By DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI News and Commentary

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, THURSDAY, FEB. 23, 2012) — Happy Birthday, Mick!

Glad to see so many are interested in the upcoming discussion between my two Right Honorable Good Friends, Ward 6 councilor John Krol, and at-large councilor Melissa Mazzeo. Krol and Mazzeo have been at loggerheads on many issues, but if you examine their voting records, you will find a surprising amount of accord. Nonetheless, our planned discussion will surely examine differences between the two that have arisen stemming from Mazzeo’s comments to THE PLANET on the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.

Krol questioned Mazzeo’s characterizations of his position in her statement to THE PLANET following the debate on Mayor Dan Bianchi‘s appointment of former mayoral and council candidate Jeff Ferrin to the ambulance review board. Ferrin would appear more than qualified to serve, given his long years in service as an EMT.

We are still working our the specifics with the candidates for a time and place of the show, and we shall let you know as soon as the details are finalized. Here’s what we can say as of now:

* Both candidates immediately agreed to the public discussion. This happened after Mazzeo offered to meet Krol in a forum moderated by THE PLANET. We offered our services, and both accepted in principle.

* Both candidates have been refreshingly free of demands or conditions of the type that one often encounters in trying to set up forums of this type. We have moderated countless of these for radio and TV, and sometimes to forge agreement you need to engage in shuttle diplomacy that would give Henry Kissinger in his prime a hard time. It was not so in this case, and we thank our two good friends.

* We’re hoping that the discussion will take place next week.

* As of now, it appears that it will take place at one of two venues: Either in the WBRK studios or at the PCTV studios.

As we say, we’ll keep you posted.

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SCHEDULE RELEASED FOR PLANET-STURGEON APPEARANCE on “OUT FRONT TV“

Here’s the broadcast schedule over the Pittsfield cable system for the “Out Front TV” show THE PLANET taped on Tuesday with the Berkshire County Republican Association. That show was hosted by Jim Bronson. Bill Sturgeon of WBRK sat in with us as co-guest. The show covers lots of issues, mostly national, with some local and global matters sneaking in. You’ll find lively discussion, pointed debate, and — as what usually happens when THE PLANET is involved — some good-natured fun and laughs.

Dave Bubriski is the communications director of the BCRA.

THE PLANET thanks Dave, Jim, the good folks at PCTV, and everyone we met at the dinner after the show for their kindness and hospitality.

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FROM TIME, REAL AND IMAGINARY

A Political Allegory

On the wide expanse of a city-street’s head

(I know not where but was some nearby place)

their arms, Eagle like, for sails outspread.

Two politicians run an endless race,

from the ward and at-large, a sister and a brother!

The one far out-stripped the other,

Yet ever runs she with reverted face

and looks and listens for the man behind,

For he, alas, is blind.

Over rough and smooth with even step he passed

and knows not whether he be first or last.

Have fun, O my brothers and sisters, ciphering the hidden meaning of this one. For a clue: “When you say its name, it is no longer there.”

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WHO GAVE TO WHOM? THIS INFO FROM BIANCHI CAMPAIGN CASHIER

THE PLANET reported the coincidental fact that each of the Gang of Four from the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre — Jonathan Lothrop, Barry Clairmont, Paul Capitanio, and Chris Yon — contributed to the campaign treasury of mayoral candidate Peter Marchetti. Some wondered about other councilors and their contributions. Regarding this, we pass this along from someone who worked as part of the finance committee for Mayor  Bianchi’s election bid:

I was a cashier for Dan Bianchi’s kickoff fundraiser at the Italian American Club. Paul Capitanio came in…handed me $50 in cash…told me he couldn’t stay, but told me to “make sure that Dan knows that I was here.” I paper clipped the (2) $20’s and the $10 together with a note explaining the donation…and included his name on a list of past & present public officials in attendance so Dan could acknowledge them. When I gave the list to Dan, he said he was aware that Paul had a prior commitment. It’s my understanding that cash donations don’t always get reported, especially when taken in at a fundraiser. Melissa, Joe Nichols, Bill Barry, Lou Costi and Tony Maffuccio were the only past or present councilors (to my recollection) to attend any of Dan’s events prior to the election night party at Mazzeo’s. I know former councilor Jim Massery was a contributor…and he, and Gary Grunin were both in attendance at Mazzeo’s from the beginning of the gathering.

We thank our friend for this information.

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THAT’S IT FOR NOW. GOTTA FLY MORE TO COME. KEEP CHECKING BACK.

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL