MURDER, MAYHEM, AND THE MADNESS OF THE STREETS … MAYOR BEARS ULTIMATE RESPONSIBILITY
By DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, MONDAY, JULY 6, 2015) — Murder and mayhem: Welcome to Pittsfield. And how does it feel, Mayor Dan Bianchi, to know that you bear ultimate responsibility? Does it improve your beauty sleep? Instead of sheep, do you count bullet casings?
What occurred over the weekend — two shootings near the downtown, at least 1 dead and four wounded — testifies to a lack of leadership in the city and the heavy cost it exacts on the quality of life.
Lack of ‘Leadership’ Produces Fatal Result
What happens to a small city when its “leadership,” led by an absentee mayor, bails out of its responsibility to govern wisely?
The crime scene in the 200 block of Robbins Avenue. That was the second shooting to happen in Pittsfield within a day. At Dewey Avenue and Linden Street, murder and mayhem left one dead, two dying, and two wounded. (PHOTO: DAVE BUBRISKI FOR THE PLANET)
The answer came Saturday night at about 11:30 p.m. on Linden Street near Dewey Avenue. As of this writing, the toll from the exchange of gunfire is 1 dead, two near death, and two wounded. The scene of the crime, by the way, is a scant few blocks from Hotel on North (HON).
Not long after, another shooting took place in the 200 block of Robbins Avenue. Police issued no other details about that second shooting.
Everyone still feel safe walking city streets at night? And you apologists who can’t admit the disconcerting truth of a city rapidly going into the gutter, are you going to remind us again how out of harm’s way we all should feel when walking downtown’s West Side? Will Barrington Stage and HON start issuing bullet-proof vests for customers entering and exiting the venues? That would be a hell of a lot more than Bianchi has done.
If the city had a mayor instead of a moonlighting bureaucrat, he or she would have immediately held a press conference. He would have yanked the police chief called back from his vacation to be at his side. Then he and the chief would have done three things: (1) issued a strong statement of condemnation, (2), outlined a plan of action to combat escalating serious crime, and (3) taken questions from the press and citizens. But no. The mayor said, “We never expect these things to happen, but they do, and they are never very pleasant.”
This pathetic statement reveals the extent to which the office has overwhelmed this selfish politician. Ward 6 councilor John Krol had more of the people’s pulse, calling the events of “an extraordinarily sad day for the city … unacceptable.”
The Ultimate Cause
In cause and effect, there is the immediate cause (in this case, bullets penetrating human bodies), underlying causes (lack of a viable local economy, poverty, drug epidemic, and the like), and usually one ultimate cause. If you trace it back, the ultimate blame for this loss of life must fall upon the mayor of Pittsfield.
— It was Dan Bianchi who failed to live up to his campaign promises of 2011 to move this city forward to some semblance of its proud past.
— It was Dan Bianchi who failed to provide a transparent leadership. Instead, he instituted a “lock down” mentality in city hall while viewing citizens as the enemy, excluding them from important financial matters such as $500,000 in needless spending for a foolish move of city hall offices and $121 million in new borrowing for a school the city does not need.
— It was Dan Bianchi who failed to produce good jobs or even the faintest beginnings of a revived economy.
— It was Dan Bianchi who failed to address a public safety crisis that now holds the city within its grip.
— It was Dan Bianchi who has added too many lowlifes to the daily pulse of a city caught in the grip of fear.
— It was Dan Bianchi who just raised your taxes by 9%, further punishing hard-working, decent citizens and guaranteeing the exodus of young people, destroying the middle class who can’t afford to live here, and forcing senior citizens to choose each month among which bills to pay: rent, prescriptions, food, or energy.
— Is is Dan Bianchi who is guilty of Murder One — not in the literal sense. He did not press the trigger. In the figurative sense, however, he who is not busy giving life is busy killing (apologies to Zimmerman)
Q: What is the penalty for killing an entire city?
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“The genius of misfortune / Is not a sentimentalist. He is / That evil in the self …” — Wallace Stevens, “Esthetique Du Mal” (“Pain is human”), Section IV, (1944).
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
The views expressed in any comment section are not those of PLANET VALENTI or endorsed in any way by PLANET VALENTI; this website reserves the right to remove any comment which violates its Rules of Conduct, and it is not liable for the consequences of any posted comment as provided in Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and PLANET VALENTI’s terms of service.
We Can Do Better – John F. Kennedy
Vote Gaetani for mayor.
