JIV TALKING … RUNWAY ‘RECONSTRUCTION’ DOESN’T PASS THE SMELL TEST … SUNS PULL OUT GAME WITH 4-RUN 9th … BREATHING IN NATURE…plus…COMMENT LINE IS OPEN
By DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI News and Commentary
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEEKEND EDITION, JUNE 12-14, 2014) — Last night Pittsfield citizens and taxpayers got a chance to see JIV in action. The superintendent the Town of Lee couldn’t wait to put in the James Bond ejection seat basically called the millions more his school department is getting a “cut.” That’s the scam, and with it, he continues the racket that’s been perpetuated (and perpetuating) going back a generation in Pittsfield.
No wonder not-so-super Jake McCandless lives in mortal fear that THE PLANET will pop into his office one day for an on-camera interview! He almost broke Mayor Dan Bianchi‘s record for hiding under the desk when he gets the message on the intercom that THE PLANET has been “seen in the building.”
Cue The Bee Gees:
It’s just your jive talkin’
you’re telling me lies, yeah
Jive talkin’
you wear a disguise
Jive talkin’
so misunderstood, yeah
Jive talkin’
You really no good
It leaves the honest and informed voter with no other strategy than VOTI — Vote Out The Incumbents. Of course, you can’t vote JIV out of office, but you could make his life on Easy Street (about $200,000 a year in total compensation) more interesting in many creative ways. Show up at school committee meetings. Send him texts, e-mails, and letters. Call him at home. Demand a change to the cycle of endless millions in raises and bottomless plunging of school performance.
In other words, make the bum sing for his supper.
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Runway ‘Reconstruction’ A Capital Offense
In addition to Bianchi’s massive budget, the mayor has proposed a $10.2 million more in capital spending. The most expensive item on the list, by far, is entered as “Reconstruction of runway, $3.5 million.”
This represents a telling change of terminology. Initially, it was listed as a “repaving” at the Pittsfield Municipal Airport. Now, the official word is “reconstruction.” Why? As always, the administration had precious little to say.
Was the initial work faulty? Was it fine but certain connected Suits need more millions? With oversight as lax as it is in the city, is there a guarantee that this money is needed or that there won’t be bribes or kickbacks? Was the sudden departure of the airport manager for California a mere coincidence?
Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski, if you need any more proof of the current administration’s incompetence, we submit “Reconstruction of runway, $3.5 million” as your camel’s back breaker.
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Suns Score 4 in 9th for 4-3 win
Pittsfield Defeats Silver Knights 4-3 in Dramatic Fashion
PITTSFIELD, MA (June 11, 2015) – The Pittsfield Suns had a flare for the dramatic Thursday evening, scoring four runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to edge the Nashua Silver Knights, 4-3.
Visiting Nashua scored twice in the first on a leadoff walk to Brett Chappell and Ryan Sullivan‘s a two-run homer. Things were quiet for both teams until the top of the sixth. Sullivan reached first on a dropped third strike and advanced to second and later third on back-to-back singles from “motivational speaker” Matt Foley and Erik Ostberg. Max Burt then hit a sacrifice to plate Sullivan extending the Silver Knight’s lead to 3-0.
After only accumulating five hits in eight innings, Pittsfield sent seven batters to the plate in the decisive ninth. Hunter Bross reached on a fielder’s choice. Hector Coscione singled. After a pitching change, Bobby Kinne hit into a fielder’s choice, scoring Bross and putting runners on the corners with two outs. The pressure seemed to be too much for reliever Ryan Campbell, who threw three wild pitches, allowing two runs to score before hot-hitting Ryan Olmo laced a walk-off single that ricocheted off first basemen Ben Bengston’s glove. It scored the Suns final run in a 4-3 victory. Olmo, currently leads the FCBL in average (.500).
Matt Van Riper (1-0) earned the win. Nashua’s Ryan Campbell took the loss.
The Suns are back at Wahconah Park on Friday, June 11 at 7:00 p.m. when they take on the Wachusett Dirt Dawgs. There will be fireworks immediately following the game. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. — Story courtesy of Morgan Powell, Pittsfield Suns staff. Editing by THE PLANET.
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Breathing Pure Oxygen
Thursday brought in a 23-mile bike ride through south county. We began in the Shangri-La of Stockbridge, pausing on Rattlesnake Road for the intimate view of Kampoosa Bog. In the foreground, verdant spears of reeds lined the front perimeter of a small pool. A gauze-filtered sun blazed round, dappled crystals on the sandy pool bottom. Across the way, the swamp receded out of view, a panorama held upright by the poled stalks of bleached trees, long dead for the viewing. Three hawks silently soared on the upper winds of the sky, one up what looked like 1,000 feet. The banked currents perfectly met outstretched wings, reminding us of the song lyric: “If you wanna be a bird, try a little flying.”
The wind rustled the left and right forest borders — pine, oak, maple. It sounded like the distant cheering of a stadium full of happy fans. In the near front, a small stream of clear water flowed into a little gully, making that calming trickle sound the Greeks used to pacify troubled souls.
Who wouldn’t yearn for more simplicity in life after being in this display of nature’s innocence? Alone in the quiet, we could b-r-e-a-t-h.
The indulgences of the city need not fear. We shall return yet again to their fatuous noise.
But not now. Not just yet. There is Tyringham Valley beckoning. Cows are crossing a stream. We need to be there. Simple as that.
