MORE ON PEDA SPACE OPERA … plus … TYER PHOTO-OP A BLUNDER, SURVIVABLE BUT CAMPAIGN’S FIRST BIG STUMBLE
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEDNESDAY OCT. 2, 2019) — It didn’t have to happen, but one wondered since the day after the preliminary elections if it would.
And it has.
THE PLANET refers to the first big blunder of this year’s mayoral campaign. It wasn’t a photo-op. More like a photo-flop.
First, however, let’s share some news regarding EMA’s, a.k.a. Spacely Space Sprockets, request for $140,000.
- THE PLANET has contacted PEDA requesting an update on the GE settlement money. The fund started at $10 million in 1998. It is a fraction of that now. We asked how much money is left and on what was the missing money spent. PEDA should have no difficulty in responding. If all is above board, the authority books should handily furnish this information. If the phone doesn’t ring, we’ll know it’s PEDA not getting back to us.
- Councilor-at-large candidate Alex Blumin has filed a petition with the city council asking if any of the materials or processes EMA proposes using in its test space chamber are or will be radioactive? This vital question relates directly to public safety and, as best we can tell, has not been answered or addressed. The petition further asks if the council is aware of any EPA certificates for the company. In addition, Blumin has filed a freedom-of-information request with the city wanting all documents, records, files, and correspondence between city officials and the company. THE PLANET applauds Blumin’s actions. They show initiative and the kind of oversight missing from the council. It is the best single action taken in the campaign thus far.
- Councilor at large and mayoral candidate Melissa Mazzeo, in response to our query, sent THE PLANET an assurance that she is doing her research into EMA. “If you know me,” Mazzeo said, “you know I will be asking a lot of questions.”
- THE PLANET‘s critique of the company is part of our due diligence as the Fourth Estate. God knows the local mainstream media shies away from this essential duty. Pittsfield taxpayers are just coming off two very expensive failures involving PEDA money — The Beacon Cinema fiasco and Nuclea, costing taxpayers millions. Now comes this rush for $140,000 from the fund on a project dogged by a million unanswered questions. Our coverage and those of many commentators on this board reflect the hard questions begging to be posed. Claims that this constitutes a personal attack on anyone are far off the mark. We and others want to know what’s REALLY going on underneath the PR, propaganda, and photo-ops, if anything? If all is above board, the principals should be eager to share.
Speaking of photo ops …
———- ooo ———–
Mayor Linda Tyer’s tone deaf advisers thought it would help her to pose in front of the former St. Mary’s Church on Tyler Street with a political rogue’s gallery, not realizing that in politics, guilt comes heavily through association, just a few days later the general location of another gun victim, shot multiple times in a vehicle at Parker and Springside.
The press release from Tom Sakshaug, Tyer’s campaign manager, begins this way:
“United in their strong support for Mayor Linda Tyer, 16 notable community leaders and elected officials assembled on the front steps of the former St. Mary’s Church on Tyler Street to collectively endorse the mayor for re-election. Tyer, who is running for a second term, is the City of Pittsfield’s first four-year term mayor.”
Photo-flop roll call, please:
- Kathy Amuso, former Pittsfield City Councilor and School Committee Member — Not amused.
- Josh Cutler, Pittsfield School Committee Member — A do-nothing board member.
- Gerry Doyle, former Pittsfield Mayor — Last call at Pepe’s.
- Shirley Edgerton, Community Activist and Cultural Competency Coach, Pittsfield Public Schools — “Can’t touch this.”
- Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, 3rd Berkshire District — Country Buffet.
- Mary K. O’Brien, State Committee Woman (D) and former Middle Berkshire Register of Deeds — The Mummy’s Curse.
- Gerry Lee, former Chief of Police and former City Council President — A Legion bar stool.
- Peter Marchetti, Current President, Pittsfield City Council — Pillsbury Dough Boy.
- Louis Markham, Jr. former Ward 1 City Councilor — Gym coach. Saw a lot of young boys shower.
- Helen Moon, Pittsfield City Councilor — D.A.’s bobo.
- Earl Persip, Pittsfield City Councilor At-Large — The Dumpster Behind Paul Rich.
- James Ruberto, former Pittsfield Mayor — World Series tickets?
- Kevin Sherman, Chair of the Democratic City Committee and former City Council President — Looking for Mr. Peabody.
- Cindy Taylor, Pittsfield School Committee Member — Nuff Ced. Or is it, Nuff Cin?
- Peter White, Pittsfield City Councilor At-Large — “His master’s voice.”
- Kathy Yon, Chair, Pittsfield School Committee — “Ding dong the witch is dead. The Wicked Witch is dead.”
“In addition to the multiple endorsements,” Sakshaug’s release continues, “Mayor Tyer is also endorsed by the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus (MWPC) Political Action Committee. Tyer was selected for the highly competitive and prestigious endorsement in July.”
“Highly competitive” and “prestigious.” … A PAC formed by D.A. Andrea “Squeaky” Harrington. Yes, folks, they DO think you are THAT stupid.
Melissa Mazzeo, who is challenging Tyer for the Corner Office, told THE PLANET, “Re: the endorsements, I would say that it’s only the people of Pittsfield who matter, and they spoke on September 17th and they speak everyday when I go door-to-door. They want change. I will speak to the one endorsement the mayor received by an organization, the MA Women’s Political Caucus/Berkshire County Chapter. They also endorsed Helen Moon and Dina Guil-Lampiasi, who, as of June, co-chair the MA Women’s Political Caucus/Berkshire County. I think it’s left many of us wondering what the mayor is talking about when she describes her pride in that ‘independent, competitive endorsement’.”
Speaking of Andrea Harrington, the D.A. was conspicuously absent from the photo. Team Tyer did not want her within 10 miles of Tyler Street. We heard Squeaky was “livid” over the snub. Trouble in paradise?