DEAR PV POSTERS –I JUST RETURNED FROM THE FIRE CHIEFS OFFICE WHERE I SCREAMED AT HIM AS LOUD AS I COULD SO THAT ALL HIS MEN COULD HEAR AND B ELIEVE ME DID I READ HIM THE RIOT ACT- I TOLD HIM THIS IS MY 3RD TRIP TO VISIT HIM REGARDING AN UNREGISTERED CAR AT MY CONDO COMPLEX WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAGGED 6 WEEKS AGO BUT IS STILL THERE BECAUSE OF THE INCOMPETENCE OF HIM AND HIS INSPECTOR STIEN. THE CHIEF SAID HE WAS GOING TO HAVE ME TRESPASSED AND I SAID NO YOU ARENT. HE SAID HE WAS GOING TO CALL THE POLICE BUT OF COURSE WHEN THE POLICE CAME AND I TOLD THEM MY STORY===END OF STORRY—IRONICALLY THE CHIEF SAID TO ME COCKILY –ARE YOU GOING TO FIRE ME AFTER YOU FIRE COLLINGWOOD? I SAID AT PRESENT I AM THINKING VERY HEAVILY ABOUT DOING JUST THAT =—AS IF YOU WOULD TREAT ME LIKE THIS –HOW WOULD YOU TREAT A POOR POWRELESS TAX PAYER? AT A MINIMUM HE WILL TAKE A COURSE TO TEACH HIM HOW TO DEAL EITH HIS BOSSES–THE TAXPAYERS HE WILL MANDATORILY TAKE A DALE CARNIGIE COURSE WHEN I BECOME THE MAYOR. . I AM RESEARCHING WHETHER HE IS INVOLVED WITH THE BOMB I AM GETTING READY TO DROP AND HE BETTER PRAY THAT HE IS NOT INVOLVED AS HE WILL BE GOING DOWN RIVER SOONER THAN LATTER.NOW –DO YOU PV POSTERS LIKE A PERSON LIKE ME WHO CONFRONTS PHONIES OR DO YOU THINK I SHOULD KISS THERE ASS? I AM TRYING TO SHOW YOU THAT WHEN I AM MAYOR– THE TAXPAYER IS FRONT AND CENTER EVERY TIME OR WATCH OUT ==YOUR MAYOR IS GOING TO COME KICK YOUR ASS– NO MORE ABUSE OF TAXPAYERS — YOU CAN BET EVERY THING YOU OWN ON IT—OUT THERE PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS—–PS GO THROUGH LAST SEVERAL DAYS POSTS I HAVE ADDED THINGS HERE AND THERE THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW SINCERELY CRAIG
Craig. You failed to tell the people that you now have a restraining order against you. You are not allowed into any city Fire station. Good Job!
Craig. Why don’t you tell the whole story? My sources say you tried to sue the City and it’s Fire Dept and that’s why they won’t go on your property ! So fellow Planet bloggers do you still think he should be our new Mayor?
lowery–you are so wrong so often–where do you get your news/–I will make sure not to use whatever site you use get this false info from .
My sources where right about the restraining order and there right about your frivolous law suit!
LOWERY LETS YOU AND I HAVE A SMALL BET1000 DOLLARS . I SAY I NEVER SUED THE CITY YOU SAY I DID–PRODUCE–I AM SURE WE HAVE HEARD THE LAST OF YOU. ARE YOU AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OR A MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADUATE? ONE THING IS FOR SURE –YOU ARE A PRODUCT OF THE PPS. MAYOR GAETANI– YOU HATE THIS DONT YOU?
My sources say they towed your cars and you said they where scratched by being towed and you threatened to sue!
Dan Valenti. What do YOU think of Craig’s chance? I find it funny we don’t see you backing up Waterman in your blog! Man up Dan and tell us what you think of Craig.
Are all of you folks Linda Tyer or Bianchi supporters which is why you want to discredit anyone who runs against them?
Pat. Can you really say Craig is who you want? I’m guessing if he gets 100 votes that’s a lot prove me wrong!