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i thank You God for this most amazing
We’d like to leave you with a favorite poem from one of our favorite all-time poets, that prophet of innocent joy, e.e. cummings. It, too, deals with the theme of exalting in nature:
i thank You God for most this amazing
day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes
(i who have died am alive again today,
and this is the sun’s birthday; this is the birth
day of life and of love and wings: and of the gay
great happening illimitably earth)
how should tasting touching hearing seeing
breathing any–lifted from the no
of all nothing–human merely being
doubt unimaginable You?
(now the ears of my ears awake and
now the eyes of my eyes are opened)
——– 000 ——–
THE PLANET now opens up The Comment Line. Any and all subjects are welcome. Simply remember to give us your best writing, your finest ideas, your most honest comments, and avoid the gutter. Move the discussion forward.
Have a great weekend, everybody.
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“Oh, give me the beat, boys, and free my soul. I wanna get lost in your rock-and-roll and drift away.” — Dobie Gray, “Drift Away,” (1973).
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
70 percent of Pittsfield is on welfare. The “Pittsfield taxpayer” is in the minority. Pittsfield’s tax base is shrinking or diminishing. Pittsfield has become another North Adams. It is as if George Bailey was never born in Pittsfield!
Jonathan I have a reply to your post but I posted it in the previous days post. I am preparing a rather lengthy post about the school dept. and my post will be coming from the view point of a former teacher, as I am. The major bulk of school dept. spending in this community and all other communities across America, is do to runaway spending for special education. I have some ideas to start to correct this situation but because I type so slow it will take a few days to type it up. Stay tuned CRAIG..
$3.5 million for a new runway for an airport that serves only a few private jets. $120 million for a new Taconic we really don’t need as the school population keeps shrinking year after year. A new Police Station to the tune of $40 million and a new Public Utilities Garage at approximately $20 million in the very near future, no wonder the mayor wants to trim $75,000 from the $288,000 designated for road repair in Pittsfield. Who needs thousands of potholes filled and roads in terrible condition repaired when an airport that is used by a handful of private jets that serves so few is in need of a new runway?
What’s next for Pittsfield and its shrinking taxpayer base? More importantly, when will the taxpayers wise up to the corruption in Pittsfield politics? Pittsdield desparately needs a new mayor who represents the taxpayers in addition to eleven new city councilors. This city is so corrupt under Bianchi, a true snake oil salesman.
Bianchi needs to go for sure, but let’s not forget that the councilors and school committee also need to go. They have given full approval of everything he has proposed without a holdout among them. This is too much lockstep thinking to make me comfortable with any of them. I hope we can solve this at the voter box, but also remember that many in the public are corrupt so they are voting for people who support the school system since maybe they work for the schools and are pulling in big salaries and they don’t want that to stop. They don’t care about the needs of the rest of the city only their own special interest in the schools so I can’t help but see state receivership in Pittsfield’s future. In fact people should demand state receivership of the schools if we can’t get rid of this corrupt group of people at the voter box. It would be the last hope for this city as drastic a step as that may be.
PAT I SINCERELY WISH YOU WOULD RUN FOR OFFICE IN THE CITY. YOUR IDEAS AND FEELINGS ARE MIRROR IMAGES OF MINE. THE COUNCIL NEEDS STRONG VOICES LIKE YOURS TO TURN THIS CITY AROUND. GET ON THE COUNCIL AND MAYBE YOU CAN BECOME THE MAYOR AFTER MY ONE TERM. I WOULD DEFINETLY VOTE FOR YOU AND IM SURE MANY ON THE PLANET WOULD ALSO. KEEP UP YOUR GOOD POSTS. YOU ARE DEFINETLY A POSITIVE POSTER TO THIS SITE SINCERELY CRAIG.
If the city goes bankrupt due to the school committee and its enablers breaking the backs of the taxpayers, do the teachers and other school union feeders lose their pensions or have them greatly reduced?
Dusty:
Teacher pensions are paid by the state. Pittsfield ONLY pays for their medical insurance.
I always thought your input as a city official was very to the point. YOU seemed to have dropped off the radar and that is sad because you could shed more light on the schools as both you and I were teachers and our input would be straight from the horses mouth. Any thoughts about returning to politics?. Things are going to be very different when I am mayor and I would be very supportive of your ideas and opinions which seem to be very well thought out.
SINCERELY,CRAIG.
Their union contract will be the first thing to go,
Then the superintendent.
Every two-four years, the answer is always vote them out.
New candidates always promise the moon but never deliver.
It always ends up that they do what they are told. Never in favor of the people.
This election will be no different. Linda Tyer, as much as we like her as a person is being set up to receive the nod to carry on the one party system of liberal tax and spend policies. Some councilors are running unopposed. Voter apathy is high and turn out at the election will probably be low.
The best thing you do is sell your home and move out. Of course, that would mean you are just passing this burden onto someone else. The game of musical chairs can only be played as long as there are people to buy. Too many houses on the market and not enough buyers means your property value drops. Wait too long and you will not be able to sell your home.
Many people have already left.
Mount St. Helens gave many warning signs before it errupted. Many people foresaw it coming and evacuated. However, many stayed in their homes, not willing to leave. When the entire top of that mountain blew off, they perished in lava and ash.
You may have to take little or no profit on your home. Maybe even a loss. However, getting out would be a wise move. Staying in Pittsfield and living under a corrupt government that holds your property hostage to its high taxes is foolish.
Someone needs to get to the bottom of this runway debacle. In a community that had a real newspaper, ther would be some sort of investigative journalist digging into the subject, or at least someone making clear what the last, just-completed runway project entailed and why this additional $3.5 million needs to be spent. Is it to address work that wasn’t covered in the scope of the last project? Is it because the last one was poorly done? Or is it just another clever way to blow $3.5 million on something 99% of the taxpayers footing the bill will never use? Why will no one tell us and why isn’t the paper investigating?