———- ooo ———-
Marchetti “kicked off the event with reflections that referenced Mayor Tyer’s experience as a City Councilor and her collaborative approach.”
“Collaborative.” Is there an echo in here?
“I am pleased to join the many other distinguished guests to endorse Linda Tyer for a second term as Mayor. I do so because I believe that Linda has qualities that are important to getting the job done. She is a collaborator, team player and someone that knows when to stand her ground and when to compromise to achieve an end goal.”
“She is a collaborator.” Thank you, Pee Pee, for telling us.
The event’s biggest laughs came from Wicked Witch Yon, who said, “Serving on the school committee is not about politics; it’s about kids. That’s why I’m here today.”
No, Wicked. You showed up because you need to suck up to power to keep power.
“It is NOT time for a change,” Yon said. “It is time to see that Mayor Tyer gets another four years to continue working for the young people in Pittsfield—those kids that belong to all of us.”
Right, Yon, the same kids whose lives you destroyed, and continue to destroy, through dereliction of duty.
The campaign’s first big blunder isn’t, in itself, fatal. It does put a ton of pressure on Team Tyer, however, to get everything right from here on out.
—————————————————————————————-
“Your true self lies immeasurably above that which you usually take to be your self” — Friedrich Nietzsche.
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
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I do not blame the lovely Linda Tyer for being part of Jimmy Ruberto’s Good Old Boys club of insider political hacks. They got her to where she is today. I would like to hear Mayor Linda Tyer say that she is independent and does not answer to her corrupt political base.
I believe that the lovely Linda Tyer is a good Mayor who believes in Pittsfield. I think the community is fortunate to have her leading the municipal government. There is not one negative issue or problem that she didn’t inherit in 2016.
I believe both former Mayors Gerry Doyle and Jimmy Ruberto FAILED! The Good Old Boys needs to go away, but unfortunately, they still run the show in Pittsfield politics!
It’s certainly been quite a busy week or two…
The spaceship landed, mystery abounds…
DA Harrington’s first time appearing for the state in a criminal case (murder arrangement). Probable cause reports are impounded because they contain “witness information” – IE, names of criminal informants.
The Church of Tyer holds a seance and resurrects the dead.
First murder trial under the new DA’s watch ends as a complete failure, with the judge issuing a Not Guilty verdict without the defense even presenting a defense. Epic failure.
And then another guy gets shot in the city streets. Kind of anti-climatic at this point. People get shot all the time around here…
Yea Phil but this one got shot a t shot from The Photo Flop site and of course it wouldn’t have happened if the thriving dynamic apartments subsidized by yours truly were completed, because they are gonna transform Tyer Street just ask Linda and Jimmy Tickets.
So Alex Blumin steps up where others who should be stepping up do not. Thank you Alex, you have my vote.
It is a real gut punch to the taxpayers when mayor TYER wants to spend more GE money when she will not tell us where the rest of it went and who she is giving generous tax breaks to. I could never vote for a person who runs such a secretive operation. Why is she hiding what should be public information? And why is no other councilor, especially Marchetti, providing it?
A PAC started by Squeaky Harrington?! I wouldn’t vote for anything Squeaky supports. I don’t support progressive buffoons or anyone else mentored by the former long-term mayor of a Northern Berkshire City who has made it his life to ride the Massachusetts Gravy Train to multiple pensions.
Tyer’s photo-op is like a rogue’s gallery for a new TV show – “Can You Tax This?”
Not sure why but Tyers photo reminded me of the movie Cool Hand Luke.
I think D.A. Harrington has proven time and time again that her main skill set is that of a politician. Most of her time is focused on electing other politicians and her office is filled with those who harbored political favors. Hi Helen, Dina and Andy!
The emperor has no clothes
Yes DA Andrea Harrington help cofound the Berkshire Chspter of the Women’s Political Caucus.
Which conveniently then endorsed her for DA.
This caucus support was then the basis of the threat, then candidate, DA Andrea Harrington levied against Melissa Mazzeo.
It sort of begs the question, if Melissa Mazzeo did give into DA Andrea Harrington’s threats, who would have gotten the WPC endorsement in the current race?
Personally I think DA Andrea Harrington would have stuck with Tyer and Mazzeo knew this, hence Mazzeo calling DA Andrea Harrington out on the threat and not giving in.
https://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/berkshire-county-womens-political-caucus-hopes-to-close-political-gender-gap,511612
https://www.iberkshires.com/story/57848/Women-s-Political-Caucus-Releases-Endorsements-for-Election-2018.html
THE PLANET spent a lot of time sleuthing the now infamous phone call Harrington made to Mazzeo. We talked to several sources and communicated with both participants of that call. There was no tape made, so no DEFINITIVE record of what was said. The only indisputable fact was that AH called MM shortly after the former’s win in the D.A. race. Given Mazzeo’s well-known support of Caccaviello, Harrington’s version of the call — she wanted to solicit Melissa’s support — seems highly unlikely. Also, I’ve known Melissa for a lot of years. It would be totally out of character for her to report a threat that was not made. Finally, right after this incident, and after THE PLANET published our account (the only medium, by the way, that bothered), Andrea stopped talking to us. Adding it all up, there is no other logical conclusion other than (a) Andrea made the call (b) to threaten Melissa’s political future. If Team Andrea has other information that we don’t know that would suggest, let alone prove otherwise, we would be more than happy to receive it.
If a reporter from iBerkshires was working behind the scenes for Harrington yet writing articles slanted toward Squeaky in order to move the election her way, does that not damage the overall credibility of anything coming out of iBerkshires?
Not all Democrats or Republicans are in it for themselves, but it never ceases to amaze how many are in it for fat paychecks and pensions. Harrington’s mentor is working on his third state pension as we debate all of this.
It’s pretty obvious how “successful” our DA was in private practice, aka not at all! So, why should we expect that her ineptitude would not put the DA’s office in the dumpster as well? Or not support her own inept supporters like Tyer in their bids for reelection?
TRUTH
Yes, it does damage iBerk’s credibility.
Iberk’s may not have known. If anything it ruins the credibility of said “reporter” and the D.A.’s office.
Pittsfield taxpayers want taxes frozen for 3 years then cut 4%.They want a war on gangs and consolidatiin of our shrinking schools.I would offer incentives to students who leave our system.When you cant sweep streets before the 4th of July parade or paint lines in the road for safety ever.Turn up street lights in the neighborhoods of Tyler street.Cut the tree limbs so people wont lurk in the shadows and do this for the children who wake up at night listening to gunfire in a warzone.Mayor Tyer had 4 years. Next mayor please step up.
Mazzeo loves high taxes for everyone. Mazzeo said on her radio show interview that nobody likes high taxes, but she will increase them. Because in a Progressive city like Pittsfield with Progressive leaders, you can expect taxes to rise. I will probably vote Mazzeo because we are choosing between two high taxing people, but don’t be fooled that she will lower or even keep taxes the same.
This is an example of an uneducated, unsophisticated, and unintelligible candidate for Pittsfield mayor communicating with her body politic:
“I you know me,” Mazzeo said”!
I award you no points, Mazzeo. And may God have mercy on your soul. We’re that much dumber for having read such an unintelligible and illegible statement.
Consider this: If Mazzeo is elected in November, and takes office in January 2020, three and half years from now y’all will return crying and whining about how high your taxes are, crime is up, school department is wasting precious resources, no new startups or business relocations to brag about – to only again renew your outrage for a new mayor to replace the enchanted Kingdom of Queen B’ Mazzeo – with someone else.
You really can’t make this stupid stuff up!!
……but you just did.
It’s a typo, just like Dan calling EMA EMI
Correct. The typo has been corrected.
Lanesbourgh Loser!!! Mind your own house. Pittsfield doesn’t want or need your politically bribed slanted opinion or even your patronage gained job.
And that’s the bottom line !
With voters like you, Sojourner Truth, supporting Mazzeo, she’ll probably prevail in November.
When only ignorance and stupidity matter, VOTE MAZZEO.
FYI: I DO NOT WORK FOR THE CITY OF PITTSFIELD (I did back two years ago, but not now).
A few of your mothers must be proud of how you conduct yourselves behind such cowardly pseudonyms. What an embarrassment. Take it off – let’s see what lurks behind those ridiculous masks.
All things are subject to interpretation whichever interpretation prevails at a given time is a function of power and not truth – Friedrich Nietzsche.
Thus spake Marquisarathustra.
That likely went way over his head. He’s tuned into his inner auto-correct.
Mazzeo will never ever let Highway overspend by 3 million more than they budgeted…never.They did that at highway because they knew that Linda was not overseeing any departments.We have 100 firemen and 100 police.We need 30 new police not 35 new school employees.I would cut the schools by the amount of money we need to hire Police.The Pittsfield schools lost.The school department head with Yon are always saying they are 30 people short of success.We are hsving gun battles in our streets and that is Linda Tyers fault.If we have gun battles in our streets in 4 years that will be Mazzeos fault They are adults.The CC is made up of children who do nothing to stop the gunfire. Shot spotter was 800k and a fee forever.I guarantee business comes when the city become serious about removing gangsters to another city that does not care.We need to be famous for not fn around.with gangs.We have a group of very competitive pilice that would welcome that challenge
Gunshots can be muffled or suppressed.
Reply to Brian C. Marquis, who no longer works for city of Pittsfield.
Dear Mr. Marquis! We will elect whoever We–The People of Pittsfield–want, regardless of your opinion and opinion of all endorsement made officials, corrupted politicians, Dem/Liberal Progressive activists, regardless of Andrea Harrington, Tricia Farley Shmarley cries. Regardless of all hysteria you and Linda Tyer’s Old Boys Club pushes. We-The People- elect here!
Alexander, Spending time on the blog is taking away time from parading your Mazzeo sign up and down First Street. You have a job to do, hop to it.
Very well said Sir Knight!
“Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
…
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free
…
Fly…
Into the light of the dark black night
Into the light of the dark black night”
The new shot spotter is the Tyer campaign every photo op leads to a crime.
Regurgitating the 15 people that have lead us to where we are seems very risky. At least Mazzeo is smart enough to be parading the likes of Bianchi and Bowler around for an endorsement. Marchetti ? He couldn’t lead a hungry rat to a block of cheese – he is in politics for his ego – oh Peter your so good for the community…ever see him at a fundraiser for the community ? I haven’t…ever
Good response, Sojourner Truth. Well thought out. Kudos, bubby!
Your mother must be proud of your scholarly intellect. It certainly boggles mine!
Those who cannot understand how to put their thoughts on ice should not enter into the heat of debate – Friedrick Nietzsche.
My favorite:
If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow ignorant – Sun Tzu, The Art of War.
Marquis,
Quoting syphillitic nihilists and ancient Chinese generals is all too easy, but not much use for political philosophy. Think Socrates, The Republic is a good place to start.
Yes. Socrates. Sophocles. Pericles. Aristotle. Plato. Arlos. Garivaltis. Go Greek.
Greeks own antiquity and philosophy, but no, just Socrates (Plato) from the above will serve here. To settle difficult questions, one must mercilessly question, question, question. Where there are no answers, you at least know what not to do.
You graduate from school when you reach 50. – Socrates
“I am the creator of base hits” — Garivaltis.
A typo like Blumin suggesting that the EPA has anything to do with nuclear material licenses? What an idiot that cannot even google information or compose a cogent thought. Anybody votes for that quack deserves what they get.
SHAKES
THE EPA does indeed monitor radiation. Its regs can be found at: Radiation Protection | US EPA
https://www.epa.gov/radiation
“[The] EPA sets limits on environmental radiation from use of radioactive elements. The Radiation Protection website describes EPA’s radiation protection activities, regulations and supporting information.”
