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!!EXCLUSIVE!! PLANET OBTAINS SECRET DOCUMENTS IN MUNN CASE; WE SHARE THEM IN A PRESENTATION ON BOTH SIDES OF THE DISPUTE … LAWSUITS? A CERTAINTY

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BY DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY

 

ADD 1: THE PLANET has added Gary Munn’s legal response to the city’s charges, which he submitted on May 5. The document can be found in the presentation on Munn’s position. 

ADD 2: We received this from Danielle Munn on Wednesday afternoon. THE PLANET shares this as part of the “he says/she says,” “city says/Munns say” record.

I also want to note that Gary’s overtime gradually increased over the years as the PPD invested in training him towards digital forensics, we are guessing we’ll over $20K in training. Murders, Shootings, Bank Robberies started to demand more time of him and this started when Wynn & Tyer were in office. They approved all of this hybrid work and PPD took over the overtime for Gary because IT didn’t have the budget.

Why is IT investigating overtime from the PPD budget? Why does he get to overreach departments without first creating a new collaboration with all new players? 

CIO came in for a bit, demanded more money from the mayor because his salary wasn’t equivalent to the School’s Head of IT. When he didn’t get the salary, he left to go back to GD. Mike Taylor & Mayor Marchetti hire a new CIO from a man whom barely spoke English so it was a struggle to communicate but he is from a different cultural background so there were conflicts.

Jamie kept contacting Kevin (CIO) personally to help him bridge back over. The mayor and Kevin saw each other in a public place and chatted about their plan. Then….. 

Jamie Munn, Mike Taylor & Mayor Marchetti did what they do best, they ganged up on the guy and fired him. He received no training, no support, he was just thrown into  the office and expected to figure it out.

Also Shari Foucher, recently felt forced to retire early because of the abusive and toxic environment that CIO allowed with the IT dept. She made complaints against Jamie for sexual harassment and was brushed off. She said she filed a suit in Springfield last week. She also agreed to speak on Gary’s behalf to support his claims of this corruption.

ADD 3 Thursday morning–THE PLANET received the following from Danielle Munn. She raises an interesting point about Gary Munn’s overtime:

While Gary was on Admin Leave he received a commendation from the DA’s office.
If Gary’s OT is questioned even though it’s been signed off on by a supervisor who requested his service, does that mean CIO (chief information officer (CIO) Kevin Zawistowski) is accusing PPD command staff of fraudulent behavior?
CIO did not have any conversations with PPD command staff or ask any supervisors who signed the OT slips any questions. Nobody was interviewed during this 9 week investigation. So how can it be called an investigation?  Again, why is IT questioning overtime that was requested and approved by a supervisor from OT payments from PPD budget? Why has the Chief been cut out of this process, does CIO outrank him now?
CIO was the accuser, a victim, the investigator, judge and jury. This is a complete failure of Due Process starting with that first Admin Leave letter. It’s not on a letterhead, it’s not properly written according to rights of employees, it does not give Gary a contact to ask questions. He also NEVER contacted Gary, ever. It uses the term “should refrain”, which is more of a suggestion than a demand. And why would it warn him that any form of retaliation would cause immediate termination? Because it keeps him quiet. Why would someone need to be told that unless they were concerned about it?

———- ooo ———-

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEDNESDAY JULY 2, 2025) — THE PLANET has more on The Strange and Spooky Case of Gary Munn, an IT specialist recently fired by the city after eight years on the job.

Munn worked a hybrid position, with his offices on the second floor of the Pittsfield Police Department but with his boss, chief information officer (CIO) Kevin Zawistowski, on city side

This case, though the city has portrayed it as cut-and-dry in its public comments, possesses a more labyrinthian aspect than Minotaur’s house on Crete. It involved accusations of illegal activity from both sides and allegations of vindictive activities by the IT department and the mayor. Throw in what a downtown business owner–who is also, incidentally or not, Munn’s wife–claims is the city’s attempt to put her out of business, and you have the recipe for political morass, with the certainly of lawsuits added as a garnish. Such dishes are never well done, nor are they rare in Bitchfield.

Today, THE PLANET will present the position of both sides. Analysis will come in our next column, which will, we think, be a week from today, if we come back at all

We will add that sources in the PPD almost uniformly expressed support for Munn, as well as outrage at his dismissal. They also had heavy criticism of Zawistowski, Jamie Munn, and the mayor.

THE CITY’s POSITION

THE PLANET obtained copies of the city’s confidential reports regarding Munn. These have not been previously published.

On May 5, HR director Taylor sent the reports to GIO (geographical information systems) coordinator Ryan Grennan in the engineering department and Heaher Brazeau, assistant city clerk. The reports are titled “Employee Conduct Investigation Report” and “Overtime Investigation Report.”

———- ooo ———-

Prior to firing Gary Munn, the city offered the following. Was it a generous offer … or … an attempt to shut him up?

Munn did not accept the offer, after which he received this letter:

Here are the two reports the city filed against Munn:

 Employee Conduct Investigation Report 

Background 

While investigating the overtime use of Gary Munn, with the authorization of Human Resources and the Chief of Police, I reviewed exterior camera footage of both City Hall and Pittsfield Police Department (PPD) to verify the times Gary was present at work. While reviewing the camera footage, I reviewed the access logs of both camera systems to see how much of my investigation Gary would be able to see. While reviewing these logs, I noticed that Gary had been viewing recorded footage at City Hall without any known purpose or authorization. When I viewed the footage that he was viewing, I noticed that he was watching recorded footage of me moving through City Hall. I immediately notified Human Resources and the Mayor and began an investigation into what looked like unauthorized surveillance. 

Scope 

This investigation included the review of camera access logs, recorded camera footage and computer logs. Information was reviewed going back to January 1, 2025 and footage going back to late January as this was the maximum recording length available. Camera logs included both PPD and City Hall while recorded video review included only City Hall due to the sensitivity of cameras at PPD. 

Method 

For this investigation, I reviewed camera access logs to confirm: 

• what cameras were accessed 

• when cameras were accessed 

• from where cameras were accessed 

• the subject of recorded footage viewed 

• any other patterns or concerns with such surveillance 

Findings 

While investigating the unauthorized surveillance, it was confirmed that Gary regularly monitored the door of the IT office with live video. The second most active live view was the camera to the Mayor’s Office and the camera in the City Council Chambers. Some views of recorded footage were too long to narrow down the subject of the view. 

On and around Feb 3 and Feb 5, Gary viewed recorded footage of Police officers entering and leaving City Hall and Entering and Leaving Room 203 including the Chief of Police. 

On February 14, Gary viewed recorded and live video of the CIO entering and leaving the Mayor’s office. The subject of this meeting was the proper use of the Public Safety IT Support Specialist position which Gary had knowledge of. 

On Feb 24 Gary Viewed recoded video of maintenance in the City Hall server room, in which he did not have an active role. 

Again on March 4 Gary viewed recorded footage of Officers entering a meeting in Room 203. 

On March 13, Gary viewed live and recorded video of the CIO entering and leaving the Quarterly Safety meeting. 

On March 24, Gary viewed live and recoded video of the Ordinance and Rules meeting at City Hall in which Gary’s spouse was present. This meeting was viewed while charging overtime. 

Beginning on April 1, Gary began following the CIO through the building. This appears to have occurred after it became known to Gary that his overtime was being investigated. On April 1, Gary viewed the CIO entering and exiting the Mayor’s office. On April 8, Gary followed the CIO through City Hall using live and recorded video while the CIO had a closed door talk with the Payroll Specialist. On April 9, Gary again followed the CIO through City Hall as the CIO entered the Treasurer’s Office, Payroll Office and the Solicitor’s office. 

On April 10, Gary watched recorded video of the S&P Union meeting. 

On April 11, Gary watched live and recorded video of the CIO entering Human Resources and the Mayor’s office. On this day Gary watched live and recorded video of his wife and others entering the Mayor’s office. 

On the following days it was noted that Gary viewed live and recorded video from a remote location other than his desk: April 9, April 14 and April 15, 2025. The subject of these videos were IT staff, including CIO and Police officers entering and leaving a meeting in City Hall. 