FJ LOWERY- I WILL ANSWER TOUR LAST POST AND THIS IS THE LAST TIME I WILL ADDRESS YOU—1ST–THE 1000DOLLAR BET THAT I DIDNT SUE THE CITY AS YOU SAY 2ND YOU SAY I SUED SOMEONE OVER A SCRATCHED CAR– DIDNT HAPPEN EITHER. WHERE DO YOU SUGGEST WE MEET TO PUT THE BET MONEY INTO AN ACCOUNT. WE WILL GIVE YOU TWO DAYS TO PRODUCE THE EVIDENCE ON THE PLANET. YOU ARE NOW CHALLENGED TO PERFORM–I KNOW YOU AND YOU BETTER BE VERY CAREFUL AS YOUR ACCUSATIONS BORDER ON DEFAMATION AND LIABLE. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO POST ON THIS SITE AS DOES ANYONE ELSE WHO SO CHOOSES BUT WHEN YOU ARE SLANDERING WITH FALSE ACCUATIONS YOU OPEN YOURSELF UP TO BEING PROSECUTED BY THE LAW. NOW WHERE DO WE MEET TOMORROW?—YOU LIAR– –I CANT WAIT TO GET MY HANDS ON MY WINNING BET. YOU ARE ON MY RADAR AND THAT DOESNT BODE WELL FOR YOU. PEOPLE DO NOT LIKE LIARS AND I PLAN TO EXPOSE YOU FOR JUST THAT. POST RIGHT HERE AND NOW WHERE I CAN MEET YOU TOMORROW MORNING—-YOUR FINISHED-FJ LOWERY–FULL JERK =LOWERY SINCERLY CRAIG
attention attention attention– I just received a trespass notice signed by the fire chief –stopping me from going to any station in the city. looks as though he doesn’t like being asked questions from his bosses–the taxpayers. HE IS COMPLICIT AND A MEMBER OF THE GROUP TRYING TO STIFFLE MY CAMPAIGN TO RUN FOR MAYOR AND NOW I HAVE FOUR IN THE TRAP—MY TURN COMING VERY SOON. SHINE MY ARMOUR WATSON– WE HAVE TV STATIONS AND OTHER MEDIA COMING TO TOWN TO EXPOSE THIS ADMIN. NOW ALL PV POSTERS—WHO DO YOU THINK IS AT THE FRONT MAN OF THIS SMEAR CAMPAIGN AGAINST ME?. DO YOU REMEMBER WHAT BIANCHI AND THE POLICE CHIEF DID TO DONNA WALTO WHEN SHE RAN AGAINST BIANCHI? IN THE PAST CITY ELECTION? I AM NOT DONNA WALTO. YOU TWO CHIEFS AND YOUR BOSS BIANCHI.WILL BE FEELING MY CLAWS REAL SOON I WOULD SUGGEST YOU BY SOME DIAPERS BECAUSE THIS IS THE FIRT TIME YOU ARE GOING TO BE DEALING WITH A PERSON WHO HAS NO FEAR OF YOU WHAT SO EVER AND ONE WHO YOU CAN NOT CRAP ON LIKE YOU DID TO OTHERS. THE TRUE CHAMPION OF THE TAXPAYER WILL BE AT YOUR DOOR VERY SOON AND I PLAN TO EXPOSE THE WHOLE MESS WE CALL OUR CITY GOVERNMENT TO THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF PITTSFIELD..MY GETTING RID OF JERRY DOYLE SR A LONG TIME GOB CONNECTED PLAYER FELT MY CLAWS AND THE ENGINEERING FIRM HE SUPPORTED METCALF AND EDDY– WHO ALMOST WRAPPED A 180,000,000 DOLLAR FACILITY AROUND THE CITY TAXPAYERS NECK WAS NOT VERY DIFFICULT TO DO AND YOU WILL BE EASIER TO GET RID OF BECAUSE YOU HAVE PUT YOR OWN NECKS IN THE NOOSE— ALL I AM GOING TO DO IS MAKE SURE YOU ARE IN THERE AND I AM GOING TO HAVE THE PLEASURE OF TIGHTENING THE NOOSE UNTILL YOU ARE FINISHED, ALL WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE TAXPAYER… BIANCHI– ALL I EVER WANTED FROM YOU WAS TO LET DR.WANG AND I TO GO TO OUR PLANTS AND MAKE SOME CHANGES WHICH COULD SAVE THE TAXPAYER 200,000 A YEAR IN REDUCED OPERATING COSTS.YOU AND YOUR HENCHMAN COLLINGWOOD AND THE COUNCIL TREATED ME AND DR. WANG LIKE DIRT. WELL MAYOR YOU CREATED THIS MESS AND NOW IT IS MY TURN–I WILL FINISH YOU WITHIN THE NEXT FEW DAYS AND IF BY SOME SLIGHT CHANCE I DONT– I WILL DEFINETLY FINISH YOU IN THE DEBATES.—- LIKE YOU TOLD ME ONE TIME— TO BE PREPARED BECAUSE IN THE FUTURE I WOULD BE DEALING WITH COLLINGWOOD–I WAITED AND WAITED FOR HIM –HE NEVER CAME FORWARD. I WILL MAKE CERTAIN YOU WILL COME FORWARD AND IF YOU DONT I WILL DRAG YOU FORWARD— TO BEG THE TAXPAYERS FOR FORGIVNESS FOR DESTROYING THIER CITY— I LOVE THIS POLITICSTHING NORMALLY IM STRUNG OUT WITH EQUATIONS AN COMPLEX BIOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY CHALLENGES– HEY —MAYBE I RUN FOR MORE THAN ONE TERM. THIS IS FUN AND I COULD LEARN TO LOVE THIS STUFF–GET READY FRIENDS THE TRAIN IS ON THE WAY TO PITTSFIELD—–CRAIG
Some of the polling sights are in the different fire departments Therefore it sounds to me that they are trying to interfere with your election process. I would call the Attorney Generals Office. What if there was an emergency?