Thus it would appear Mr. Blumin’s petition is spot on. I would further suggest that your personal dislike for Alex got in the way of the facts. That’s not like the lad I know and have lunched with.
Where does it say they are using radioactive materials, though? I was looking through the documentation and from what I could find online, etc. “space radiation” and “radioactive materials” are extremely different. I don’t think (or, well hope) that EMA isn’t bringing a plutonium or Uranium repository out here.
Also, Alex sounds like a serious tinfoil hat guy in his petition, holy cow. “War and Defense”… this is me shaking my head and laughing!
Clean rooms are often used to contain radiation – they are used at nuclear power plants and sometimes in micro chip fabrication for different reasons as minute dust can effect the chips.
It sounded like what they are building could be a clean room. Not sure if it’s to keep the radiation from Silver Lake and the radiation from the ground there out of the rest of the BIC.
Clean rooms also… keep particulates out. It would seem contaminates would be bad for materials testing?
Dan. Alex “accuses” EMA of using radioactive materials like there’s some super secret behind the scenes thing going on. Awfully quick to jump there, no? Not poking fun at his language, but rather, the conspiracy theorist tone of his messages is odd. It’s wildly illegal to not have permits for that stuff.
JOE
As I read Alex’s petition, he wasn’t accusing EMA of anything. He merely asks if their operations will be using in any way radioactive materials. I would consider this a key question. If the answer is yes, the next question is what are the companies plans for safeguards? If the answer is no, that’s the end of it.
JOE
That’s just the point. Mr. Blumin is asking a question that needs to be asked. Is there any radioactive materials or processes associated with EMA’s proposed activities. Alex is not a “tin foil” guy. He’s a local businessman. We had him as a student at BCC. He has worked hard, especially on his language skills. Or do you think it’s easy to go from Russia to the States and be able to converse fluently? Moreover, his experience to the Soviet system has given him a precious respect for republican government and a democratic process. He takes his rights and obligations as a citizen seriously. It’s for too long been one of the sad hallmarks of Pittsfield to disparage anyone who tries to get involved in THEIR government. The Suits don’t like that. They consider it meddling. Well, THE PLANET considers it exemplary. That’s why we strongly recommend Blumin for an at-large seat.
He’s got my vote. He shows up at city council meetings and asks the questions that need to be asked.
Alex Blumin for at-large councilor!
It’s not Silkwood scary to have a clean room. All our phone manufacturers have to have clean rooms.
What is strange is why anyone ’innovating’ would want to take money from the Pittsfield government. Surely if their idea was good or patentable they would want/need NDA levels they couldn’t have when taking public money.
KERMIT
Good point. This is a venture business. Where is Bain? Where are any of the venture capitalists looking for the next opportunity? Could it be that they don’t think EMA is a wise investment?
I work in this industry and have worked directly for NASA and now work for a defense contractor in Sedro-Woolley, Washington. I don’t have a dog in this fight but I’d like to clear up some misconceptions.
There are a number of agencies that have oversight on test chambers. The type of testing really depends on the types of materials being tested, the testing protocols, and the outcomes.
We have built a plethora of products for NASA and space contracting companies, most recently capsule components for the Dragon spacecraft and Starliner capsule (CST)-100.
We routinely have compliance inspections and are subject to oversight by DoD, DOE, NRC, FBI, DARPA, DIA, BATFE and many more.
I do not know what EMA plans to test in their test chamber, they are noted experts in computer simulation and ESD testing and simulation so if it’s that, many of the agencies listed above could have oversight.
When we tested ESD and explosive door bolts, we were required to obtain a special license to receive the explosive bolts and were subject to audits by the BATFE. When we tested vibration and frequency harmonics, we did most of testing at a NASA facility because they have the facilities to test RATF and MVF. We were the test protocol and monitor contractor of record.
If you have any questions I can attempt to answer them.
MHD
Many thanks for this comment. It’s precisely the kind of information most needed.
EMA Proposal Information Request
David Sun, Sep 29, 11:34 AM
To: , mcoakley@cityofpittsfield.org
I would like a digital copy of all emails and documents pertaining to EMA, EMA3D, and it’s interest in the BIC as well as material provided to the city as an application for economic development money and TIF consideration.
I also request a digital copy of all press material and information created and provided by the City of Pittsfield in regards to this project.
Included should be the names of all staff, contractors, and printers for these documents along with an itemized cost for the materials and work done.
No response for two days, most will confirm receipt the next business day
On Tue, Oct 1, 2019 at 10:12 PM -0400, “David” wrote:
Second request
On Wed, Oct 2, 2019 at 8:20 AM Ruffer, Deanna wrote:
Your request has been received and is currently under review in compliance with the MA Public Records Law.
Get Outlook for iOS
This should be interesting. Please keep us updated. I doubt they are used to having people ask questions and so I imagine there is deep concern at headquarters and the corner office.
Mr. and Mrs. Kapanski,
I present to you, the greatest case that can be made for not voting for Tyer. Forget the article about the Tyler Street Renaissance, and just look at the picture. Loaded with has beens and failed leaders that led this city into the gutter, and GOBSIG types. Photo is taken on private property owned by a connected businessman who is sucking on taxpayers’ nipple, thanks to Taxes Tyer. A picture is worth a thousand words and if I was Mazzeo I’d buy this photo from the boaring broadsheet and put it on a huge campaign cardboard and send it to every taxpayer. It shows Tyer is a bought and sold GOBSIG. Mazzeo needn’t say a word, cuz the pic is doin the talkin for her.
https://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/pittsfield-leaders-past-and-present-endorse-mayor-tyers-reelection-bid,585847
Tyer sunk her own ship with that stupid stunt and gave Mazzeo campaign gold. The only question is did Tyer dummy up and keep Harrington away by design, or was Harrington away on another taxpayer funded junket???? This will only hurt Tyer, and actually shows how desperate she has become. Jimmy “Tickets” Ruberto campaigned on tax relief and jobs and failed to deliver, and knew he was beat so he didn’t run again just like Doyle, who looks like he’s filled with embalming fluid. Roberto is Tyer’s puppet master.