Not directly subject to this investigation and possibly worthy of further investigation is the use and access of cameras during overtime charged and the use and viewing of PPD internal camera recordings which he may or may not have been directed to view. 

Summary 

This use of City Hall security cameras for personal surveillance constitutes gross misuse of privileged access. This is in direct violation of the City’s Workplace Conduct Policy which classifies harassing surveillance or stalking (following or watching) a City employee/representative or family member as prohibited conduct. This conduct is in direct violation of the Internet and Computer Policy which states City computers and Internet are for official city business only. Additionally, the personal use of such systems may constitute a violation of State Ethics law. 

It is worth noting that Gary identifies himself as a Pittsfield Police Department employee and wears PPD identification and clothing. This unauthorized surveillance gives the perception to employees and potentially the public that PPD routinely monitors security cameras at City Hall and the Berkshire Atheneum. These systems are in place for the safety and security of employees and the public and are not to be actively monitored. The City complies with all public records requests and formal requests from law enforcement. The newly adopted Surveillance Technology Oversight Order is also clear on oversight of surveillance technology used by PPD. Use of City Hall and Berkshire Atheneum camera systems for PPD surveillance requires City Council approval, which has not been obtained. 

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 Overtime Investigation Report 

Background 

While preparing for the fiscal year 2026 (FY26) budget for the Information Technology (IT) Department, I conducted a review of current staffing and future needs for the department. For this, I reviewed specifically if the amount of overtime charged for calendar year 2024 could amount to the cost of an additional full-time employee (FTE). During this review I noticed that there was a significantly higher amount of overtime charged by Gary Munn relative to other staff in my department. I expanded my look into overtime starting from January 1, 2025 to April 3, 2025 and noted that Gary had already accumulated $10,224 in overtime. The next highest employee had $1,047 in overtime year-to-date (YTD). 

The Public Safety IT Support Specialist I position reports directly to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and is a Supervisory and Professional (S&P) Employees Association bargaining unit member. As part of the job description, this employee works in collaboration with the Chief of Police and has previously been designated as a Limited Enforcement Agent (DLEA) of the Pittsfield Police the last of which expired in July of 2024. 

According to the employee handbook and the S&P Contract, Gary’s regular work hours are 7:30am to 4:00pm and is entitled to a 30 minute unpaid lunch break. 

The last signed Flexible Work Program agreement for Gary was signed on March 16, 2022 and was valid for the period of April 12, 2022 through April 29, 2022. No other telework agreement was found on file. 

On August 20th, I made my expectations for the department clear regarding remote work and overtime. 

On March 31st, I made my concerns regarding overtime and Gary’s overtime clear to the Mayor, Police Chief, HR Director and Treasurer. On April 1st I notified HR of my intent to verify Gary’s use of overtime. On April 7th at 2:41pm, I asked Gary for a copy of his overtime spreadsheet at after first asking the Chief for a copy at 10:08am on April 7th. 

With the approval of Human Resources and notification of the Chief of Police, I began an investigation into exactly why there was a large amount of overtime paid to Gary on a regular basis. 

Scope 

This investigation covered overtime charging for Gary Munn for the period of July 1, 2024, to April 5, 2025, specifically looking to account for why the overtime charged was nearly 10 times higher than the next highest employee in the department. The investigation included reviewing timesheets, overtime slips, computer access logs, networks logs, camera footage, and any other mechanism to substantiate the overtime compensation charged. 

Method 

For this investigation, I did the following 

• Collected and reviewed timesheets, overtime slips and Munis overtime information from July 1, 2024 to April 5, 2025. 

• Conducted an in-depth analysis of overtime for the two pay periods covering March 9, 2024 through April 5, 2025, including reviewing: • Exterior PPD camera footage for arrival/departure times 

• Overtime timesheets 

• Overtime slips 

• Regular-time time sheets 

• Bomgar logs 

• Active Directory Logs 

• Parallels logs 

• Fortigate VPN logs 

• SentinelOne Logs 

• Review of signed Flexible Work Plan, DLEA Warrant, and Job description, S&P Bargaining Unit Contract, and Employee Handbook 

Findings 

For the in-depth review of overtime compensation during the weeks of March 9, 2025 to March 22, 2025 I observed the following: 

During the first week of the pay period, Gary worked a total of 40 hours and 51 minutes leaving the potential for only 51 minutes of overtime compensation. Gary charged a 4-hour call-in for planned server maintenance that should instead be scheduled overtime totaling 45 minutes. During the pay period, Gary was paid for a 4-hour call-in, but was only entitled to 1.6 hours of overtime (96 minutes) and thus overpaid by $53.72 

During the second week of the pay period, Gary worked a total of 37 hours and 5 minutes of regular hours and charged 3 hours of overtime. On the day of charged overtime (March 20), camera footage shows that Gary arrived at 7:27am and left at 5:04pm and not at 7:00pm, which amounts to 1 hr and 4min of potential overtime (the amount charged was 3 hours). Based on camera footage and remote access logs, Gary did not work a full week and was not eligible for overtime when charged. Gary only worked a total of 38 hours and 9 minutes, making his work week short by 1hr and 51 minutes. The total amount overpaid for this week was $213.23. 

The total amount overpaid for the pay period of March 9, 2025 – March 22,2025 was $266.95. 

For the in-depth review of overtime compensation during the weeks of March 23, 2025 to April 5, 2025, I observed the following: 

During the first week of this pay period, using camera footage, Gary was observed at work for a total of 49 hours and 1 minute.. During this time, Gary charged 14 hours of overtime. This is 4 hours and 49 minutes more than time worked amounting to an overpayment of $242.61. 

During the second week of the pay period, Gary was observed at work for a total of 42 hours and 57 minutes.. During this time, Gary charged 6 hours and 30 minutes of overtime. This exceeds the hours he was eligible for overtime by 3hours and 27 minutes and as a result was overpaid by $178.81. 

For the entire pay period, it appears that Gary was overpaid for incorrectly charged overtime amounting to a total of $421.42. 

A high-level review of overtime charging for the time period of July 1, 2024 to March 8, 2025 was also performed to identify possible overtime charging anomalies or inconsistencies. For this period, I observed the following: 

On seven separate occasions, a 4-hour call-in was used instead of scheduled overtime for planned server maintenance. On two occasions, overtime was correctly charged for server maintenance. This appears to have occurred only when the total compensation was higher for the overtime (Overtime over 2.7 hours would result in more compensation than a 4-hour 

call-in). This suggests intentional mischarging to maximize the amount of compensation. On two occasions, call-ins were charged while on vacation for IT issues that could have gone to the IT helpdesk and handled by a staff member not on overtime. On 6 separate occasions, call-ins were charged for data migrations where overtime should have been charged instead. This is evidenced by one correct charging of the same data migration (which exceeded 2.77 hours) as overtime and not a call-in. 

These events amounted to an overpayment of $1,200.49. 

Unless otherwise accounted for and substantiated by Gary, the total amount of overtime compensation overpaid going back to July 1, 2025 was $1,888.86. 

This analysis only accounts for actual time present and working and did not examine the approval and justification for overtime and call-ins. 

No known flexible work agreement exists for Gary to work outside of the hours negotiated by the S&P bargaining unit of 7:30am to 4:00pm. No known authorizations for remote work prior to performing the work have been observed. It appears overtime was authorized after conducting the overtime work without prior approvals required. 

According to policy, overtime must be authorized prior to working. Working outside of the approved 7:30-4:00pm negotiated hours requires Department Head and HR approval via flexible work plan, prior to working an alternate schedule. 

Other Findings 

During the in-depth investigation into overtime use, it was also noted that a city-owned vehicle was used to transport Gary’s family members. This occurred a total of 14 times during the two pay periods covered. Most occurrences involved the blue city-owned Ford sedan and on at least one occasion a city-owned Ford Explorer Police cruiser. 

No written approval has been communicated to the IT Director from Gary. Further, it appears that these vehicles were used for Gary’s daily commute, which requires the approval of the City Council. 

While initiating this investigation, unauthorized surveillance by Gary Munn was also noticed, the findings of which are detailed in a separate investigation regarding employee conduct. 

Summary 

While investigating the past 6 months of overtime charging for Gary Munn, it is estimated that $1,888.86 was paid that he was not entitled to. This was based on reviews of timesheets, overtime slips, video footage and computer logs. 

