MARCHETTI’S IDIOTIC STATEMENT ON CRIME PROVES HE’S NOT READY FOR CORNER OFFICE … plus … PLANET RE-RUNS YESTERDAY’s COLUMN, WHICH SET A NEW RECORD FOR HITS … THE CAMPAIGN IS SIZZLING HOT, AND WE ARE THE ONLY ONES DISHING OUT THE TRUTH
By DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI News and Commentary
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, SATURDAY, NOV. 5, 2011) — Yesterday was a “houndstooth” kind of a day on THE PLANET. We had a record volume, and not by a little. Ironically, though, for more than a few, they could not read more than the headline of Friday’s post. We shall be posting it here, again [see below], having tweaked some “backstage format gizmos.” It should be good. Based on the number of hits yesterday and the number of contacts we got by various mean telling of the access problems, THE PLANET takes delight in the numbers now reading our daily blog.
Marchetti’s Idiotic Statement on Crime Should Be a Crime
On Monday, we shall have our endorsements in the municipal campaign. We will note in passing the comments of mayoral candidate Peter Marchetti on crime. He actually said (believe it was the WBEC debate) that the unprecedented rash of armed robberies plaguing Pittsfield were the result of good, honest people trying to put bread on their table for their families. Holy Jean Valjean!
You mean Marchetti actually believes that? He doesn’t think the drug lords and their slave users have anything to do with drugs? He doesn’t think the huge riff-raff element that has infested Pittsfield from Hartford, Springfield, and New York City might possibly be a causative factor? Or the rash of freeloaders who are on public assistance?
Marchetti also doesn’t seem intelligent enough to realize that every time he makes a statement about crime, the bad economy, the lack of jobs, or anything else that isn’t as it should be in Pittsfield, he’s pointing the finger at himself. Marchetti has been an at-large councilor for years. What has he done in that time to address these problems? He held a citywide post, one with considerable clout. Obviously, he didn’t do enough enough, unless we count working to please those who might give him approval, for he seems to be a man painfully uncomfortable in his own skin. He strikes THE PLANET as a certain type of child or student, one who has no self-confidence and little self-esteem, and is constantly looking for approval from a parent, teacher, professor, or some other authority figure.
Marchetti’s naive comments on crime prove what we said all along: We would let this campaign decide our leanings. It has. Dan Bianchi has run a solid campaign, saying the right things and looking mayoral. Marchetti has proved The Peter Principle. He has risen to his level of incompetence. Instead of being mayoral, he has acted emotionally, immaturely, and foolish. Marchetti’s is in way over his head, and if he gets the keys to the executive washroom in the corner office at city hall, he will be a puppet for his political masters, Gerry Doyle and Angelo Stracuzzi.
Marchetti is divorced from a woman and married to a man. In this marriage, people refer to Peter’s “husband,” making him the wife. There are too many people in blue-collar, traditionalist Pittsfield for whom this is a deal breaker. They should know these qualities in the candidate so they can cast what for them is an informed vote. Bianchi has been married to his wife, Teresa, all his married life. They have raised three children. Tell me, which man, in a neutral observation, would appear to be the more solid?
Marchetti has sold his political soul to Doyle and Stracuzzi. Bianchi has owned himself in this campaign. Marchetti has basically had the creepier elements of the Parade Committee as his campaign staff. Bianchi has surrounded himself with smart, hard-working, intelligent people. Marchetti has lost control of his emotions several times during crunch time. Bianchi has not. Which man do you honestly believe will make the better mayor.
With that preamble, here is yesterday’s post:
BIANCHI TO MARCHETTI: ‘YOU’RE NO JACK KENNEDY’ … SORT OF
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, FRIDAY, NOV. 4, 2011) — It may go down in Pittsfield political lore along with the infamous botched at-large ballot in Jody Phillips’ first election as city clerk, Gerry Doyle throwing the city into receivership, or Peter Arlos and Jim McCaffrey duking it out on in the council chambers. It might be Pittsfield’s campaign equivalent to Lloyd Benson taking Dan Quayle to the woodshed in the 1988 vice-presidential debate (“Senator, I knew Jack Kennedy. I worked with Jack Kennedy, and believe me. You’re no Jack Kennedy”).
“I served with your husband” — Dan Bianchi to Peter Marchetti.
Walking into a Trap of His Own Making
The “family values” discussion at the PCTV debate on Wednesday night left moderator Dave Cachet dumbfounded, the TV audience riveted, and likely settled any doubts about the 2011 mayoral election.
The matter came about innocently enough. Peter Marchetti began a line of commentary designed to put Dan Bianchi on the defensive. Little did he know, but the trap Marchetti set ended up snaring himself. He dug the pit deep, put in the upturned sharpened stakes, put palm leaves over the opening, and then — while leading Bianchi down the jungle path — stepped into the hole.
Marchetti made the point that following Bianchi’s narrow loss to Jimmy Ruberto in 2009, Bianchi essentially disappeared from public service. Bianchi countered by providing a convincing litany of examples of his involvement in the community, including serving on a St. Mark’s Parish advisory board “with your husband.”
Bianchi said it neutrally and as a matter of fact. A smart campaigner in opposition would have let this pass without comment. Marchetti, however, became unglued. He got emotional and displayed a lack of maturity, reacting like a victim. Of what, it’s hard to say.
Is He Comfortable in His Own Skin?
One can only speculate — based on the evidence — that Marchetti isn’t comfortable letting the public know he is married to a man or that he has a husband. A friend of THE PLANET, a man who is familiar with gay culture, made the astute observation that most of his friends, including his partner, take pride in who they are. He said Pete, however, seems to be squirming in his own skin with his sexual identity.
And that is precisely what makes this a legitimate issue in the 2011 campaign. It’s not a referendum on lifestyle but on the solidity and maturity of judgment of two men. These men offer stark contrasts along many policy and political lines, but all of these pale in comparison to the polar juxtaposition of their lifestyles, the “family values” question.
Let’s get real. Bianchi is married to a woman. Marchetti is married to a man. Society may be ready for the latter in most social situations, since it’s hard to find objection to people finding genuine love in this veil of tears. The electorate, though, is NOT ready for a CEO — President, governor, or mayor — who is male and has a husband. A mayor isn’t like the CEO of a private corporation. A mayor is the person who represents the entire population of a city or town. Too many of the electorate in that population, in this case the city of Pittsfield, Mass., embrace the traditional view of marriage as a sacred and social contract between one man and one woman.
