METHUSELAH & CASE: ‘PITTSFIELD PRODUCING “pittsfield”‘
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEDNESDAY FEB. 1, 2017) — Welcome to February, month of the sister. The flurries drift down like flakes in a snowglobe, the crystals mount, and Pittsfield keeps producing more “pittsfield.” THE PLANET explains later, as if you don’t already know.
Pittsfield Producing ‘pittsfield’ 1 — On Nov. 25, 2016, as Andy McKeever of iBerkshires tells it, “an expensive Mercedes or Jeep pulled up to Methuselah Bar & Lounge at 391 North St.
“A man hopped out covered in tattoos, with a beard and long hair, and wearing expensive jewelry, according to Shane Tatro, who was working the door that night. Tatro said he asked the man for identification and was given an out-of-state license listing his birthday as 1981. The man entered and got a drink from owner Yuki Cohen.
“‘He immediately brought out his license. I had no reason to question it,’ Tatro said.
“About a half hour later, the man left and was shot right by the doorstep of the bar. Police identified him as being 17 years old, half the age of the identification Tatro says he saw.”
Hmmm. 17 years old. Looks 29. $105,000 vehicle. Expensive jewelry. Covered with tattoos. How Pittsfield is that?
He must have just got out of the St. Anthony novena at Mt. Carmel Church. Oh, wait. There is no more Mt. Carmel Church. D’ya think it had anything to do with drugs or gangs? Perhaps we should put in a formal inquiry to mayor Linda “Everything is Coming Up Roses” Tyer.
Be that as it may, in the punishment phase, stalwarts on the Pittsfield Licensing Board came down hard on the bar. The board ordered owner Yuki to serve a formal Japanese tea to anyone producing for her personal inspection a Gem Mint 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle.
The board could have closed the bar, pulled its liquor license, suspended the license, or chosen any number of other sanctions with some real Christopher Lee-type fangs. But no-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o. This is Pittsfield producing “pittsfield,” corruption producing more corruption. The board ordered the politically connected Yuki-san to give five days worth of profits to “a local non-profit.”
Oh, the humanity!
When other gin joints run afoul of the law and get caught, they get hard time on bread and water in “the box.” If you Know The Right People, though, you are above the law. Yuki subpoenaed her friends, and before you knew it, ‘Ol Jed was a millionaire. Out of the woodwork came many of THE PLANET‘s good friends including Jesse Cook-Dubin, president of Downtown Pittsfield Inc., Steven “No Relation” Valenti of the haberdashery, and David Hall, Rotary Club president.
Oh well. As they say in Japanese, “Tora! Tora! Tora!”
——– 000 ——–
Pittsfield Producing ‘pittsfield’ 2 — Oh Mike, we hardly knew ye. Case, that is, who abruptly resigned his $91,000+ bennies position as state director of pine trees, bark, and parks, operating out of a comfy-cozy office on South Street in Pittsfield supplied at taxpayers’ expense. That’s not the title of his former job, but it has something to do with parks management.
You have to ask yourself: Why does someone quit a cushy deal like this unless they catch you in the cookie jar?
In truth, Case got the gig not all that long ago as a reward from Gov. Charlie Baker for being a Loyal Republican. Keep in mind that being a Republican of any sort, loyal or not, is to Massachusetts and Berkshire County what ice vending machines are to Antarctica. You’d figure a do-nothing job paying $91K+ would at least produce a semi-honest, semi-responsible sort, someone who would play it straight. Ah, but show us a politician yet who isn’t on the take in some way. And just when you thought the status of local Republicans couldn’t get any worse.
The Boston Globe, as THE PLANET does practically every other day, scooped The Boring Broadsheet on “The Strange Case of Case.” The Globe reported that Department of Conservation and Recreation commissioner Leo Roy got in Case’s face after pornography was allegedly found on Case’s “work” computer. We’re shocked. Shocked. After the news hit the fan, a whole bunch of computers in Pittsfield City Hall were being scrubbed.
Gee, good thing Solitaire isn’t illegal.
No word on the question everyone asks when hearing of this story. Admit it. Don’t you wan’t to know the nature of the porn allegedly found on Case’s screen? Girls with guys? Guys with guys? Nurses with Big Ones? Frogs dressed in Latex?
The Globe said Case had earlier received not one but two warnings from superiors about his language and conduct. THE PLANET contacted Case, inviting him to comment on the circumstances that led to his resignation. As of press time, we hadn’t heard a thing. Neither had The Globe, iBerkshires, The Courier, or The BB heard from Case, which would indicate though not establish the truth to the Globe report. The silence shall be content to speak for itself.
Case also resigned from the board of directors of the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke. The former Pittsfield cop still serves on the state Republican Committee, the select board in the Town of Washington, and the Central Berkshire Regional School Committee. For now.