It was also observed that Gary used city-owned vehicles for personal use on as many as 14 occasions for both commuting to and from work and transporting family members. 

Whether intentional or otherwise, both findings demonstrate a lack of regard for policy and communication. Gary is in a position of trust and is expected to conduct himself with integrity. In his role as Public Safety IT Support specialist and as a DLEA, Gary regularly encounters personally identifiable information (PII) and criminal history and record information (CHRI) and participates directly in criminal investigations. 

Gary has acknowledged this requirement of integrity through the signing of the city’s internet and computer user policy, mandatory ethics training and with his privileged user agreement for access to the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS). 

The lack of integrity demonstrated puts the city’s public trust at risk. It also risks closed and ongoing criminal investigations that Gary provided assistance with. 

From: Grennan, Ryan <rgrennan@cityofpittsfield.org>
Date: Fri, May 30, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Subject: RE: Update
To: Gary Munn <garydavid21@gmail.com>
CC: Brazeau, Heather <hbrazeau@cityofpittsfield.org>

Hi Gary

 I heard back from HR, and they wanted to review the “possible misuse of City assets to complete work for outside businesses, as well as for generating potentially offensive memes using photos of City personnel.”  Heather and I will plan on seeing you Monday.  Please reach out with any questions.

Thank you

Ryan

 

———- ooo ———-

GARY AND DANIELLE MUNN’S POSITION

Here, THE PLANET presents Gary Munn’s response to the city’s charges. This give his side fully, in rebuttal to the city’s claims. As Danielle Munn points out, her husband submitted his rebuttal on May 5 to his supervisor, CIO Kevin Kawistowski. She says the city told her to “expect a response by the end of that week (May 5 was a Monday). The Munns are still awaiting a response, which likely will not be given, since they fired him. That response will almost certainly come in court.

If we’re going to start posting documents, then let’s post all of them. Our side submitted a 22-page legal response that directly addressed and dismantled every single accusation. We were told to expect a decision by the end of that week.

Instead, the CIO jumped the gun—pushing for termination before completing a proper investigation. When he realized how flimsy the accusations were, he scrambled, digging through eight years of emails trying to justify a decision that was already made. That’s not due process—that’s damage control.

And let’s be absolutely clear: most of the accusations didn’t even factor into the actual termination, because they couldn’t. Why? Because the CIO didn’t do his job. He acted prematurely, then panicked when it became obvious that the investigation didn’t support the outcome he wanted.

You can read the full rebuttal for yourself here:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAGsBtlMynU/xyorWDOEfksjNgmsvRZGHQ/view?utm_content=DAGsBtlMynU&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h9c2a

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Most of the following material has been obtained by THE PLANET from statements made by Danielle either directly to us or taken from public posts.

 D. MUNN:
To be clear: Gary was targeted. We met with Mayor Marchetti because the very people responsible for protecting him—the CIO [Zawistowski, Gary’s boss] the Union President, and the HR Director—are the same ones who compromised his position. [ED NOTE: the “union president” Danielle refers to is none other than Jamie Munn, Gary’s brother; Danielle says the brothers have an estranged, troubled relationship] Gary was trapped in a toxic and corrupt environment, and during our meeting on February 20th, he laid out everything: the misconduct, the fraud, the nepotism, the cover-ups inside both City Hall and the Police Department. The Mayor acknowledged some of the behavior and promised us it would never happen again. He kept the documents we gave him and assured us he’d look into the matter.

Fast forward a few weeks, and I was actively opposing the Mayor’s ordinances [on homelessness]. I rallied dozens of people to speak at meetings. I encouraged the community to send emails, letters, and make calls. The pressure clearly bothered him—he even complained to mutual acquaintances that we had “villainized” him. That was March.

By early April, Gary noticed a shift in behavior from the CIO—cold, distant, off. Something wasn’t right. So on April 10th, Gary went to HR Director Michael Taylor to formally report what he believed was retaliation and emerging misconduct.

The next day—April 11th—I had a two-hour meeting with the Mayor, joined by some of our unhoused friends. He put on a pathetic show of empathy, making comments like, “These pants are three years old from JC Penney,” and “Look how scuffed my shoes are,” as if anyone in that room had the luxury of shopping at JC Penney. He added, “I’m no stranger to struggle—I couch-surfed once.” Must be nice to have couches.

And then—six days later, on April 16th—Gary was placed on administrative leave. No prior warning. No conversation. No explanation. They took everything—his keycards, work car, phone, laptop—all gone in an instant. The letter they handed him? Not even on letterhead. Not even professionally written. Just a slapdash excuse of a document meant to humiliate, not inform.

Since then, it’s been nothing short of a witch hunt—relentless harassment, retaliatory behavior, and bogus complaints filed with the Attorney General. We’ve been told by mutual friends that the Mayor has been actively warning people to “distance themselves from the Munns” because “what’s coming isn’t going to be pretty.” He’s gone so far as to verbally belittle Witch Slapped’s community work, dismissing our mutual aid efforts with open contempt—and frankly, he’s been acting like the pettiest tyrant imaginable. I call him Mean Girl Marchetti. 

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SELECTED DANIELLE MUNN FACEBOOK POSTS


[ED NOTE: THE FOLLOWING POSTS PROVIDE THE FLAVOR AND SUBSTANCE OF THE MUNNS’ POSITION; THEY ARE UNEDITED BUT ARE NOT COMPREHENSIVE.]:
FB 1
This Is Who’s Running Pittsfield
Peter Marchetti is the current Mayor of Pittsfield.
But before he held that office, he held power in a very different way—through intimidation, humiliation, and retaliation.
In a federal lawsuit filed by former bank executive Victoria May, Marchetti is personally accused of:
Screaming at her for 40 minutes in front of colleagues
Calling her a “bitch” and telling her to “shut up”
Publicly sabotaging her work
Retaliating after she reported his behavior
Contributing to her termination while she was out on medical leave
Admitting he had done the same to at least one other woman
Operating in a toxic workplace culture that tolerated porn on work computers, sexist jokes, and male executives bragging about hiring prostitutes on business trips
This man is now the Mayor.
Read the lawsuit for yourself:
May v. Pittsfield Cooperative Bank (PDF)
And now, the same pattern of retaliation has found its way to us.
Witch Slapped is under fire
We are a family-run, community-powered mutual aid and spiritual space that has fed, clothed, and cared for thousands in Pittsfield. But ever since we spoke out—about city policies, about the safety of the unhoused, about corruption—we’ve been targeted.
Gary Munn, my husband, worked in public safety IT.
He reported misconduct and unethical behavior directly to Mayor Marchetti.
Shortly after, Gary was placed on leave, investigated by those he spoke out against, and fired when he refused to quietly walk away.
Then came the attacks on our business: complaints filed, donors intimidated, volunteers questioned, false accusations about our operations.
Why?
Because we didn’t bow to Mean Girl Marchetti.
Because we didn’t stay quiet.
Because we dared to speak the truth.
This isn’t just retaliation—it’s punishment.
Peter Marchetti doesn’t just abuse power.
He destroys those who challenge him.
He hides behind office walls while his targets burn.
And now, he’s holding the highest seat in our city.
We are not victims. We are the resistance.
But we need your help to fight back.
To defend our rights.
To protect our sanctuary.
To stand up against political abuse from the top down.
Support the movement.
Support our legal fight.
Help us survive this coordinated campaign of retaliation.
Donate here:
GoFundMe — Defend Witch Slapped & the Munn Family
Let’s make it known: This city belongs to the people—not to the predators in charge.

