Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Charles D. Baker is running for the Republican Party nomination for Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 2010

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Charles D. Baker
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"Harvard Pilgrim CEO Charles Baker announces bid for governor"
By Matt Viser and Andrew Ryan, Boston Globe Staff, July 8, 2009

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care chief executive Charles D. Baker announced to his staff today that he will leave his job and seek the Republican nomination for governor.

In an internal message sent to Harvard Pilgrim employees, Baker outlined his decision and said that his last day at the company would be July 17, 2009.

"I know you know I've given this issue a lot of thought, and in the end, I love working here," Baker wrote in the message. "But I also recognize the terrible financial and operational strain that will face state and local government in the years ahead. I know both sectors pretty well -- better than most, I would say -- and I believe I can bring ideas, energy and leadership to the tasks that face state government in the years ahead."

Baker has not chosen a running mate, according to one of his advisers who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about the announcement. The adviser said Baker plans to open a campaign committee July 28, 2009, after taking a weeklong family vacation.

"He’s in the race for governor," the adviser said.

Baker could not be immediately reached for comment, but he has scheduled a press conference this afternoon at Harvard Pilgrim headquarters in Wellesley. Republicans seemed downright giddy about Baker’s decision to get in the race, comparing him to Governor William F. Weld running in 1990 after 16 years of Democrat’s in the corner office.

"I think a lot of people just breathed a big sigh of relief," said Senate Minority Leader Richard Tisei, a Republican from Wakefield. "This means there is going to be a debate in this election as to whether or not the last 2 1/2 years the state has been on the right path -- or should we change directions. I think Charlie is the perfect person to explain why we need to change directions."

Baker spent eight years in state government in the Cabinets of Weld and Governors Paul Cellucci. He served first as secretary of health and human services and then as secretary of administration and finance during some of the Big Dig.

Baker flirted with a run for governor four years ago, almost mounting a challenge to then-Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey for the GOP nomination. Baker announced he would not run at the end of August 2005 because he and his wife, Lauren, decided that a campaign would put an "unfair burden" on their family. They have two teenage sons and a young daughter.

Baker has served one three-year term as selectman in his hometown of Swampscott. He received a bachelor's degree in English from Harvard College and a master’s degree in management, concentrating in public administration and finance, from Northwestern’s Kellogg School.

In the fight for the GOP nomination, Baker joins Christy Mihos, a convenience store magnate from West Yarmouth. Mihos garnered 7 percent of the vote when he ran for governor as an independent in 2006. Mihos announced in April that he would run in 2010 as a Republican.

On Tuesday, the Globe reported that State Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill plans to leave the Democratic Party this week in what is probably a first step toward an independent challenge to Governor Deval Patrick, a Democrat, in next year's election. The news set off a massive scramble as potential candidates for treasurer tried staking a claim on frontrunner status.
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Baker
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Baker at Babson College on 7/8/09. (John Tlumacki/Boston Globe Staff).
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"Harvard Pilgrim CEO Charles Baker announces bid for governor"
By Matt Viser and Andrea Estes, Boston Globe Staff, July 8, 2009

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care chief executive Charles D. Baker announced today that he will leave his job and seek the Republican nomination for governor in the 2010 election.

"I'm in," Baker said at a press conference this afternoon at Babson College in Wellesley. "I'm very well suited for this task. And I would regret it -- for quite a while -- if under such difficult circumstances I chose to sit idly by and not participate."

Baker said he would run in the mold of former Governor William Weld, who was a fiscal conservative but held more liberal stances on social issues. He deflected several questions about Democratic Governor Deval Patrick, but said he would focus on jobs and the economy and retaining young workers.

"It's a pretty dark picture," he said of the economy. "And I don't think we're doing the things we need to do to make that picture better."

"My crystal ball isn't telling me what the election in 2010 is fundamentally and ultimately going to be about. But I can tell you right now, it ought to be about jobs and the economy and the business climate because a state that can't grow jobs and can't keep its young people is in deep, deep, serious long-term trouble. That's what I see when I look at Massachusetts right now," he said.

