BARBALUNGA SLAMS TWO-TIME INCUMBENT STAR-BEARER “PUDGE” BOWLER ; ALF DECLARES FOR COUNTY SHERIFF, SHOOTOUT AT OK CORRAL LOOMS
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEDNESDAY JUNE 15, 2020) — Yesterday was Flag Day, and you know what? THE PLANET finds itself satisfied that no one remembers.
One of our earliest memories is standing in front of our old, one-channel, B&W, General Electric TV, hand-over-heart, standing at attention while they played the National Anthem before a ballgame, probably Game 1 of the 1957 World Series. I performed this action before any televised baseball game in imitation of baseball players, not for any awareness of the coward’s refuge called “patriotism.”
That little boy also found rousing and stirring the Anthem, as much as we loved the design and colors of the American Flag — the same colors in the uniform of the Boston Red Sox and the Milwaukee Braves, our two favorite teams.
Today, we find ourselves beyond nationalism, a prehistoric, territorial concept humanity still clings to and worse than ever. What makes that even more ironic is that from 2001 to 2004 inclusive, we gave the annual Flag Day speech at the National Archives on Dan Fox Drive. In different ways, we spoke not of patriotism but of honor, courage, and sacrifice
A lot has happened ‘twixt then and today.
Monday night, THE PLANET ran into a bunch of familiar folks at the Alf Barbalunga event, when Alf formally announced his intention to wrest the job of county sheriff away from Tom “Pudge” Bowler, who recently announced his desire to seek a third, six-year term. One of the Barbalunga supporters was Ward 3 city councilor Kevin Sherman, who was standing with Vinnie Barbarotta sucking down suds.
We told Kev: “Of course, you’re going to vote down the mayor’s larded budget proposal tomorrow night, right?”
Nix, Sherman replied. Our Right Honorable Good Friend seemed as happy to see us and discuss the budget as a man stretched on and strapped to an execution gurney as the potassium chloride flushes into his bloodstream. Kev wore shades and hid behind a shoveled goatee. Nonetheless, we still recognized him.
Can’t blame Kev for being ashamed to defend the indefensible, though. Poor lad. He knows he’s been reduced to a water boy who’s been ask to fetch arsenic, but he wants so badly to “play ball” he won’t do the right thing. We could be wrong, but after the event, we thought we saw him and Mr. Peabody dialing up the Way-Back Machine. He wanted to go anywhere back in time, anywhere where he wouldn’t have to listen to THE PLANET. Rumor had it Peabody dialed up The Spanish Inquisition.
As an aside, it was also a delight to see Josh Cutler with his cute, Celtics-shirted baby. PLANET veterans may recall that in 2011, Josh worked for THE PLANET as a baseball scribe covering the Pittsfield Colonials.
———- ooo ———-
As for Barbalunga, his announcement was as good in form as any we’ve seen in a while. Billed for 5:30 p.m., it began 15 minutes later, allowing for arrivals and small chat. He then spoke for 14 minutes and 13 seconds, after which THE PLANET buttonholed him for a quick chat, including the story behind his logo, which features a rendition of a mastiff’s face.
Alf said it’s the face of “Kahn, our beloved family pet. He’s the protector of our family.”
It’s one of the best logos we’ve seen in what is otherwise the brain-dead circuit of B-O-R-I-N-G campaign signs, lit, and logos. We find the use of Man’s Best Friend apt, since mastiffs are known for their loyalty, friendliness, and bulldog-toughness when it comes to protecting loved ones — you know, sort of what you see when you construct The Perfect Sheriff, Andy Taylor-ish by the numbers.
The event offered no food, no snacks, and just a cash bar nowhere to be seen on the veranda behind Zucchini’s Restaurant, which was closed for the day. In other words, the gig set a strident, we’re-not-here-to-screw-around tone. The format meant that the people who showed up were genuine supporters, with the usual number suck-ups who always show up at these things, straight from Central Casting to hedge their political bets. You can bet there were one or two Bowler spies on hand as well, double agents, so to speak. We name no manes … or names, for that matter.
By Alf’s side stood Brandon Michael Maurer, a retired state trooper detective who cuts a runway-model figure, well-suited, tall, dark, and handsome. Based on our first meeting with Mauer, Alf appears to have himself one solid campaign manager.
Much more will come out in the actual campaign itself, but after saying he intended to keep the campaign clean and above board, Barbalunga lit into Bowler in a couched but unmistakable manner — damning with no praise. THE PLANET‘s favorite part of this is Alf saying he will debate Bowler anytime, anywhere, and go man-to-man.
Question: Will Bowler man up and accept the challenge, or will he play the Run & Hide game so many arrogant politicians play. Answer: We think not. We think Bowler’s made of much sterner stuff than that. Are we wrong? Hope not.
Barbalunga brought up several specific area’s where he sees Bowler’s failure:
- Fiscal Transparency: Barbalunga referred to Bowler’s $21 million budget and the same amount worth of secrecy shrouding it. Implication: Some funny stuff is going on with the funny money at the Tom Bowler’s Holiday Ranch on the Pittsfield-Lanesborough line. Alf promised complete fiscal transparency. Of course, they all do that. See: “Tyer, Linda; broken stump promises.”
- Race & Gender: Alf lashed Bowler for the hardships imposed on women prisoners by jailing them at the facility in Chicopee. He said he’d bring the women “home.” He also blasted Bowler on his record with respect to blacks on staff.