Actually, that Peter would be upset that the word is out would suggest one of the few times in his remarkably tone-deaf campaign where he has shown that he “gets” the mood of the electorate. Marchetti’s discomfort with his marital status matches up decently with that of the public.
One Man + One Woman = What the Electorate Calls a Marriage
Many, likely most, among the Pittsfield electorate do not want to be represented by a mayor who has a husband, unless that mayor is female. One cloud of unease that hung over Sara Hathaway’s head for her two year in office was her status as a single woman. Rumors circulated by her political opponents suggested she might be a lesbian. Like it or not the electorate in Berkshire County embraces traditionalist mores.
That is certainly true for senior citizens, who traditionally vote in the highest numbers of any age demographic.
There are too many people in Pittsfield who feel that, morally, the traditional understanding of marriage as between one man and one woman is sacrosanct. They would cite about 7,000 years of civilization history to support their claim that “traditional” marriage is the best, most stable arrangement for the good of the person and the good of society.
After Marchetti responded with petulance to Bianchi’s remark about serving with Peter’s “husband,” the discussion then explored traditional values. That’s where Bianchi rhetorically buried Marchetti. Peter lost sight of a fundamental rule of political combat: Don’t “go there” unless you have a full clip in the chamber and another in the ammo pouch.
Bianchi mentioned he was married to a woman, his wife, and talked favorably and convincingly, with pride, of his family. He didn’t have to do much more. Marchetti had nothing in response except a fractious and testy series of querulousness. Each of Marchetti’s salvos made him comes across as ineffectual. One and only one man came across as mayoral. The other came across as a political adolescence.
Withering Under the Glare of the Solo Spotlight
Not everyone is cut out to be a front man. Mick Jagger is, Ringo Starr isn’t.
After Marchetti’s latest meltdown, THE PLANET recalled an observation we made, and others have since made, about the unique nature of a mayoral campaign. Many wondered how Marchetti would do under the spotlight of a one-on-one campaign. A mayoral campaign is the opposite of running for the other citywide office, councilor at large. In the at-large race, you’re always sharing the stage with a bunch of others. It’s easy to hide and say nothing on the campaign trail. You’re part of the chorus. There’s too many people with too much to say and too little time or opportunity to say it.
We now know that when his time came, Marchetti wilted.
It might have been different, if, for example, he had accepted the offer made by Mayor Ruberto and John Barrett to help the campaign with fund-raising and strategy. Ruberto and Barrett made that offer to Marchetti at the East Side Cafe in June. Peter showed up at the meeting accompanied by his handler, Gerry Doyle.
THE PLANET doesn’t know word-for-word what happened that day at the East Side, but we can say that the meeting ended with Ruberto and Barrett going one way, Marchetti and Doyle the other.
In hindsight, come Tuesday at 8:01 p.m., we will be able to say that Peter Marchetti lost the election on that sunny June day.
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MIKE WARD FINDS PLANET’s LABEL OF ‘ODD’ ODD
THE PLANET received this message from our Right Honorable Good Friend, the esteemed Ward 4 councilor Mike Ward, in reference to yesterday’s column. We had noted his “odd” reluctance to publicly answer our query: Which man — Marchetti or Bianchi — would in his judgment is better equipped to handle the job of mayor. Thus spaketh Ward:
Dan – your post calls my reluctance to opine on who would make a better mayor “odd”. I can prove you wrong on that. Merriam-Webster’s definition of odd includes “differing markedly from the usual”. It is not at all usual for me to make endorsements. In fact I never do. It would be *odd* for me to start now.
The assessment of who would “make a better mayor” would be difficult even if I were willing go on record with one. The two candidates look similar on paper in terms of government and business experience. But the ability to be a *successful* mayor involves many external factors out of one’s control, such as relationship with the city council.
I suggest that voters look at Dan and Pete’s voting records and decide which candidate’s worldview more closely matches their own.
Best,
–
Mike Ward
City Councilor Ward 4
Pittsfield, MA
ward4ward4.com
413-499-0462
We thank our right honorable good friend for his comments. We assure him, though, that we are familiar with the lexicon. We still have an old-fashioned dictionary on our bookshelf (Webster’s New World). There are multiple definitions of the word. Usage depends on the syntax of the sentence and the context of the sentence with the paragraph. We accept the Merriam-Webster definition that Mike offers. We will not accept it as proof, however, that he refuted THE PLANET’s contention, since we are not parsing words since, politically, an endorsement and a recommendation are two different things.
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SCHOOL BUILDING NEEDS COMMISSION DOCUMENT IS A DOOZY
Since today’s column went in a different direction than anticipated, THE PLANET shall be sharing an explosive state document as it pertains to the school building needs commission. Rather than bury the document at the end of an already ponderous discussion, we shall be sharing soon, possibly tomorrow. Remember, in making our announcement about no more Saturday columns, we did reserve the right to break in on occasion. If time allows, that document shall be posted tomorrow. If not, on Monday.
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WITH ALL OF THAT, MY GOOD FRIENDS, LET US LIVE IN LOVE, PEACE, AND HARMONY, REMEMBERING THAT POLITICS IS FLEETING. IT IS OUR LIVES OUTSIDE OF POLITICS (AND SPORTS, AND POPULAR CULTURE, AND …) THAT MATTERS THE MOST. THAT’S WHY WE SAY,
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.” AND
LOVE TO ALL.
November 4, 2011 18 Comments
18 Responses to “CAMPAIGN FIREWORKS AND A DEFINING MOMENT: ‘I SERVED WITH YOUR HUSBAND’ … plus … MIKE WARD ON THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ENDORSEMENT AND A RECOMMENDATION — HOT STUFF AS ELECTION DAY NEARS”
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Jim Gleason November 4, 2011 at 8:17 am # Edit
mayor ruberto, gerry lee and the Pittsfield Teachers Association just, on the steps of city hall, endorsed Pete Marchetti for mayor. Surprise!!!! None of us knew any of them were for Pete, right? More like all of us knew. The teachers want a soft touch in negotiations and someone pliable ti their will, and know Pete is that man. They also endorsed Pete White for State Rep. and look where that got them. I urge all teachers and Pittsfield municipal workers to use their own mind and not pay attention to your lame union leaders.
