contract.
How many Pete’s does it take to screw in a light bulb? Answer: NOT the 2-Pete’s who ran Pittsfield into the trash debacle.
People are telling him it’s great?
John. it gives Healy’s CRIMINAL ALIENS ,something to hide behind when shooting at Americans. That might be You….
Wander, the new LGBTQ hangout downtown, is hosting drag story hour on Saturday for families & children. Why is this allowed? Where are the cops? Exposing kids to this stuff is sick!
Problem is Mayor Pete Lumpy and CC President Porkchop Pete White are the biggest supporters of WANDER. City gave them money to open! I agree it’s sick. The whole City Administration is sick!
Council as well. Maybe worse.
Sick shit. When PITT voted for the two widest bugholes. Lezzies too.
Parents that bring there kids to this crap are the real problem. Keep the insanity going to the next generation.
Biggest Superbowl in history is being played right now, kickoff was 1/20/2025.
Patriots vs the D-STEALERS.
RFK Jr in….. MAHA! Mitch lone GOP vote against. Retire Mitch! You’ve gotten your bazillions off the system!
C’mon Kash Patel…..hopefully there will SOON be a vote to confirm!
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/02/watch-live-senate-vote-rfk-confirmation/
MAHA!!!
JFK JR confirmed!
No more GMOs, additives , coloring, seed oils/soy/soy GMO/corn GMO/ adulteratences……. etc
TSC better stock up on, fruit loops, And flakes, ……
Will he be going after big Pharma do you think? They do like to push vaccinations and have huge clout with high up govt. officials. Or will he kinda let them do their thing so as not to upset that apple cart cuz they give lots of money to people with influence?
Pittsfield Superintendent of Schools Curtis is resigning at the end of June. The timing of this is suspicious. The schools are not allowing students and teachers to have contact by pagers or cell phones which is good, but they are still missing the heart of the problem which is teachers and school personnel being overly involved with the gender and sexuality of the students. They just keep circling around the crux of the problem.
And not enough of them speaking up when they see sketchy stuff going on. Administration has them too intimidated to speak out because it would make level five schools look even worse. True source of the problem is at the top level.
February 13, 2025
Mayor Openly Gay 90-day grace period has to decide if the city should pay tens of millions of dollars on the swamp-land named Wahconah Park that sits on a flood zone.
Then Mayor Gated Community passed record breaking high municipal budgets, and then she took a 6-figure sinecure at Berkshire Community College, which is close to her mansion near the Hancock border.
Then Mayor Montello made sure that he over-taxed the fictional Kapanski’s, while he worked full time for his energy company employer.
Then Mayor Rolodex spent tens of millions of dollars on dangerous downtown Pittsfield’s arts and cultural venues that *sarcasm* rivaled Paris, London, NYC, and L.A., and then he went on to promote The Berkshire Museum selling off its historic art work, including 2 Norman Rockwell donated paintings, for tens of millions of dollars.
Then Mayor Aberration said she was a breath of fresh air, but the air became unpleasant after 2-short years in City Hall, and she went onto sue the city in the mid-2010’s for an undisclosed financial settlement prior to her now being a Member of the Pittsfield School Committee that oversees the city’s Group 11, Level 5 public schools
Then Mayor Bar-stool sold out Pittsfield for 30 pieces of silver from GE, and then he passed away while the city’s leaky landfills are full of industrial chemicals called PCBs that cause brain damage and cancer in human beings.
Jon Melle
—–
Letter: “As a Pittsfield baseball fan, I’m starting to lose hope on Wahconah Park”
The Berkshire Eagle, February 13, 2025
To the editor: I was talking with my 85-year-old father the other day about many of Pittsfield’s issues past and present.
As a 60-year resident myself, we have a lot of experience in this subject — in particular, baseball in Wahconah Park. My first experience came when my father brought me and we met the likes of Reggie Smith and George Scott. Over the years, I met many players who would eventually become great MLB players and many who would not. But I bet if we could talk to them all today they would remember playing in that park in Pittsfield that had great history and even a sun delay.
The last game I was at just a couple years ago, I was talking to some players with the away team. They were young kids full of hope. They spoke of the anticipation and excitement of witnessing the well known sun delays here and saddened of the disrepair of the well-known park.
As my father and I reminisced of the glory days, we also were saddened by our experience and knowledge of how the city of Pittsfield works and the fact we most likely will never see a baseball game played on that hollowed ground with so much baseball history it belongs in the Hall of Fame.
It’s already obvious to us the city is slowly burying this plan to rebuild by blaming funding yet at the same time barely even attempting to raise any. We hear about it less and less, and updates are not being issued.
I’m afraid we have given up hope on this most likely last attempt to save a historical site. As fans of the game, we will never again see an MLB game and say, “I remember watching him play at Wahconah Park.”
To the city officials who might be reading this: Please don’t let this happen again — not for me and my father but for the many fans and players who still have hopes and dreams of playing and witnessing such an amazing historical site.
Richard Daly Jr., Pittsfield
It’s. Dump.
Richard Daly should pay for this adventure he loves so much. Not everyone has his kind of money. Very selfish of him to expect everyday taxpayers to fund his own pet project.
Why did the superintendent of Pittsfield public schools decide to retire right after he announced plans of consolidating some schools
Suspicious timing, especially given the scandals erupting left and right with the PSD and PHS.
What if the next one is even worse than the retiring Superintendent?
They are simply changing horses. Curtis is an old horse.
He probably knows stuff and hopes not to have to talk about it if he leaves the scene.
GET
That has to be one of the key factors here. He knows stuff. Last thing he and “They” want is to have him being questioned, under oath.
Is Massachusetts next??
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/02/12/pam-bondi-announces-legal-action-against-new-york-for-providing-drivers-licenses-to-illegal-aliens/
Let’s hope so, and let’s hope they lock up Healy!
I hope so
Too bad not criminal charges.
Should be federal felonies, as with D-gov Healey and D-mayor Boston Wu
Crowbar hotel, not a luxury one on citizens tab, like NY
Welcome to Shitsfield, we used to manufacture transformers, no we manufacture trans sexuals
76-78 Howland is owned by Michael and Rita Ciempa of Adams according to public records.
97 Beaver Street is owned by Pamela and Kendal Frost according to public records.
11 Quaker Street in Adams is owned by Kahlil and Briannah Lanphear according to public records.
3 Orchard Street is owned by Pittsfield Residences LLC according to public records. Pittsfield Residences LLC is owned by William Gioelli and Cole Ungar according to public records. Pittsfield Residences LLC address is 395 North St according to public records. 395 North St is the building where METHusala Bar is located. Pittsfield Residences LLC also owns many properties on Summer and ORCHARD streets according to public records.
Did all or just most of these places get taxpayer funded or supported help from beleaguered Johnny paycheck? Would it not save some administrative costs if people in Pittsfield just sent their social security checks straight to city hall?