- Leadership: Barbalunga vowed to fill what he said was a gaping hole in the county jail’s leadership team, beginning with Bowler. Implication: The fish rots from the head down. Paraphrase: Tom Bowler couldn’t manage his way out of a paper bag.
- Term Limits: Barbalunga said if elected, he would seek re-election only once. He lit into Bowler for desperately wanting to cling to power, asking what he and Maurer surely think is a rhetorical question: What makes the sheriff think he’s going to get done in 18 years what he hasn’t been able to in 12.
After district attorney, sheriff is the key pubic safety position in Berkshire County.
The man who wears the star, not Texaco, will have a lot to say in taking on the gargantuan task of making citizens feel safe once again. Mission Impossible? Not according to Alf Barbalunga.
But of course, they all say that.
——————————————————————————————–
“The dead leave clues, and life is a puzzle of trying to read and understand these mysterious hints before the game is over” — Samantha Hunt.
LOVE TO ALL.
Copyright (c) 2022 By Dan Valenti, PLANET VALENTI and EUROPOLIS MANAGEMENT. All rights reserved. The views and opinions expressed in the comment section or in the text other than those of PLANET VALENTI are not necessarily endorsed by the operators of this website. PLANET VALENTI assumes no responsibility for such views and opinions, and it reserves the right to remove or edit any comment, including but not limited to those that violate the website’s Rules of Conduct and its editorial policies. Those who leave comments own all the responsibilities that are or can be attached to those comments, be they rhetorical, semantic, or legal. Such commentators remain solely responsible for what they post and shall be and remain solely accountable for their words. PLANET VALENTI shall not be held responsible for the consequences that may result from any posted comment or outside opinion or commentary as provided in, but not limited to, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and this website’s terms of service. We serve as a marketplace of ideas, without prejudice, and available to all. All users of this website — including readers, commentators, contributors, or anyone else making use of its information — hereby agree to these conditions by virtue of this notice and their use of/participation in this website. When PLANET VALENTI ends with the words “The Usual Disclaimer,” that phrase shall be understood to refer to the full text of this disclaimer.
Ask Alf about Patrick’s Pub and what he has that he claims to be a good fit for a watch band.
Alf Barbalunga & Incumbent Tom Bowler will face off in the countywide Democratic Party Primary election in early-September of 2022. If Alf wins, he gets to be the Berkshire County Sheriff for the next dozen years. If Alf loses, he goes back to his post as Chief Probation Officer for a similar time period. Either way, Alf wins. If Tom Bowler wins, he gets a 3rd term as Berkshire County Sheriff. If Tom Bowler loses, he gets a huge state pension plus perks. Either way, Tom Bowler wins. Isn’t politics grand? Off topic #1: What happened at the 6/14/2022 Pittsfield City Council meeting? Did Mayor Linda Tyer’s nearly $200 million fiscal year 2023 municipal budget pass? Who voted for and against it? What did the public advocates say about it at the open mic? Off topic #2: What do you all think about Joe Biden’s planned visit to Saudi Arabia next month on July 15th, 2022, whereby Joe Biden will ask (pay a whole lot of our taxpayer dollars to) Crown Prince MBS for more oil exports to lower the $5 per gallon gas prices prior to the 2022 midterm elections that heavily favor the Republican Party Congressional candidates? Two years ago, Joe Biden attacked Donald Trump for being too close to Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince MBS, but two years later – 2022 – hypocrite Joe Biden will be outdoing Donald Trump. To Hell with the Democrat’s Green New Deal when it comes to the Almighty Dollar, Power, and the 2022 midterm elections in November! Isn’t politics grand?
Thanks to people like you, we have a senile incompetent president who is responsible for his own failed energy policies.
So stop yer whinin’.
Zero clue
Stop whining you voted for Biden. You get what you deserve
After witnessing Tyers absolute lack of transparency, after making transparency her biggest campaign promise, I will never vote for ANY candidate who even brings the subject up. It is like a bank robber putting his mask on saying he would never rob a bank. A Freudian thing.
Didn’t help have some kind of a flood when he was on the school committee he done something can’t remember what it was?
What was Moore’s role at the hospital?
I’m not sure which is worse, the bloated budget, or Chronic’s charter objection which sealed the deal where Tyer’s budget got automatically passed. Does this guy have even 1/2 a brain?
The answer is no, he doesn’t. He doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing and it was evident by his charter objection. He must have forgotten he added money to the budget along the way. What a baboon. Tyer team must be happy! Way to go, Krony!
Always gets automatically passed anyway, at least he used his vote to show that the council debates are joke and give Persip a little exercise
THE PLANET agrees. We shall explain in THE WEEKEND EDITION.
If anything, he stopped the added money to the already bloated budget.
Plus, one of Flat Tyer’s department heads underfunded his unit. In a city where accountability is non-existent, who cares? As JM always writes about, I’m sure Eddie Munster-Kerwood will just cook the books.
In a real working city with accountability, that department head would be shown the exit door. Absolutely no excuses.
Krony added money himself though during budget hearings. He’s honestly clueless. Charter objection didn’t prove anything otherwise. But I can’t wait to see the twist on the weekend edition!
I think Bowler has done a good job.
Didn’t care for Alf when he was on the school board.
He’s ridden on the coattails of his father the judge.
Will be voting for Bowler and Shugrue.
Was what Kronick did at last nights budget meeting good for the general population? sure pissed off a lot of people in power.
It must be good for the general population since it pissed off a lot of people in power.
The mayors attack dogs are going after him on the Pittsfield Sentinal. They have history driving off people who do not follow orders from the queen. Make a list of the names and you know who some of her dogs are.
speaking of dogs our man Krony screwed the pooch but I still love him. We did think he’d be on The Planet today doin’ some splainin’. Guess he’s riding it out.
Wasn’t there an investigation into self dealing and cronysim having to do with Barbalunga and poor job performance when he was a probation officer some years ago. Something about not showing up for the job he got based on his name? Wasn’t there a big scandal around transparency and politically connected families and the probation department statewide? I’m sure it will come back to someone.
exactly why he wants to keep personal vendettas out of this. Those alone would sink his ship before it leaves port
on another note, Persip needs to act like a councilman and have more tact. Anyone treated him the way he treats those who disagree with him would be labeled racist and canceled. He’s too used to power at the YMCA and now The Mount where he reigns supreme.
The BIG DUMP-STER Persip is a 600+ pound meathead joke on the taxpayers. He’s a nasty bully. When Persip got up and waddled out of the meeting last night, he should have kept going. Next time Persip leaves let’s all hope the door/frame doesn’t impede his HUGE exit.
Now, on to Ned Flanders Kronick’s performance at theatre of the absurdity, if the Planet was waiting for Chronic to turn over the tables on the money changer, Chronic must have interpreted the Planet’s memo to read STRIP OFF ALL YOUR CLOTHS, JUMP UP ON THE TABLES, AND TWERK like an annoying gnat around the bloated heads of your fellow councilors. And for that annoying award-winning performance, Chronic gets a set of Pinwheel Nipple Tassels to dazzle his fellow councilors and audience members at his next show.
Also, The Mount was usual on my summer list of venues to visit, but I will never visit again while the BIG DUMP Persip has anything to do with the place.
Total recall.
You’re referring to an investigative report by The Boston Globe: “A May 2010 investigative report in the Boston Globe took the Massachusetts Probation Department to task for bypassing qualified candidates for available job positions, instead employing at least 250 friends, relatives and financial backers of politicians and top court officials. According to the Globe, “[r]eports of irregularities in the [hiring] process are legion … the children of influential people who got jobs even though they didn’t make the list of finalists, friends and allies hired on an ‘acting’ basis without a formal hiring process, [and] job applicants with no political ties who find their interview evaluations inexplicably changed to reduce their overall ranking.”
What ever became of Merideath Nilan, Cliffy’s spawn?
Was Alf part of probation then?
https://planetvalenti.com/2012/01/more-questions-raised-in-meredith-nilan-hit-n-run-case-we-the-people-demand-fair-and-honest-treatment-with-no-favoritism-nothing-more-and-nothing-less-plus-we-hear-the-real-reason-why-der/comment-page-1/
The Planet published a picture of Alf out drinking with her. The night “she hit something?”
Shurgrue, represented her………
Good job on the research, Trapper!
Isn’t it funny how the same names keep popping up?
Alf is a son of a retired judge, as I mentioned earlier.
BINGO!!!
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2010/05/23/agency-where-patronage-job-one/kZnzE9G3FFjO6RrkCSbuWP/story.html#
Basstun Glob is liberal pay for play Dan. IICCKKK!!!!
That’s not all he is referring to Dan. Your gumshoes, spies, and Z Agents need to dig a bit deeper. Why do you think he left north county for south county?
Hey, keep that info in your pants…(cough*cough)
Alf did absolutely nothing while on the Pittsfield School Board, he is just another coat tail politician, also being backed by nut case ex-School Committee member Katherine Yon who did nothing but cost taxpayers more money. Not what this County needs. As far as Kevin Sherman, I am totally disappointed in him, thought he was better than what he has shown, He has turned into just another up the butt of Tyer politician. Shame on you Kevin!
Last night’s CC meeting was beyond pathetic. It was painful to watch. The behavior of both Pee Pee Petie and Dumpster Persip was atrocious and should be dealt with. Persip’s behavior was equivalent to a two year old toddler tantrum, yelling out, slamming his hands on the desk and running out of the Council slamming the door. If both men are so disgusted and fed up for being there, then resign. My suggestion, since Pee Pee Petie is gay and Dumpster Persip is a large man of color, may I suggest they both make an appointment with our newly overpaid Chief Diversity Officer Michael Obasohan for some major long term ANGER Management counseling.
M&B, that is an excellent suggestion, but Pee Pee and Dumpster don’t fit the “optics” of what the DIE Office and OB are supposed to do.
The DIE Office and “Cultural Competency Coach,” aka-Shirley, are there to make you feel guilty about being white and if you don’t agree with them, you are then deemed a “racist,” “white supremacist,” Ultra MAGA,” and shamed into believing you are (pick an above label).
Paraphrasing the Dumpster’s famous line, you would think “people who look like him,” would address Pittsfield’s POC gun violence, instead of “teaching” city employees and students about the LBG#FJB crowd and their drag queen shows.
the DIE job belongs at the HR secretary job title and pay scale. Total waste of 90k.
It shouldn’t even be a paying job. The city’s personnel department already does what DIE will duplicate, minus the racial indoctrination, or “cultural competency,” as Shirley has deems it.
I agree! Should be part of an existing HR Admin job.