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Hilly Billy 2 in Ward 4 November 4, 2011 at 8:40 am # Edit
Who does Mike Ward” recommend” voting for in our Ward race? I think Mike has done a good job over his tenure and the 3 times I called him he was responsive and effective in dealing with our issues and questions. I figures since he was such a admirable advocate for our Ward he would at least have a “recommendation” for a new Ward 4 candidate. I have not asked him personally thou because I thought it would be public knowledge by now and more than a few of my neighbors have told me that Mike told them he feels Chuck V is more qualified but that it was “off the record”…What say ye Councilor Ward about who you” recommend” in Ward 4? Especially after the local rag went with Mr Connell.
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Mike Ward November 4, 2011 at 2:49 pm # Edit
Thanks Hilly Billy. What I did instead was conduct a candidate survey and posted the responses on my website in a side by side format. Check it out at: http://www.ward4ward4.com/page.php?PageID=226&PageName=Meet+the+Candidates
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dusty November 4, 2011 at 8:56 am # Edit
I personally do not care if Pete is married to a man or a woman. It really does not affect my life in any way and there are too many things occupying my mind to worry about what others are doing in their personal lives.
The reason I will not vote for him is because of his politics and association with people I have no respect for. I don’t know if he attached himself to Doyle or Doyle attached himself to Pete but either way, for the life of me, I cannot reason why. Had he attached himself to the Ruberto/Barrett tribe I would feel the same way. If he had come out with more respectable people I would have at least given him consideration.
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Mrs. FL November 4, 2011 at 1:01 pm # Edit
i understand and respect dusty your observation. but let me just share that for my family, it does matter, a great deal. we hold marraige as one man, one woman, period. when i read this, mr. valenti simply pointed out that there are people like me and my family and most of my friends. for us, it matters. we have a voice too and i think mr. valenti for ackonwledging it, we are in the majority which is why the state legislators never gave us the chance to vote on this question.
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Concern November 4, 2011 at 1:27 pm # Edit
There are some people who are not going to vote for PM because he is gay and married to a man. There are some that will vote for him because he is gay and married to a man. And that is our right to vote how we want for any reason we want. There are others who won’t care and vote for other reasons, either for or against. My vote goes to Dan Bianchi.
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Joe Pinhead November 4, 2011 at 2:15 pm # Edit
People are going to base their vote on all sorts of criteria from family values, social values, economic issues etc. Most importantly they are free to decide and develop their criteria for themselves. As for myself Mr. Marchetti has demonstrated over the years that more than anything he wants to be part of the gobs. He has been involved in their campaigns and their dealings for years. I am not putting my head in the sand and ignoring the Bianchi connection to the What has been called the wojkowski camp.
I’m now in the position of voting against Marchetti than in favor of Bianchi. But that’s how it has to be this go round, no one to blame but myself.
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Joe Pinhead November 4, 2011 at 2:36 pm # Edit
Just a question for Mr Ward, knowing you conducted business for ward 4 on a PC. Newsletter etc what are you planning on doing with the electronic data? Will the drives be archived and put into the public record? Do you not see the emails etc as part of the record and will be doing nothing with them? Just wondering if the city has a vehicle in place to handle such an issue. Thelaw is pretty clear. Its just a question.
Http://www.sec.state.ma.us/pre/preidx.HTML
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Mike Ward November 4, 2011 at 3:15 pm # Edit
I couldn’t follow that link. Typo? As for emails, the city does not provide email accounts to councilors (I think they should) so we all use private accounts. Since that’s the case, no, I don’t plan to archive my emails.
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Ray Ovac November 4, 2011 at 3:23 pm # Edit
Much time is being wasted focusing on the sexual orientation of the candidates, but the fact remains that we still don’t know where Dan Bianchi and Peter Marchetti stand on critical issues: For example: a commitment to voters to reopen the GE Consent Decree. (Silver Lake and Hill 78 will NOT be cleaned out if the Consent Decree is allowed to remain as presently worded.) For example: How do each of the candidates specifically propose to cut city spending to give taxpayers some much-needed tax relief?
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Pompey November 4, 2011 at 4:24 pm # Edit
I want a mayor to fight for ME. I don;t know for sure about either guy but I’m going to give Bianchi a shot. Marchetti has had all those yrs as a at-large councilor and has done nothing but kiss up to the gobs. Im fed up with that and so is my vote. Bianchi, you get your chance with me. Don’t blow it.,/
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art vandaly November 4, 2011 at 6:44 pm # Edit
Nice Debate Dan….
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Joe blow November 4, 2011 at 8:15 pm # Edit
I can’t vote for either one,they’re both liberal Democrats. If I hear about culture and or north st. one more time my head will explode! I will be writing in Donald Duck for Mayor.
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The Kraken November 5, 2011 at 9:09 am # Edit
JB, I do not think Bianchi is a liberal democrat. He strikes me as more of a centrist republican or a blue dog democrat. His voting record on the council and his views on taxes and family values leads me to think that. One thing is for sure, he is much less far left than Marchetti.
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The Kraken November 5, 2011 at 9:12 am # Edit
I meant to type “I do NOT think Bianchi is liberal democrat”
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danvalenti November 5, 2011 at 10:56 am # Edit
THE KRAKEN
The Webmaster fixed your original posting. Your name evokes a great poem by one of THE PLANET’s faves, Alfred Tennyson.
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Hilly Billy 2 in Ward 4 November 5, 2011 at 8:25 am # Edit
Maybe the GOBs have finally hacked into this site and are trying to shut it down
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danvalenti November 5, 2011 at 10:58 am # Edit
Not a chance. There were access problems because of the huge volume of traffic. Campaigns are good for circulation. Even if you don’t honestly cover a campaign, such as the BB, circulation spikes. We are addressing the “backstage” issues so ALL can have FULL access.
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LET’s HOPE THOSE WHO TRIED BUT COULDN’T READ THIS YESTERDAY CAN DO SO NOW. HAPPY SUNNY WEEKEND, AND …
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
BG
Dan:
I am relatively new to your website and although I usually completely agree with you, I have some concerns about one of your statements and what it implies as follows:
“Marchetti is divorced from a woman and married to a man. In this marriage, people refer to Peter’s “husband,” making him the wife. There are too many people in blue-collar, traditionalist Pittsfield for whom this is a deal breaker. They should know these qualities in the candidate so they can cast what for them is an informed vote.”
You really made it sound like being referred to as a “wife” is something really bad! What an awful quality it is to be “a wife”! What could be weaker, or lower that “a wife”? I take exception to that and only hope that the way that this statement is coming across is not what you actually meant. I would appreciate a clarification from you on “the wife” put-down.
His being gay doesn’t really matter to me. Why can’t they both be called “husband”? Or both be called “wife”? However, his being obviously uncomfortable with that does show a lot – I agree. Add to that who his backers are (Stracuzzi and Doyle), his inability to show any leadership qualities, his insane excuse for the thugs that are robbing the businesses and citizens of this city, and his record will put my vote to Bianchi.
Thank you very much for this website and for the opportunity to finally read what really goes on in this city – we have, to some extent, known for a long time, but certainly, the BB would never publish the truth, that’s for sure!
p.s. If you’re interested in some constructive feedback, your using a spell and grammar checker before posting would really improve upon this site.
MOLLY
Thank you for your comments and welcome aboard. My use of “wife” is not meant to demean that great estate. “Wife” traditionally refers to the woman in a marriage. When applied to a man, it gives some moral concern. As for the typos, we do have spell check. It will not correct words that are spelled correctly but used incorrectly. We don’t use grammar check because it causes more problems than it fixes. The solution is s-l-o-w down and proof more carefully, which we shall do. Again, many thanks.
Thank you! I appreciate your response and do agree.
Dan If Marchetti is your “good friend” I hate to see what you write about your enemys
Thank you for printing yesterday’s planet, was anxious to hear what all the talk was about.
We’re glad you could get to it this time.
I know when I did my website I had to have my guy do something because my site wasn’t compatible with people using macs I found this out being a mac and pc user at the time. I could see yesterday from my pc.
Mrs. FL
I agree wholeheartedly with your post on Nov. 4 regarding same sex marriage.
Mr. Ward, as an elected individual, I know you were notified by your City Clerk, or should have been as to the public record status of e-mails. It does not matter if the e-mail is generated via a public or priviate computer. The issue has already been decided. The issue does not depend on what you think or like.
Also, destruction of public records without proper legal process could cause you an undue hardship. I do appreciate your responding on this site as all public officials should.
I think PP is correct, it doesn’t matter iwhat computer a public servant uses. If he send s document discussing public business the public has a right to the documents. Every document you Mr Ward generate as a public servant is a pubic document. Will you Share?
PP & P Of course I would comply with any proper public record request. That’s not the same as archiving which the other poster asked about.
PP Whats next tape record all phone calls that had to do with city business?
This may be off the subject. However since you use the moniker, Patriot, and this is Veterans Week. Let’s give recognition to those candidates that chose to serve their country. Dan Bianchi served as did Joe Nichols. Who else ?
Did I hear this right, Good, honest people trying to put bread on for their families,tables are the ones that are robbing our citizen with guns.This guy wants to be Mayor. This with out a doubt is the most stupid political statement I”ve heard. Peter maybe you meant ” they want to put DRUGS in their bodies” His signs should read PETER ‘ no clue” MARCHETTI FOR MAYOR
How about Mayor Ruberto’s justification of cops using steroids because they have a tough job and aren’t as young as they used to be so they don’t bounce back as quick from drawing their guns and saying police freeze!
Dan, YOU obviously have a problem with same sex marriage I personally think it goes against the system I mean we’re here to pro create right but other then that I really don’t care.
No, Scott, I don’t have a problem with it. 7000 years of civilization has a problem with it.
Correct and you practice those principles in your daily life, kind of.
I feel the need to address some issues and clear up some rumors.
Unfortunatley due to the questions asked at the debates between the incumbant in Ward 3 and myself I was not able to address the Silver lake and consent decree issue. I want it to be clear that I am not in favor of capping Silver Lake. If the dirty dirt located as Hill 78 was to dirty to leave in the ground. Then why is it not to dirty and unsafe to keep at Allendale School? I want to see them both completley cleaned up. As for the concent decree. I to would like it reopened. Gerry Doyle sold this city out when he signed that leaving the city with still to much contamination at a cost. I attend all Peda meetings. The incumbent has attended 1 meeting in two years. I believe that there is not enough transparency in that board either. For example: When Mayor Ruberto last year along with Bill Heinz voted to transfer $100,000 of Peda money to the BEDC board in which most Peda members including Heinz and Ruberto sat. It was also a non profit organization. So here is the breakdown of why I fought it.
1) serious conflict of interest, all parties sitting on both boards
2) failure to follow chapter 30 procurement laws for the marketing they were asking BEDC to do. An RFP “NEVER” went out.
3) they should not have been transferring public money from a public account to a non profit organization.
Now I submitted a video copy along with a letter to the Inspector Generals office and they concured it was not legal.
Now upon viewing the Audit for this year of Peda it shows that $143,000 was spent on BEDC and does not show who actually recieved it or what the results if any were of the marketing, since BEDC went defunct after getting the money. The money was never returned as it was supposed to as a result.
I have the actual audit to back this up. I think it is time to bring Peda before the council on a quarterly basis for reporting and require an approval before the council in the future before any further monies like that are expended. The city’s purchasing agent who is the secretary of Peda should have stopped the transfer of money knowing those laws.
So long story short. I believe that it is high time we in Pittsfield should force GE’s hand and return to the consent decree once again and take a different approach that benefits “ALL” of Pittsfield and it’s residence and not GE. It is time to clean up Silver lake and not cap it and it is time to get rid of hill 78.
The PCB issue is the biggest reason I am against tax payers paying to tear down the Pennell /GE property at 1277 East Street. When the current owner still owes $75,000 in leans and taxes and now the city will do a demo lean for an estimate $200,000 plus. It increases the cost to tax payers to over an estimated $275,000. (bids to be opened on Nov 10,2011) because the current owner will not pay, the tax payers will foot the bill to go to court to take the property. Then guess what? We own it. A property that under the concent decree may never be cleaned up based on the wells on the GE side still producing PCB oils. And we, the new owners will never be able to sell, build, repave the parking lot because we cannot disturb the soil. To top it all of take it off the tax role.
So I ask you the current Ward 3 councilor and all the GOB’s including Doyle and Gerry Lee. Did you bother looking long term? Or did you want this done to make it look good for the incumbent short term to show that he accomplished something big? When in fact it created a whole new complex issue at the expense to the tax payers of this city. Ahd why should that matter?