——– 000 ——–
As you can see, “Pittsfield making more ‘pittsfield'” occurs when local Big Shots get a whiff of power and influence, and it goes to their head. “P making ‘p'” is like a perpetual motion machine. Feed it one ton of shit and it produces two.
Citizens, taxpayers, and electorate of Pittsfield, that’s what you’re dealing with when it comes to the officials who “represent” you in some way, shape, or form.
Question is: Wha’ choo gonna do ’bout it?
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“Corruption and hypocrisy ought not to be inevitable products of democracy, as they undoubtedly are today.” — Mahatma Gandhi
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
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I’d be interested in the sticker sheet of a $105,000 Jeep. Sounds like the kind of vehicle only a retired teacher could afford in Pitty.
Mayor Tyer raised taxes 6 million mega dollars last year and now we are laying off teachers? Good job mayor….keep looking for the waster that is washing up at your feet.
Patrick Larkin former aid to Conte got the Republican payoff when they created a job for him to bring jobs to Western ma.about 27 years ago.How many jobs came here because of this position….187,000 dollars.
Brother former rep Pete is doing something similar for $130,000 thousand and Pete’s wife is a 125,000 Dr.for Umass .All state jobs who are paid way to much money and not needed….Remember anytime you get this much money you are American royalty or on state welfare at the highest level….they will retire at these salaries……how many jobs were brought to pittsfield……ZERO
And the sad part is you “pussy-hats” are picketing President Trump, because he wants to follow the (federal) law when it comes to immigration.
And everybody who is picking on poor Mike Case, he was just in his office polishing his tool. isn’t that part of his job description in the DCR?
How shiny is that tool, Kate? Following federal law on immigration is not what Trump is doing. Trump is making new law without Congress. He criticized using executive orders while campaigning, and now is signing them as fast as his little hands can.
That is President Trump to you Matt
Trump is a fraud.
(and so are you)
Kinda funny Torch, how you were the one who started with the “dick jokes, ” (remember: on 2/1, “How shiny was that tool, Kate?”). Let me guess, you were just talking about the tools in Mike Case’s garage, right Torch?
Torch,
He’s just using executive orders to override all of Obama’s blunders. Is it right that an illegal alien can get in state tuition rates for a school like UMASS, but somebody from NY, VT, NH, pay out of state (much higher rates) rates? How do you even begin to defend that Torch?
Oh by the way, I saw your dad earlier, he mentioned something about Case’s tool being real shiny? Not sure what he meant Torch, but told him I’d pass it on to you,
Are you too stupid to realize the the Federal government and whatever Trump writes in his books has nothing to do with the rates Umass charges students for tuition?
Torch,
I’m completely aware the federal government and college tuition in each and every state is different. I’m aware you barely made it through your GED, but I on the other hand, have a college degree. So, I’m well aware of the costs.
As far as college and an illegal alien, I was just pointing out the hypocrisy of a non-US resident getting better rates than a red-blooded American.
Maybe if you and your dad weren’t in such a hurry to out duel each other in polishing Mike Case’s tool, you would have taken the time to read and comprehend my statement.
Remember Torch, it’s better to play with a group, than with yourself.
What exactly is a red blooded American? And no, considering you can’t articulate nuanced positions and resort to gay Dick jokes constantly, I’m guessing that if you did get through college, it was a shitty one.
This might have been the best Planet SHow to date. Real Talk. I liked Terry’s Strategy comment on the School Budget, ask for more with less, we get it. Refugees with diseases,school way to large with fewer students, state pay increases, shot spotter,Yuki’s deal with the license board, and the Case Load’ and others, excellent.
Screw the non-profits, money should go to City.
That would be extortion. This is a loophole using the non-profit
What is the current funding each year for OPEB, taxpayer end?
What does Mayor Tired do all day except attend photo shoots? Oh wait…I remember that is what her thug politico’s Ward, Durwin and Guyer relentlessly made fun of Dan B. for doing…funny – what non-profit will the “profits” be going to and who will be counting said “profits” for the night ? Will the Board see the register tape or take her word for it ?
Cohen is a lot classier and a harder worker than any of the trolls populating this blog.
One thing we have learned from this Shakes, if you need a good lawyer, get Timmy Shugs.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Tim many times. Never needed to approach him legally, but have nothing but positive things to say about interacting with him personally.
That is because Tim has no problem telling mega lies to the court. He will do anything to win a case, I recommend him to anyone who wants to win a case. In my opinion he’s a bigger liar than Trump.
In my opinion he’s a bigger liar than Trump. I have heard him tell lies to the judge and the judge believes it.
Like you Matt?
You are a mess, “Dean”. SAD!
oh okay Matt.
How many names do you post with?