The DIE office is a complete waste of good money. It’s redundant, it’s unrealistic, and it’s racist.
he looks like an unshaved potato, that what he meant?
The “people who look like him” comment was Earl’s low point. Shirl: “Cain’t touch did.” That’s how she rakes in so much Kapanski Kash. Pittsfield needs to establish a new office: The Office of Race Card Utilization (ORCU).
How about The RBA, Race Baiters Anonymous, that can meet with the AA people?
Nailed it M & B.
he’s black. it’s acceptable. time to move on you racists
True, although if he despises whites so much how come he married a white woman. Wonder if he acts at home or at work like he did last night in the CC Chambers? Earl – C’mon Man grow up and act like an adult.
Makes one wonder if there was something behind the scenes that they got so upset about.
I knew Chronic was a plant!
aawww Barry
Maybe that’s why she goes by her maiden name so that we don’t get the GOB connection until it’s too late. QUIGLEY, DOYLE, ARKEMA, HUGGINS.
Straying off topic for a moment….
Been vaccinated?
Paying attention to those dropping dead or suffering weird symptoms?
Do your own research!
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2022/06/wayne-root-will-whole-hollywood-soon-either-dead-like-ray-liotta-paralyzed-like-justin-bieber-will-still-trust-lies-government-cdc/
Evidence is showing up of rapid onset CJD (a prion disease like mad cow) in the jabbed too.
27 Democrats voting against protecting our Justices. So disgusting.
Not one Republican would protect our constitution that they and Trump swore to uphold
Liberals won’t even protect children from Adult transexual perverts in grade schools.
They only invoke the Constitution, when it supports/defends their goals and agendas. “Free speech”, unless they don’t agree with it…….then it’s “hate speech” even if it’s the truth.
Sheriff Bowler responds. What a gentleman.
Statement from Sheriff Bowler in Response to Alf Barbalunga’s Campaign Announcement.
I welcome Alf Barbalunga to the race for Sheriff of Berkshire County. Contested races always bring issues forward, and that’s very good for the voters. It is his right to express opinions about how I have managed the Sheriff’s Office. However, facts are facts. Out of respect for my entire staff and their excellent work at the jail, I will strongly contest any statement that is not true.
In his first press conference to announce his campaign, Alf said he would “pull the curtain back” on the office’s finances. He said: “Most people can’t tell you the first thing about where the money’s been spent. I believe it’s on purpose. It’s a glaring transparency issue.”
The truth is, anyone can see the jail’s budget and I hope Alf will take a look – especially since he is running for Sheriff. It is available online through the state Comptroller’s Office, which uses a platform called CTHRU (great name!) According to the state, this is “an innovative open records platform that offers transparency into the finances of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. CTHRU provides users with an intuitive experience for exploring how and where our tax dollars are utilized.”
This site documents every last cent paid out of my budget, the line item it came from, and the vendor who received payment. There is no “curtain to pull back.” This site has already done it for the taxpayers.
It’s also important to note that the Berkshire County Jail and House of Correction is the only jail in the state to operate within the parameters of our budget. This has been my practice since taking office in 2011. Taxpayers should be proud.
It is unfortunate that a candidate for this office makes careless claims about a “glaring transparency issue,” that he states is done “on purpose,” without knowing how easy it is to find the answers to all of his questions. The tagline to my campaign has always been: Experience. Integrity. The integrity part truly matters to me.
Use the link below to view our full budget.
https://cthruspending.mass.gov/…
Thank You.
Sheriff Tom Bowler
Massachusetts News – January 17, 2022
How is state money being used? Reforms Financing Panel finds large gaps in scrutiny of reforms.
“When a panel of lawmakers, experts and corrections officers combed through data from county sheriffs in Massachusetts, they found that the rate of mental health issues among prisoners ranged from 14 percent to 90 percent.
And in the eyes of the commission’s co-chair, Sen William Brownsberger, that 76 percentage point difference must be wrong – a microcosm of a bigger problem the panel is ready to flag in a report to the Legislature.”
And then I read this, almost one out of every 100 people in the U.S. is incarcerated,
and then this,
U.S. NEWS
10 Countries with the Highest Incarceration Rates
United States is at the top of the list.
The sheriff is absolutely not a key public safety position in this state. They have zero real law enforcement powers. They are responsible for their county jails.
BCSRT
?
That’s right. And Barbalunga ain’t the answer. He is already playing the race card. Of course, he wasn’t hired on merit so why should the people that work for him be?
And the gender discrimination card.
TELL
THE PLANET disagrees. While one might place the Pittsfield chief of police in this discussion, as for sheriff, it all depends on how individual sheriffs exercise their power, which is considerable. It’s more than just running a clink.
Dan, while they have tons of power in many states, they don’t have it here. Bowler had done more to actually help law enforcement than all other sheriffs combined, but they are not responsible for public safety per se, the police are. Can they make a difference? Yes.
TELL
Gotcha. Thanks!
Can the mayor make a difference for public safety, Tell?
You betcha. Tyer made it worse!
Well Barbalubha claims he is going to make Berkshire County a safe place to live and work and raise a family. How can he do that when he has zero arrest powers and zero prosecutorial powers and if elected he won’t have any either. He is full of more bs than Tyer.
And Barbalunga is an outspoken supporter of DA Wrong Way
Vice president for advertising Warren c. Dews jr.