TAMMY PV POSTERS-DO YOU SEE WHY I SAY YOU AVE TO VOTE FOR TAMMY? DONT WORRY-YOU KNOW ME. I HAVE IT COVERED. WATCH HOW MUCH SUPPORT I WILL GET FROM THIS SITE TAMMY. AS LONG AS YOUR OUT THERE KEEPING AN EYE ON THINGS,MAKES ME FEEL GOOD.. YOU ARE JUST LIKE ME WHEN I WAS YOUNG, YOU ARE FEARLESS AND IN THE MINORITY ON THIS SITE. BUT IT IS EARLY AND MAYBE SOME MORE BRAVE SOULS WILL COME FORWARD. THERE ARE A FEW PEOPLE ON THIS SITE WHO ARE JUST LIKE YOU AND I AND THEY ARE THE ONES I POST FOR DAILY. TO WIN YOU HAVE TO GET OUT LIKE I DO AND TALK TO YOUR NEIGHBORS GOOD LUCK YOU WILL BE ON MYH TV SHOW WHENEVER YOU WANT TO COME, THANKS FOR RUNING ONLY WE BRAVE ONES WHO ARE NOT CONNECTED TO THE GOB ARE THE ONLY HOPE FOR THE FUTURE WE CAN NOT LOSE AS WE HAVE ALREADY WON WE ARE TRYING AND YOU CAN BE PROUD OF THAT FOR YOUR WHOLE LIFE GO GIRL –CRAIG
Craig. Are you saying Bianchi and Winn made Ms. Walto drink booze and drive impaired? Do you think it’s ok to drive drunk ?
WHERE DO WE MEET TOMORROW..YOU SAW MY POST NOW WE WILL SEE WHAT YOU ARE MADE OF—CRAIG
FJL. I don;t have a dog in this hunt, but in this case Mr. Gaetani does indeed have you properly pegged. Your information is simply wrong and you lean to preverification. Donna Walto was arrested in her front yard and she was drinking in her house. No law against that. She was charged with disorderly conduct when she felt she was being abused by the arresting officer, who was recently demoted for questionable on duty activity involving a girl. She became loud in her front yard.(not as loud as fireworks). She was not charged with DWI nor any motor vehicle violation. Suggest you check the court records or talk to Ms. Walto.
THANKS PEMETINA— IF I HAD 5000 MORE PEOPLE LIKE YOU I WOULD BE VERY PLEASED. I AM PLEASED WITH YOUR SUPPORT–THANK YOU —-CRAIG
DAVID WIECHECI–I HAD SOME REQUEST OF YOU REGARDING YOUR CERTIFICATIONS TO TEACH IN MASS. THE REQUESTS ARE IN THE WEEKEND POST. COULD YOU PLEASE POST YOUR RESPONSE AS I NEED SOME INFORMATION THAT YOU MAY BE ABLE TOPROVIDE TO ME,—-THANKS —–CRAIG
Mr. Valenti,
Okay, so we get it: Bianchi is a buffoon; one in a long string of do-nothing clowns who have ‘Mayor of Pittsfield’ on their resumes. (Look at the running joke that former Mayor Evan Dobelle is today!).
So what do you wanna bet that this latest buffoon Bianchi gets reelected by an electorate that can’t see past pulling the lever on whichever candidate has a ‘D’ by his/her last name?
Could you save your Republican Party cheerleading for open comment Friday?
Municipal elections are non-party affiliated – whether Bianchi is a D or R, it won’t show on the ballot.
Dan Valenti is Right on all accounts. And I will say it again. This City needs an Enema! My Very first thought yesterday was where is the Mayor and Chief of Police.The news release was from the Albany TV Stations. Shameful and Unacceptable !
I agree it was a pathetic response from Mayor Bianchi. To have these young people lying in a parking lot left for dead, one is dead, and the condition of 2 others is unknown. This is a tragedy for this once peaceful and quiet city.
On the night that this murder and mayhem occurred (Saturday night) the city was already out of control with illegal fireworks blasting throughout the city. A friend of mine in Dalton said that the residents of that city could see a cloud of smoke over Pittsfield the next morning. Many people that I know of were reporting the excessive fireworks to the police, but apparently it was so out of control that the police were simply overwhelmed to do anything about it. With all the fireworks going on the criminals were able to commit the crime without anyone even noticing due to all the noise in the city. These illegal fireworks should also be a priority for this city as on Saturday night it was completely out of control and I thought it sounded like a war zone in my neighborhood.
So much needs to be done to address the issues in this city. As Dan mentioned these include poverty, drugs, criminal activity, and lack of jobs all of which are creating the perfect conditions for these tragedies to occur. This will take REAL leadership.
These things happen and it’s not always pleasant is not the response I want from my mayor. Such unbelievably out of touch words from this mayor. Even if he now steps up and issues a stronger statement, which is doubtful from this mayor, his initial words on this tragedy are what most of us will remember.
We need more than the usual response from this administration after this tragedy. Last time when a young boy was shot in broad daylight here in the city a big community meeting was held and everyone was telling the public to report unusual activity to the police. It seems, however, that police can’t keep up with all of the unusual activity here in Pittsfield. Saturday night was the perfect example of this. So many in the city were out of control.
