PLANET’S EERILY ACCURATE PREDICTION CALLS IT: TYER SPANKS BIANCHI IN PRELIM WIN
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 23, 2015) — Yesterday, THE PLANET predicted “under 20%” turnout in the preliminary election. Unofficial actual vote: just under 19% of the electorate (27,962 voters). We called it for Tyer and Bianchi, and they finished 1-2. Several times we assigned The Water Wizard and The Donna to irrelevancy, and yesterday they combined for a paltry 6% of the 5,100 votes cast. Oh yeah, we predicted 5,200 votes being cast.
Here’s the story we ran last night, the first media outlet to report complete results:
Tyer Decisively Wins Preliminary Election
Upon learning the results from the Preliminary Election held on September 22, 2015, Linda Tyer, current City Clerk and candidate for mayor of the City of Pittsfield, shared her optimism for the upcoming November election.
“I am thrilled with the energy and enthusiasm surrounding the campaign,” said Tyer. “I’ve received such strong support from so many residents in and around Pittsfield and today’s results solidify that our city is in desperate need of a change. We have another 41 days to continue the momentum and to share plans on how together we can improve our city. I look forward to more opportunities to have productive and candid discussions about the direction of Pittsfield. I believe that our city deserves better and, based on tonight’s results, it is clear that voters agree. I promise our city residents that I will restore their faith in municipal government.”
Unofficial results were reported by campaign volunteers at polling locations throughout the city:
- Tyer – 2,786, 55.05%
- Dan Bianchi – 1,960, 39%
- Craig Gaetini – 176, 3.5%
- Donna Walto – 133, 2.6%
The election that will determine Pittsfield next mayor will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.
First, the also rans. The Donna staggered to irrelevancy the moment she declared, for the fourth time, here baffling need to torture the electorate. She loaned herself 47 cents, brought out three Halloween lawn signs, and showed up late to the only forum that counted, turning a hiccup into a bitch-slap for the very people she was toasting.
The Water Wizard presented the campaign’s best ideas, but in undigested form. It was like sticking a stalk of raw sugar cane into a demitasse to sweeten it. The Wizard was given plenty of good (and free) advice from those knowledgeable about the process of politics but refused to listen. Spend money on the accoutrements of campaigning, he was advised. Utilize social media. Learn how to send an e-mail. Don’t submit press releases by voice mail. Tone down the hostility. Go door to door. He refused all direction, choosing instead to drown in the ideas dammed up by an obdurate, near-messiahnic sense of self-injury.
As for Tyer-Bianchi, her 55-39 win qualifies as a public spanking of the mayor just short of a landslide (defined as a 20 percent or more differential). The Lovely Linda definitely enjoyed a huge win. This must be tempered, however, by the realization that the November finale will see at least double the turnout. Unlike yesterday, with only the mayor’s office in play, the general phase will see five council races (Wards 1, 2, 5, and 7 plus at-large) and school committee in contention. This will bring out anywhere from 5,000 to 8,000+ additional voters.
Much depends on how much Dan Bianchi wants to hold on to office. If he “mails it in,” as he did in the prelim, he will be crushed. If he’s desperate, though, he will begin campaigning instead of relying on The Big Boston Consultant (The BBC) to cast a string of last-minute robocalls, mailings, and cotton candy. Bianchi “campaigned” as if it were beneath him. For example, he waited until the weekend before the preliminary election to formally open his re-election campaign. He likely did this at the advice of The BBC, who clearly doesn’t know Pittsfield from Pittsburgh.
In light of her win yesterday, Linda Tyer needs to press, press, press. She should not go into the “prevent” defense. On the contrary, she should now take the momentum and go on offensive, playing as if she’s trailing by a field goal late in the fourth quarter.
Tea and crumpets are over. Let the war begin.
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“All the new thinking is about loss. / In this it resembles all the old thinking.” — Robert Hass, “Meditations at Lagunitas,” (1979).
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
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I think Bianchi told his voters to hold back a bit until the big game. He may be playing a psychological game here. Watch for him to go into beastmode from here on out.
Surely the people are not going to vote out the most ethical human being known to mankind.