Is that what part of his $700,000 ARPA gift bought him? A useless title? A few greenbacks in Free’Um Freddie’s pocket and the Eagle will look the other way.
Local money washing is almost as well thought out, as these billion dollar aid packages to Ukraine. I’m sure none of that money will make it back to Xiden and the DNC.
By the way, I thought Warren was supposed to helping black owned businesses get off the ground? Well, besides his own of course.
The Eagle has a story about Andrea Harrington’s response to the beat-down/recall of the Soros DA she endorsed in SF. When asked whether she saw any worthwhile message for her re-election she said and I quote. “No.”
This is a guy who was recalled because he was not enforcing laws. Law abiding citizens with a right to quality of life sent him packing. His response was to rattle off as his greatest wins: 50% fewer juvenile offenders incarcerated, 40% fewer adult offenders incarcerated and a 30% drop in the state prison population.
What are the relevant numbers for Andrea Harrington’s accomplishments when it comes to representing the people of Berkshire County against individuals who break laws? How many cases and what kinds of cases has her office dismissed before the public can ever know they existed?
Harrington has also backed Chicago DA Kim Foxx. Guess how many cases she boasts her office has dropped all charges on? That would be 30% of felony defendants – a 50% increase over her predecessor.
Whe need a media that is going to ask what are Andrea Harrington’s stats and not allow her to hide behind fout years of claiming “racial disparities” and “minor offenses?” Since prior DA’s also did not prosecute many minor offenses what accomplishments can Harrington point that are different? Which criminal codes and statutes, enacted by the representatives of the citizenry of Berkshire County, are unjust, and must be righted according to Andrea Harrington’s dictates?
Renaldo. Earl. Get on a treadmill ASAP.
The pot calling the kettle black.
Take your own advice.
What if her election is stolen from her? What then?
This election may be one that has more votes then registered voters
Just like the 2020 presidential election.
So you think Ivanka is stupit? Is that what you are saying Pat? Stupit Ivanka?
Pat stated a fact. You don’t like facts.
May the fleas from a thousand camels find their way into your shorts
They’re overcrowded in yours and I don’t want them, or your leg lobsters either.
a “Carnac”! “May a diseased yak back into your linen closet.”
Only in politics can you point to numbers that prove you are not doing your job as proof that you are. It’s like hitting .167 and arguing you should be voted batting champion.
At this point her only hope is big implants.
Funny stuff. Didn’t Mario Mendoza win eight batting crowns?!
Harrington’s “accomplishments” include creating a hate crime section like there never was anything done before her bony ass hit the chair. Then she goes and doesn’t prosecute the Simons rock hate crime hoax! I know but this really happened!
Big missed opportunity, Andrea, you should have said it was a Republican-backed recall.
It’s a bit creepy how these district attorneys all use the same language to re-shape beliefs like “re-imagining prosecution” and “evidence-based” approach and “two-tiered system of justice.” Does this mass hynotism remind you of anything?
The criminals are 100% behind Harrington, except the caucasian/white ones she persecutes, er prostitutes, er prosecutes that’s it…….burning hay bales will not be tolerated!!!
You got that right. Harrington is constantly letting off drug dealers, dropping illegal firearms possessions when repeat offenders plead out, she is a joke. With all the deaths of drug overdoses she is failing our citizens by being a do nothing DA.
Harrington uses Shirley’s and a few others skin color as a campaign tool. Neither had or has any intention of using their positions to help lift up the people and communities they claim to represent. Shirley and a few others are trotted out by Harrington to get POC in line and it worked last time! Harrington gets a good paying job for having no intention of enforcing the laws on the books. And Shirley and a few others will make out well in furthering their activism income while those POC who they get to vote to continue Harrington’s reform justice nonsense get nothing, but the same old criminals committing the same old crimes right in the community they live in while law abiding citizens suffer the
consequences.
Our frontline law enforcement officers are being strangled, nationwide. Its the District Attorneys like our very own right here in Berkshire County along with Judges, and attorneys in general, and Their ultra-liberalism, which inevitably finds perpetrators innocent – or at least not guilty.
What right does Kronick have to speak for ALL Ward 2 voters? Ward 2 has already been neglected by this Administration for years because her heinass Linda already penalized the Ward because of her dislike of Morandi, now Kronick has completely shut down any hopes for us. As a resident of Ward 2 what I wanted was ALL the Councilors to work for ALL taxpayers and lower the budget. There was not even an attempt by ANY of these do nothing councilors to cut the budget. The budget hearings were just a waste of time and money! The only thing Kronick did by calling out the Charter was to knock out an increase in Liar Tyer’s budget. Bottom line the Mayor and CC should be ashamed for rubber stamping this budget with all the Country’s inflation. Glad they all live on their high horses and don’t seem to have to worry about money, not like most residents and especially senior citizens. Sickening! Thanks for nothing folks.
He also wiped out the 250k free cash which would have helped us out some. Thanks for nothing.
Not so fast. He may (we only say may) have saved taxpayers millions. We explain in The Weekend Edition, which will be posted tonight.
The people of LA have gathered enough signatures to recall Andrea Harrington’s fellow “fair and just” district attorney Gascon. This is the second attempt. Harrington approves of DA Gascon and even visited him in LA on a trip sponsored by the Soros group. Gascon has barred his assistant attorneys from seeking enhancement allegations, which can significantly lengthen prison sentences, and charging juveniles as adults, even those accused of serious crimes. For example, they can refuse to charge for weapons involved in robberies. DA Boundin lost his recall 60-40. But Andrea Harrington apparently thinks she has a mandate from voters. If you didn’t do your homework the first time, you better do it now!!