Thoughts….walt Whitman
OF Public Opinion;
Of a calm and cool fiat, sooner or later, (How impassive! How certain and final!)
Of the President with pale face, asking secretly to himself, What will the people say
at
last?
Of the frivolous Judge—Of the corrupt Congressman, Governor, Mayor—Of such as
these,
standing helpless and exposed;
Of the mumbling and screaming priest—(soon, soon deserted;)
Of the lessening, year by year, of venerableness, and of the dicta of officers, statutes,
pulpits, schools;
Of the rising forever taller and stronger and broader, of the intuitions of men and women,
and
of self-esteem, and of personality;
—Of the New World—Of the Democracies, resplendent, en-masse;
Of the conformity of politics, armies, navies, to them and to me,
Of the shining sun by them—Of the inherent light, greater than the rest,
Of the envelopment of all by them, and of the effusion of all from them.
– See more at: http://www.poetrysoup.com/famous/poems/best/walt_whitman#sthash.hofRqWJT.dpuf
And WB Yeats is my favorite,,,
Lake Isle of Innisfree
I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;
Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honey-bee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.
And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight’s all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evening full of the linnet’s wings.
I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,
I hear it in the deep heart’s core.
Whether you favor the Runway project or not, one thing should be clear. The existing Runway was NOT reconstructed as part of the recent project. There was an extension, towards the Northeast and Safety areas were extended, however the legacy portion of the xisitng runway was not touched. Think of it like this. There is the new portion of South Mountain Road that goes arond the extended runway that is new and smooth and then there is the “old” portion of South Mountain Raod that is in terrible shape. Also the ruay project as it is proposed has a 95% reimbursmeent so the City’s share of the project is something like $175,000.
Jlo
Jlo is that 90% for what they cover. Kinda like new Taconic state reimbursed 80% for what they cover. Unfortunately they don’t cover everything. The truth is the State is only paying $72.4 million of the $120.8 million new Taconic. That is a far cry from 80%. Funny thing is that’s the max the State will contribute, if the project goes over budget, the City pays the rest. Can’t blame citizens for not trusting # they are given.
Apparently, I need to proofread before I hit send…my appologies.
Still want to know if it is a true 90%. Or they cover 90% on certain aspects of the project???
I can handle the truth. Wondering if you know the truth. 90% of what?
Thanks jlo. I am neither for nor against as I have not had enough info. My plea was for information, not a campaign either way. I know the reimbursement number had been bandied about, but the reasoning behind the need for the new project was not clear. If you are correct I guess it makes some sense although I still find the logic of spending one dime on a project that benefits virtually no one locally questionable. The airport is not an “economic engine” nor will it ever be, and I doubt it bringe ever 5 more people per year for tourism than would have come anyway…and James Taylor wouldn’t relocate because of the deteriorating runway. So to my mind, having a “state of the art” airport in Pittsfield is like having a giant flat screen, 3D tv in the home of a food stamps/welfare recipient. Sorta makes you question priorities.
Mr.G: I couldn’t have said it better about the airport.
Mr. Simonelli was the star last night. I picked up on the 4 additional AC right away. Tony ‘s reasoning was correct. 13 AC for 12 schools, and some of those schools have a part time one. The math doesn’t add up.
And no support for him from the rest.
And don’t these schools also have Vice Principals. What is their role?
Dear pv posters. I have been thinking of how to make the upcoming election inclusive and fair to all candidates I propose the following to circumvent the GOM net work and special interest groups who will pump money to the two GOB CANDIDATES. FIRST, all candidates will refrain from fund raising and purchasing paid advertisements. Second no lawn signS for any candidates for all elected positions. Iam going to contact all the media in the area and ask that they set aside time each day right up to the election for candidates to reach the public with their ideas. I will ask the EAGLE NEWS DEPT. TO ALLOW a full page in the eagle to post their ideas on a daily bassis. I WILL ALSO ASK THE GAZZETTE TO DO THE SAME. By adopting these safe guards it prevents the GOB network from buying the election as they have bee doing for the past 40 years and producing the night mare we are all facing in this city which has also been incompetently run for the past 40 years also. Each candidate should commit to these guidelines to insure that all candidates have a chaNCE to be heard. I also firmly believe that these safeguards will bring out a big turn out in the election as citizens will realize that the really have a chance to elect the peoples choices and not the GOB NETWORK CANDIDATES. THIS IS VERY FAIR . NOW, WE will see who likes these rules. THOSE THAT DONT LIKE THESE RULES WE CAN EXPOSE THEM WIDELY SO THE ELECTORATE KNOWS WHO THEY ARE.
Craig, take it straight to the papers as your proposal for a fair, non-money dependent election. It’ll be interesting to see if they even cover the proposal.
These news outlets make a fortune during campaign season. And some of them are actually controlled by candidates or their backers. This city would never have gotten into the controlled condition it is now if the Berkshire Eagle was a real newspaper.
Great idea Craig but no way in hell it goes over in this burg.
I FORGOT TO MENTION THAT NO CANDIDATE CAN USE THIER OWN MONEY EITHER. MANY PEOPLE KNOW THAT I COULD EASILY BUY THE ELECTION BUT I WANT TO SAFE GUARD AGAINST THE PERSONALLY RICH FROM BUYING THE ELECTION. Maybe we could set a trend here in Pittsfield so that we can take the money out of state and federal elections I CANT REALLY BELIEVE THAT ANY ONE WOULD OBJECT TO THIS FORMAT OTHER THAN THE MONEY GROUPS AND SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS. THE ENTIRE ELECTION WILL BE ABOUT THE CANDIDATES AND THATS ALL IT SHOUL BE PERIOD. PACE CRAIG.
Waterman. All the money in the WORLD couldn’t get you elected!
I JUST FINISHED TALKING TO JONATHAN LEVINE OF THE GAZZET AND HE FIRMLY STATED HE WOULD NOT GO ALONG WITH MY PROPOSAL. YOU PEOPLE OUT THERE REMEMBER THE BIG WRITE UP MS. TYER GOT IN THE GAZZETTE WHEN SHE ANNUONCED FOR MAYOR AND NO WRITE UP FOR ME WHEN I ANNOUNCED. THE EAGLE HAD A FRONT PAGE ARTICLE OF MS. TYER AND A FEW PICTURES OF HER TODAY AS SHE STAGED A RAH RAH PRESS CONF.TALKING ABOUT THE NEED TO TEAR DOWN ABANDONED BUILDINGS. THIS BEING THE FIRST THING SHE HAS SAID SINCE ANNOUNCING HER CANDIDACY, IT IS PLAINLY EVIDENT THAT SHE DOESNT SEE THE REAL PICTURE HERE THAT THE BUDGET IS THE ONE AN ONLY MAIN TOPIC THAT HAS TO BE FRONT AND CENTER THROUGHOUT THIS ENTIRE CAMPAIGN. AS I contact the media and the candidates to see who thinks my proposal has some merit I WILL LET YOU KNOW. ONCE WE SEE HOW EVERYONE FEELS ABOUT THIS WE WILL GET TO THE TASK OF PUTTING OUT THE FACTS AND DETERMING WHAT WE HAVE TO DO TO TURN THIS CITY AROUND AND MAKE IT A PLACE WE CAN ALL BE PROUD OF BECAUSE WE LOVE OUR CITY AN AND WE KNOW WE CAN MAKE IT MUCH BETTER THAN IT IS N OW, STAY TUNED. SINCERELY CRAIG. I WANT TO ADD ONE THING HERE THAT I HAVENT TOLD THE PLANET .MY FATHER AND THREE OF HIS SONS INCLUDING ME WHO IS A DECORATED VIET NAM VET .ALL SERVED PROUDLY IN THE MILITARY.OUR SERVICE INCLUDED THE ARMY NAVY AND COAST GUARD. YES MS TYER MY FAMILY IS A MILITARY FAMILY ,A REAL MILITARY FAMILY WITH MUCH SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY. I SALUTE YOUR FATHER AND SAY SINCERELY TO HIM THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. I FOR ONE KNOW THAT MAKING THE MILITARY YOUR CARREER IS A NOBLE ACT AND I AM SURE YOU ARE VERY PROUD OF YOUR DAD AS EVERYONE ELSE SHOULD BE ALSO. GOOD JOB SIR.
Dusty the city does not pay the pension costs for retired teachers the state does. We ONLY pay their medical insurance.
medical insurance is way more expensive than pensions. That is why Medicare is going to go insolvent well before Social Security.
Actually, it’s an unreasonable idea. I don’t want to vote for a GOB, and won’t – but I also won’t vote for someone who promises changes that clearly could not take place regardless of how many counselors come into office with you.
Running a City is not an easy job, and although I think the current Mayor is not doing very well – I’m not sure Mr. Gaetani would be a good Mayor either. it’s not child’s play, but like all Government it requires process and consensus. Defunding every department is probably not an option (just a dream), leading folks by telling them how much smarter than they are is poor management, and I am not sure your history is as you describe it.
Many former employees of the Water Dept. do not remember the process going as smoothly as you describe it, and most credit the untanglement of a lot of the issues getting the plants operational t5o Bill Forestall. But more importantly – it is how you view the plants as “yours” is troubling. in fact, they were built with taxpayer (or ratepayer) money, they were built for the City’s water users and are owned by the City of Pittsfield. To allow someone who as not touched them in about 25 or more years any access to them – especially given your animosity towards current officials, would be ludicrous.
While a Krofta type filtration plant may be a good way to comply with the EPA’s phosphorous reduction and removal – the public bidding and design process precludes simply taking anyone’s word for the savings or effectiveness of the methods. Until and RFP is put out there – you are basically a salesman, albeit one who has sold a product that seems to have performed well on the City’s drinking water. the phosphorous removal orders is for the City’s wastewater, and a quick google search yielded many effective treatment methods, and outside of using sand in a constructed wetland, I didn’t see a proven sand filtration system out there designed by you. Maybe I was searching incorrectly, so if you have a link to a site showing that your system has been tested by an authority who is accepted in the general scientific community, I would love to read it.
A Mayor needs to be the Mayor of everyone, and you seem a bit arrogant. It’s hard to build support for your ideas if you talk and don’t listen. your posts here and other things I have read do not make me think you are much of a listener. if I wanted a non-listener, I could re-elect the current Mayor or a GOB and much of the current Counsel. I want to do better than that.
Being smart sometimes means acknowledging that someone else has a better idea – or that a lesser idea, though not ideal – satisfies more people and is more likely to garner support.