Don’t under estimate the power of a woman. She knows the City Hall terror inside and out. Hard work from here to Nov. 3
Truly pathetic voter turnout even for a preliminary election. After all the hype and excitement for this election since so many people are unhappy with the incumbent, its unbelievable that so few people showed up at the polls. Pittsfield retains the name “Palookaville” for sure after such a turnout. Why such apathy? I know there will be more people showing up during the general election, but this was the chance for people to choose the mayoral candidate from the field of four. Were Gaetani and Walto seen as being so irrelevant that people felt they didn’t need to show up because the race would ultimately be between Tyer and Bianchi?
I don’t understand why people do not exercise their right to vote. Could be exasperation and defeatism.
yes
I agree. Last night was their opportunity to make a difference but most of you decided to stay home and complaint. There were four candidates. Voting cost nothing. No excuses.
I, too, have a feeling that all of Linda’s supporters turned out, while Bianchi’s held back. It could be an attempt to fool Linda into thinking that she has the election in the bag. I’m not crazy about either candidate, but we have seen what Dan has done for the city and I have not been impressed so I will be voting for Linda. This despite the fact that she is a progressive and I’m not, but choices are very limited here in Pittsfield. I hope in the next election we have a candidate who is either an independent or a Republican and who is very normal and willing to try to win. I think such a candidate would win in a landslide. We need to start searching NOW for this candidate to prep them for four years from now. In Pittsfield you can’t start too soon!
The only other chance would be someone like Terry Kinnas or even DV to run a sticker campaign. Such a candidate would at least provide an alternative to two bought and paid for stooges.
Yes Dan Bianchi told his people to stay home so he could surprise Linda in November. Do you see how crazy you sound?
Why is it that the Taxpayers are paying Collingwood and a new Commissioner each $87,000, to get basic , normal, road issues like in any other city and town taken care of? I am still asking why the plate on Newell Street near Ontario? and why Elm and Deming not taken care of? Why all of Elm Street is not finished? Fenn Street?Dan Bianchi can’t get it done.
Linda Tyer needs to address
Answer spagirl is that they don’t care about taxpayers.
They walk all over us.
I want Tyer to address the taxpayer. I don’t care about education, public safety or any of the other b.s. I believe DV is right when he identifies the biggest problem.
Pittsfield has a spending problem.
Time for someone to at least let us know they’re not going to screw us.
I would like to know what she plans to do about this duplication of Collingwood and the other new guy, each making $87 Large plus benefits.
A good number of those who voted for Tyanchi were employees of the City of Pittsfieldand their families.
Many came out for Tyer simply because Tyer is a woman.
One candidate is an expert ribbon cutter, the other one is good at cutting weeds. Neither will cut taxes and government waste.
“A good number of those who voted for Tyanchi were employees of the City of Pittsfieldand their families.”
“Many came out for Tyer simply because Tyer is a woman.”
I personally don’t like speaking without having facts (backed with data) or simply reporting my extensive personal experience and prefacing that….so comments like this above make me thankful I do that because of how erroneous they are and ridiculous they sound.
Tyer said she is going to hire more police, which is throwing chum to the police and fire “public safety” cartel as well as all the other sharks that feed on taxpayers, this is 100% proof of those votes, assuming they are still foolish enough to live in the city
So “Throwing chum to police and fire” = majority of votes coming from city employees. 100% Proof not doubt.
I really appreciated that. Your ability to derive that conclusion based on well ZERO DATA has provided me with mocking material to talk about tonight.
Buy a copy of the list of those who voted…..it’ll cost you about 10 bucks
The next 6 weeks will break it down. Bianchi hasn’t gotten it done. You all have 2 choices. Like them or not. One of them gets a chance.
@Pat.. I agree with you. Im not sure ALL of Linda’s people came out yesterday but I have a sinking suspicion that Dan’s supporters are waiting in the weeds. Linda needs to put the petal down because I think this race is much closer than the “landslide” that DV speaks of. I’m thinking we may all be surprised by the numbers in Nov.
*pedal*l
This type of prelim election result has happened before in Pittsfield. (Not long ago I might add) And the incumbent went on to win.
Bianchi said he would “like to have a debate a week” until November, “when we can start laying out the initiatives and qualifications” of the two candidates. He said there should be one debate on each major issue facing the city.
“Absolutely,” Tyer agreed when asked if she would favor more mayoral debates….from the Berkshire Eagle………………
The candidates should not decide on the major issues facing Pittsfield in these debates. They both will shy away from what’s important and try to BS us with talk of Initiative, commissions , studies and economic engines and other bull spit buzz phrases.