Persip got away attacking WT Chris Connell and the Irish, and now he has attacked another WT. One has to wonder if WT Ned Flanders Chronic should probably be careful when crossing streets just in case the big angry black male has sicced his road rage violent sister on him.
I encountered an angry cape buffalo/hippo type obese woman driving through Allendale , does his Sister resemble that?
The car had similar occupants and hood rodents too.
When is Biden going to add “fuel stamps” to the EBT cards?
The people with 3-5 cards in the household would just love that. They would be selling them stamps for 1/2 -3/4 of worth and make some bank like they do now with the food part of their cards.
I see Alf is already using and lining up the DIE crowd with his opening campaign statement which is disappointing. I’m sick of being told that in order to have a diverse employee crowd these people running seem to think they just have to give out positions or make up positions to make it diverse. If people aren’t applying to begin with or qualified for positions stop the diversity bs as an excuse for running for any leadership position.
He be checking all the boxes – gender discrimination, black discrimination, people of color scrimination. Wait for the trans and gay spiel.
Someone needs to inform DA Harrington that there’s NOWHERE in the country more liberal than San Francisco. They recalled their Fair and just DA so she should start packing. What a coward not standing up for him after he got kicked to the curb.
Not if voters don’t vote her out. If the Republicans don’t want to be shut out of this important Berkshire County primary election they should change their party and change it back later. It’s as easy as updating your address.
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/
A Massachusetts Mother named Maureen Maloney vows to undo Tricia Farley Bouvier’s bill – now state law – that gives Massachusetts state Driver’s Licenses to undocumented immigrants. Maureen Maloney lost her son named Matthew Denice to an intoxicated undocumented immigrant driver named Nicolas Dutan Guaman who is from Ecuador who is doing time in state prison for OUI manslaughter. Tricia’s bill – now law – had no public hearings in 2022. Tricia’s bill – now law- did not allow for public input from people such as Maureen Maloney. Tricia misrepresented the facts about the other 16 states who mostly give undocumented immigrants state driving privilege cards, while Massachusetts will give undocumented immigrants state Driver’s Licenses without the RMV being able to verify foreign identification documents.
Also, please read this news article about Pittsfield politics’ heated City Council meeting on 14-June-2022.
Charter objections sink budget vote, save ban on nip bottles at Pittsfield city council meeting | WAMC
pretty sure my insurance agent told me the other day that one out of ten cars on the road are UNISURED. Wanted to cut back on my car insurance because of all Tyers taxes and the lady says, “are you sure because” and I think she did say one in ten is uninsured…if so holy crapoly…they should set up check points and stop every car and check….tow the bastards away and sell the vehicles
Police would some interesting data but your not gonna see it in this berg
Tough break for Warren Dews and Harmony Persip. Their Mainvest campaign to raise $100,000 to create a new pot inspired resort is falling severely short of expectations.
And it looks like one of the two people who donated (Harmony + 1), pulled out leaving just the CEO’s $500 start-up capital. For a project slated to cost $23,000,000, it’s gonna be a rough ride.
Unfortunately, anyone looking to invest or interested in learning more, cannot. Their website just redirects to a “domain available” page. Dead on arrival.
But it’s okay. Harmony has started advertising membership to the CannaCo Social Club, a membership club for marijuana smokers located at – you guessed it! – the nonexistent Cannabis Resort that doesn’t exist.
Hmm. A membership-only smokers club? Why does that sound familiar…? Ironically, the more-info page for that venture is also a dead link, so we may never know.
In the meantime, anyone who is interested in donating to scams and shams will be interested to know that Warren Dew’s infamous Cigar Lounge and Barbershop still has an active and on-going fundraising campaign in its website. The web says “temporarily closed” even though that space has long been taken over by another business. The fundraiser doesn’t expire until 2029, so there’s still time. For something.
I’d like to see a Kentucky Fried Chicken or Lobster House resurrected. Remember that joint in Cheshire?
Country Charm was the name of the place in Cheshire. Had the big chicken out front. Paul Gaylord and family ran it. Good food and good prices. Place was always packed. Closed after the parents retired and kids took over and didn’t run like the father did.
Pittsfield did not invent scams but it sure as hell is taking them to new levels.
Splendid, Caring, Adventurous, and Meticulous. What’s it spell?
It spells Pittsfield backwards
Warren Dews is the Ralph Kramdon of Berkshire County
Wallpaper that glows in the dark, a no-cal pizzeria, of selling the handy kitchen wonder gadget with the Chef of the Future.
Sure hope the mayor still gets her half million for Pickle Ball. I know that when I read about the ever rising costs of gasoline, and food and housing and taxes and interest rates my first concern is, “Will I still be able to play Pickle Ball?”
Some do gooders have asked if allocating $500,000 start up money for a low interest game like Pickle Ball is fiscally prudent. Well, In Pittsfield Ma. with its high crime, littered streets, failing schools, unaffordable housing and ever increasing proliferation of beggars, it just makes good sense. Is it possible that this half million dollars might be spent to benefit a broader segment of the population? Well, yes, but Pittsfield has become a leader in today’s “me first” world and would like to reinforce their image as a “don’t worry about tomorrow we are spending it today before someone else gets their greedy hands on it” mentality.