FB2

URGENT: Only 6 Days Left to Save Witch Slapped
This is not a drill. This is the final countdown.
If we don’t raise the full legal funds by June 30th, here’s exactly what happens starting July 1st:
I will give notice to our landlord—Witch Slapped will begin our final 30 days in our space.
The community center will shut down. That means:
No more food pantry
No more clothing closet
No more free personal care items
No more workshops, pop-ups, mutual aid, or safe space
All donated goods will be handed off to other organizations.
We will launch a Going Out of Business Sale to liquidate inventory.
I’ll begin deep cleaning, packing, and closing our doors.
And I’ll start looking for a new job—because my family comes first, and we have to survive.
Witch Slapped is the only thing left to liquidate—and it may come to that.
But… if we meet our goal by June 30th, we don’t just stay open—we rise stronger. We keep building, keep fighting, and keep caring for our community. And we hold those in power accountable.
If you believe in Witch Slapped—if you’ve ever experienced our magic, our mutual aid, or our mission—now is the time to stand with us.
Share
Speak up
This is our final shot. Let’s make it count.
With urgency, love, and fire,
Danielle

FB3

FB4

**Witch Slapped: They Tried, They Failed — Again
Well, here we are — again. When the first bogus complaint to the Attorney General’s office failed to stick, the powers-that-be tried another angle in their ongoing retaliation against our family and Witch Slapped.
This time? We were reported because Felicia — a beloved part of our community, who everyone knows volunteers here — was seen handling the register, cash, credit cards, and our point-of-sale system. Since there’s no W2 on file for Felicia’s volunteer work, the assumption was we must be doing something shady.
But here’s the truth (with proof):
✔ Felicia does legitimate paid work for us. They invoiced us for professional inventory management services as part of a PERC grant — funding that was used exactly as intended.
✔ Felicia also volunteers their time. Just like so many in our community who choose to give freely to help keep Witch Slapped’s mission alive.
✔ We’re fully transparent. We worked with the city’s Community Development office, and we have documentation showing they approved our grant payments.
Let’s call this what it is: harassment. Retaliation. An abuse of power designed to silence and punish those who stand up against corruption. This is not the end, there is MORE and more comes everyday!
These statements reflect our personal experience and opinions as we navigate this ongoing ordeal.
Every attempt they make only proves how desperate they are to tear down what we’ve built. But guess what? We’re still standing. And we always will.

FB5

To my beautiful community — my friends, my family, my soul kin — I need to speak from the heart today.
Since January, I believe my family has been the target of a coordinated campaign of corruption, retaliation, and harassment by the City of Pittsfield. Why? Because we chose courage over silence.
We reported corruption and misconduct directly to the Mayor.
We stood up to harmful policies like the Median Safety Ordinance and the Camping Ordinance, because no one should be erased for being poor or unhoused.
We spoke the truth, and yes — we made powerful people uncomfortable.
And so, they came for us.
Gary worked for the City of Pittsfield. He was placed on administrative leave for two months while they dug through eight years of spotless service — no discipline, no write-ups, just dedication. They offered him a deal to resign quietly, and when he refused to back down, they terminated him.
The man who accused him, investigated him, and made the decision to fire him? The very person Gary had reported to the mayor for misconduct.
At the same time, Witch Slapped received visits, questions, and scrutiny from multiple agencies. We were targeted not because we had done anything wrong, but because we refused to bow down.
Gary’s job was our family’s main income. Witch Slapped hasn’t been able to pay me a paycheck in some time, because my priority has always been to keep serving this community.
Here’s where I need to speak with love and truth.
The future of Witch Slapped is uncertain right now.
We are facing immense legal costs as we fight this injustice.
We may be forced to liquidate and close shop so we can focus on surviving and starting over.
But no matter what happens, the love I have for this community will not change. The magic we’ve made together will not fade. And my fight for justice will not end.
If you believe in what we’ve built, if you believe in love, truth, and justice — now is the time to stand with us. Stay Tuned.
From my heart to yours — thank you for every kind word, every act of support, every bit of energy you’ve sent. I love you. https://gofund.me/f476d6dc

———- ooo ———-

That’s it for now.

Have a Happy Fourth!

——————————————————–

Once scammed, it’s on you; twice scammed, then you must be in the City of Pittsfield” — Sir Donald Turpentine, Knight of the Bath

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE”

LOVE TO ALL

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Concerned taxpayer
Concerned taxpayer
4 days ago

Good he should be fired he’s a thief
and what gives him the right to surveillance people just because he wants to we all must follow rules there are consequences for your actions

Meanwhile
Meanwhile
Reply to  Concerned taxpayer
3 days ago

and so if there were others not following the rules and or breaking the law should they also be paraded to the front of the class and outed?

Or just that guy?

Concerned taxpayer
Concerned taxpayer
Reply to  Meanwhile
3 days ago

Anyone who gets caught should be paraded to the front of the class it’s about time people took responsibility for their own actions

Sir Chaz
Sir Chaz
Reply to  Meanwhile
3 days ago

Good point. That’s what retaliation looks like in Bitchfield.

Last edited 3 days ago by Sir Chaz
Concerned taxpayer
Concerned taxpayer
4 days ago

Good he should be fired he broke the law looks pretty cut and dry to me

Jon Melle
Jon Melle
4 days ago

Double Standards!

The alleged PHS scandals were found unsustained, and blogger Dan Valenti was called synthetic by Dr. Bill Cameron. The taxpayer-funded over 6-figure legal report remains in secrecy barring a lawsuit(s).

BUT….the city government found Gary Munn’s employment history to be one of alleged gross misconduct and they terminated his employment after 8 years with the city.

AND….Peter Marchetti is named in Victoria May’s federal sex discrimination/harassment lawsuit whereby she alleges that he called her a BITCH when he was her manager at a Pittsfield bank prior to her termination of employment at the said bank.

Markus Aurelius
Markus Aurelius
Reply to  Jon Melle
4 days ago

Your opening and first paragraph and spot on JM.

Flogging molly
Flogging molly
4 days ago

Grant work? Does every incompetent in Pittsfield get grant money? If it’s not a tax break it’s a grant. How do I get in on the free money??

Just ask Trista Sabin about Danielle Munn’s behavior and treatment. Sabin was scheduled to do a class regarding sex work and staying safe. After confusion about the time of the class, she was berated and smeared by Danielle Munn on social media and otherwise. This is just more evidence of Munn’s unhinged and belligerent behavior.

Also why is a witch store acting like they are in the social service business? Stick to potions and voodoo dolls. I think the homeless angle is purely a pr move. Well and she at least has homeless friends since nobody else likes her.

I find it interesting that the Munn brothers are estranged, that’s telling.

I do feel sorry that lazy eye Munn got targeted on the overtime, that’s the cash cow of all city employees. But just like state troopers, it’s all fine until someone wants to use it against you. The camera monitoring by Munn is definitely creepy. With all his spying when does he have time to do real work? No wonder he did work on overtime.

At least the Munn’s have homeless friends that can teach them how to beg.

Jonathan A. Melle
Jonathan A. Melle
Reply to  Flogging molly
4 days ago

Homelessness is a STRUCTURAL ASSAULT on a person, family, and the community.

The Big 3 of abuse(s), assault(s), conflict(s) and violence:

1. Verbal and Physical Assaults are: INTER-PERSONAL ASSAULTS.

2. Homelessness, Joblessness, Uninsured, Under-insured, Poverty, Predatory Industries such as Alcohol, Tobacco, Marijuana, Gambling are: STRUCTURAL ASSAULTS.

3. Racism, Sexism, etc., are: CULTURAL ASSAULTS.

When we see any to all of “The Big 3”, we are supposed to stand up for the victims of the assaults and STOP the assaults. We should advocate for the victims to make them whole again.

Mayor Peter Marchetti’s “War against the Underclass” residents of Pittsfield is a STRUCTURAL ASSAULT! We are supposed to STOP the Mayor once and for all.

The Underclass is a STRUCTURAL problem that is supposed to be met with targeted assistance. This is NOT happening in Pittsfield. We must advocate for targeted assistance in Pittsfield.

Jon Melle

Sir Chaz
Sir Chaz
Reply to  danvalenti
3 days ago

An assault is a verbal threat. A structural assault is a verbal threat that has been parsed.

Jonathan A. Melle
Jonathan A. Melle
Reply to  danvalenti
3 days ago

The term “structural assault” against the Underclass means that our social institutions are NOT providing adequate social supports to people in needs of social services.

If a person is homeless, then they are the victim of structural assaults by the society we all live in, specifically our social institutions – that we all pay for – that fail to provide them with adequate social services.

If a person is panhandling, then they are the victim of structural assaults by the social institutions that we all support with our taxpayer dollars.