All these forums, debates or whatever you might choose to call them need to be BS free with aa tough but fair moderator.
the only moderator for any debate should be Dan Valenti. No one is tougher no one has the experience.
I agree Evian Dan would be an awesome moderator for te debates especially hosting them they way he said on his tv show. No Time limit. Plus the candidates can really confront the other person
I’m sorry that is suppose to be the debates
The pictures on IBerkshires.com are interesting. Those holding signs at the polling locations for Bianchi and Tyer seem to be together. Its a GOB lovefest.
Don’t underestimate Bianchi in the upcoming debates. He is a masterdebatur. Promise the people anything, then go back to lockdown policies and take care of special interests.
I spoke with Mr. Gaetani this morning and he said after analyzing the low level of voter turnout (Tyer winning with 6% of the registered vote) 6% is not a mandate by any means. he has decided to continue his quest for the corner office. He will be mounting a sticker/write in campaign. With his marketing skills He feels that he can convince a significant portion of the non GOB$ to give him the nod. He feels that the 82% that did not vote yesterday are non GOB$. He also insists on being included in any mayoral debate/forum events
Out of curiosity, he had these marketing skills prior to this election yet received only a small percentage of the vote. What will he be doing differently for the next few weeks that he hadn’t done before to entice voters?
This is the same marketing guru who could not even make it the channel 22 TV forum/debate last Sunday. What was the reason for that? Is he out on bail with an ankle bracelet that limits his travel to Berkshire county? If that’s what he really thinks, he is really clueless. Mr. G, please go away quietly in to the night…you had your chance, and blew it on so many levels.
Thanks for the lift, EYE. The last sentence made me spit out my tea.
The 2 Pittsfield politics camps are at it again!
In one corner, Dan Bianchi, who is from the late-Anne E. Wojtkowski camp along with Anne’s nephew Nuciforo and Nuciforo’s former aide/former mayor, Sara Hathaway.
In the other corner, Linda Tyer, who is from the Remo Del Gallo camp. Linda Tyer is using all of former Mayor Jimmy Ruberto’s supporters and organization to win the corner office.
Both Bianchi and Tyer are part of the city and state Democratic Party.
It was like when George W. Bush ran against John Forbes Kerry for U.S. President in 2004. Either way, the real winner was Yale’s Skull and Bones!
I don’t think anyone can deny this was a huge victory for Linda against an incumbent Mayor. Yes turnout should be higher in the General Election but a 16% difference proves Dan has some work to do. I personally am excited. Should be some fireworks.
Now the Ward 1 debate. That has potential for some interesting events as well.
Don’t you get it? There is no real choice in Pittsfield politics. It is like choosing between Coke and Pepsi! Either way, you end up with a soda. Dan Bianchi and Linda Tyer are both Pittsfield Democrats. Either way, you will be paying higher taxes, while Pittsfield’s population and tax base shrinks. There is no real choice when it comes to Pittsfield politics!
Yada Yada Yada. Ive heard the spiel.
I didn’t mean to reply to you. Mine was just a general comment.
Jonathan is Anne calling the shots from up above?
It ain’t over, till it’s over!
I wonder how many of my fellow bloggers have met or spoken to either candidate. They will have to listen if enough people communicate with them tell them how you feel and what you want them to do. Call them. Email them. Best of all write a letter. They are not mind readers! If you don’t communicate with them they will listen to other voices – not yours.
Politics is not a spectator sport but, sadly in Pittsfield, that is exactly what it has become – a spectator sport.
Well Said!
This is excellent advice, Chuck. Everyone, please follow it if you want a say. You won’t believe how much one letter or note has in terms of attention and influence.
Candidates can’t read minds, what about the new high school and disregard to the taxpayer. What about increased taxes and out of control spending. Are you joking Chuck. All of them know what the average taxpayer has wanted, for a long time.
Tell THEM how you feel about the new high school and out of control spending. It does NO good to tell ME tell THEM. They all know how I feel about it because I’ve communicated with them.
I am not joking they can’t read minds.
I think Dan Dillon would be a good moderator as well as DV.
Dan Valenti and Dan Valenti only as moderator. TES has already committed.
Dan Dillon would do a good job also. I’m assuming there will be at least 3 debates. How about you DC would you be willing to moderate the third debate?
Numerous people turned down the moderator job at the Gazette forum. Sturgeon was the only one to accept. 5 people did NOT want to deal with Gaetanni.