Everyone already knows what the response of the BB will be. All guns must be taken from citizens will be their lead editorial in a few days…just wait for it. No mention will be made of the underlying causes of the violence in the city. The progressive response to all violence is to take away gun rights. Every tragedy that has occurred across the country has been used by the progressives to promote taking guns from the public. They won’t address job creation, poverty, or any of the issues that are creating criminal activities in our cities, but they will go after the rights of the average citizen to own a gun.
It was Bianchi’s fault it rained on Saturday!!
He is kind of a dark cloud over the city isn’t he?
FJL your comments are excatly what Bianchi’s and his follower’s do.Always move the issue away from what should be discussed rather than accept responsiailiby. The reason for the shootings does fall at the feet of this Mayor and how he has mis-managed the city for 4 years.
Henry. Your wrong I’m NO fan of Bianchi. Just a little tired of the wow is me, Pittsfield sucks my life sucks bloggers on this site.
Flowery
I think Henry is right on the heartbeat of the Incompetent Bianchi
According to MSNBC it was Bush’s fault. Although. Brian Williams is taking credit for it.
Strongly concur on the illegal fireworks. Took the trash out this morning and the enviroment smelled of sulphur and gun powder. But realistically nothing will ever be done. Why bother to pay taxes ?
How about a new revenue stream to mitigate Pittsfield’s taxes and budgeting shortfalls ? That could be the now unheard of aggressive enforcement of city ordinances and strict collection of the fines involved.
I reisde in a middle class ( slowly deteriorating as long time residents die off and the estate sells the property to out of town bottom feeders) neighborhood with 20 homes on the street. In one week on this street alone I counted 43 city ordinance violations, ranging from loose dogs and uncleaned pet waste, 4 unregistered cars in just two driveways, parking on the treeline, parking on wrong side of steet, overnight parking,commercial vehicle violations, inhabited blight, trash left for days on curb and lawns, even motor oil poured into city gutters and more. Have they been reported ? More than once. One newer resident even went door to door threatening anyone who reports him with physical harm, Frankly, we seniors often capitulate to such threats. This same individual openly boasts of how he has backed down the PPD in verbal confrontations.
Why can’t city ordinance fines be used boost city coffers ?
I have asked this myself, Ed. Rundown Properties should be fined..Give a deadline to cleanup or mandate they be demolished. Bianchi is too self effaced.. and disconnected to this Community.We, the Citizens need to remove him. No more years of this pompous ass.
I have asked this myself, Ed. Rundown Properties should be fined..Give a deadline to cleanup or mandate they be demolished. Bianchi is too self effaced.. and disconnected to this Community.We, the Citizens need to remove him. No 4 more years of this pompous ass.He just is not there for the Taxpayers interests. The City of Pittsfield has an aging population, No new business growth, and yes, crime and drug activity.He continues to shutdown the Citizens voice as if they are the enemy.
spa girl–you are right as you are every day but posts alone can accomplish absolutely nothing. there are some things you can accomplish and if you call me, I will discuss. I must harness your energy as I need a spit fire like you. now is your chance. we all know the problems and we must swing to the action phase. posting is good and we all need to keep in touch and report what we are doing. the doing stage starts now.–I hope to hear from you as you have never given me a drop of encouragement on this site ever. it is time for all of us to act—-CRAIG
I agree. There are some nasty lawless people in this city right now. I don’t know if they are transplants or if they have always lived here, but they don’t follow laws and they really don’t care about other people. It’s all about them.
When I started my car up on Sunday morning I smelled so much gunpowder. This city is out of control with bad politicians and bad people who live here.
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” – Edmund Burke
We need some fiscal conservatives to run against the unopposed incumbents in wards 3 & 4. Here’s your chance to make an impact on your community.
How many of the City Council members said crime was at the top of the list while campaigning…I remember LOw and back when at the forefront of the topic, nice job guys. Anyway, two of the candidates for Mayor were involved in a road race challenge and were kinda busy during the shooting incident, all to many crimes have occurred in Johnnies Ward the last couple years, why should he be surprised? Poor Craig is getting the shaft on the iBerkhires web site for not being involved in the race. Didn’t WATERMAN explain he had knee problems? And WHO says ANYone has to respond to Tyer’s challenge to a race? Who is She?
NOTA-I WALKED LNGTH OF THE PARADE BACK AND FURTH CAMPAIGNING AND TALKING TO THE PEOPLE BAD FEET AND ALL–WOULD SGGEST THAT WHATEVER MEDIA HAD BAD PRESS ABOUT ME –THAT THEY READ MY COMMENTAS BERKSHIRE EAGLE WHICH IS HEAVY MATERIAL NOT THE FLUFF YOU GET FROM BIANCHI OR TYER–THEY ARE UCKY THAT I HAAVE SOME FOOT ISSUES AS I WAS A VERY POPULAR RUNNER IN THE 70″S LOGGING 10 PLUS MILES A DAT 7 DAYS A WEEK
Does anyone really believe that Pittsfield (or North Adams) will ever change for the better? I do not! I lived in both communities. The majority of local residents are on welfare: 70% in Pittsfield and 80% in North Adams. Hunger and homelessness fuel the local economies. People are desperate and scared. This sad environment of poverty gives fertile grounds for violence, shootings, murders, drugs, crime, and gangs.