So what is Mazzeo going to do differently other than “ask a lot of questions” or think about things?
I don’t really know Shakes, but at least she will ask the hard questions and as I have posted before, they are both tax and spender, feminist progressive Whenners, and it could be just like swapping the Tax and Spend lions, that Dan named, that once graced city hall’s entrance.
But here’s the thing – Tyer campaigned on change and crime, and the only thing that changed is crime is worse than before so she had her chance and failed. So let’s give someone else a try. Maybe the solution isn’t millions more for the police and schools, and a crime analyst and a shot spotter and a popsicle wagon. Maybe money’s not the answer. And the icing on the cake is Tyer endorsed Harrington, who campaigned on not jailing people, after Tyer herself campaigned on cracking down on crime. Nuff Said.
Had a talk with Wa d Six Pat Kavey,what a nice man. He is very proud of his accomplishments in the private sector and comes off as being very smart. I know one thing he loves the City. Why would he come back here? The other candidates best idea was to raise City Councilors pay?
@99 – great comment and analysis – that pic shows 25 years of failure and sell outs- Doyle and Hickey sold Pittsfield down the proverbial river for their own personal gain. Parading Lee and Doyle (2 pathetic alcoholics) takes some nerve…
WARD 5, Kavey is running in WARD 5.
WARD FIVE
Another great column DV. I love how you let both sides,all sides really, have their say. As for photo-op I agree. Big mistake by mayor. I’m more concerned with the shooting on Parker Street. My neighborhood and where the photo flop w=picture was taken.
Thanks, BAR. I’ve heard from Parker Street residents. The shooting has rattled them, and rightfully so.
Tyer was using school property with license (Stooge Show) to do a campaign advertising for her re-election,not one peep about the shooting-you can’t make it up. Unless she hadn’t heard about it,and you can’t make that up. Isn’t Tyer on the bod of pct and also on the School Committee…no conflict of interest? Where’s the f c c on this one?
How is that school property?
I think, by extension of a school contract with PCTV and PPS, WTBR is a school/government (non-commercial) radio station
I think it would more fall under equal time. Mayor Linda Tyer gets around this, on both WTBR, Live 95.9 and WUPE Radio by scheduling ongoing “city updates”.
It would be interesting to see the FCC ban scheduled radio program two months prior to primaries and actual elections.
I don’t know about WTBR but I’m told the mayor wasn’t allowed on WUPE or Live 95.9 once she announced, except for a campaign interview and the other candidates were given equal time.
Once a person announces their candidacy there’s normally a quiet period for candidates unless provided equal opportunity and time.
It’s made more complicated by the fact that WTBR and PCTV are funded by taxpayers. I’m sure there’s going to be problems especially with Mayor Linda Tyer’s appearance on Sturgeon’s show. It’s not only a violation of FCC rules to promote a campaign using city funds, it’s and ethics violation and a campaign finance violation.
Nobody been rougher on Putin than Donald Trump. And no one was tougher on Ruberto than the Stooge. See a smilarity there? Maybe it’s time for the insignificant Stooge should ride his Prius off into the sunset.
Trump doesn’t like fabrications.
Schiff invented shot sputter.
They can’t beat Trump. For three years day and night year after year, they’ve tried to impeach Our President. Give it a rest. Wait until November next year and deal with it then.
That Tyer campaign support photo just killed her last chance to win.If Im Mazzeo I get 50 poor hardworking people to stand with her in the hood for safety and crime.Please Melisa represent the poor who cant pay higher taxes but need safe streets for kids….Linda what were you thinking?
Jamie Raskin and Adam Shiff are inherently trying to get Our President impeached? And for What?
Abuse of Power
Tyer campaign according to her photo is that she’s an elitist .Bouvier ?
Look. Ask yourself? Is the current Mayor doing the job? Then in a couple months before you vote,ask yourself the same question then-go vote.
What was Sturgeon thinking when he displayed the Mayors campaign postcard? Was he told by Tickets to do that? Where were the P C T fathers concerning this stunt. It’s illegal. Word has it the F C C will or have been contacted concerning the goings on over there. Why do you think licenses are issued? You have to follow by laws and rules,knucklehead.
Stooge’s son and wife were donors to MelMaz’z campaign so he can’t be all Tyre.
Zelensky: “…specifically we are almost ready to buy more Javelins from the United States for defense purposes.”
Trump: “I would like you to do us a favor though…”
This shows how much Trump has to go though to get forein country’s to do political work for us. They owe us. We shoudnt have to jump though such hoops to get them to help us bring down Biden.
Warren Dews’ Facebook page has a link to a FB LIVE recording by Don Harris of last night’s “community conversation” with the mayor, D.A., police chief, Adam Hines and the Director of the Boys Club.
Dews did a good job moderating.
The chief had very little to say. He seemed completely uninterested.
I thought Linda Tyer was well spoken. She used her indoor voice too.
Some interesting moments:
AH – Juvenile justice reform is needed because a kid’s juvenile record follows them forever (17:30). Huh? I thought juvie records were sealed.
AH – The sad situation for poor people in the justice system
Is why she got into politics. (28:00) Yes, she said politics, not criminal justice.
Oh, and she also pitched her DV book club…
And yet not one question about crime. The topic of the crime in the city was not even mentioned in the entire hour and a half.