Republicans seemed downright giddy about Baker’s decision to get into the race, comparing him to Weld running in 1990 after 16 years of Democrats in the corner office.

"I think a lot of people just breathed a big sigh of relief," said Senate Minority Leader Richard Tisei, a Republican from Wakefield. "This means there is going to be a debate in this election as to whether or not the last 2 1/2 years the state has been on the right path -- or should we change directions. I think Charlie is the perfect person to explain why we need to change directions."

Patrick welcomed Baker's entry into the race, saying, "I think competition is good. I don't think we have enough."

Baker spent eight years in state government in the Cabinets of Weld and Governor Paul Cellucci. He served first as secretary of health and human services and then as secretary of administration and finance during some of the Big Dig.

Baker flirted with a run for governor four years ago, almost mounting a challenge to then-Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey for the GOP nomination. Baker announced he would not run at the end of August 2005 because he and his wife, Lauren, decided that a campaign would put an "unfair burden" on their family. They have two teenage sons and a young daughter.

Baker has served one three-year term as selectman in his hometown of Swampscott. He received a bachelor's degree in English from Harvard College and a master’s degree in management, concentrating in public administration and finance, from Northwestern’s Kellogg School.

In the fight for the GOP nomination, Baker will battle Christy Mihos, a convenience store magnate from West Yarmouth. Mihos garnered 7 percent of the vote when he ran for governor as an independent in 2006. Mihos announced in April that he would run.

On Tuesday, the Globe reported that State Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill would leave the Democratic Party this week in what is probably a first step toward an independent gubernatorial candidacy. The news set off a massive scramble as potential candidates for treasurer tried staking a claim on front-runner status.

"The governor never expected to stand for re-election unopposed," Charlotte Golar Richie, executive director of Patrick's re-election committee, said in a statement. "There is plenty of time for the campaign in the future, but we welcome all candidates into the race and look forward to a serious discussion about how we will create new jobs, provide our children with the best education and the other important issues facing Massachusetts."

"Given the troubled times for families and for the Commonwealth, Charlie's breadth of experience in the private sector and in helping manage the state's financials will be extraordinarily helpful," former Governor Mitt Romney said in a statement. "With so many politicians that promise much but deliver little, it will make a real difference for Massachusetts families to have a governor who has actually accomplished so much."

Mihos, who announced in April that he would run in 2010 as a Republican, has hired Dick Morris, a well-known conservative political consultant and commentator who was involved in campaigns for Weld.

Mihos, in an interview this afternoon, characterized Baker as the pick of the party faithful, and someone who is “big business and big government.”

“Lookit, I am not an institutional or an insider Republican,” said Mihos, who is scheduled to speak to the Republican Town Committee tonight in Baker’s hometown, Swampscott. “If that’s what they want, they have Charlie. I’m an outsider, a populist Republican. We’ll let the people see what they want.”

Baker is well known among top political and business circles, but one of his major challenges will be trying to achieve better name recognition.

“A lot of people don’t know him,” said former governor Jane Swift. “He’s got to get out there quickly and define himself before his opponents do. He’s going to have to raise a lot of money and spend a lot of time shaking hands and kissing babies.”
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(John Tlumacki/Boston Globe Staff)
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In 1996, Baker, secretary of administration and finance, listented intently during an afternoon briefing. (Jonathan Wiggs/The Boston Globe/File 1996)
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"For GOP's Baker, a long resume at a relatively young age"
By Eric Moskowitz, Boston Globe Staff, July 8, 2009

Not yet 50, Charles D. Baker Jr. had built a considerable resume when he first ran for public office in 2004 — the Harvard basketball player who became a think-tank dynamo, served as trusted adviser to two Republican governors, and orchestrated the turnaround of a struggling health plan.

Although Republican operatives envisioned Baker on Beacon Hill, he set his sights closer to home: the Board of Selectmen in Swampscott, population 14,000.

Some colleagues from the Weld and Cellucci administrations tried to discourage him, worried that a loss would dash a future political career. ‘‘He took it all in and heard me out,’’ said Virginia B. Buckingham, a chief of staff to both governors who tried to dissuade Baker. ‘‘Then he said, ‘I’m doing it because I care about my town, and I think I can help my town.’’’