If people had full time, living wage jobs and lived in safe, middle class neighborhoods, then Pittsfield would not tolerate all of the violence and fear that scars the city’s psyche.
As for Mayor Dan Bianchi’s 9% yearly tax increases, I do not believe any community could withstand 9% yearly tax hikes. That is excessive and unsustainable. I would say about a 3% yearly tax hike is realistic due to inflation and contractual obligations.
Congratulations Craig on getting your article published in the BB. My question is – will you be publishing your full resume, including teaching positions held, current job, former employers, etc.? This would be much more helpful than a list of people who you intend to fire if you become mayor. Thanks
Gigi-my resume has been in the eagle the gazette and on the wire services many times. I do a service to the taxpayers by going to various city depts. to see who has respect for the taxpayer and who doesn’t. as you know and evidently the mayor and his underlings don’t–that you cant get a trespass notice against a taxpayer who is the owner of every public building in the city. this is comparable to having someone putting a trespass notice against you going to your own house. as I am a business man in this city and the restraining order prevents me from doing things which negatively affects my lively hood. the city of Pittsfield is liable for damage caused. you would have thought these nuts would look up the law. any how I will be dealing with this soon. as I told everyone on the planet that I am going to drop a political bomb any day now but I want certain people to be prepared because when I start –there is going to be some politicall casualities and rightfully so. this election is about everything wrong in this city and I am a high value target for the gob who are going to feel my claws soon. after all what should I be afraid of I am not trying to hurt any one only trying to help the true owners of the city –the taxpayer. hey– I am a decorated viet nam vet –me be afraid of anything? please–that’s the best laugh I had in a long time. all I can promise is that I am bringing a good show to town any day now– you wont be disappointed gang——craig
Gigi,
Is this just for Craig? I would have hoped we each demand from every canidate the same information. I am left to wonder why you only seek his bio? Part of the issue is we have elected people based upon the following: John is a great guy, his uncle Bob and I went to school together in the 70’s and his sister had a son who is a priest and another sibling who is a nurse. this election must be about substance. Never has it mattered what you bring to the table more than now. voters this is not a popularity contest it is a show of leadership, vision, direction and the ability to work together for the explicit goal of a community wide goal. each of must benifit and each must sacrifice equally.
Just sayin
PINHEAD—THE TERMINOLOGY IS THE GOB–I HAVE POSTED MY RESUME SO MANY TIMES THAT I AM EMBARASED TO DO IT AGAIN AS THE SAME NUTS WILL COME AT ME AS THEY HAVE EVERY SINGLE TIME I POST—WE NEED TO SEE BIANCHIS AND TYERS RESUME AND WHEN WE DO I GUARANTEE THEY WILL COME UP WELL SHORT OF MINE . HEY I HAVE BEEN CAMPAIGNING AND ANSWERING EVERY QUESTION ASKED OF ME FOR 14 MONTHS. AS I SAID EVERY THING WILL CHANGE WHEN THE PUBLIC SEE”S ME IN THE DEBATES. AT THAT POINT IT IS GAME OVER FOR BOTH BIANCHI AND TYER. DO YOU KNOW WHY YOU HAVENT HEARD FROM THEM? PLEASE IT IS THIER RESUMES–WEAK AND WEAKER– REALLY IS THERE ANYONE ON THIS SITE WHO HAS A DOUBT ASTO HOW I WILL DO IN THE DEBATES?—-LIKE TAKING CANDY FROM A BABY. THE BIGGEST CONCERN I HAVE IS WHETHER THEY WILL SHOW UP FOR THE DEBATES AT ALL. TO MAKE SURE I HAVE SOME ONE TO DEBATE I HAVE A WILLIAMS COLLEGE GRADUATE WHO I CONVINCED TO TAKE OUT PAPPERS SO I HAVE SOMEONE INTELLIGENT TO DEBATE. I AM DESPERATE—- I NEED TO SEE A REAL CHALLENGER OUT THERE SO I CAN AT LEAST ANTICIPATE SOME INTELECTUAL STIMULATION. I AM BECOMING BORED AND CANT WAIT TO SWING INTO ACTION —ASAP—-CRAIG
Things were crazy this past Fourth.
http://www.iberkshires.com/story/49546/Developing-Story-FBI-On-Scene-at-Adams-Residence.html#comments
Craig, Some of your real estate holdings are impressive. I grew up on outer Pecks Rd. Right on the Lanesboro/Pittsfield line.
http://www.masslandrecords.com/BerkMiddle/
johnny 2 thanks do you think I will ever get out of them what I got into them.? one thing I know for sure is that the real estate taxes are eating me alive. I keep them tip top and I know they are an asset to the neighborhood. how do you like the new color on the garage doors? maybe the last time I paint them in my lifetime but I am hoping its not—craig
If things continue as is, unlikely, here anyway.