By the way, will Milltown be having Pickle Ball at any of its new recreation facilities?
They do – at Bousquet Sport, the former Berkshire West. There is also pickleball at the Pitt CC.
Latest vibrant and dynamic message from a useless City Councilor! Sherman put out a Facebook message to come to the Sideline last night. Message was for a Coaches Meeting, but then he stated “also on tap a one man show enactment of last night’s City Council meeting, no Cover, I sling em, you drink em”. Not funny Kevin, rising taxes is not a joke to the taxpayers of Pittsfield! Immaturity seems to be running rampant with the members of City Council. No wonder the City is a mess. Another Councilor that needs to grow up!
Please explain why 2000 Americans attacked America’s Capital after President Trump spoke to them at the exact time Pence was certifying the election of Joe Biden
Tune in a 1 PM today for hearing. Is FOX carrying it this time??? Depends on their mood.
There was no attack. Certainly nothing was burning like the peaceful BLM protests
They don’t want you to know they are involved.
Obama’s “fuel for me but not for thee.”
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2022/06/king-hypocrite-obama-install-massive-2500-gallons-commercial-propane-tank-seaside-home-marthas-vineyard/
The progressive prosecutor movement is dead. Stick a fork in it.
A judge in Loudoun County, Virginia, has removed a “progressive” high-ranking county prosecutor from a criminal case for “deliberately misleading the Court and the public.
The order from Loudoun County Circuit Court Judge James Plowman says the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney Buta Biberaj went after a plea deal for a serial burglary suspect while downplaying and even omitting his prior criminal past as well the most recent charges against him in other jurisdictions.
https://www.theblaze.com/news/loudoun-judge-bans-progressive-prosecutor
A “progressive” DA misleading the courts? I seem to recall DA Andrea “Wrong Way” Harrington doing the same thing with the Tucker case and baby Kristoff.
She misled the grand jury and Judge Agostini dismissed the case/indictment.
Someone posted yesterday about DA Wrong Way’s war chest only being $14,000, versus Shugrue’s, that sits at $52,000. On the surface that appears a win, but remember the George Soros money for Wrong Way should roll in in the next month or so. You watch.
Every time you think it cannot get worse with Andrea Harrington as DA it does. This guy murdered two children. He is going to get out not based on a flawed conviction but because of second-guessing a 40 year old arson investigation. The only thing standing in his way is the DA and we don’t have one.
“Though Berkshire District Attorney Andrea Harrington did not oppose a motion seeking Cascone’s release, a judge this week denied a motion to stay his sentence.”
“Whitmore said her client is “grateful” to Harrington. “For thoroughly reviewing his conviction and for her office’s position that there is no reason for his continued incarceration during that review,” she said.”
What we have is a DA that is part of a group that is making a real effort to get lawful convictions thrown out just to satifsy a political agenda. See how she wiggles around it by denying she has a group to focus on overturning convictions? It’s like a teenager who flatly denies having the booze because it was in their friend’s car.
https://www.berkshireeagle.com/crime/william-cascone-release-arson-north-adams/article_369b912c-ed94-11ec-bb04-4f3090a4e74f.html
Whoever wins the race needs to address the issue of domestic violence. I never understood why battered women give their abuser 8 million chances. Maybe it’s out of fear.
https://www.iberkshires.com/story/68567/North-Adams-Vigil-Held-for-Murder-Victim-Jillian-Tatro.html
More likely out of desperation. In the vigil that was just held for Ms. Tatro, an Elizabeth Mitchell of the Elizabeth Freeman Center stated that she had known Jillian Tatro since she about 20 years old. Jillian was a mom, a grandmother, a daughter, a granddaughter, a sister, a niece, a skilled outdoorswoman, a hunter, an equestrian, a lover of animals and a friend, she was fun, caring, loving, and always wanted to go out, and she just was just in search of someone to love her. Jillian allegedly was her mother’s caregiver. Jillian’s obituary stated that she turned many a heads with her beauty. I can only imagine that all the heads weren’t prone to violence. Jillian apparently knew her boyfriend was violent and dangerous before she married him. Ms. Tatro applied for and was granted a restraining order, but apparently chose to continue living with her abuser, the abuser Jillian stated that she was in fear for her life from. The alleged victim, and her alleged killer had been together for 6 months and married for 5 months. And it appears that domestic violence included mutual combat. I’ve read that Jillian Tatro was arrested earlier this year for abusing her alleged killer. I’ve also that that her complaint for a restraining order stated that she was in fear for her life, and yet she still chose to live with her alleged abuser. Jillian’s family was aware of the violence. Her friend at the Elizabeth Freeman center was aware of the violence. The court was aware of the violence, and Jillan chose to stay in a violent relationship, in which she was in fear for her life, allegedly.
What about all the “systems the DA’s office has build, according to the DA. Where as the “high risk” domestic violence task force and team? Did the DA not prosecute him or her for domestic violence? She has a stated policy to go forward regardless of cooperation.
“The goal of this team is to intervene with high-risk domestic violence cases before they become deadly. It is currently monitoring over 35 cases in the county.”
Was it monitoring this case?
Did the DA have authority to be monitoring Jillian’s case in the first place? If the DA was monitoring, what was done to stop it? If she wasn’t why not? Wasn’t her abuser a choker who the DA herself in her own press conference was more likely to kill? What was done to intervene specifically????