Homelessness and Panhandling are STRUCTURAL ASSAULTS against a person, family, and the community.

Mayor Peter Marchetti needs to resign!

Sir Chaz
Sir Chaz
Reply to  Jonathan A. Melle
3 days ago

I think the phrase you need is structural battery.

Markus Aurelius
Markus Aurelius
Reply to  Sir Chaz
3 days ago

I prefer to think of it as not taking responsibility for one’s own actions.

Sir Chaz
Sir Chaz
Reply to  Markus Aurelius
3 days ago

Structural irresponsibility?

Sir Chaz
Sir Chaz
Reply to  danvalenti
2 days ago

Very chichi sophisticated. I feel smarter and very literary criticlike just saying that to myself.

Markus Aurelius
Markus Aurelius
Reply to  Jonathan A. Melle
3 days ago

At what point does a “structural assault” on a person, become a “personal choice” made by the person?

There is plenty of help and services available.

These people CHOOSE to remain homeless, because they CAN’T GET HIGH AND/OR DRUNK while staying in these shelters; therefore, they CHOOSE not to use the services/shelters, unless they are forced too (terms of probation/parole).

Don’t believe me? Ask any shelter manager or police officer who deals with the homeless on a regular basis.

Meanwhile
Meanwhile
Reply to  Markus Aurelius
3 days ago

And then there are the people who have sooooo much money they can afford to have their own home AND still get high whenever they choose. I assure you that people who deal drugs get far more money from well to do people than they do from the street people.

Oh yah, it is true. And they might even be able to make their purchase at a popular business on North street. Could happen. But doubtful that anyone is training cameras on their doors.

Sir Chaz
Sir Chaz
Reply to  Meanwhile
2 days ago

The one with the magic golden bidet?

pothole
pothole
Reply to  Jonathan A. Melle
3 days ago

Homelessness cannot be explained and generalized by one term and not all homeless can blame “structural assault” some have simply made incredibly poor decisions, some are weak willed individuals who have given up, some have mental illness and some just said a big FU to the world. To blame one entire groups situation on one thing is short sighted and just simply wrong. in todays world nobody takes personal responsibility for anything, there is always someone or something to blame. sometimes there is but sometimes blame is owed to the individual. sugar coating everything we say to not offend is where it started, restorative justice is where it went and now we are at a place where the language is so distorted that nobody ever has to be accountable for themselves. blame the parents, blame the system, blame a childhood bully or blame Nuciforo from 25 years ago. sometimes others are to blame for some things but many times people need to recover, grow, learn, and move on. or not!

Eric Swansin
Eric Swansin
Reply to  Jonathan A. Melle
2 days ago

I thought you told me a structural assault happens when you and CC President Pete White are in a lightsaber against a sword battle in his house. Pete White dresses up as Darth Vader and you Johnny get into your He-Man costume.

Optimis Prime
Optimis Prime
Reply to  danvalenti
23 hours ago

This is what we get
when we keep letting
the left define what words like, “ Structural Assault” means along with many other words used in everyday language. They do it everywhere, for their own narrative benefit, and many take it hook, line and sinker.This is something we need to take back, our own language, from the
left…

RaymondNorman
RaymondNorman
Reply to  Flogging molly
4 days ago

Somewhere Sir Chaz must be happy that the City finally took a look at PPD overtime pay…

I think the homeless angle is purely a pr move. Well and she at least has homeless friends since nobody else likes her.” This is the Otto’s recipe for success: do enough things for the community to make them forget you’re a creep.

This whole GoFundMe thing to “save WitchSlapped” is moronic. You opened a business downtown, its not up to the people of the city, who your husband already robbed, to keep your store open so you can give homeless people peanut butter sandwiches and you can play halloween dress-up every day.

Meanwhile
Meanwhile
Reply to  RaymondNorman
3 days ago

Not up to the people of the city to support WitchSlapped but through the TIFF program and CPA money the people of the city are subsidizing the wealthy. At least WitchSlapped asked for donations. Your choice. These other folk are just given your tax money and there is not a goddamn thing you can do about it. Ask the mayor. Nothing you can do about it.

Vendetta Vale
Vendetta Vale
Reply to  Flogging molly
3 days ago

I would strongly caution against relying on someone like Trista as a credible witness for anything. This is someone who is clearly struggling with significant mental health challenges, and unfortunately, those struggles often manifest in harmful ways — including repeated public attacks on innocent people and small business owners.

Trista has a long history of burned bridges, instability in employment, and online behavior that raises serious concerns. Her social media is often filled with emotionally charged rants that are later deleted, or she pivots to lashing out at others online. It’s not just impulsive behavior — it reflects deeper, unresolved issues that she genuinely needs professional help for.

What’s most tragic is that she doesn’t have consistent access to the care she needs. She’s caught in a broken system, and instead of getting better, she’s unintentionally causing harm to others while still suffering herself.

This isn’t about shaming her — it’s about being honest. Encouraging or enabling this behavior doesn’t help her or anyone else. What she truly needs is compassion, stability, and real mental health support — not a platform to fuel further damage.

Flogging molly
Flogging molly
Reply to  Vendetta Vale
3 days ago

While I would agree she has some issues you can’t argue with screen shots of texts and conversations. If I recall correctly screen shots of Munns angry comments ts oh yeah and that pothead that owns the Old Crossroads and Zuccos that shit canned her says it all. Trista is a hardworking OnlyFans model.

Meanwhile
Meanwhile
Reply to  Flogging molly
3 days ago

Ever wonder who else working for the city might be monitoring those cameras? Someone musta showed him how it all worked huh?

Concerned taxpayer
Concerned taxpayer
Reply to  Meanwhile
3 days ago

Umm he’s the IT guy he didn’t need help

Sir Chaz
Sir Chaz
Reply to  Meanwhile
3 days ago

Yes.

Vendetta Vale
Vendetta Vale
Reply to  Meanwhile
3 days ago

Let’s take a step back and think clearly for a moment.

Maybe it’s the attorney in me, but I’m genuinely baffled by the outrage. Why install security cameras if no one’s allowed to review the footage? Do any of you have Ring cameras? And do you never check them? Of course you do — that’s the whole point.

Gary is a Public Safety IT and Digital Evidence Specialist. Reviewing footage is part of his job. But now, because he happened to appear in a clip, the CIO accuses him of stalking? That’s not just a stretch — it’s an obvious smear tactic.

Let’s be real. City Hall is a two-story U-shaped building. You walk around anywhere in there, you’re going to end up on camera. Everyone knows this. Every employee, every visitor. So why are we acting shocked that the footage was reviewed — especially by the person trained to handle digital evidence?

Are any of you actually interested in the truth? Or are you just here to tear people down?

Because from where I’m sitting, it looks like the very people who might blow the lid off the corruption in this city — the ones putting everything on the line — are the ones being targeted and attacked. And you’re cheering it on.

Damn. For a moment, I thought there might be some real heart here. People who actually cared about exposing what’s been hidden for far too long. But it turns out this space is just another echo chamber of keyboard critics with no action, no courage, and no real desire for change.

Message received. Loud and clear.

Sir Chaz
Sir Chaz
Reply to  Vendetta Vale
3 days ago

You speak much for an attorney. In court, including public opinion, short is to the point.

Sir Chaz
Sir Chaz
Reply to  Sir Chaz
2 days ago

Long screeds expose your client to many missiles.

Meanwhile
Meanwhile
Reply to  Vendetta Vale
3 days ago

I thought that was what I was saying.

Lenny
Lenny
4 days ago

These people need to be gone, they have abused the community’s trust.
John Krol used to fawn over Witchslapped on his radio show.

Concerned taxpayer
Concerned taxpayer
Reply to  Lenny
3 days ago

Just like him

Danielle Munn
Danielle Munn
4 days ago

If we’re going to start posting documents, then let’s post all of them. Our side submitted a 22-page legal response that directly addressed and dismantled every single accusation. We were told to expect a decision by the end of that week.

Instead, the CIO jumped the gun—pushing for termination before completing a proper investigation. When he realized how flimsy the accusations were, he scrambled, digging through eight years of emails trying to justify a decision that was already made. That’s not due process—that’s damage control.