Once again The Planet and ponly the Planet tells the real story behind the story of the five shootings. 5 shootings, one killed (so far) one night.
Next morning another shooting. No info. Thank you mayor bianchi for NOTHING. & I haven’t seen Tyer say a peep. What a mess
Tyer is a no show when any major catastrophe happens. I know next to nothing about her. Will she be another Bianchi if she becomes mayor? Hiding from the public when so many issues need to be addressed?
PAT SHE SHOULD NOT BE ANYONES CANDIDATE SHE ANNOUNCED FIRST AND HAS ONE STATEMENT–BLIGHTED BUILDINGS–IS THERE ANY ONE WAITING TO HEAR ANYTHING FROM HER? PLEASE THE SILENCE IS DEAFENING AND THE DOOR FOR HER SHOULD BE CLOSED. HER ACTION IS PURE GOOD OLD BOY TACTICS. SMILE AND SAY NOTHING.IS THERE ANY ONE ON THIS SITE WHO IS CONSIDERING VOTING FOR HER? BASED ON WHAT? I DONT GET IT. BUT SHE WILL GET IT WHEN I START TO PICK HER APART. I THOUGHT SHE WAS GOING TO BRING SOME INTELLECTUAL STIMULATION AND SOME REAL IDEAS BUT SHE MAY BE MORE WORTHLESS THAN BIANCHI. TO GET MY SELF PSYCHED I WILL MAKE BELIEVE I AM TALKING TO CLAIRMONT OR LOTHROP WHEN I AM DEALING WITH HER— AS THAT IS WHO SHE IS– FRONT AND CENTER. I WANTED THEM TO SHOW SOME BALLS WHEN I APPEARED AT COUNCIL MEETINGS THE PAST 14 MONTHS. I WOULD HAVE RELISHED A DEBATE WITH EITHER ONE OF THEM. TWO COWARDS AND LEADERS IN THE MARCH TO BUILD THE NEW THS AND PULL THE WOOL OVER THE TAXPAYER. THEY ARE NOT RUNING FOR RE=ELECTION BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEY ARE FINISHED. ANYONE VOTING FOR TYER IS LIKE PUTTING LOTHROP AND CLAIRMONT BACK ON THE COUNCIL..DOES ANYONE WANT THAT? CERTAINLY I DONT–GET REAL CRAIG—–KROL ALSO MUST GO. I LIVE IN WARD 6 AND NO MATTER WHO RUNS AGAINST KROLL I AND MY PEOPLE WILL GO TO THE POLLS TO DEFEAT HIM I DESPISE PEOPLE WHO WERE BORN WITH A GOLDEN SPOON IN THERE MOUTH WHO THINK THEY ARE BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE AS HE DOES.— NOT ONCE HAS HE EVER THOUGHT OF THE POOR AND WORKING CLASS IN ALL HIS VOTES ON THE COUNCIL WARD 6 VOTERS GET OUT AND RUN THIS GUY OUT OF TOWN——CRAIG
We better create a new unit in the PD, the Fireworks Squad. Lets give them a SWAT type vehicle, a prison bus and bigger guns and they can go out and lock up every clown that buys fireworks out of state and supports the economy of states other than ours. Because people using fireworks on the 4th of July is the biggest problem we have and then everyone can call them jackbooted thugs and complain when they aren’t available to respond to the serious calls like shootings. Oh wait we better start a squad to deal with all the nutso running for mayor too.You could have Abraham Lincoln himself as mayor of this City and you will never be happy.
http://www.psychiatry.org/mental-health/more-topics/warning-signs-of-mental-illness
Wait are you saying someone unstable is running for Mayor? Who could that be???
I believe the unstable one is seeking re-election to the corner office. It must be him because he made so many promises that he didn’t keep and at the time he sounded stable. He sure fooled many into thinking he was not unstable.
Well we sure know who you are. You are on Bianchis campaign team in the dirty tricks dept.
Why is it adding a taxpayer subsidised whatever (theater, hotel etc) is about quality of life but sitting in your home late in the evening in a peaceful manner is not a quality of life issue? Its not so much a matter of the fireworks its the lack of respect for community as a whole. Was the ordinance passed for safety? or was it passed for peace and quiet? Why do we have speed limits? when the laws are enforced reasonably and equally you have a community with a high quality of life. not theaters those are called attractions
Just sayin
I agree. To allow out of control fire works like Saturday night sets a bad example for everyone. They can get away with illegal activities for one night, well maybe they will do it whenever they feel like it. I don’t even believe all of the murder and mayhem would have occurred if the city wasn’t already popping with fireworks on every block of the city. It created the perfect opportunity for these crimes to be committed. It was already a lawless atmosphere of misbehavior going on in the city.