Is that not why You, Gerry Lee and the rest of the cronies attached to the GOB voted against my petition to have the key players come forward to answer these questions? I know the current councilor told me on a one on one that he voted against it only because of Mr. Pennell. That is a poor excuse because when he voted against one he voted against all. Most imprtantly he voted against you knowing the truth. Especially since he questioned the validity of my conversations with them. As a resident of Ward 3 I am disgusted with these types of back door dealings. I agree something has to be done. But considering the long term ramifications and effects a decision like that has on those paying the bills should always be considered first and foremost.
Not wheteher or not one can win an election for looking like he did something good, all the while withholding crucial information about the process. Or in this case with Mr. Capitanio, never saying anything other than his yes or no vote. The Pennell property being razed now was all about timing and politics and not about the people. How sad!
I can assure the residence of Ward 3 that if elected I will be very active in also persuing the cleanups and opening concent decree. Above and beyond that I will assure you that “ALL” important information that will have a direct effect on you, your health, and your money will be made transparent and not about politics. That is a distinct difference between myself and the incumbent. I owe nobody anything and would have a zero obligation to anyone but the residents I would be representing.
My race has never been about whether my oponent is or is not a nice guy, nor has it been about what he has done on the civic side. I have done much as well but do not feel the need to brag about it. I have been volunteering and saving lives for almost 30 yrs and have 9 certificates for saving a life. But I just do it for the purpose of just feeling good about what I do and helping the communities I serve. Not for the purpose of getting elected recognition or bragging about it. Being a life long resident anywhere does not qualify anyone including myself for anything other than saying they are a life long resident.
The Eagle endorsed Mr. Capitanio. I am very ok with that because in my opinion the endorsement did him no favors. If you actually read the story. It says He got the Pennell property and flooding issue resolved because of John Barrett. He admitted it himself at a council meeting and even thanked John Barret for getting it done. It says at the end that I am more out spoken and just because he is quiet and does not speak on the issues that is ok because there are plenty of other councilors who will pick up the slack for him..Oh yea that makes me all warm and fuzzy inside knowing everyone else is doing his job and speaking for him. That tells me as a resident of Ward 3 that my councilor is not able to get it done himself as well as being unable to inform his own constituents of what he is voting on or his knolwedge of the issues by himself. So I am very pleased and honored to not have been endorsed. I even remember during the interview with Dick Lindsey and Bill Everhart, saying I did not want to be endorsed by the Eagle since it in my opinion would be the kiss of death to be connected in any way with the GOB’s knowing they were part of that group.
Look at the endorsements and see the names for yourself. The article says that I am just looking to rehash old Ruberto issues. How they got that from I did not agree with many of Ruberto’s policies is beyond me. Go Dick Lindsey and Bill Everhart. Let me know when you are going to write and publish truthful journalism.
Folks the biggest difference between myself and Mr. Capitanio is that I am independant and not held by my hand with the likes of Gerry Lee, Gerry Doyle,Jimmy Ruberto,John Barrett etc. What you see is what you get. The real deal representative. I think the real fear has shown thru that it is a real race because I kept my campaign 100% clean. I did not slander my apponent or say anything ficticious. I did not steal one sign of his. I made it clear to my supporters in my camp that I did not want there support if I heard of such behaviors. The Eagle refused to print any of my supporters editorials including mine until Today’s Eagle. That only happened because I confronted Bill Everhart of the Eagle. His response in an email was. They must have gotten lost in an email glitch. I had over 135 signs stolen out of the nearly 300 put out. None forced on anyone according to one blogger a while back. I am sure with the intent to have people think I was not running or that, that many people changed there minds. The only problem is,that signs do not vote! people vote.Signs are just a tool to help with recognition and to show support. Many of my signs were removee and replaced with Capitanio signs. I asked a few supporters and was told they were fearful if they did not take his. Yes lets intimidate the voters. Someone in his camp or a supporter handed out an 11 page document to some of my supporters regarding a civil service decision against me while employed by the city. Information made public 2 years ago by me. Why? Because I have nothing to hide and have offered anyone who wishes to see for themselves my history.Is this the kind of represenation we want? I know I do not!
Some would ask why am I writing such a long drawn out statement like this just before the election. Well the reasons are simple. I want it to be clear regarding my position on the PCB’s and the concent decree, as well as what has gone on that you do not hear about. I want it clear how I think long term on behalf of the people and not if something specific will get me elected for being the hero, like the Pennell building. I wanted to be crystal clear about the distinct difference as to why I feel I am better suited to represent the good people of Ward 3 and why it is “SO” important to have a voice and be the voice that is needed and “NOT” have the slack picked up by my fellow councilors. I hope this also clears up the rumors that I never took the time to learn about what has been going on with Peda, the election and PCB’s. I have been more vocal and have filed more petitions on behalf of residents as a resident than the sitting councilor. The Eagle makes it sound like thats a bad thing to actually do the right thing.
I am proud to have knocked on as many doors as I have and spoken to over 1500 residents of Ward 3. Win or lose this election I will hold my head very high because I know I did the best I could and kept my word about being truthful, open, and transparent about myself and the issues. Even during this process I was able to also help many in Ward 3 on the issues they presented to me when we spoke. 7 petitions including one for the business community on North Street. Most importantly I had the chance to learn about my wonderful neighbors and about what they face everyday trying to stay above water.
I want to thank them for being up front and open with me and showing me that all they ask for is to be listened to, heard, and there concerns addressed. Regardless of how trivial. Such a simple task that has gone by the wayside for so long.
Thank you to all the bloggers here for indulging me with this.
Please remember to vote regardless of your candidate on November 8th from 8-8
Jeff Ferrin
Great statment Jeff. Melissa Mazzeo makes two now who are on record to lean up Silver Lke, Hill 78, and reopen Consent agreement. Hope you win!! Vote for Jeff Ferrin, everyone in Ward 3!!
@ Amanda Blake
Thank you Amanda for the support.
It is up to the voters to decide if I am able to move forward with those items. I am not so sure I would want to continue to do the work of the incumbent and these issues if I did not have the support of the voters making it easier for him. I believe I can be effective. I only need the chance to show it from the other side of podium.
jeff, what was the reaction from the people in your ward about you running against councilor who says nothing, he reminds me of sgt.shults on hogans heroes. do you think you have a shot? it seems to me that many of the big problems in the city are in your area, and have been neglected for many yrs.