Chief Wynn was (choose one)
1.Thinking About Vacation
2.Thinking About Jujitsu
3.Thinking About Graduate Classes
4.All Of The Above
DA Squeaky Was
1. Confused As To Where She Was And Thought It Was Yoga Class
2. Tired From the 6 hours of coaching so she could say 30 words in court.
3. Thinks juveniles are anyone under 25.
4. All Of The Above
Mayor Tyer was
1. There for the free lunch
2. Looking for a photo-op
3. Was told by her husband to stop yelling
4 All of the above
At this event Tyer bragged about how under her Pittsfield hires according to race and sexual orientation.
Trauma crom gunfire in the hood affects adults and children.How long would Mayor Tyer allow gangs and gunfire on Anne Drive.
Mayor Tyer has completely ignored the neighborhoods where the war has been ongoing.To think what Highways 3 million extra dollars for sand ,salt and overtime could do for policing in the War zone.Turn up street lights on the crime streets. Please the children are begging the Mayor to light up the hood.
Parks department needs to paint and clean the Belanger Track and field bathrooms.The Mayor must tell parks that you are not doing your job.You just cant install toilets and not clean them every day.This is heavily used by senior citizen taxpayers that are exercising. Clean it or knock it down mayor Tyer. Mazzeo as mayor will get these toilets clean at Belanger field.Who is in charge of that department.Mayor Mazzeo will not allow City Departments to take advantage of her.
This mayor likes to build things and then forget about them. Look at all the money going into new parks with salivating friendly contractors panting and heaving. Look at Silver Lake which was nicely done over and now slowly being surrounded by jungle growth.
Lots of money and glad handing with new construction but not so much with up keep. This is the floor plan with puppet mayors. Will Mazzeo be any different? We have to take that chance cuz the road we are on leads over the cliff.
Upkeep of city property has been an issue for the 30+ years I’ve lived in this town. It’s easier to build things, take the credit, move on & forget about the property at budget time. I’m sure the new Taconic will suffer the same fate.
There are probably no back room deals or kickbacks when it comes to children’s projects like schools or parks. At least that is what a forensic audit would show. Thank god for that huh?
The current auditing process in the city, with Scanlon every year, is not to be taken seriously.
True ,they never budget the maintenance
DA Harrington does not care about juveniles. She fired the entire Community Outreach team in order to pay for the high salaries for Helen Moon and Dina Gueil.
https://www.nepr.net/post/berkshire-das-office-no-longer-teaches-curriculum-regularly-schools#stream/0
Can you imagine how the assistant DA’s must feel to see Moon, who has no criminal justice experience, brought in at a higher salary than a prosecutor? No wonder the office is losing one trial after another.
We have a very immature CC and they believe like moon that everyone makes 60k…Cant believe Pittsfield Co Op lets him doing budgets in public
Did shot spotter fail the other night? Maybe we should ask for our money back.
THE PLANET’s sources say shot-spotter failed in the shooting at Springside and Parker. Don’t know why, if indeed that was the case. I haven’t seen any official word on this from the city. Again, another important piece of information not being addressed.
and who the hell named it the “shot spotter” when it actually operates by sound recognition? Better to call it the “shot sounder outer”, or “ballistic projectile recognizer thingy”.
its stupit if ya asks me
THE PLANET’s sources say shot-spotter failed in the shooting at Springside and Parker. Don’t know why, if indeed that was the case. I haven’t seen any official word on this from the city. Again, another important piece of information not being addressed.
ShotSpotter fails all the time, it’s got about a 70% failure rate and that’s after human intervention. Every ShotSpotter alert is examined first by a human before the text notifications go out.
If the human interpreters weren’t in the chain, it’s have over a 90% failure rate.
The two most common ShotSpotter failures are misdirection/location and false positives.
Unfortunately Chief Wynn and Mayor Linda Tyer are so incompetent that they continually extoll the virtues of shot spotter, when other towns have learned their lesson and moved to adding more video cameras.
https://www.heraldnews.com/news/20170727/false-alarms-lead-fall-river-to-ditch-shotspotter-system
As we know, the DA abruptly shutdown the county’s prevention and education programs to the public schools and has not replaced them. Now we learn her answer is to rely instead on diversion program once these youngsters get arrested. She seems intent on creating recidivism. Instead of teaching our young people about self reliance and good choices she’s sending a clear message: “You can get away with crime if you are young enough.” So by the time they are 20 somethings they’ll be serial criminals. Yet the court system will treat them as first time offenders and they will be given the typical 2-4 passes before any serious consequences. Harrington is damaging our community. This is the worst example. https://www.nepr.net/post/berkshire-das-office-no-longer-teaches-curriculum-regularly-schools#stream/0
The shutdown of these programs was, as her first year is proving, a mistake.
DA Andrea Harrington has never had an original idea or an idea that wasn’t founded in self-interest or political motivation.
In all her years of experience and her 8 court cases, were any of them pro-bono for children or women?
Was she ever a victims advocate? Did she spend any time as a victims advocate in juvenile court? Did she spend any time fighting for the rights of victims? In her years of “innocence project work” was she ever first, second, or third chair on any cases?
We all know the answer, and we all know why she is doing this and every other initiative she copies from other DAs, DAs that are actually committed to a cause with a long history of fighting for the “oppressed”. For them at least it’s a real commitment versus a political ploy du jour.
Any chance of an in depth article about the rampant bullying at Herberg and the do nothing administration? Marty was useless at Lanesborough, why wouldn’t he be at Herberg. Jive is picking up the leftovers from all over the county.
Not sure about Mr. Tabor, haven’t heard much positivity. I’m sure there is some.
When I was in high school it was the teachers who were the bullies. Now the tables have been turned and the teachers cower behind their desks. In Pittsfield the teachers are well paid for the abuse they take but if you are a bullied student you need to opt out to another district like the Pittsfield teachers kids do. And parents need to be proactive and opt out all their kids before the semester even starts because as the superintendent knows well, things are not going to get better but rather more likely, much worse. And they need to stop lying about it.
You guys do know Niraj is a multi billionaire. I worked with his father at G E,quite a guy.