All of the illegal fireworks going off only encouraged more lawless activity to occur in the city. It created the perfect environment for these thugs to literally get away with murder at least so far as I know they haven’t been caught. Nobody could tell the sound of guns from fireworks and they took full advantage of the situation. If people had been able to report gunshots the cops would have been there faster, might have saved a life and maybe would have caught the thugs by now since they would have had a shorter time to make their getaway.
No SWAT team needed the vast majority of the 88 year old women are being peacfully priced out of their homes via taxes. we have seen how those peelin taters are treated.
With all those fireworks hard to believe no one got hurt with them. It was like a war zone all over the city. Insane. If the law is not going to be enforced then it should be taken off the books.
Don’t say that because as bad as it was having the law on the books maybe stopped some people from using fireworks. Hard to imagine it could have been worse than Saturday night though. The police need reinforcements in this city as far as I’m concerned to deal with all of the lawless people.
Back and furth and ucky
FLOGGING MOLLY PV POSTERS–TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT THIS PERSONS POST TODAY AND LOOK WHAT SITES SHE WANTS YOU TO LOOK AT. THIS PERSON IS DANGEROUS AND YOU SHOULD BE SKEPTICAL OF ANYTHING SHE SAYS. ITS TOO BAD WE CANT FIND OUT WHO YOU ARE. YOU ARE. A DISPICABLE PERSON– I WILL DEFINETLY PRAY FOR YOU. YOU ARE FILLED WITH HATE AND YOUR SUBTLE REMARKS DID NOT GO OVER MY HEAD. YOU ARE SICK– I HOPE I CAN FIND OUT WHO YOU ARE AND TRY TO GET YOU SOME HELP——-CRAIG
A serious situation but a disappointing non-response from the mayor. Nothing from Linda Tyer, too?
Oh Bianchi is responding, but not to the local people who he seems to not care anything about. He is on all of the news stations saying his by now familiar line of unpleasant things happen sometimes.
The fact that nothing was said is proof under her administration noting will be done. At a time when a community is in such turmoil to have nothing to say says it all.
Everyone should take a drive over Silver Lake Blvd. Bianchi’s Special Project. The Weeds are so high, if you sat on the bench, you couldn’t see the water. He wants Pittsfield to be a destination. Surely he should bring some aspiring CEO’s to look at his Stanley Business Park. He is such an asshole.
A little boy in Chicago was shot and killed. The bullet was intended for the father. Here in Pittsfield, another death resulting from a shooting, this time with several injured. God forbid a stray bullet here doesn’t do the same? My point? Where is the leadership, where are the protectors of the city, do we have any. re we just a reactive community? This Must Stop!
Maybe Craig can challenge the candidates to a GORILLA WARFRE TRAINING competition. Silver Lake could be the spot for the event. I mean challenging Craig to a run in Independence Day ….Come on LInda?
CAT– PERHAPS I SHOULD DO THAT. CAN YOU DUMP SOME AGENT ORANGE INTO SILVER LAKE SO THAT I CAN FEEL AT HOME? I AM NOT ACCUSTOMED TO BRAWLING IN SUCH CLEAN WATER. HOW ABOUT A WATER MOCASIN OR A COUPLE WILD BOARS AND DONT FORGET WE WILL ALL NEED TO BE IN FULL MILITARY GEAR. HELL I AM HOME SICK FOR THE JUNGLE ALREADY.. TRAINING STARTS TOMORROW –O800 HOUR–BRING SOME JB SCOTCH SO WE CAN WASH OUR WOUNDS IN CASE WE GET INJURED AND OF COURSE A SWIG OR TWO TO WET THE WHISTLE. DONT FORGET THE PONCHOS TO KEEP THE M16″S DRY. OF COURSE PACK A FEW MACHINE GUNS AND A FEW SNACKS IN CASE WE GET HUNGRY. I THINK WE ARE READY–LETS GO KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN. OH HOW NOSTALGIC– I MISS THE GOOD OLD DAYS. THANKS CAT FOR THE MEMORIES CRAIG
No water moccasins in Vietnam.
ED SHEPARDSON–WHAT KIND OF SNAKES DID YOU SEE THERE? OR WERENT YOU THERE?——WE SAW SEVERAL DIFFERENT KINDS AND WERE SCARED TO DEATH OF ALL OF THEM— CRAIG A REAL VIET NAM VET WHO WAS THERE.
There were plenty of dangerous snakes, much more dangerous than water moccasins. But there were no water moccasins as you stated, sir.
ED
The worst was “the three-stepper.” Don’t know what it was officially, but one bite, and a grunt was dead within his third step.
The mayor is pushing the Neighborhood Watch Programs again, but I question just how effective they really are. How many times have residents in the city called the police only to have nothing happen? Either the police were overwhelmed with calls like they were on July 4th or they simply don’t have the manpower to follow up on every call they receive. The one call that could be a real threat doesn’t get the attention it should. There needs to be better solutions. Getting to the root of the problems instead of constantly reacting to situations would be a good start.