REST IN PEACE, BARRY CLAIRMONT
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, OCT. 5, 2026) — THE PLANET would like to extend our condolences to Linda Clairmont, former Mayor Tyer, for the loss of her husband, Barry.
We think back to our times with Barry, particularly over coffee, where we compared notes on politics, talked wine, and covered an array of topics. We were often on opposite sides of matters, but that mattered not in our ability to talk and more importantly listen. His views often clarified our own, and our counterpoint helped hone our respective positions, which often found common ground.
BARRY CLAIRMONT
Of course, he was a numbers guy, as reflected in his professional life as an accountant. Unlike most bean counters, he seemed comfortable going beyond what the numbers told him. THE PLANET supposes that this accounts for the accuracy of many of his political forecasts.
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When Linda was mayor, some accused Barry of being the Secret Mayor. While it was probably never as dramatic as that, his wife wasn’t hesitant to rely on his advice. As a couple they shared the progressive bent that brands most of official Pittsfield, which one would guess kept political disagreements to a minimum.
Like all couples, they had their “moments,” but what we admire most is how they lived life in the active voice, traveling with that adventurous curiosity that set few limitations on destinations or desires. Barry loved the outdoors, with frequent excursions on the hiking trails (often with Tom Shakshaug and Jon Lothrop), hunting grounds, fishing holes, and ski slopes. He once told me how nature helped restore his sense of balance, almost as a survival skill for someone so engrossed in the aridity of numbers and the madness of politics. The first provides a definitiveness that can produce agita from the smallest error. The second brings an amorphous uncertainty as warring parties jockey over issues, each insisting they are, alone, in the right. Nature can heal that type of stress.
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He could dish it and take it. Barry got his share of razzing for his early a.m. sentry duty at Cumby’s on First Street, to “prove” it was safe. It still stands as one of the bizarre monuments, as in grave stones, in the side show of the city’s political history. He took the riding well, being “big boy” enough to know that in politics, it comes with the turf. O, that he could he taught this lesson to the hordes of thin skinned that crowd city offices.
His politics often involved controversy. In Linda’s mayoral race against Melissa Mazzeo, the close contest brought accusations that her husband saw to a”fix” by tampering with ballots. Mazzeo brought that case to court, and Barry prevailed.
In the subsequent race, Clairmont showed he wasn’t afraid to play the type of hardball politics opponents called “dirty.” He put Peter Marchetti over John Krol in a 2-to-1 landslide by placing a story with the local daily that essentially accused Krol of embezzling, which the latter adamantly denied. The newspaper swallowed the story hook, line, and bobber, and in a shameful display of editorial prostitution, published it the day after the preliminary election. Krol never had a chance after that bombshell.
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Before we actually met and got to know one another, Barry and THE PLANET had preconceived views that are the inevitable adjunct of one’s perceptions of public figures. In Pittsfield, we have found that most of THE PLANET‘s self-declared “foes” remain imprisoned in their ignorant preconceptions. Rather than engage in dialogue, they hide in the ideological slammer.
For our part, we are and always have been open to everyone, everywhere, at any time. In Barry Clairmont, we found a man willing to shake our hand and listen to our views, as we did to his. That’s rare in a city with the incestuous politics of the Pitts. Many a hot tip we owed to Barry dropping a dime, and he earned the greatest gift we have to give — our respect.
To our good friend Linda, we again offer our deepest condolences. There aren’t adequate words for such a loss.
Death must come to us all. That’s a given, and it is that certainty that moves us not just to sympathy but to empathy. Certitude, if one can approach it with an open heart, can serve as a source of comfort iduring any time of loss.
RIP and Godspeed to the light, Barry C.
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“Virtue endures in memory” — Sir Donald Turpentine, Knight of the Bath.
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
Copyright (c) 2026 By Dan Valenti, PLANET VALENTI and EUROPOLIS MANAGEMENT. All rights reserved. The views and opinions expressed in the comment section or in the text other than those of PLANET VALENTI are not necessarily endorsed by the operators of this website. PLANET VALENTI assumes no responsibility for such views and opinions, and it reserves the right to remove or edit any comment, including but not limited to those that violate the website’s Rules of Conduct and its editorial policies. Those who leave comments own all the responsibilities that are or can be attached to those comments, be they rhetorical, semantic, or legal. Such commentators remain solely responsible for what they post and shall be and remain solely accountable for their words. PLANET VALENTI shall not be held responsible for the consequences that may result from any posted comment or outside opinion or commentary as provided in, but not limited to, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and this website’s terms of service. We serve as a marketplace of ideas, without prejudice and available to all. All users of this site — including readers, commentators, contributors, or anyone else — hereby agree to these conditions by virtue of this notice and their use of/participation in this site. When PLANET VALENTI ends with the words “The Usual Disclaimer,” that phrase shall be understood to refer to the full text of this disclaimer.
My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and everyone grieving his loss.
May the legacy he leaves with those who loved him be one of good memories, meaningful stories, and a life they will continue to remember fondly.