And let’s be absolutely clear: most of the accusations didn’t even factor into the actual termination, because they couldn’t. Why? Because the CIO didn’t do his job. He acted prematurely, then panicked when it became obvious that the investigation didn’t support the outcome he wanted.

You can read the full rebuttal for yourself here:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAGsBtlMynU/xyorWDOEfksjNgmsvRZGHQ/view?utm_content=DAGsBtlMynU&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h9c2a
33a8ba

Jonathan A. Melle
Jonathan A. Melle
Reply to  danvalenti
3 days ago

Pittsfield politics other name is RETRIBUTION.

Retribution is the Rule of Men instead of the Rule of Law, which is the foundation of American Democracy.

Mayor Peter Marchetti’s “wars” are RETRIBUTION.

Please STOP Marchetti’s rule NOW to give the city government back to the people who reside in Pittsfield.

Lastly: We are a nation of Laws, not Men!

Sir Chaz
Sir Chaz
Reply to  Jonathan A. Melle
2 days ago

We are a just nation of men; there are no laws. Only honest men follow ‘ laws ‘ and the crooks don’t care.

Doubt me? Drive through a red light when no one can see you and witness a land of no laws.

Shu Polish
Shu Polish
Reply to  danvalenti
3 days ago

Who the hell is Jumpin joes barber. Shredded Wheat shoe polish look. Looks like Hitchcock Heroes will be camping out this 4 th. Count on that.

Sir Chaz
Sir Chaz
Reply to  Shu Polish
3 days ago

Good question. Very few barbers in Bitchfield; many lost over last half decade; still very much hair to cut. Heads to scissor ratio is untenable and adverse. How did he wind up with that?

Sir Chaz
Sir Chaz
Reply to  Shu Polish
3 days ago

Maybe he uses FLOWBEE.

Concerned taxpayer
Concerned taxpayer
Reply to  Danielle Munn
3 days ago

Perhaps the other guy should be reprimanded as well but the fact of the matter is your husband allegedly broke the law and allegedly used unauthorized overtime totaling more than 10k in this day and age no company is giving out that much overtime I truly hope things work out for you but from the outside looking in it doesn’t look good

Conductive Behavior
Conductive Behavior
Reply to  Concerned taxpayer
3 days ago

Reinstate Munn. There is nothing there. Munn could say he was testing equipment. He’ll get megabucks on a lawsuit.

Vendetta Vale
Vendetta Vale
Reply to  Concerned taxpayer
3 days ago

If Gary had actually committed $10K in overtime fraud, he would’ve been arrested and charged with a felony—end of story. The city doesn’t cut quiet resignation deals with people who steal from them. eyeroll

Read the report. Then read the 22-page rebuttal. Every single accusation was met with documented facts, supported by state and federal law. And again—for the people in the back—overtime wasn’t the reason for termination. It was the excuse they used to justify digging.

The final “violation”? According to the Chief, it was Gary answering a wellness check call while on administrative leave. That’s right—answering the phone.

Oh, and let’s not forget the email from union attorney Darren Lee, stating the city pulled their offer because of his wife’s personal social media posts. Funny how that part didn’t make it into the thread, huh Dan? Danielle publicly posted it—it’s a critical piece of the story.

So let me get this straight—you’re siding with the very system you already know is corrupt, just because you saw dollar signs in the accusations? There are no dollar bills in the actual termination. And more importantly—there are no handcuffs either.

You cheer when someone gets dragged, but never stop to ask why or who benefits. Do you clap every time someone’s harmed, or is it only when it makes you feel superior?

Because from where we’re standing, it looks like you’re more invested in the scandal than the truth.

Flogging molly
Flogging molly
Reply to  Danielle Munn
3 days ago

But why was he creeping on people???

Concerned taxpayer
Concerned taxpayer
Reply to  Flogging molly
3 days ago

Exactly it’s creepy

Vendetta Vale
Vendetta Vale
Reply to  Flogging molly
3 days ago

You didn’t really think that through, did you?

The rebuttal clearly states that Gary is Public Safety IT and a Digital Forensic Specialist. So what exactly do you think someone with that title does? That’s right — he manages public safety equipment and handles digital evidence. Security videos are digital evidence. Reviewing footage is part of his job. Who do you think pulls video when there’s an official request through the city? It doesn’t just magically appear. There is no reason to have cameras if nobody is going to see them.

Sir Chaz
Sir Chaz
Reply to  Vendetta Vale
3 days ago

Does he do that on own initiative, or are there search requests? One should not be reviewing personal information without search request.

If none is given it should be, in name of covering ones ass, requested by the specialist.

Concerned taxpayer
Concerned taxpayer
Reply to  Danielle Munn
3 days ago

Both sides are posted here Dan did a good job of that

Vendetta Vale
Vendetta Vale
Reply to  Concerned taxpayer
3 days ago

Dan dropped the ball—plain and simple. He didn’t add the rebuttal until after 3 PM, and didn’t bother to notify anyone. But honestly, that’s exactly the kind of behavior I’ve come to expect here.

Let’s be real: nobody here actually cares about how our tax dollars are being misused. You just enjoy tearing people down. Accountability only matters when it feeds your outrage.

Cassain Verity
Cassain Verity
Reply to  Vendetta Vale
3 days ago

Wrong

Pothole
Pothole
Reply to  Vendetta Vale
2 days ago

I’m Bringing this discussion forward the planet encourages and allows commenters to dig and ruffle feathers to find facts and opinions that would otherwise never be told. How that happened in this particular story was perfect. The planet didn’t have to present the entire story in 100% clarity to achieve the intended result of public interaction and action. I love the “poke the bear” technique the planet uses on occasion and even if unintended in this case, it works.

Markus Aurelius
Markus Aurelius
4 days ago

A couple of early thoughts on this.

First, I have to give JM credit for calling out the double standard of the taxpayer PAID, multiple revisions needed, to (sort of) clear the “Sheppard’s Pie Party Cru” at PHS, versus the toss Gary Munn, under the bus immediately.

I wasn’t a math major, but a $155k taxpayer paid news worthy, story got less coverage than a guy who allegedly stole $10k in city OT…..Ok??

Two issues from the city side. The first is the no official city letterhead from a city official, placing an employee on leaving pending an investigation? Very fishy.

The only job I got fired from early in my adult life, I was “served” an official document from the company by the HR Manager directly. It was on company letterhead with his/her signature affixed. I was fired for being lazy and it cost me a good job. I learned from MY MISTAKE. A novel idea for today’s younger generation.

Next, as many have posted on here before, the Pittsfield Police OT has never been the subject of scrutiny like many have asked for. Mayor Lumpy and crew, may have just opened Pandora’s box for the Munn’s.

He was an IT guy. You don’t think he knows the “dirty police OT secrets,” that ocean-front property in IA is still for sale if you want?

Lastly, the Munn’s played a dangerous game publicly messing with the numero uno person in Bitchfield, with Gary being the families “bread winner.”

Right or wrong, you have to know if you play with fire, you’re bound to get burned. She poured gas on Lumpy’s latest dumpster fire.

Sir Chaz
Sir Chaz
Reply to  Markus Aurelius
2 days ago

You get burned by fire. “Of course it hurts. The trick is not to care”

Sir Chaz
Sir Chaz
4 days ago

I give a rat’s fart what becomes of the satanic mess on North. She should keep her business to herself and out of sight.

The IT guy is an HR basket case. Come to work habitually late 30 mins – fired. Soak in OT without prior approval- fired. Misuse equipment in violation of formal ethics – fired.

The firing probably is retaliation since he should have been canned years ago. Also, he is not the only one to spy on visitors to City Hall. They keep logs on all their enemies I have reason to suspect.

Maybe they should retaliate generally against abusers of OT and time management.

Save Stamp
Save Stamp
Reply to  Sir Chaz
3 days ago

That’s absurd. How many employees over the years have used vehicles owned by the taxpayer for instance,caught and still retained their jobs.

Sir Chaz
Sir Chaz
Reply to  Save Stamp
3 days ago

Yes, that’s also true. A chicken in every pot, and a Ford Escort in every lot.