He and the G man spent many a summer on the French Riviera
The photo-op of Tyer with her supporters on the steps of St .Mary’s was a big mistake on her part.
Because they are in public life, every one of them has some negativity to all who see that picture. In other words, they are not all winners and will not gain her any votes.
Interesting and well written story in yesterdays Eagle about Tony Gibson, an almost forgotten former Pittsfield High football player. The story captured how Tony did all the right things but during his freshman year got caught up in the turmoil of the 60’s where his gutless coach at the nationally ranked University of Wyoming ended his football career.
I don’t know Tony. We never met. But numerous times I watched him play for PHS and I can understand why a nationally ranked team was interested in him. This kid was fast, shifty, tough as nails. He was good enough to play for a top rated college football team. At PHS he certainly ranks with all time greats Donnie Troy, John Perrone, and Ray Woitkowski. Sad he could not show his football skills at a high national level. He would have been a good one.
CHUCK
I agree with your assessment of Tony. Great RB. Had that quick burst, hit the gap decisively, could bull ahead or shift on a dime, with great speed, hard worker. On D, I believe he played DB, as you did. He was a smart player who made everyone on the field better. I didn’t see the story in the Eagle and didn’t know what happened to him at Wyoming. Tony was the best high school running back on that era.
Would you care to ellobrate, Dan?:
=====
Louis Markham, Jr. former Ward 1 City Councilor — Gym coach. Saw a lot of young boys shower.
=====
Are you implying Mr. Markham “Saw a lot of young boys shower[ing]” with dishonorable intentions?
Are you implying he was a high school pervert?
Do you have first-hand knowledge of Mr. Markham walking in or gawking at “young boys shower[ing]”?
Again, what exactly are you implying?
Help us understand because I for one am baffled at what you’re implying!
Remember, I’m only at a third-grade level, so share your thoughts with me as you would to a third grader!
Lew has no clue.
BRIAN
Not one drop. Not implying anything or saying Lew had any intentions. I would not know “intentions” since I do not have the gift of peeking into someone’s soul, unlike Woody Allen. I’m just going on facts. Lew was a long-time phys. ed. teacher at PHS and later BCC. He took with him to office the mentality of a phys. ed. teacher. If you’ve ever taken phys. ed. back in the day, the statement says it all. The mentality was one of Discipline of Superior Force. (See educator John Holt’s essay, “Three Kinds of Discipline”). Hope this helps.
“Not one drop” to support your implication, Dan? Then why put it out there? It’s a dangerous statement to publicize without taking it a step further; especially in to-day’s heighten climate of pedophilia. Some are sensitive to your kinda humour! Sometimes it’s easily misconstrued!!
And why areTyer’s supporters the brunt of all evil on this site? Mazzeo has a few undesirables scattered around her closet. I’d like to see equal exposure time given to a few of her un-brainiac types!
Equal time, Dan!!
BRIAN
I answered your question. As for the “sensitivities” of others, that’s on them. interpreting our lines in whatever manner to do. We just write. We leave the interpretation to readers. They, the necessary final act of the writing process, complete the job, so to speak. Thanks for sharing your views.
Dan . . . I always appreciate your slanted points of view, on issues facing our nation.
Especially how you and your masked marauders managed to mangle a perfectly innocent business relocator into a Jetsons sequel, George and Astro would be very proud of you, my friend!!
“Ompa-Doompa!”
What about Rosie? And Jane. His boy Elroy? Daughter Judy? Appreciation in any form indicates comprehension, of a sort, and esteem.
I’m pretty sure BM played Dr. Smith on Lost In Space.
Maybe he got a door slammed on his beak for looking in the wrong places?
There seems to be a lot of controversy about the alleged attack at Bard, the alleged racial bias of the crime, the alleged use of the word alleged.
At first it seemed the students were upset by a lack of information, then they were upset about the initial reporting of the alleged attack. Then it became pushback against the police saying that there was nothing to indicate it was a racially motivated attack.
The issue at hand is that the “woman of color” was allegedly attacked because she’s been an “outspoken advocate” against the racially charged environment at Simons Rock. There have been racial slurs and anti-Semitic carvings (the pictures show a rudimentary Swastika.
I’m going to go out on a limb here and say the police don’t like to ascribe motive to an attack without evidence.
I wish the students would be more interested in pushing the police for more evidence, how about a description of the attacker -I’m going to assume it was a white guy just to keep my mind at ease. Kids focus on the attacker, he’s still out there, instead of complaining about the accuracy of a statement that is legally founded.
It’s alleged until there is proof, even if they arrest someone, that person would be an alleged attacker, until found guilty.
It’s the way the legal system is supposed to work, innocent until proven guilty.
For as shoddy as the Berkshire Eagle is with its reporting, they too have to say alleged, as that’s a legal term required to protect them from lawsuits.
What the students are trying to do is further racially charged an issue, and to what end I’m not sure.
For example:
One insisted the article “by a white reporter” about an incident investigated by “white police officers” did not adequately present what has been an ongoing, historical problem with racism at the school, as well as that in the larger community.
Another, by an alumna of the school, said that the press should dig deeper into racial and other inequality at the school and in the county, and be cautious of supporting “systems of oppression that allow continued violence against the most vulnerable members of our communities,” wrote Zoe Nadig. “Pretending these issues do not exist in the bubble of Berkshire county is not only ignorant but dangerous.”
I would say it’s equally dangerous to try and prove that something is racially motivated prior to getting any evidence. It taints any future prosecution, it hinders evidence collection, and just confounds the process.
I’m not exactly sure who the “most vulnerable” people are at a $70k a year liberal arts college in MA but they are probably much better off than people who can’t afford college.
Without any evidence I’m guessing the attacker was white? Because the victim was a woman of color? Can we get a description, an artists rendering? Something?