A city is not a laboratory, and everyone will not agree that what you believe is right is so – and they are not necessarily idiots for believing that.
that and the fact that you have not turned in your signatures yet to certify make me wonder how serious you really are. if you want to throw bombs, feel free to do so. if you are really running, then submit your names and put your ideas out there. do not think that the BB or Gazette should cover you until you are actually a candidate who is running. until the names are in, you are one man with one opinion – and I believe the BB did let you submit an Op-Ed and prints your letters – so in fact they do give your voice a printed outlet.
it’s time to fish or cut bait Mr. Gaetani.
southeast my resume is 100% accurate we are well past that. I took care of tour doubts on the planet valenti show last week but imsure you ndidnt watch
South east WE are well past your doubts about me. Did you see the planet tv show last week? IF you had watched the show you wouldn’t be talking nonsence as you are now . oh yes, I know who you are . a jerk then and still a jerk now. we all know you are a member of the gob network and a high ranking one at that . enjoy your present status now as after the election you will be powerless and reduced to the nobody you are YOU fed at the public trough for many years and didn’t care about any one else. YOUR days are numbered, Go back to your cave ,NO ne will miss you especially me.
One more thing southeast. I credited the berk eagle editorial staff. I HAVE GREAT RESPECT FOR MR. EVERHART. I HAVE KNOWN HIM FOR A LONG LONG TIME AND HE REMEMBERS WHEN I PULLED OFF THE WATER DEAL WHEN THE ODDS WERE A MILLION TO ONE AGAINST ME. IF YOU HAD BEEN PAYING ATTENTION ON THE PLANET YOU WOULD KNOW THAT MY BEEF IS WITH THE BERK EAGLE NEWS STAFF ESPECIALLY MR THERIEN WHO EVERYONE KNOWS IS A VERY UNFAIR REPORTER WHO WRITES ONLY ABOUT THE ADMINISTRATION S INPUT AND DOESNT GIVE ANYONE ELSE A FAIR SHAKE. EVERY ONE ON THE PLANET KNOWS THIS BUT OF COURSE YOU ARE PART OF THE GOB NETWORK AND YOU LIKE THE RESIDENTS TO BE IN THE DARK. WELL WE ARE COMING OUT OF THE DARK AND IN NOVEMBER EVERYONE WILL SEE THE LIGHT. BET ON IT ‘
Why apathy ? As Daniel J. Towsey writes; “There is no reasoning with the insane”.
“Belief and delusion are incestuous siblings”_Aleksandar Hermon.
DEAR PVPOSTERS I WOULD LIKETO SHARE A STORY WITH YOU ABOUT MY dealings with the fire dept. I have a bad tenant in one of MYCONDOS COMPLEXES WHO IS 10,OOO DOLLARS IN ARREARS. HE HAD AN UNREGISTERED VEHICLE WHICHIS ILLEGAL PARKED IN THE CONDO COMPLEX. I HAD THE FIRE DEPT AG IT AND FORCE HIM TO MOVE IT WITHIN 5 DAYS. ANOTHER TENANT TOLD ME ABOUT 8 DAYS AGO THAT THE BAD TENANTS CAR IS THERE AGAIN AND STILL I VISITED A MR. RANDY STIEN and told him of this problem HE WASEXTREMLY RUDETO ME AND I TOLDHIM THAT I MAY BE YOUR NEXT BOSS AND THAT WOULD NOT ALLOW ANOTHER TAX PAYOR TO BE TREATED THE WAY I WAS TREATED. I TOLD HIM THAT WHEN I BECOME MAYOR PEOPLE LIKE HIM WILL TAKE MANDATORY CARNIGIE COURSE SO THAT HE REALIZES THAT THE TAXPAYERIS THE BOSS.HE STATED HE DIDNT LIVE IN PITTSFIELD AND HE COULD CARE LESS. TOODAY IS 8 DAYS SIN CE I CONTACTED STIEN AND THE CAR HASNT BEEN TAGED. I CALLED TODAY AND THE SECRETARY THERE SAID YOU SPOKE TO MR. STIEN AND HE YOLD YOU THAT HE WOULD TAG IT.SHE RUDELY STATED THEY WOULD TAG IT AND HUNGUP ON ME. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE TO TREAT A TAXPAYER THIS WAY AND HER ATTITUDE AND STIENS ATTITUDE IS SIMILAR TO BIANCHI AS HE TREATS THE TAXPAYER LIKE DIRT ALSO . I CALLED THE CHIEF ND HE SAID THAT HE WOULD SEE TO IT THAT THE CAR WILL BE TAGED NEXT WEEK,I I TOLD THAT THESE TWO DO NOT HAVE THE DEMEANOR TO DEAL WITH THIER BOSSES , THE TAXPAYER. WHEN I BECOME MAYOR IT SHALL BE UNDERSTODDTHAT WHEN THE TAXXPYER SPEAKS THE CITY EMPLOYEE LISTENS.
Another shining example of a non city resident and non Pittsfield taxpayer feeding out of the Pittsfield public trough. There many, many of them that “could care less” about Pittsfield as they watch Pittsfield fade in their rear view mirror while commuting to their denizens.
Dan Valenti and Craig Gaetani both attempted to find the number of non residents employed by the city. They weren’t given access to the simple numbers, let alone names, positions, and compensation.
The gate keeper of this top secret information is none other that the Sheffield Shuffler, aka John DeAngelo, Personnel Director of the City of Pittsfield, himself a daily 80 mile commuter to the Pittsfield taxpayer feeding trough and be it so noted that Sheffield is much better off socio-economically than Pittsfield and Sheffield truly appreciates the Pittsfield revenue for its tax base.
The following will be in tomorrow’s BB
7:59 a.m.: Harassment is reported at Hotel on North on North Street. Referred to other agency.
This happened yesterday June 11.