Vendetta Vale
Vendetta Vale
4 days ago

Why does this feel so incomplete? I’m genuinely confused. Are you trying to shame these people or expose corruption? Because right now, it reads like you’re trying to do both — and failing at both.
Are you trying to confuse the public? Distract them? Because all I see are city-sourced documents spoon-fed to you without question. Where’s the other side of the story? Did you even bother to ask the Munns for any information before publishing this?
This isn’t journalism. This is regurgitated propaganda — a one-sided hit piece dressed up as accountability. If you’re going to call people out, at least have the integrity to do it with the full picture, not just the version that serves the city’s agenda.
Do better. Or don’t pretend you’re doing the public a service.

Vendetta Vale
Vendetta Vale
Reply to  danvalenti
3 days ago

Dan, for someone who prides himself on being thorough and sharp, why not just admit it: the Munns’ rebuttal wasn’t included when you first published your article. It wasn’t added until after 3 p.m. — nearly six hours later. During that time, the piece only reflected the city’s side of the story, leaving the Munns exposed to a storm of backlash without their response being represented.

You updated the article quietly, without noting any edits or alerting readers that new material had been added. Most people saw the original version and moved on, unaware that critical context came much later. Danielle Munn’s post makes it clear you didn’t include their side at first. So let’s be honest — your decision fueled drama, hate, and even more suspicion toward a family that’s been transparent from the start, actively trying to expose real problems inside City Hall.

In fairness, a second article or a proper update notice would’ve been the responsible move — not a stealth revision.

Also disturbing is how people keep calling Gary a thief when, based on the documents, he wasn’t even fired for overtime. He was fired for allegedly violating administrative leave — which, according to the Chief himself, was triggered by a wellness call he received. Imagine that: your boss checks in on you, and you get fired for answering.

The more this unfolds, the more it looks like a coordinated takedown. The city is acting like a mafia — targeting anyone who dares to speak out. The Munns started talking, and now the machine is doing everything it can to silence them.

And let’s be real: for a crowd that constantly demands “law and order” and questions everything the city does — why are you suddenly trusting documents compiled by Lewis Skolnick, a CIO with a very questionable track record? Ask around about his reputation at GD. Ask why I came to the city, left, and then returned. There’s a reason.

You don’t trust the city — but you trust this? You don’t need it written in crayon to get the message. But judging by the way some of you are responding, it seems like you’re eating them instead.

Pothole
Pothole
Reply to  danvalenti
2 days ago

Seems Vendetta cares more about smearing you than anything else in this case. Someone with a big ego by chance? Someone who picks fights for fun but doesn’t really care about the issue at all, just the “win” for him or herself

Concerned taxpayer
Concerned taxpayer
Reply to  Vendetta Vale
3 days ago

Dan actually posted both sides for everyone to read

Two Cents
Two Cents
3 days ago

Well, to begin with, the city needs a better system for verifying overtime charges. Between IT managed cell phones with GPS and Active Directory logs, that should not be too difficult. Makes you harken back to the old tech time clocks. I remember hearing about issues at GE with others punching in a person’s time card, when they would leave after lunch. Often heading to East Side or Del Gallo’s. The more thing change…

Last edited 3 days ago by Two Cents
Know Whertogo
Know Whertogo
Reply to  Two Cents
3 days ago

So one of the clowncilors wanted to put the homeless violation on a payment plan.And where do you send the fucking payment to? State Forest? Dunkin Dounuts parking lot? North St? The common? What a bunch of dopes.

Sir Chaz
Sir Chaz
Reply to  Know Whertogo
3 days ago

Failure to pay? They’ll impound their bicycles and tent and extension cords? Kerwood would get to inflate city unrealized revenues at least. That’s good.

Jonathan A. Melle
Jonathan A. Melle
3 days ago

Please read/listen to the following online radio news article about Mayor Peter Marchetti’s controversial “War against the Underclass” residents of Pittsfield that will only make matters worse.

https://www.wamc.org/news/2025-07-01/camping-ban-at-heart-of-ongoing-debate-sees-major-revisions-at-long-tense-pittsfield-city-council-subcommittee-meeting

Dizzy Does
Dizzy Does
Reply to  Jonathan A. Melle
3 days ago

Marchetti wants to protect them? And that isn’t beer in his belly and he would never humiliate a female employee. And Dizzy it seems you have something on your mind. Wrap it up.

Dizzy Does
Dizzy Does
Reply to  Jonathan A. Melle
3 days ago

Dan is the originator all The current mayhem going on at City Hall….the homeless I remember many an interview with people on the streets that were gone astray by the the great Generaal. Dan. How about a Generaal interview with these homeless that Lumpy Budweiser so ignores.

Dizzy Does
Dizzy Does
Reply to  Jonathan A. Melle
3 days ago

Marchetti called former Mayor Tyer,quote ‘’Linda Clairmont’’ at this stage of the game? What fucking games are you talking about lard belly? I hope they have a hundred homeless and domestic calls this weekend.

Dada Googoo
Dada Googoo
Reply to  Dizzy Does
2 days ago

He calls her Mom when they are not in public.

Dizzy Does
Dizzy Does
Reply to  Jonathan A. Melle
3 days ago

Let me say one more thing about the homeless issue. Despite the heartfelt rhetoric. This city Clowncil doesn’t give one shit about the homeless.

Meanwhile
Meanwhile
Reply to  Dizzy Does
3 days ago

and why does the mayor act like Pittsfield is unique in having a homeless problem? It is all over the country..and has been an issue for a couple decades at least. For possibly a tad under two million dollars he could hire a consultant to see how other cities are handling it instead of carrying such a heavy burden on his back by himself.

There was a great article in the Ealge recently about homeless folk and it mentioned that currently one out of five homeless people is a senior citizen and that more and more senior citizens will become homeless as the boomers age out. One of the causes is that if a senior couple on fixed incomes loses one or the other partners and their income, the other cannot afford to stay in the home. And some of these people wind up on the streets due to insanely high apartment rentals and low availability of senior housing. A very sad way to spend the last years of ones life eh?

And yet a city like Pittsfield, which has abundant tax abatement’s for many millionaire business friends, has no serious program to help senior citizens like this. A faux program to work off a small portion may help a tad for a small group but is generally bullshit as a serious endeavor to help. Marchetti is adding to his own homeless problem and so should probably just get out of their face.

Sir Chaz
Sir Chaz
Reply to  Dizzy Does
3 days ago

That is certain.

Joetaxpayer
Joetaxpayer
2 days ago

The homeless situation is not as simple as the progressives would like you to think. Many of our homeless in Pittsfield are not from here, only gravitating to the place with the most free stuff and a Police Department that is standing down and giving out verbal advisement. There will always be homeless people. Many do not want a bed under rules and regulations. Pittsfield a small shrinking City of 42 Thousand we can only absorb so many homeless people. We should send away the out of town homeless people to other areas who can give them the proper help.,I know all the local Non- Profit grifters will be pissed off. They know where their bread is buttered.

Sir Chaz
Sir Chaz
2 days ago

Happy Fourth of July. Indepedence!

Let the smell of black powder stuck in your nostrils and the lost eyebrows that were knocked off by the devices held a little long cheer you. I insist those are smells and sounds of Liberty.

If the freedom to fire off your Nagants and Garands in jubilation and even tamp powder down your garaged cannon and send 6# balls into your neighbor’s barn while he is on the lake and then next morning head back to the office, ears ringing, bones sore, fingers tender, to crunch paper and Microsoft Teams meetings — if all that is NOT Liberty, then I don’t know WHAT is.

Last edited 2 days ago by Sir Chaz
Sir Chaz
Sir Chaz
Reply to  Sir Chaz
1 day ago

And I’m not certain I would care to find out.

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
2 days ago

Illegal aliens collect more food, housing, cash benefits & medicaid than natural born citizens…..

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/07/democrats-fake-news-media-are-hiding-this-american/

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
2 days ago

BBB passage means billions more to send illegals home…..
Great news on this 4th of July!

https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/07/03/democrats-panic-trumps-big-beautiful-bill-will-deport-more-illegal-aliens/

Markus Aurelius
Markus Aurelius
2 days ago

If I were an employee of any municipal government agency in MA, I would suggest you start saving your money and not live paycheck to paycheck.