It was a hate crime because of? Swastikas carved into a bench? The “N-word” and anti-Semitic words in chalk on a erasable board?
One of the reports said she was dragged into the woods and stabbed, another says minor and superficial wounds. That she was treated and released within a couple of hours and back at school.
I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest the reporting is extremely shoddy because none of this makes any sense.
If she was attacked for being outspoken against racism, dragged into the woods and stabbed she’s either the luckiest person alive to escape with such minor injuries or she must have fought her attacker off and hopefully there’s some DNA evidence.
She’s also extremely brave or crazy to go back to get college dorm only a couple hours after being attacked and with the attacker on the loose.
I hope they catch whoever did this and punish them to the full extent of the law. If they are a student, they should be expelled. If over 18, they should be prosecuted as an adult, don’t go soft on him or her, DA Andrea Harrington, week the highest sentence you can, make them reimburse the school and GB for the cost of the disruption.
https://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/reeling-simons-rock-students-take-issue-with-police-statement-article,586272
GREAT BARRINGTON — As police continue to probe a reported attack at Bard College at Simon’s Rock, students are raising their voices about what they say is a racially charged atmosphere that preceded Friday’s incident.
A day after the town’s police chief said there was no evidence to suggest a racial motive to the alleged attack, students and others in the community on Tuesday took to email and social media to criticize the chief, the school and The Eagle.
“I want to report that the student body is not in agreement with the police,” wrote Anna Loretan, a junior, in an email to The Eagle.
“The victim in question was a black student who had been very outspoken about the recent hate speech on campus,” she wrote. “As we understand it, there is no conclusive evidence in either way, and the police claiming for certain that this was not a racially motivated attack feels very questionable.”
Just after 2 p.m. Friday, police received a report that a woman had been attacked on a wooded trail on the grounds of the sprawling campus off Alford Road.
The victim was transported to Berkshire Medical Center with minor injuries and released, according to police.
Town police and state police detectives attached to the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office are conducting what Police Chief William Walsh called a “full-blown” investigation.
On Monday, Walsh told The Eagle that police “have not discovered anything that would lead them to conclude that this was a racially motivated incident.”
No new information had been released as of Tuesday afternoon, and police continue to urge anyone with information to contact them.
But students are pushing back, saying that the attack was preceded by instances of racial slurs and anti-Semitic graffiti carved on school property.
And in a statement issued late Tuesday, the college’s Affinity groups of color demanded a full retraction of the Eagle’s story because, it says, the headline — Police: Alleged attack not racially motivated — “indicates the incident definitely is not a hate crime” and “perpetuates narratives that survivors of incidents should not be believed.”
The statement goes on to say the headline “willfully misinforms and is a gross malpractice of journalism.”
Early in the day, in a handful of emails, students took aim at the chief’s statement — and The Eagle’s coverage of it.
https://theberkshireedge.com/simons-rock-classes-canceled-after-student-assaulted-on-campus/
Sounds like a fake hate crime.
A really fat guy that drives a Black Mustang
Dans still trying to process ellobtate,he’ll get back later on that Bri.
Trump wants China to investigate my candidate for president…he nuts and needs to be fired.
Trump is asking foriegn powers to influence my right to vote
You democrats can vote even if you’re dead.
Let me double-down on my earlier statements that
1. this Ukraine thing is a nothing-burger for Trump, but a Big, Big Mac for Biden;
2. Biden is done.
The further the Dems push this, the more likely they are to lose the House in 2020.
And as I’ve said repeatedly, the only way to remove a president is death, resignation, or impeachment AND conviction (25th Amendment nuttiness, on both parts, not withstanding).
Bitch, bitch, bitch, but you have to have an actual CHARGE and an actual high crime and misdemeanor to bring a credible article of impeachment to a vote.
Bitching and whining, whining and bitching isn’t going to remove this or any other president.
Now, if you could somehow drive his approval ratings into the 20s/30s, you MIGHT get him not to run in 2020, as with Truman in 1952 or Johnson in 1968.
But the more you bitch and whine, the less effective you’ll be in the end.
Seriously?? All Trump does is bitch and whine all day long, every day of the week and every week of the month. And he seems to think it is working for him so why can’t others try it?
Trump asking for a little favor is no different than asking the car dealer to throw in a free oil change. Ukraine got help and anything on the side is gravy for…. our President.
Snowflake Trump is easily the worst President in U S history.He is the most dangerous person in America and is breaking the law in plain site and Republic as ns are the biggest Mickey mouse party in the democratic world.Right now the people have no appreciation foe America.Discusting.
Your English and spelling are disgusting.
We ask the hard questions
Which do you celebrate: Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day?
No
Yes
Watching a townhall tonight with AOC on C-span and at first I thought someone was playing a joke, but a lady is seriously telling AOC we must start eating babies to stop climate change. Very disturbing.
https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4820884/eat-babies
Hi Dan,
It was an exciting Economic Development Meeting tonight. In the packet EMA and the city confirmed they will be procuring Strontium 90. I missed it, but not a few people in the audience. They explained that radioactive materials need special precautions and nothing was addressed in the Mayor’s proposal about how to deal with it. The result was that Moon Persip Caccamo and Krol who were so concerned abouxt the health hazards of mosquito spraying to ban it, decided to approve $140k for a company without any plan to handle radioactive material.
MARK
Thanks for the report. STRONTIUM 90??? So Alex Blumin, at-large candidate, was spot-on with his concerns. Love the irony here, as you point out. Persip. Moon, et. al. go bat-spit crazy about a mosquito, but have no problem with S-90. As you point out, neither EMA nor the city has produced any plan to deal with this stuff.
Tonight, councilors Moon, Persip, Caccamo and Krol ignored the dangers of using Strotium 90 in the BIC and voted to give the firm $140K of our GE funds. These councilors voted against mosquito spraying, but radioactive material is ok.
Strontium 90 reacts with PCB to yield unicorn farts.