BY DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY

(ADD 1 10/27 p.m. 3:30 p.m.) — THE PLANET received this from the office of Berkshire County D.A. Tim Shugrue:

On Sunday, October 26th, at approximately 6:14 p.m., Pittsfield Police responded to the area of 17 Parker Street, Pittsfield for a report of a single motor vehicle collision.

Upon arrival, an officer observed a white Honda HR-V positioned across Franco Terrace near the intersection of Parker Street. Both the steering wheel and side curtain airbags had deployed, and debris was scattered around the vehicle. Initial observations suggest the vehicle had been traveling down Franco Terrace toward the intersection of Franco Terrace and Parker Street, where it ultimately collided with a tree. The hood of the Honda HR-V was bent inward.

An officer approached the vehicle and observed a male occupant in the driver’s seat. No other individuals were present inside the car. The male was unresponsive and showed no signs of breathing. Blood was visible on and around the victim.

The Pittsfield Fire Department arrived on the scene and removed the victim from the vehicle. Upon removal, first responders discovered that the victim had sustained a gunshot wound to the chest. The victim was transported to Berkshire Medical Center by Action Ambulance, where he was later pronounced deceased.

The investigation remains active. As more information becomes available, it will be released.

Because the victim is a juvenile, his name and identifying information will not be released.

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(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE MONDAY OCT. 27, 2025) — On occasion, a poster on THE PLANET shares something so good that we elevate the Comment to run as a featured column.

That’s what we do today courtesy of Vendetta Vale.

Without further comment, here’s the post:

Appalachian Kal — I laughed so hard I nearly filed a motion for contempt of common sense.

Even when I don’t align with the politics here, I’ll say this on the record: some of the humor in these blogs (and even more so in the comment threads) is absolutely hysterical. Credit where it’s due — there’s talent in wit. Humor, when used well, is far more persuasive than hate. You’re not going to convince anyone by foaming at the mouth, but you might actually reach someone when you make them laugh. Hatred shuts ears. Humor opens them.

That doesn’t mean we won’t get sharp or nasty at times — if you give a damn about what you stand for, it’s inevitable. But the ability to find humor amid chaos? That’s what keeps me reading. It’s what makes this circus bearable.

Now, about Karen… what an absolute trainwreck. She’s never had police support in any of her runs — there’s a reason for that. And that billboard? I genuinely thought Spirit Halloween had gone into politics. The image alone is terrifying, but the real horror is her lack of comprehension, her absence of logic, and her inability to process basic information. This is not a woman guided by intellect or empathy — just ego and boredom. Amuso’s not far behind her; same delusion, different outfit.

PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT KALINOWSKY

There are two kinds of people who run for office — those who want to serve and those who want to be served. Pittsfield seems to have an overstock of the latter. The Ward councilors clinging to their seats like moss on a stone? That’s not dedication; it’s stagnation. If you’ve sat in that same seat for years and never once had the courage to move up or challenge yourself, you’re not there for your city — you’re there for yourself.
Sarah… bless her heart, but someone please hand her a hobby before she runs out of steam pretending to care.
The Klein father/son duo — charming concept, but not exactly a power combo.
Daniel Elias — please, retire both him and that tragic toupee. We’ve suffered enough.
Heather McNeice — no real complaints other than her sign, which looks like it lost a battle with Canva.
Kathy Moody — appropriately named. Sugar one minute, vinegar the next. Approach with caution and maybe an umbrella — she spits when she’s passionate.
Beurger — honestly, I like the old-school teacher energy. I’ll give him a fair chance.
Carolyn Barry — seems engaged, actually listens to her constituents, which is refreshing. But she’s still finding her footing — too easily swayed by the crowd at times. Needs to lead, not follow the loudest voice in the room.
Maffuccio — ineffective and carrying more baggage than a Delta carousel. Domestic violence and cocaine rumors aren’t exactly résumé builders.
Yon — Yawn. Enough said.
Michael Grady — smug, abrasive, and still trying to play tough guy. Must be hard to hang up the badge when you’re used to bending the rules.
Matt Wrinn — if anyone can name one accomplishment, I’ll buy them coffee. Silence speaks volumes.

Left, right, or somewhere in between — doesn’t matter. The ship’s still sinking; we’re just arguing over who gets the wheel.

———- ooo ———-

VV’s ripostes inspired THE PLANET‘s additional comments on the candidates:

• Appalachian Kal: Campaign song, the theme from Deliverance.
• Sarah “Miss Jane” Shoegum: Mr. Drysdale wants her to quit politics and get back to the bank.
• The Kleins: A chip off the old chip.
• Dan Elias: Better rugs can be seen at a Moroccan flea market.

Slurpy … just a-cuz.

• Heather McNiece: Give her a shot cuz she’s new.
• Ciara Batory: She’s EARNED IT by standing up to PSD hypocrisy.
• Hamilton Beurger: He may not get the win but he gets the vote.
• Carolyn Barry: Put her in. She ain’t “Them.”
• Two-Ounce Tony: He’s channeled the Smith Brothers, but is he Trade or Mark?
• Yon: Lady Boots? Her old nooze, mahn.  Guh bye.
• Delbert Grady: “Smug, abrasive, playing the tough guy?” Put him on the dais!
• Wrinn Tin Tin: Unopposed, so does it matter?

These are your pickins’, voters.

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“Hypocrisy: Claiming vice is virtue” — Sir Donald Turpentine, Knight of the Bath

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL.

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