With the President Trump and his Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) ending the democRATS slush fund (USAID) and with the MA left loon “leaders” reluctance to give up and not fund racist programs like DEI and LGBTQ indoctrination, state and city governments will soon be feeling the pinch.

**In the latest, Boston’s disgraced mayor Michelle Wu-Hon Flu, didn’t tell city employees that WOULD NOT GET PAID ON THEIR PAYDAY. Instead, she had a staffer send city employees a blanket email “blaming the banks.”

https://x.com/massdailynews/status/1940865283746664769?s=43&t=A4dIfU1zY5Cy5R_zEZP9EQ

If the largest city in MA can’t pay their employees on time, how long before smaller cities and towns like those in the Berkshires do the same?

I’m glad to know that my local police officer and/or fire fighter won’t get paid, but bullsh!t programs like the one put on by “The Cultural Competency Coach,” will continue.

Sir Chaz
Sir Chaz
Reply to  Markus Aurelius
1 day ago

Paychecks delayed because HR dated the checks 4-Jul.ACH payees likely paid on time. Doesn’t sound like a scandal.

Markus Aurelius
Markus Aurelius
Reply to  Sir Chaz
1 day ago

For a major city Sir Chaz, c’mon.
We agree on most, but not this.

Employees getting paid on time shouldn’t even have to cross their minds.

Did any employer you work for ever miss your scheduled payday, out of curiosity?

If so, I’m betting you’re singing a different tune.

Sir Chaz
Sir Chaz
Reply to  Markus Aurelius
1 day ago

I take back the bit about ACH. Still don’t see it as involving liquidity. HR should have raised for prior day so they screwed up. That’s the gist I get from Boston Herald.

Why do you care about muni workers anyway? They are loaded on OT, taxpayer funded perks, etc…

Markus Aurelius
Markus Aurelius
Reply to  Sir Chaz
19 hours ago

Good point-touché

Concerned Overtaxed Payer
Concerned Overtaxed Payer
2 days ago

If we are going to be concerned with overtime pay shouldn’t we start at the top?

According to https://govsalaries.com/salaries/MA/city-of-pittsfield in 2023 Gary Munn was paid $103k where as the top 5 patrol officers earned over $140K each and while the average police sargent salary was $171,357 with the top sargent was paid $307,306. This is 2023 numbers!

Worrying about Munn is like worrying about the sink leaking while the basement floods.

And why is the alleged subject of harassment investigating the harasser? I’m sure that is a completely unbiased investigation… Police abuse of positions is rampant everywhere and results in at most a slap on the wrist. This is targetted. I am all for weeding out corruption and if we want to have a 0 tolerance policy I support it but lets start at the top.

This crap rivals the corruption and cronyism of PCH in the 70s

Sir Chaz
Sir Chaz
Reply to  Concerned Overtaxed Payer
1 day ago

At $100k, it’s scandalous that MUNN isn’t exempt salaried. Anyone earning $50K and not a tradesman gets salary. That solves the OT scams.

Pat
Pat
2 days ago

Happy 4th of July to all. Have a safe holiday. Fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts.

Sir Chaz
Sir Chaz
Reply to  Pat
1 day ago

A nation of laws, as JM says. You won’t hear so as a pop except the legally sanctioned detonations.

Jonathan A. Melle
Jonathan A. Melle
Reply to  Pat
1 day ago

….what about a marijuana firework?….

The school committee
The school committee
1 day ago

Republicans cut childrens cancer research.

Mack Adoo
Mack Adoo
Reply to  danvalenti
20 hours ago

Stooge has a cane. Have seem him twirling it many times.

Sir Chaz
Sir Chaz
Reply to  danvalenti
12 hours ago

They even tried to accuse RFK JR of barbecuing his own dog.

Optimis Prime
Optimis Prime
Reply to  The school committee
21 hours ago

Biden cured cancer remember?

Sir Chaz
Sir Chaz
Reply to  The school committee
16 hours ago

Sure sure. I believe that. They cancelled all cure and medical knowledge. Yep. That’s it, no more new treatments.

Cassain Verity
Cassain Verity
1 day ago

⚖️ Jurisprudence Is Schematics

“You don’t fix a blown fuse by debating the lightbulb.”

There are moments in life when something sacred gets ripped out from under you – not with fire or fury, but with quiet paperwork and doors that only close behind you. The language is cold. The process is distant. And the pain is unbearable.

But if you look deeper – beneath the surface of hearings, rules, and labels – you’ll see the truth:

> Jurisprudence is schematics.

It’s not chaos. It’s not mystery. It’s a circuit board.

Every right, every response, every removal, every silence – it all follows a path. A design. And sometimes, that design fails.

That’s when you need to know where the main breaker lives.

️ The Blueprint Beneath the System

There’s a diagram to it all.

Some wires carry authority.

Some carry consent.

Some are emergency overrides, meant to be used when the usual routes go dark.

And some wires are hidden – buried under decades of assumptions.

But they’re still live.

The system may try to convince you that the fuse box is sealed, that you’re not qualified to reach it, or that the damage is your fault. Don’t believe it. If something was wrongly wired from the start, you don’t wait for permission. You trace the current. You correct the circuit.

Because when rights are bypassed, or when power flows where it shouldn’t – that’s not disorder. That’s a miswired system.

Understanding the Flow

You don’t need a Master Electrician, nor a law degree to understand this.
You just need to know how to follow the energy:

Human dignity is the grounding wire.

Safety switches exist – even if they aren’t advertised.

Your voice is a current.

Your instincts are a voltmeter.

And no matter what you’re told, you are not powerless just because the panel looks locked.
Every system, no matter how complicated, is still bound to its schematic.

✊ Rewiring With Purpose

I’ve stood in rooms that echoed with silence. I’ve been told “this isn’t the place” or “this isn’t the process.”
But I saw the diagram. And I followed the lines. And I found where the power was diverted.

I’m not here to GOFUND & SPLICE GRANT it all down.

I’m here to restore the current – to re-route energy back to truth, back to equity, back to love.

Because when the schematic is broken, we fix it.

One writ at a time.

Sir Chaz
Sir Chaz
Reply to  Cassain Verity
12 hours ago

“Albert’s path is a strange and difficult one. ”

Agent Cooper.

Beware the illogic of equivalency. Jurisprudence cannot equal schema.

POST COMMISSION
POST COMMISSION
1 day ago

What’s the plan for the Police Officers who’s certification expired on July 1, 2025?

Shackle Spotter
Shackle Spotter
Reply to  POST COMMISSION
13 hours ago

Not ten people shot in Albany n y yesterday.

Jonathan A. Melle
Jonathan A. Melle
18 hours ago

Please NOTE: I wrote a public letter to blogger Dan Valenti and tried to post it on his awesome blog: “Planet Valenti”. In short, I explained why I disagreed with a poster’s writing that stated that I should NOT be upset with Nuciforo over events that happened 25 years ago, and that blogger Dan Valenti replied to the poster: well done. I knew that blogger Dan Valenti would NOT post my open letter in reply to the two aforementioned posts because I believe that he is biased in favor of Nuciforo and his network of supporters in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. I tried to respond, but like many times prior, I was NOT allowed to publish my letter(s) on the matter. Thank you.

Jonathan A. Melle
Jonathan A. Melle
15 hours ago

Nicholas Russ will be accompanied by Ricardo Morales on a city street walk through on Dalton Avenue in Pittsfield at 12:00 pm (noon) on Sunday, July 06th, 2025. Please read/listen to the online radio news story.

https://www.wamc.org/news/2025-07-03/resident-led-urban-design-group-to-examine-fatal-crash-site-in-pittsfield

Larry Bird
Larry Bird
14 hours ago

Was in Pittsfield tonight to see a movie. The Beacon is a friggen Dump. The restrooms were disgusting. Broken seats, dirty theater. Outside junkies roaming the streets like the walking dead. Dirty streets.. Goes hand in hand with this dirty POS. The place is a cesspool of malcontents. What a disgrace to every elected official.

TIFFs R US
TIFFs R US
Reply to  Larry Bird
8 hours ago

Oh my! If they are still getting tax abatement’s that is kinda sad. If senior citizens on fixed incomes are forced by the mayor to subsidize millionaire owned business s they should at least be asked to clean the toilets every once in a while.