And what problem did Gaetani cause at the candidate debate at BCC? I guess that if you refuse to bow down to the GOB’$ establishment that’s a problem. Tyler is an unproven quantity. From what I hear Bianchi is the one people have trouble dealing with.
Yeah right. If you think someone asking questions as soft as silly putty has value for the voters he would be OK…..and we’d learn than Linda cuts weeds and Danny Boy cuts ribbons.
Dillon is a financial contributor to Dan Bianchi….sure he’d be just great.
Dillon would be an awful choice. In with GOB big time. Only softball questions.
You need someone who’s going to turn up the heat on the candidates. Theres only one man for that job Dan Valenti.
If Gaetani is invited I’ll do it.
Did you watch and listen to the formerly poor farm forum?
Bianchi actually had the nerve to say this:
“When you are a mayor, you have a job to do. If you are doing it right it is seven days a week. So you don’t get to the do the campaigning a challenger will do,”
He’s making up excuses and lying, Bianchi is running scared.
Bianchi is a liar, and a coward. He’s had his days. His days are numbered.
Pope Francis Quote:
Inequality is the Root of all Evil.
He is correct, and he gets it. America is broken.Big Business, and Politicians have trampled the American Dream.
The Pope of all people should know the extraction of God in our Country is the core of the problem.
I would nominate priests of the Roman Catholic church who raped young children and the hierarchy that was responsible for a coverup of these heinous crimes as candidates for the Root of all Evil Awards. I cannot believe that the current pope was unaware of these centuries old crimes and was not involved in the coverup.
The Catholic Church has more money than Donald Trump……after the Pope redistributes all that money he can advise others to do the same.
I’m certain Mr. Gaetani will not be invited to any mayoral debates nor should he be.
Yes, we could use a weed cutter and a ribbon cutter not a tax cutter.
Gaetani should just give it up and leave us in peace. Same with Walto, she should really get the message by now.
Paul, I’m sure Mr. Gaetani appreciates your advice and will give it the defenestration it deserves.
Based on the comment of the eye, Dan Dillon is out. I wonder who the 5 folks were that turned down the moderator’s job at BCC. Mr Gaetani presented himself very well at the forum and was absolutely no problem to anyone.
I agree Chuck……though Dan Valenti is not a Pittsfield resident he’s the only one I know who will ask tough but fair questions of any candidates who are invited to the event…….I have seen too many softball snooze fests at former poor farm……the only one worth noting there was moderated by Valenti and Mary Connaughton ,Suzanne Bump and Nat Fortune were the candidates. A great event that showed the issues and what the candidates were made of.
Gaetani will stay attended on his T v show. The man is a marketing genius.
it’s déjà vu all over again.
Watch the bb for election results by ward. Linda Walto, really…..
How accurate are the numbers?
Bianchi’s current campaign cash = $90,013.34
Tyler’s current campaign cash=== $23,718.72
I can’t help but ask the Planet (no, Dan, not you but your members) how do we unite against them Good Ol’ Boys and Girls? How to fight apathy and ignorance when even here, the largest and strongest bastion against them, there lacks cohesion and transparency? So many of you speak in a sort of code with each other. You bicker. You know what you don’t want but have bare language to speak of what you do. You are – forgive me – your own sort of GOB’s. You seek a leader but can any of you say where you want that leader to take you?
Simply stated, I would like City government to exist for all citizens and not an employment agency for a bloated inefficient government. If this were to come to fruition small businesses might be attracted to Pittsfield.
Great question, R. I hope people provide a response. It would be both helpful and enlightening.
I’m not sure what you mean eye…”exist for all citizens”. What does that mean for your leader? Does it mean that even those like Gaetani and Walto should be respected and heard? Or should they be heard *especially*? (I think the latter!)
These are extremely complicated ideas. If the Planet isn’t up for the answers, Pittsfield obviously won’t be.
Thanks for the recognition Mr. Valenti. Call me Romen please.
The only people crazy enough to take Them on are torn apart, even by many of the Planet’s denizens. Perhaps deservedly so. But how do you convince anyone else, with the brain, heart, and courage necessary for the job to push forward without a clear path? A true plan?
I’m going to bed now even though what I really want is to drink neat whiskey on top of a Berkshire hill with a rich Asian guy who can teach me how to clean water with sand floats…