Have they been open a week –
One week, one problem. Oh boy. How will the rich folk like that kind of problem when they’re paying $400 a night in season?
I will be surprised if it makes any news outlet. Lots of bad stuff that might damage the connected or their families or business never sees the light of day. Newspapers are not obligated to print anything they don’t want to and if the right person “asks” the story gets ignored.
Good Morning Dusty
June 13, BB Section B page 3 police briefs It’s there
Wait until the first bed bugs appear, it happens you know.
Linda Tyer is on a mission to fight blight in Pittsfield. Does she think all of the blighted business areas in Pittsfield are due to the fact that there are more local residents on welfare than have living wage jobs? What about Pittsfield’s high finances? High taxes are killing small businesses in Pittsfield!
I still can’t believe Linda Tyer is campaigning with Jimmy Ruberto! He was part of the problem in Pittsfield politics. The Good Old Boys club ran Pittsfield into the proverbial ditch.
Fixing “blight” can generate lots of coins for the connected folk.
Fight the blight.
Abandoning your property without first saying Simon Says can result in serious consequences.
By the way, was there any savings this past year in the city depts due to the dramatic drop in the cost of gasoline? The city has many vehicles driving around sucking up gas all day so there should have been significant savings in this line item. Anyone ever see if this actually happened or was the savings diverted to some other expenditure?
Shhhh!
Everything only goes up..never down.
There is no savings here.
Nothing to see here folks.
This type of thinking is not in line with liberal tax and spend one party politics.
Any money saved on not repairing the roads went to Monteroso and Scarafoni.
I know that everything only goes up and not down, take the meals tax for example which is now up to 7% and growing. This definitely hurts the poor and middle class the most.
The progressives also need to go. Bring back moderate Democrats and Independents would be great. Do I dare even mention the word conservatives in this area or would I be run out of town to mention that we could use them in this city that is being destroyed by tax and spend policies and an out of control school department that supposedly did some budgeting this time, but still needed to increase their spending by over 3 percent.
Pat, conservatives are definitely wanted and needed in Pittsfield.
Good point Dusty, not to mention the 40+ empty school buses tooling around the City 180 days out of the year. Must have put the money in Bianchi’s sofa.
When a Mayor does NOTHING for the Taxpayers, that results in despair, and shuts Citizens out, with shady back room deals, the Citizens have to raise hell. The City Council, and School Committee fall in the same mindset. The Mayor’s incompetent stoolie Degnan is the showcase of his Administration, along with the epic fail Collingwood. The City of Pittsfield has absolutely Nothing to be proud of. I would Love to see the Smile knocked off Bianchi’s face. He wouldn’t know what an honest days work is. He needs to along with his rubber stampers. Can’t be soon enough.
Fixing blight is important, but definitely NOT the most important issue in this city right now! I want to hear Ms. Tyer talk about reining in an out of control school department. Also not happy that she is buddy buddy with former mayor Ruberto. This doesn’t make me at all comfortable with her.
Mr Clairmont and Mr Lothrup have decided not to run for councilor. I was wondering if they are just sick of politics after seeing the inside of how Pittsfield really works or if they are just holding out for comfy positions in a Tyer administration. Not that I expect they would come right out and say so if it were so.
Dusty,
I’m not leaving my CPA practice for anything else. You can take that to the bank.
Yes, I support Lindatyer Tyer for Mayor.
Barry
Linda Tyer is a great candidate for Mayor of Pittsfield. She has the education, job experience, and skills to move Pittsfield forward. The only problem I have with her candidacy is her close relationship with Jimmy Ruberto, who was one of the worst Mayors of Pittsfield second to the worst: Gerry Doyle. Linda Tyer needs to explain her association with Jimmy Ruberto!
I have read every letter you have posted on this site and have agreed with you on most subjects. But Linda Tyer, a great candidate for mayor, I couldn’t disagree more. First she was a terrible ward 3 councilor. People would call her about a situation and she never called back. I personally called her several times and never heard back from her. As to the present, she has been vague at best concerning Pittsfield issues. Frankly, I don’t know where she stands on any issue except for blighted buildings which doesn’t score very high on my list of events that need to be addressed. Frankly, I feel if she is elected,she will follow Bianchi’s total dis-respect for Pittsfield taxpayers and continue with Bianchi’s spending policies. I may be wrong and will be first to admit but as of now, her candidacy has been very quiet.
Thanks for satiating my curiosity Barry. You can’t blame me for wondering in this berg though right?
Dusty,
I don’t mind you asking. As for Jonathan, I don’t speak for him, but I assume he would not leave his job at the state. He has been there I think over 25 years. His background is in social services. I can’t think of a position in the city that he would be suited for. Also, he hasn’t expressed to me any desire to work for the city. He was promoted recently as well. So I highly doubt you would see him working for the city.
Barry
Josh Pahigian is author of a new baseball book titled “101 Baseball Places To See Before You Strike Out.” Everyone you know and have heard about is listed. Ted ,Yogi and the Babe’s museums, Mickey’s restaurant in Manhattan, our famous Green Monster and even the Cape Cod summer baseball league. For sure Iowa’s Field of Dreams was mentioned and a surprise was a field in Fairbanks, Alaska. Really, Fairbanks Alaska is mentioned as one of the 101 historic tourist destinations for baseball enthusiasts.
Let’s take a look at what’s missing from Pahigian’s famous places. It certainly would not hurt to dredge up an old memory. DOES ANYONE REMEMBER BASEBALL’S GARDEN OF EDEN? That’s us, Pittsfield, Mass. Baseball started here and there is an original 1791 document to prove it. We also have Wahconah Park, a quirky place often underwater where time out is called when the setting sun blinds batters. Talk about history, Lou Gehrig, Al Rosen ,Dale Long, Mark Belanger, Tom Grieve, among others played here.