Matt you add nothing to the conversation. just go away
What have you added other than calling me a name that isn’t mine?
I have been critical of CC member Amuso in the past, but last night was the exception.
She was right on target telling the SC they better find ways to cut their budget since there will be a substantial increase this year due to teacher raises.
I hope that she continues to be forceful on this and that other CC members will join her.
She blathers on at times but when it comes to vote on things she is a bigger budget better councilor. Check the record…she grabs with both fists
The Republican party in this area is not even conservative. They also do nothing to put their voice out in the public and even people who reach out to them usually do not get a return call. Is it any wonder they are practically useless in this area? The Republican party in Berkshire County is disorganized and without a strong message and therefore ineffective.
It’s sad because we desperately DO NEED an alternative to the progressives in this area. The progressives in Berkshire County have too much power (really the only power) and this is why they are so horrible. With no opposition they get away with everything. Planet Valenti is just about the only voice in this area that calls attention to just how bad the politicians are in this area.
Yes PattyCakes! the Berkshire republicans are disjointed and are following the DemocRAT national model of how to bungle local politics!!!
They are a mess! SAD!
Republicans’ base is business owners and working class voters, this area has neither, on carrion you’re only going to find maggots
Pat, are you a Republican? Have you ever reached out to the local organization. Any organization is only as strong as those who are involved members.
I have reached out to the local Republicans. I even offered to offer assistance. Someone called, we talked, I was hopeful, but I guess I was rejected since nobody ever called me back.
Pat, I’ll email Dan to give you my email and please contact me.
okay. I will.
Pat, I’ve had the same experience with the Berkshire County GOP. My e-mails went unanswered….I wanted to be a poll watcher this past election, I guess they didn’t need me.
What email address did you send to?
Anybody have a backstory on this Frederick Kingsley budget expert? Googling him yields little results and the organization he works for doesn’t list him as a staffer on their website. Not much credibility, although I don’t disagree with his positions as described in the BEagle
I think he goes by Rick Kingsley…..DOR’s municipal data management and technical assistance bureau chief?
But that’s not who he was representing, according to the paper. Sounds like a plum position for a retiring state employee.
That’s a good one Spider.. she had to catch herself with the next year things will be different spiele, it was a nano second, listen carefully, it will keep you off the Kool aid. Pension reform is necessary immediately, there is no revenue stream and the Feds aren’t going to be as generous.The Ceiling is here.
On the Case issue, he has earned the right to amuse himself at work.
Spider, ever think of Comedy?
Well atleast the roads are clear, boys out grading the asphalt.
don’t worry they don’t ever lay off teachers once they are in they are good for life no matter how much they half to raise taxes.
Looks like having more police hasten stop crime yet.
They keep on the path they are headed and you’ll see a receivership. Those union protections count as much as used toilet paper.
I personally can’t wait. Grab some popcorn!
Agree LoneGunMan, luckily for us the powers that be have no concept on saving money. Receivership will be a welcome change.
Close mercer put em in the new school, there’s room for a circus over there.
With all the problems Massachusetts is facing, the people are seeing a greedy state Legislature overriding Governor Charlie Baker’s veto of their 2nd pay raise in 2017.
As for the lovely Linda Tyer, she is at the starting point of proposing her 2nd municipal budget that will raise taxes by around 5% again next fiscal year. What is another $6 million among the welfare recipients who make up Pittsfield’s population?
– Jonathan Melle
Really?
What was the name of that Burt Reynolds movie in the 70’s, Deliverance? You know those hunter types, get them in the woods and down come the pants.
A consultant was brought in to tell us that the major problem we have is the Levy- Ceiling collision. For the last ten years the process should have been about managing the City with less, higher productivity and not adding on to the Budget. There is way to much fat in the School SIde of the Busget. There is no growth if your not bringing in new growth.Home assessments are illegal and fraudulent, with higher assessments this would be twice as bad.One of the Councilors says we be hit bottom and we are coming back? Who says?
Valenti has been telling the city all along the Insurance rates are killing us, said it when he was at Brk decades ago, Smused so is a phony.
Mrs. Amuso did throw the Department Heads under the Bus and the Mayor. Could it be that those Department Heads and the workers under them are going to take the brunt of the budget cut?
I say cut OPEB by renegotiating pension contracts, saving millions, and increase employee contribution on the insurance side and that is something the Planet has said for years.
P Hewton – You are correct in all you say. While there is probably room to cut every dept., the bulk should come definitely from the school budget.
And absolutely make the employees pay for a larger portion of their insurance. We in the private sector certainly do!
It will never happen!
Having a few charter schools would help our budget.
They won’t renegotiate, P.
I say, refund my Social Security payments if you want to alter other people’s retirement. Immediately cash out the Trust Fund and give everyone back their deposits. then, eliminate Medicare taxes and leave individuals to pay for it on their own.