Thank you for the questions Rick
The biggest reaction is that I have a hard road to walk running against name recognition and someone deeply connected with the GOB’s who is liked. I agree with that. I am a new guy bucking the status Quot and it is not very welcomming by the GOB’s. These words form someone who is close to him and was very open when speaking to me about his views. (nice man by the way)
As for a councilor who says nothing. If you read the Eagles endorsment Rick it talks about how silence is not so bad because there are plenty of other councilors to pick up his slack. There words not mine. You can draw your own conclusion when you read it.
He even stated in the first debate that he is not as comfortable speaking publicly as I am and only speaks to the issues he feels needs his attention. As a constituent I am not comfortable with that answer because it means that I am not being represented on the issues because of his inability to speak well.
If one is not comfortable in public speaking then the council is not the place to be.
Lets say for arguement sake Mr. Capitanio was “NOT” one of the GOB’s as he states in his Eagle profile out today he is not. Just the mere fact that he is silent, always votes the way Gerry Lee votes without any explanation as to why he is voting the way he is and the element he surrounds himself with at East Side Cafe to include Gerry Doyle, James Ruburto and friends then mere association and votes would show an indication he is part of the GOB’s since he has “NEVER” in his 2 plus years as councilor shown a distinct separation from them or that he is not a crony rubber stamp vote for the Ruberto Gerry Lee administration.
On the last issue you raise about many of the problems in this ward.
1) He talks about a neighborhood watch in the Orchards. But I assure you I have never been invited nor has he offered to work on one here in my neighborhood or any others to my knowledge. Nobody outside the Orchards has been invited or even knew about it.
I proposed at Dan Bianchi’s crime initiative meeting that we look to Pittsfield PD to promote and encourage folks to join the Auxilliary police as volunteers. Then use those very folks to help ther neighborhoods to be involved in neighborhood crime watches. I explained how it could work. The Sherriff and some PPD officers present agreed by applause.
2) Peda and the William Stanley park.
The incumbent has attended 1 meeting in 2 years. He stated in our last debate ( I have a copy of) that he wanted to continue on the PEDA Finance comity. Is that a new comity that is holding meetings out of the public eye that nobody is aware of? I attend all meetings and assure you that he has not been present but for one in early 2009.
Rick these are very real issues that must be addressed and I intend to address them regardless of populariy of those apposed. They effect the health, and quality of life in our ward and city.
I listened to him on the Donna Todd Rivers show a couple weeks ago and she asked him why he is running. His response was that he did not want to run. His friends wanted him to run. You just can’t make this stuff up Rick.
I feel I have done a very good job as an ordinary citzen in addressing issues, filing petitions on there behalf, addressing corruption and crime within our own government. I still have much to learn as well. I have been Addressing the issues noone wants to talk about head on. Mr. Capitanio talks about the roads and sidewalks he has had done. What he did not talk about was how he reached out to me after his election and asked if I would go out and look at what streets were a priority since I knew what I was looking for and advise him so they could be done. Like a fool I did. He did not tell you how I was the one who put a stop to an unnecessary amount of work and money to be spent at the intersection of Parkside and Newell where the sidewalk and curbuing were addressed. The idea for what is there is mine. Those residents that were there when he asked me what to do know this as well as the city engineer. I am ready to hit the ground running if the voters agree. It is up to them to decide if they want business as usual or if they want to be truly represented as a whole. So in answering your question about do I think I have a chance? The answer is “VERY MUCH SO” Why? Because I think we do not give enough credit to the intelegence of the people who do vote.
I say take away the he’s a nice guy part and ask if he has been effective and fully representative of all the people as a councilor both while sitting at council meetings and at the bar where people call to get his attention.
As a constituent I say no and listening to so many who feel the same way.
They want change as much as I do.
Like I said Rick. Win or lose I will hold my head high knowing I did everything I could to educate those I spoke with over the last 5 mo. and kept it clean on my end.
I appologize for my lenghty answers. I just wanted to be sure I addressed each concern and question completley. So I hope I have addressed your questions and or concerns
Jeff Ferrin
I live in ward 3, and you’ve got my vote, I’ll be voting be for someone who will sit on the dais and SPEAK for the people of the ward…rather than vote the way he’s told to by Gerry Doyle and Gerry Lee.
Jeff Did you use to work for the town of Lee? Fair question Dan why do I have to write it again and why was it taken off the Blog?
Steve I now know who you are. Yes I did. I volunteered for the ambulance for 18 yrs of which two were part time paid with a one time grant. I also worked for the DPW in a seasonal position for 4 yrs. I also lived there for 9 yrs. Again Steve I have nothing to hide so It is a fair question. It is public record since it was a municipa job.
Did you not live on Tyringham Rd in Lee?
Jeff I was going to vote for you but this rambling statement shows [REDACTED].
@ Steve Wade
Steve I am sorry to hear this. I however was only addressing issues and rumors that people were thinking I put no thought into or was avoiding because some are big issues. Had the Eagle printed some of the editorials sent it would have addressed some of this.
Had I had more than a half hr to debate these very real issues then this would have come out then. I however had zero control over the way the debates and questions were laid out. I followed as I was supposed to the directions given by the moderators of both radio and televised debates. I will not change my position for a vote.
I thank you for your comments Steve and hope you reconsider based on my ability to address issues honestly in representation of the residence in Ward 3 and not based on my wanting to address concerns and rumors of the skeptics.
Jeff Ferrin
Jeff, Steve Wade was never going to vote for you, he is a GOB supporter as his past blogs in this website clearly prove. Don’t waste your time on him.
As far as Jeff’s lengthy statements go, take the time to go through them if you want to understand his positions on issues. It’s called reading.
Did anyone actually make it through that whole thing?
Yes, I did. It’s called reading. When the GOB media in this city purposely shuts out a candidate and his supporters then often times this website is one of their only avenues to be heard.
Thank you Kraken
That is exactly what has been happening with the media. I know that even as controversial as Dan’s articles may be at times he has still provided an open forum for all to visit and comment regarding city issues , position on an issue or who we are. Knowing this I felt I would take advantage of using the very forum he has provided us all also knowing that he has many readers, even if not all write reply’s.
Thank you Dan for providing this forum
Jeff Ferrin
In regards to Marchetti’s statement about crime, either he is clueless or lying. Either way, not mayoral material. Actually, not even city council material.
One has to ask, if the supposed inflammatory comment was made in reverse, would it have gotten such a testy response?
i.e. If Marchetii, in defending his actions, stated that he had served on the same board as Bianchi’s wife, would Bianchi have been miffed about it, or would he have just said ‘that’s nice.’