The DA said she was going to do a lot of things like end what she claimed was racist cash bail. Then she got caught replacing it with holding people behind bars as dangerous so much for that.
They are door mats due to their traumatic childhoods, shitty fathers, etc.
Some women, and I am not referring to this victim, whom I know nothing about, like their relationships to be full of drama and suspense, along with their romance, just like in the movies. Stable nice guys just so don’t do it for them. Too boring. Henceforth, the term bum magnets.
“ I never understood why battered women give their abuser 8 million chances. Maybe it’s out of fear.”
Abuse, when physical, is also always emotional as well. The abuser gas lights, controls (financially, physically) and manipulates the abused. Over time and the abused feels worthless, hopeless, responsible for the abuser’s anger, and ultimately engages in self-blame for the abuser’s behavior. It takes a lot of hard work to unwire the abused mind, and success is hard to find in most cases.
Beating on woman is just a game for some men. Unfortunately these woman are abused and some actually can’t get out of it for fear of reprisal. Looks like Sir Charles pissedvonnattila and marble mouth.Dina Sqeel is useless as is Conant,Sherman,Kavey and Maffuccio.
I’ll accept that some women can’t escape an abusive relationship, if you accept that some women just don’t want to get out. There are women who love bad guys. There are studies that show that women prefer aggressive men. When women are in their fertile window of their menstrual cycle, they actually prefer aggressive warriors. Women lust for violent men. Many women who are attracted to violent aggressive toxic men are not weak delicate flowers. They don’t want to be saved. They go into these violent relationships with their eyes wide open. And if the men these women choose aren’t violent enough for them, these women will agitate and provoke them until they get the level of violence they desire. I know this comment isn’t going to be popular, it doesn’t fit the domestic violence narrative that women are always the victim, but it’s true that women lust for violent men. There are lots of violent manipulative controlling women who use, and abuse men and the system created to allegedly protect them from the brutes they love to death.
There are plenty of female batterers on the loose. While I didn’t know Ms. Tatro, I have read that Ms. Tatro was arrested on domestic violence charges. Apparently, those charges have now been dropped, case closed. I’d like to know if the 21-year-old North Adams woman convicted and given a 2-year prison sentence for a brutal violent assault and battery is related to the deceased. The woman was convicted and sentenced in March 2022. The violent convicted female and the deceased share the same surname. Some women thrive on chaos and violence. Women are just as violent and deadly as men, and in many cases even more so. I have copies of restraining and abuse prevention orders against a violent crackwhore junkie who has broken into a dead woman’s home and when confronted by the deceased woman’s elderly mother and told to get out, the crackwhore broke a statue and threatened to put out the eye the elderly woman who ordered the crackwhore to get out. Not only did the violent crackwhore junkie break into the home, but she also stole property from the home of the deceased woman. This was reported to the police but did not result in an arrest of crackwhore. The crackwhore also assaulted and battered and elderly man in his own home. She extorted money from him by beating him and threatening to lie to the police by making a false accusation of rape against him if he didn’t give her money for crack. Under duress and physical violence, the man gave the crackwhore money on several occasions. This was reported to the police and the court, and the crackwhore wasn’t arrested. And there’s MORE to that story. The crackwhore/junkie also snatched the purse of an elderly woman in a parking lot and when a 17-year-old girl came to the aid of the elderly woman the crackwhore stabbed the young girl. And there’s still a whole lot more involving this violent female junkie crackwhore who the police don’t arrest, and the DA doesn’t prosecute.
It is
So,the planet and board still believe the lie.Have you guys no shame.
TSC
We’ve said it before. You don’t know what THE PLANET believes. For that matter, you don’t know what anyone else believes. The only person who truly knows what they believe is the person himself or herself. As for shame, not one ordinary (that is, decent, law-abiding, tax-paying, good, and bedraggled by politicians) citizen can feel ashamed for any actions that involve government at any level.
Cuckoo cuckoo I hear the nurses on Jones calling you, time for your medicine
Mike Pence knew at that time if he left the Capital during the insurection we Americans would have lost our democracy to none other than President for life Donald Trump…..Not covering the hearings does not change the facts of the hearings Dan
TSC: Dan if you don’t cover the hearings I’m going to throw a Billy Martin like plate episode on you! Go away dolt .
First time in a long time I agreed with the Boston house leader, do not create a new bureaucracy for an unnecessary East-west choo choo! Why are we looking at 19th Century products let’s move into the future. Now if they wanted to free up roads and give all citizens jet packs so we could fly to wherever we were going I could back that, but a choo choo in the 21st Century really?
To the editor: The article concerning the Berkshire County District Attorney’s race and incumbent Andrea Harrington mischaracterizes her record. (“Andrea Harrington says she’s not concerned by fellow progressive DA’s recall in California. Her rival thinks she should be,” Eagle, June 15.)
A progressive is a leader who examines the landscape to implement positive change for the betterment of society. Ms. Harrington and her ilk are pro-crime zealots who have contributed to the rising homicide and shooting rates in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Pittsfield and dozens of other American communities. A district attorney’s responsibility is to protect citizens of their community.
As a two-year resident of Berkshire County and daily, avid reader of the Eagle, I can testify that Ms. Harrington has done nothing but destabilize the community while aiding and abetting criminality. A change is needed for the safety of all.
Dan Rosenfeld, Lenox
Let’s not give another road cut permit until all the cuts by utilities have been returned to like new condition.