Baker won in a landslide and proceeded to dig into the budget in his North Shore suburb, where his three kids were enrolled in the schools.

It was, friends say, classic Charlie Baker, at once high-achieving and grounded. They describe the newly announced Republican gubernatorial candidate as an exacting policy wonk with charisma; a towering, energized man who pauses to listen patiently; a high-powered executive who showed up for his first Memorial Day ceremony as selectman in T-shirt and shorts, then had to scurry home for a suit.

‘‘Charlie is bigger than life, but exactly the opposite at the same time,’’ said Mindy d’Arbeloff, a Boston marketing executive who has been friends with Baker since childhood.

For as long as d’Arbeloff can remember, Baker is the guy who has explained complex policies to her with simple diagrams on scraps of paper. He is also the avid music fan who occasionally worked as a bouncer at rock shows in his youth and remains unabashed about taking his teenagers to see the Dropkick Murphys.

As a new candidate for governor, Baker, now 52, is unknown to many voters, and he is not without critics on policy. Some service providers used the term ‘‘slash and burn’’ to describe his 1990s efforts, as undersecretary for health and human services, to close state hospitals and rein in costs. But Baker has earned respect on Beacon Hill and in the business community as a smart, measured leader.

‘‘He’s easygoing, but no one should mistake that [he also has] a steely determination to get the right result,’’ said Paul Cellucci, the former lieutenant governor and governor who worked with Baker for much of the 1990s.

Baker grew up in Needham — aside from a stint in Washington, while his father served as a deputy undersecretary of transportation in the Nixon administration — and attended Needham High, where he was a multisport athlete.

The oldest of three boys born to a Republican father and Democrat mother, Baker was a voracious childhood reader and early participant in kitchen-table debates that ran ‘‘hot, heavy, and all the time,’’ said his father, Charles Sr., who also served in the Reagan administration and is now retired from business, government, and education.

‘‘He’s got a great degree of curiosity,’’ Baker’s father said. ‘‘He’s a quick study, but he’s a really serious thinker. A lot of quick studies, they stop right there.’’

At Harvard, Baker concentrated in English, lettered in basketball, and began a Big Brother relationship that he maintained through decades, eventually serving as best man at his Little Brother’s wedding. After earning an MBA at Northwestern’s Kellogg School, where he met his wife, Lauren, Baker worked as a consultant and helped build the Pioneer Institute, a Boston think tank with a libertarian bent.

Baker’s ‘‘best quality is probably his ability to get along with people. And second, he has an excellent mind, and he knows how to channel energy,’’ said Lovett C. Peters, the retired oil man who founded Pioneer, made Baker his second hire, and remains an office regular at age 96.

Peters ultimately recommended Baker to William F. Weld, who consulted Baker broadly on policy issues and asked him to be undersecretary for the Health and Human Services Department after his 1990 election.

But first, Weld arranged for Baker to speak with David P. Forsberg, Weld’s choice for secretary of the agency, to ensure they had chemistry. The resulting conversation was a dizzying call in which Baker peppered Forsberg with questions and wowed him with ideas that would help shape the administration’s plan to cut costs and reorganize public services.

Afterward, Forsberg told his wife, ‘‘I think I’ve just been interviewed to see if I can be somebody’s boss,’’ he recalled yesterday.

By the time Weld left office, Baker had joined his Cabinet, serving first as health and human services secretary and then as secretary for administration and finance, a position he continued under Cellucci. But Baker passed at the opportunity to run as Cellucci’s lieutenant governor, a spot subsequently offered to Jane Swift.

Baker instead left government to become chief executive of Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, a nonprofit group practice with physicians across Eastern Massachusetts. A year later, in mid-1999, the struggling HMO Harvard Pilgrim Health Care brought Baker in to right an organization that was hemorrhaging money.

After initial bumps, Baker oversaw a turnaround that included more than two dozen consecutive profitable quarters, at the same time the company finished atop the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s ranking of health plans five years in a row.