It seems that the one making an issue about sexuality is actually Marchetti. Personally, I don’t care who he is married to as long as he is faithful to that union. That, to me, speaks of family values. One promises to love, honor, cherish their mate. To put that person above all others.
And, for as long as I can remember politicians have always brought the family into their campaigns. Whether it is parading the perfect coiffed wife around, or traipsing one’s children on stage, family and family values have always been forefront to politics.
All of that aside, I’m curious if there will be a representative from both camps at each polling station watching the machines be set back to zero before the first votes are cast. I’m sure we all want a level playing field, giving no one an advantage by an old machine that maybe was not properly reset.
Dee,
Just wondering if you are aware that there are paper ballots that are cast by computer as of approx. 4 or 5 years now. There are no “old” machines anymore.
I will know list my endorsement in this elections. I endorse some because I think they will do a fair job, others because the I had to point one.
Mayor: Dan Bianchi
At Large: Mazzeo, Sherman, Scapin, Clairmont
Ward 3: Ferrin
Ward 4: Vincelette
Ward 5: Lothrop
School Committee: Amuso, Barbalunga, Elias, Yon, Kinnas, Conant
These are my choices, but everyones count, so most important go out and vote Tuesday November 8, 2011 So many men/woman have and are fighting for your right to be free and vote Thank You
Yes, let’s make sure the GOBs don’t pull some funny stuff with the voting machines. Hope Bianchi camp has thought of this reall possibility. Also agree on the spouse matter. Marchetti made the big deal of it. He’s married to a man. What were supposed to pretend no? Petes a phony. Bianchis for real. Vote for Dan Bianchi!!
pay attention people…..lee was a copper…its election time ……he goes on radio endorsing the parade gay and does not mention crime in the city!!!!! am i on mushroom or as drunk as lee. no mention of crime from the ex head cop …. did anyone want to hear from lee abour pete being a nice communtity activist inbetween election losses../?…///// NOW YOUR SEEING ITS TIME TO OUT THE G.O.BS . THEIR NOT EVEN ON POINT WITH THE PROBLEMS IN OUR CITY. not even an old cop….. wow, if ever you want to see how not to run a campaign then go sit with lee, doyle and stracuzzi at the local gin mill for a couple hrs. and by the way, when they leave the mill who drives….. im sure lee being a stand up ex copper he gets a ride……
yeah right and no one will touch them they probably have a state trooper is your best friend sticker on the window.
Rick What the hell have you been smokeing?
i doubt that even with roberto and baretts backing, marchetti would win. i think you give them too much credit dan. after the speranzzo fiasco and tfb, i think they lost much of their credibility. i also think the scare tactics the marchettis camp is spewing is in large roberto. its the same deal the little toad pulled 2 yrs ago………..all in all peters voting record does speak volumns, but not in the good way for marchetti…..his rubberstamping on some of the nonsense has set this city backwards not forward……mazzeo has tried in vain to get him and the others to think about what they were elected to do and that is to get facts and figures before voting but to no avail they vote anyway… north street…. the mosquito spraying, heap big red blacktop warmer upper, should i say more or do you get it…marchettis campaign compliments his votes, a fiasco….. sad thing is his running for mayor might have ended his political credibility…. a wise man once said its better to keep your mouth shut and let people think your a fool than to open up mouth a relieve all doubts……………………………….
Rick You should follow your own advice !!
just taking a big drag off reality steve.
eagle backs marchetti… stop the presses!!!!! who would have guessed, the big ? is how much money has the berk. eagle been given from this and past admins.??? all told the eagle is a money looser so how do they get the money to operate….. adds, fliers. isnt enough to cover everyday operations… i would like to know if any of our tax payers money has gone to the eagle..
Eagle backs Marchetti = Planet backs Bianchi. Who would have guessed? Planet Blog Heads Back Bianchi. Who would have guessed?
the eagle got the money shaft when the civic authority was voted down and is still pissed off . eagle was going to have a connector to the stadium in witch would allow them all kinds of grants(tax payers money)…. so they can back whom ever they want, it all falls on deaf ears. the eagle endorsement is like a kiss of death. the editorial was a weak endorsement at best… never said what his accomplishments were, only that hes a community organizer, and progressive, and all progressive is ,is another word for big spender. want alot more taxes vote peter, want good people sticking up the corner store for milk money, vote marchetti. want a bunch of parade clowns running the city,marchettis your gay.
i ment guy…………..
Steve Wade = Joe Derwynn , food for thought. Cmon steve/joe admit it.
good old boys still crying over spilled stadium milk…. letter to the editor states hes confused about whom to vote for, i”ll say you are if your voting for marchetti. it was not a kill stadium vote ,it was a kill civic authority vote wich nearly 8thousand votes said no…. here is a perfect example of a wasted vote and many more from that network.
Rick, you’re trying too hard to be clever with your gay comments. How about correcting your other errors as well:
witch = which
ment = meant
your rite curious. wont happen again.
Dan is hitting on all cylinders with the latest on political and crime scenes comments. It is what it is and he is telling it like it is.
Its not so much who the Eagle endorses but rather who they left out…In the Ward races they left out Jeff Ferrin who is obviously worked harder and more abreast of the issues of his ward and better able to articulate them. They leave out the WIzard of Oz in Ward 4, Chuck Vincelette, who again is 10 times more qualified than his opponent, in fact, the argument could be made that he has been a successful, past Ward Councilor, yet still no endorsement. Then at Large, the huge exception was Melissa Mazzeo, who because she didn”t go along with the majority vote the majority of the time got left off the list. And then in an obvious case of still being spiteful after all these years, they leave out Dan Bianchi , who thru his campaign and voting record has proven to be thoughtful, independent and representing the will of the people again gets left off The Eagle’s kiss of death list. Not that any of these candidates should want the pathetic daily rag endorsement but it goes to show you that if you are a Councilor, past or present or hopeful, and you have an independent streak, think for yourself and rock the boat a little, the GOBs and the poor excuse for a daily newspaper will turn a cold shoulder to you. So here are my endorsements in contested races….
Ward 3-Jeff Ferrin
Ward 4-Chuck VIncelette
Ward 5-JLo- less of 2 evils
At Large-Kevin Sherman, top vote getter, should be next Prez, Melissa Mazzeo, Church Cotton, CPA Barry
Mayor-Dan Bianchi- Its Not even close,He is ready to take the Corner spot…
You heard it here first from the Hilly BIlly
Just wondering what all of the blog heads think of the article in the Eagle today about the tax difference between Troy NY and Pittsfield? Maybe it will make you think better about living in Pittsfield for alot less money.