A few years ago author and NY Yankee pitching star Jim Bouton and Chip Elitzer resurrected the Pittsfield Hillies and put on a dazzling performance (game) at Wahconah Park, nationally televised by ESPN, 6000 fans at the game including movie stars Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon. It was a fabulous start to become a major baseball tourist destination. But we blew it.
Now a renowned sports author write a book about baseball
history and famous places to visit and we are not mentioned.
Can’t we do anything right around here?
Good point Chuck. Jim Bouton had a true economic engine for the city. But because power folk wanted a large piece of the pie he took his ideas and left.
Or am I wrong about that?
Dusty, I think it could have been an economic engine, too. Bouton had a great idea.With Tanglewood, MOCA, theatre, arts, lakes, beauty, and everything else, the missing link was sports with a twist. and the historic ballpark.. It was a perfect fit and it was not going to cost taxpayers a cent. But it wasn’t to be. As to what happened I can’t quite answer because I am not sure.
Don’t forget the first college baseball game was also played in Pittsfield. Right at Dottie’s and St.Joe’s
That’s why we are Palookaville!
I would assume Bouton and Alkaseltzer were shut out of a long term lease, beer concession revenue, or didn’t want to share sales or receipts. I think the toilets were fine back then.
Dusty, I don’t know how the sentence, “your comment is awaiting moderation” got in there. I didn’t write it.
It shows up on a lot of mine. Guess I need to be watched for inappropriate barbs. I guess I do get a little rambunctious at times.
Maybe our mayor could learn something from this guy.
http://m.wcvb.com/politics/amesbury-mayor-issues-first-veto-to-reject-his-pay-raise/33553526
(note: this was copied on a mobile device which is why there in an ‘m’ in the beginning of the link. If it doesn’t work on your device
it’s easily googled.)
The mayor’s salary in Pittsfield will be much higher than that starting in this next election thanks to the wonderful Bianchi and the current crop of out of touch councilors we have in office now. They just love to pat each other on the back even when they are doing a horrible job.
I was reading the paper on June 13, 2015 about the outrageous amount of the school budget that was approved. It wasn’t the only thing that sparked my anger. It was also the irresponsible assumptions that was made by the Superintendent Jake McCandless and a few others. I find it very offensive and infuriating that the superintendent and school administrators place blame on the children and families for behavior problems claiming instability in the homes. Yes I am sure that perhaps some families aren’t perfect. But whose is? I feel terrible for the children whose needs aren’t being met the way they should be but it is not the child’s fault and that doesn’t always contribute to bad behavior. To label these children and to try to drain more money from taxpayers is shameful. Of course there are more low income families in the city now as opposed to twenty plus years ago and that’s because of the constant spending that this city government has been doing. It is irresponsible spending money on these unnecessary things. We are quickly heading into bankruptcy as a city as a whole. That is definitely not the fault of the children and their behavior. It is the fault of the council, the mayor and the people who come begging for unnecessary funds.
Low income parents are too busy having to pay for excise tax to drive on these pothole ridden streets. Then they have to pay a higher rent or some other tax because taxes were just raised again and now the landlord has to raise rent so they too can pay for food to put on their table as well, but the schools still keep asking for more from families. They don’t have a problem asking for more money either from September until June. Money, Money and more money! From school pictures a week after they start school to fundraisers and field trips money. Take and take is what these schools do and they give a second rate education back. These are the realities that all families face and yet the schools always blame the children for the teachers lack of control in the classroom.
I honestly don’t know where these city hired employees have the room to be talking and criticizing parenting because they can’t control their schools. Do these administrators ever stop and wonder why kids don’t want to be there or are having trouble. I can tell you that they don’t because they are quick to blame other people instead of looking at themselves and their own methods of teaching.
These teachers who have their hands held out to take from these low income families should be made to take a test that to the equivalent of MCAS or PARCC. If they pass they can keep their job if not then there is a problem. They won’t let seniors graduate without passing so the teachers should lose their job.
Students with school choice in some cases the children leave the Pittsfield School district because of various incidents but in other cases it is because it is of the teachers and staff. The students are not being heard and feel ignored. I think that if more families could afford the school choice way out they would.
We need to look at some of these teachers and staff. It saddens me when I hear children say that they are failing because they don’t know what the teacher is trying to teach or that they are having trouble with other students. When approached the teacher and staff won’t do anything or they even join in on the abuse. Teachers being allowed to use physical restraint as described in the article should never be in question. Putting your hands on a child or anyone for that matter is considered assault. Even if a teacher does it.
There is a huge divide between school and families. Alot of that relies on the fact that the administration has pinned the two sides against each other. Some of these staff lack compassion and understanding. It doesn’t matter what income bracket a child comes from they all should be treated equally without labels. The teachers and administration should do their jobs by finding constructive alternatives to these various situations. Blame should never be passed because they are incapable of handling any of these situations.
Tammy I am very happy that I was able to convince you to run against LISA TULLY, IN WARD ONE. SHE AND COTTON ARE THE TWO WORST ON THE COUNCIL. Of course the rest are not far behind. IS there anyone out there who can run against Cotton? IT is time for everyone to get involved .Simply posting about what is wrong will not win the election. ITS time for PV posters to engage. I am waiting. IF you know nothing about TAMMY, all you need to know about her is she will not be a rubber stamper .EVEN IF I LOSE THE ELECTION, I WILL BE CONTENT THAT SHE IS ON THE COUNCIL LOOKING OUT FOR THE LITTLE GUY. sincerely CAIG.