Rest peacefully, Barry.
The Ballad of Barry Clairmont
On Planet Valenti they raised a mug high,
For Barry Clairmont, who’d now ski the sky.
An accountant by trade, with a calculator’s stare,
Yet somehow saw mysteries hidden in there.
He counted the beans, yes every last pea,
But ventured beyond what the numbers could see.
While politicians argued and hollered and fought,
Barry brought forecasts that baffled thought.
Some whispered, “He’s Mayor!” from shadows unseen,
The Secret Mayor lurking behind every scene.
Though Linda wore the title and sat in the chair,
Many suspected an extra mayoral pair.
At Cumby’s one morning, before dawn’s first light,
He stood guard on First Street, a peculiar sight.
“Is it safe?” people asked. “Will civilization survive?”
Barry saluted: “So far, we’re alive.”
He hiked through the mountains with rod, rifle, and skis,
Escaping spreadsheets and political disease.
For numbers give headaches and campaigns bring strife,
But trout never lie and trees don’t need a wife.
He could take a good ribbing, he could dish it right back,
While half City Hall had skin thinner than wax.
He’d chuckle at critics and grin at the noise,
Like a seasoned old captain among squabbling boys.
Some battles were fierce, some headlines were rough,
And Pittsfield politics can get awfully tough.
Yet whether in courtrooms or newspaper wars,
Barry charged onward and settled old scores.
But here’s what remains when the voting is done,
When the speeches are silent and recounts have run:
A fellow who listened, uncommon indeed,
In an age when most folks just argue and plead.
He shared cups of coffee, opinions, and wit,
And never required that you completely submit.
You could disagree strongly and still shake his hand,
A rare disappearing art throughout the land.
So here’s to old Barry, accountant and sage,
Who balanced life’s ledger page after page.
May heaven have hiking trails, powder, and streams,
And political meetings conducted in dreams.
And if Saint Peter asks, “How’d the numbers turn out?”
Barry will smile, leave no room for doubt:
“The final audit’s finished. The totals all agree.
The books are in order. Now save a cloud for me.”
Rest in peace, Barry Clairmont.
The spreadsheets may close, but the stories never will. ☕
POFFO
This is a masterpiece! Thanks for composing and sharing.
Dan is incorrect
Barry did not prevail, being a “numbers guy” he fully understood, Missys insurance company would settle.
Facts are facts dan. Barry fixed the election…
Dan accusing The Propaganda Parrot of editorial prostitution- is rich given, his bending over to protect Timmy the Fixer.
Let’s see how long the strategic delay lasts on this post.
Vermonica is sole post..
“Remain imprisoned in their ignorant preconceptions. Rather than engage in dialogue, they hide in the ideological slammer.”
Dan’s censorship is only ideological slammer , practiced, as was Parrots censorship and finally ending Topix forum.
Sympathy for the devil ?
Or Money?
Let’s see the Planets Orbit, reaction
This will be a learning experience for all.
10/4/26@10am
Tom
Ironic, then, that in THE PLANET’s “ideological slammer,” you are allowed — as in granted a privilege that is not your right — to post your views. Meanwhile, your obsession with the district attorney, fueled as it is by a personal grudge, shows no sign of abating. TOM, friendly advice: It’s eating you up. For your own sake, come to terms with it and then let it go. Be well.
Linda Tyer Clairmont meant well for Pittsfield politics with the now late Barry Clairmont at her side.
I am sad for her that she lost her husband to cancer.
Why does Dan retake sides? Especially in Berkshire Bitchfield politics?…
Councilr Cunningham pretty much outed cufflinks during the council meeting with the protocol of any monies distributed when the cost is not known, thecost will be told from the distributor or builder what it will be (cost) down the road.
Which adtually means if they can appropriate more money by slushing it from another fund, they’ll do it. Similar to the fucking contingencies
Did you know that the State can audit municipal money granted to private businesses? They can inspect the contractors’ books.
Unless they are working together?
He wasn’t perfect but he posted under his own name. He protected and defended as part of the game. He was skillful and smart and knew all the rules which really pissed of a bunch of old drools. he enjoyed the finer things, he earned his way through to making that shit a reality too. He said some dumb shit but he did take a stand, he never backed down and he’d always shake hands, he was a good friend to those who walked with him he didn’t give a shit about those who jeeered him. He wanted the fight he never backed down if you took him on publicly you looked like a clown. If you really knew Barry you wouldn’t always love what you see but at the end of the day you’d wanted Barry to be. RIP my friend.
Well done, POT. A fine tribute. Thank you.
Why don’t you post under your real name ?Piss-Pot. Actually Barry and J lo both got their ass kicked during a budgeting debate with former school finance guru Kristen Behnke. Barry really had no clear opposition before that slaughter,I was there. The other thing he wasn’t nor was J Lo going to get re-elected, he was smart enough not to run.
Now is not the time.
I actually first admired Barry for his taking on Behnke. After that I lost all faith.
Well wishes are good, but remembering is good too.
Charter Objection!