Steve you live in Lanesborough better watch your own turf.
By Balance Rock Road or on balance rock road?
we just look to Lansborough and be grateful but Troy has one thing we don’t good paying jobs.
Dan,
Your obsession over Marchetti’s marital status is offensive and I wonder what harm it causes the Gay community to have the innuendo of hate alive and well on your pages.
In your observations on the Bianchi/Marchetti race, you equivocate between issues that count regarding good governance and Marchetti’s gay marriage. Be honest and choose which one you feel is at the heart of this race!
I wonder about your view that Marchetti’s marital status is inappropriate for the public image of Pittsfield. Does that position also apply to members of the Jewish community? To the Muslim community? If not, why? After all, we need not look back all that far when the politics of exclusion affected those groups.
It strongly appears that you are a bigot.
Levitan Good call ! I agree .
I agree as well.
LEVITAN
The matter of Marchetti’s marital status is of no concern to me. It is, however, of strong concern to a large part of the voting public, for whom traditional marriage is sacrosanct. We took this matter up because Marchetti decided to make an issue of it (the March BB article) and, most notable, in the PCTV debate that the BB ignored. He can’t have it both ways. So we merely reported on an issue in the campaign, rather than pretend it hadn’t been mentioned, like the BB did. More importantly, though, we feel that its relevant information for a large segment of the voting public, even though it’s personally irrelevant to me. You have misunderstood THE PLANET’s discussion of this issue, but we thank you for your view.
They are trying to put words in your mouth, Dan, but typical of bullies, they turn to name-calling.
Peter Marchetti’s choices and actions are indicative of his inability to adequately fill the position of Mayor. After witnessing his recent behavior, I would also venture he is not up for the position of city councilor either.
Hopefully PM will fade into obscurity.
[ENTIRE COMMENT REDACTED. THE AUTHOR IS WARNED AGAINST MAKING UNSUPPORTED CHANGES OF AN INFLAMMATORY NATURE — THE WEBMASTER]
***NEWS FLASH***
bianchi to name bowler chief of police in first 6 months in office. another special election to be held county wide. what is the cost
Why take a demotion?
Sara Hathaway was the first known “gay” mayor in the City of Pittsfield. She did a good job by not trying to rule the city, but to govern the city. She has a storng but gentle personality. Pete
does not have a strong personality. If Valenti was a bigot, there would be a consistent pattern of behavior, of which there is not. Don’t mix religion and sexual preference. The two religions mentioned have a high degree of intolerance for same sex relationships. The Muslin community, if you really study their religion and culture, has zero at best.
Who said Hathaway was Gay?
I take issue with Sara as the “first known ‘gay’ mayor.” That was never settled, although it was rumored. It never came up as a factor, one way of the other. I thought Sara was an excellent mayor. She was smart as they come, but she was too much of a policy wonk for Pittsfield. That says more about the sorry state of politics in the city than it does about Sara.
Dan, you missed one, as it was no big deal. It had nothing to do with her abilities. Ask the Pittsfield Country Club crew.
It was a little more sensitive then, than now. It was common knowledge then,as now. Sorry, as Halsey was queried by DC command structure, “The world wants to know.” and it was misinterpreted.
Ask her your self!
yourself. Sorry for the typo.
There’s only one way to vote for mayor, as The Planet has shown I think has proven, in fact, and that is by the campaign. If you look at the record what has Marchetti done about the issues he brings up. He was at large councilor for a dozen years and did nothing escept vote as the two Gerrys told him. Bianchi is his own man. My vote is and Dan.
theres one way to vote,,……………….think……………..
RICK
That’s one endorsement we hope all can buy!
Dan: Speaking of endorsements this is the best I seen yet. I have read so many letters to the editor for different candidates. This one sure was the best I seen. It was writing by Lois H. Goddeau and signed by another 9 senior center members. It appeared in Sunday’s Eagle.
It tells how MELLISA MAZZEO is a special person to all at the Senior Center. Basicially how she attends different functions quite often there ( not just at election time) host ice cream sundae parties etc. That she often just drops by for a coffee and chat. This really impressed me and if I wasn’t going to vote for (which I was) her there is no doubt she gets my vote.
I predict she will get the most votes in this election, which she deserves
While I am thrilled that you are familiar with the ancient root spelling of my surname, Derwynn, and must always commend such master genealogy, I am sad to report that that I am not “Steve Wade,” as you suggest.
I believe most of my current and former pseudonyms used locally are generally known, if not a matter of outright public record.
I thank you, however, for your contribution to the ever-growing legend of my prolificacy.
-JWD
JOE
Thanks for setting the record straight. It’s not exactly of “Who is John Galt” quality, but it’s been a source of interest of some readers. Can you and Steve appear in the same room at the same time? That would settle it for sure!
Dan
I will appear if you agree to be present as well, so we can allay once and for all persisting doubts of some about whether you and I are in fact the same person perpetrating some massive headfudge.
I will have my father recuse himself of duties at PCTv on appointed night so that there are no allegations of camera trickery.
Would be glad to do it! Of course, Steve Wade had to be there as well, right? We could call the show, “I Led Three Lives.” I will drink a glass of water while you and Steve chat.
No interest, Steve? Alas. I remain open to any such public exchange, I think it would be some of the best local access television seen in a while.
In the meantime, I shall continue my tradition of posting my occasional contributions here under my own name, I’m obviously more than willing to take credit for even my most obnoxious and ill-considered statements. I believe this is a virtue we share.
JOE
This is certainly a virtue THE PLANET shares. While we understand that in a small, politically inbred community such as Pittsfield and the Berkshires feel more comfortable posting anonymously, it does add a level of ownership to use one’s own name, as we do. The name doesn’t matter in and of itself. If someone posts a reasonable comment that furthers the discussion, they can use any name they want. When they post idiocy under assumed names, that’s cowardice.
Not sure if its cowardice Dan, as sometimes one must protect identity for political and personal reasons…posting under an assumed name or names gives me a freedom to say what I really think and believe sometimes without worrying about creating enemies I don’t want or other raminfications I would have using my real name
HB2IW4
Agree. Some do post anonymously because they are cowards. They are the minority. Most post anonymously for legitimate reason, and you are one of them.