I am definitely voting for Carig Gaetani and Tammy Ives for mayor and ward 1. .Two outsiders with new ideas…no rubber .stampers….I will urge my friends to do the same…
opps I mean Craig Gaetani
Mr. Gaetani, FYI Councilor Cotton is running for relection as a City Counclior at Large, meaning city wide representation, not a ward seat. There presently are seven at large candidates seeking to fill four seats.
So FYI he does indeed have opposition (running against him)..
Thanks HORACE I HAD THAT FOOL KROL ON MY MIND WHEN I WAS THINKING OF COTTON. ANY HOW, TWO THAT HAVE TO GO. ANY ONE KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT BRUCE WOOD WHO WAS MENTIONED AS A CHALLENGER TO KROL IN WARD 6? I LOCATED A BRUCE WARD ON PACIFIC STREET AND CALLED HIM. NO ANSWER. I LEFT A MESSAGE. NO REPLY YET.
At this time, you appear to be a concerned city taxpayer. I do hope you are just as sincere after winning the election as you are now. Not only did I vote for Tully but helped in her campaign. Since, she has been a total disappointment in that during her pre-election, she was all for curbing unnecessary spending such as new school buses, etc. realizing there is a large percentage of taxpayers who are retired and on fixed incomes, etc. Since winning election, she has become part of the Good Ole Boys network and has been on a spending spree first with the new buses, that are 1/2 to 1/3 full, then on to a new Taconic. I’m not against good education but to build a new school at this time when our economy is going nowhere but down, it is pure ignorance and total disregard for the people who elected her in the first place.
Actually I am at a point now that I am so disgusted with our representatives that I am seriously thinking why bother voting? Our votes are worth nothing as our representatives are so dishonest. I have voted for almost 55 years so that makes me –years old. But this is the first time in my life that I feel my vote means nothing. When the city charter dictates that the city councilors will determine what is built or not such as a new school or a new expensive police station. That the 11 city councilors and only the councilors vote on large expenditures with or without taxpayers approval, why bother voting? And who added that clause to the city charter, why the present city councilors, that’s who. If we the taxpayers wish to remove that clause, it must be voted on by the sitting city councilors and they will make the decision as to the removal of that clause. What do you think their vote will be?
Tammy I like your ideas and I think you are running for councilor, if so, I would vote for you.
The teachers and school administrators in Pittsfield are suffering from hypocrisy. They put down poor citizens as being lacking in parental skills when they are living very well off high taxes from these same poor taxpayers. Poverty in the home is no excuse for any kind of child neglect or abuse, but poverty does add lots of tension to the home environment making it difficult for children to even do their homework at night. Lower taxes and therefore more money in the pockets of the working poor would make life easier for low and middle class families.
The meals tax was added years ago and we have yet to get rid of it. It’s now up to 7 percent. Once we get a tax in this area we seldom get rid of it and it only increases. Progressives are all about raising taxes.
The Pittsfield School Department supposedly did some budgeting this time, but they still needed to raise their monetary needs by over 3 percent. Supposedly it was for contractual needs and other needs relating to the new buses. Let’s see if we didn’t buy the not needed new buses, more money wouldn’t be needed for that and what are these mysterious contractual needs? Could they in any way be related to employee contracts and more money for employees? As usual the taxpayer is left in the dark and we have to trust in the moral integrity of the people involved in this ever increasing amount of money given to this school system. Unfortunately this school system has shown time and again that they can’t be trusted and have no integrity.
Oat, agree fixing blight is right up there with global warming, yawn!
I might take a strong look at Tammy. My nay list would be everyone but Simonelli. Other nays are Pete Light.
I can’t believe they added school adjustment counselors. With everyone getting insurance counseling is had for everyone through their insurance,. The students who need it can be handled through independent agencies and DCF. Unsure why it is needed in the school. These types of costs can be seen throughout the budget, one just needs to look and find the answers.
As I said before, at the budget hearing they kept mentioning how the ACs were helping the principals maintain order. But where do the Ass’t Principals come into play.
Remember back when there was only a principal. Boy have we gone down hill.
Perhaps having a police officer assigned to each school would make more sense than an AC. And police officers make much less than $70,000. Think about it!
Knutz is correct, we might have been premature on Simonelli’s take on a cut, when in fact it wasn’t a cut. The ol’ shell game.
Back a few posts from Shirley who mentions the first college baseball game was played where Dotties and St. Joseph’s High are located.Add this historical baseball fact to the 1791 document proving Pittsfield is the birthplace of baseball and the designation of Wahconah Park as a historical site, one would think Pittsfield would be included as a tourist site for baseball fans. About 5 years ago a couple of great fans and solid residents suggested signs be posted at major routes i and out of Pittsfield with the message: Pittsfield – Baseballs Garden of Eden. Good idea then, good idea now.Think of it as a tourist attraction.It is a bit painful to see Fairbanks, Alaska listed as a baseball tourist site and Pittsfield, with our great history, ranked as a big zero.
Pittsfield’s claim to fame was an ordinance banning the playing of the game within 80 yds of the Town Ameeting house. That is why we are called Palookaville.
After all the arse kicking that the pols have given Terry Kinnas, there should be an award. I was thinking Planetarian Man of The Year. Confratulations Terry.
ABSOLUTELY,AMEN.
Mayor Gaetani: Could you give us about five items you would do as Mayor in day one……call it Craig’s List.