Yeah, I didn’t think you would support that.
Private,public sector is a totally different animal, you know that Shakes, ssi doesn’t give 100,000 pensions there’s a cap.! SSI recipients should only get payments if they payed in.
Let me get this rightist. The Health Board gave a reduced fine to Zukes so they can remain open and to avoid permit revocation and the City council flipped their lid, including Simonelli, Connell and Mazzeo. But a similar autonomous board forces a bar’s profit’s to be donated to a charity is ok? Is this even legal to do?
Nice! Ktt
Just a note on that Zukes Fine. The city solicitor said publicly that the board had no legal right to issue a fine since there is no fine schedule written into the tobacco ordinance as mandated by state law. I’m amazed that no attorney ever appealed that ruling. As far as I know, there is no local fine schedule for liquor license violations either. While the state board can issue fines, It doesn’t appear that the local board can. However, they may be able to call it a condition of suspension and not a fine. Either way, the ruling is questionable at best.
So if you park in a handicapped zone you get a big fine but if you serve a minor and he gets shot………..
And a charitable deduction for her income taxes.
Let us hope that someone explains to Confused So the difference between a projection and a budget. Meanwhile, let me get this straight; after listening to an hour about the city’s unfunded liabilities(approaching 200 million dollars),stagnant growth and property assessments and the approaching levy ceiling likely requiring an override vote by FY2019, John Kroll’s solution is to NOT cut anything from the budget….REALLY???? And these are the people charged with leading Pittsfield out of financial doom? God help us! While I understand the concerns of many posters over the policies of the new President, shouldn’t that anger and energy be directed at our city government first. A stronger nation begins with one community at a time. You can’t change Washington, but you can change City Hall!
Just give him a few months, federal fu ding will be cut off all together.
Save us from the likes of John Krol. Out for himself. Screws taxpayers. Pull plug on his taxpayer funded show and vote him out in Nov.
Believe me when I tell you that half the teachers work ok and the other half whine and complain.Elementary principles all make around 100 thousand and will all retire on 80 k plus….20 year teachers with masters make 78k….high school teacher whine and complain because their bosses don’t work hard…..sped is a mess.and Crosby needs to close…..Mccandless is a cheerleader but can’t manage……Behnke ell 120 k and 9 people in her dept while she sit home or office door shut doing nothing…..ask administration if the have hired new people in the last year
Patrick Larkin makes 187 k way more than the gov.
my favorite part is i get notes all the time from the school asking for pencils, pens, napkins, dry erasers, school supplies etc. Doesn’t my taxes already pay for my kid’s schooling?
No, your taxes pay for salaries of teachers and administrators. There isn’t much left over for the students. This is why someone from the school department had Walmart asking people to donate school supplies for the kids a few months ago.
You could have someone really smart like Patricia here teaching your kids. But wait, no education in teaching or experience. Not that those are important.
For those of you who enjoy a good old senseless American war put on your party hats because Trump and his buddies are buying up war materials stocks.
We’re at war now.
If the City council and School department were serious about saving money why not close a school. Studies show population is declining, and we have 8 elementary schools. Capeless has a student population of 209, 17 of that is PK. Meaning only 192 full time students. They could easily absorb the students in remaining 7 schools. Capeless could be used for administration and Pittsfield public schools storage. Freeing up Mercer and Hibbard to go back on tax rolls. I know a lot of parents won’t be happy, but can’t afford not to do it.
Joe, you’re not a surgeon or doctor are you?
No, but Pittsfield could use one. This town in need of a enema.
Call Collingwood or Shakes
He’s always fantasizing about playing with men’s assholes.
I agree with the above comments by Two Cents and joetaxpayer. Ms. Amuso’s performance last nite was nothing but grandstanding – she is just as much a part of the spending problem as the other city councilors. I remember last year Mayor Tyer proposed many cuts to city organizations, and after debate by the council – all the cuts were restored and then some! The budget kept growing with the input by the city councilors! They should all be voted out.
At least one elementary school, and possibly two should be closed. Back In the eighties, Stearns was mothballed for several years due to fluctuating enrollment numbers. It’s way past time to consider some temporary, if not permanent closures.
1 high school…close Crosby so the kids can stop breathing mold that was reported to the community school coordinator there a couple of years ago.Closing 1 high school and crosby will save millions.Developed a plan.Mccandless can’t close or plan a future pittsfield school system.Principles have very bad attitudes in pittsfield because theyou were never qualified to do their jobs….Rush and Curtis were very angry elementary principles .
Riots at U C Berkley can get serious. Trump enhanced Chaos continues.
Funny, The all inclusive moonbats roiting over a gay man speaking on campus.
Great read here.