Even as he ran Harvard Vanguard, served as selectman, kept a healthcare blog, and maintained a steady presence at his children’s sporting events, friends say, Baker nurtured an interest in becoming governor.

‘‘There are still idealistic people in this business who care and think they can help, and that’s why they get in,’’ said Buckingham, now director of public affairs for Pfizer Inc. ‘‘He’s one of them.’’
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Steve Rosenberg of the Globe staff contributed to this report.
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The Boston Globe, Op-Ed, JOAN VENNOCHI
"The challenges for challenger Charlie Baker"
By Joan Vennochi, July 9, 2009

CHARLIE BAKER finally stopped thinking about running for governor. He will run, he announced yesterday.

Baker, the CEO of Harvard Pilgrim HealthCare, is a numbers guy. He doesn’t act on whims. If he’s in, he must think Governor Patrick, the incumbent Democrat, is truly vulnerable.

He must be looking at the 2010 race and thinking back to 1990. Massachusetts, universally disdained as “Taxachusetts,’’ was in deep fiscal trouble. Democratic governor Michael Dukakis, with support from the Democratic leadership of the House and Senate, made the tough call to raise more taxes. Voters decided they wanted the check of a Republican governor against the GOP-framed perception of Democrats gone wild.

But it wasn’t that simple then and it isn’t now.

Republican Bill Weld won an open seat against John Silber, a grouchy, unconventional Democrat who was still leading the race until he imploded during an infamous TV interview shortly before Election Day.

Baker will be challenging a first-term governor who has had a rocky tenure, but can still count on his liberal base. Unless Baker keeps fellow Republican Christy Mihos off the ballot, he must win a primary fight against the convenience chain owner, who already signed on Dick Morris, a nasty and nationally-known political consultant. The general election turns into a three-way race if state Treasurer Timothy Cahill runs, as threatened, as an independent.

A past Cabinet secretary for two Republican governors, Baker is smart and thoughtful. But he’s a virtual unknown to the general public and untested as a candidate for political office. Then again, that makes him a lot like Patrick, who beat an incumbent attorney general and millionaire businessman to become his party’s nominee, and then went on to become the first Democrat in 16 years to win the governor’s office.

Recent poll numbers show that Patrick faces a tough reelection fight. His job approval rating is low. But the election is more than a year away and a Democrat, especially in a three-way race, holds an important advantage in Massachusetts.

Baker’s tenure at Harvard Pilgrim will be scrutinized. He also should have to answer for decisions made during the Weld-Cellucci era. Weld, especially, promised leaner, more streamlined government. His pledge was mostly a euphemism for drastic cuts in social services.

Baker said he wants to be governor so he can tackle the state’s fiscal challenges “and bring ideas, energy, and leadership to the tasks that face state government in the years ahead.’’ Yet when Baker was secretary of administration and finance, the state borrowed billions against future federal highway aid to underwrite ever-ballooning Big Dig costs. Taxpayers are still paying that tab.

Baker was secretary of health and human services when the Weld administration moved to deregulate the healthcare industry in Massachusetts. Healthcare providers now compete with one another; the state no longer sets rates. Massachusetts residents are paying for that, too.

Voters may simply consider such decisions ancient history, or conclude a governor, not a Cabinet secretary, is accountable for them. Either way, Baker is an impressive opponent. He can run as an antidote to Patrick’s poetry and undelivered promise to lower property taxes. He can run as a cool-headed agent of post-partisan politics - Barack Obama without the rhetorical flourish and compelling personal story. If the economy is as bad as it is now, or worse, it will be even harder for Patrick to weave a narrative for reelection. In the meantime, Baker has a lot of credibility in the Massachusetts business community. That could help him with fund-raising, and undercut Patrick’s ability.

Yet winning election requires more than money, as any number of failed millionaires demonstrates. It’s about connecting with people in a personal way, convincing voters to trust you with important aspects of their lives and children’s future. It’s about selling a vision of government to a disparate population. Is that vision strictly business? Is there room for compassion, not to mention state-funded programs for the vulnerable?

With Baker in, this will be a fascinating election, with serious candidates debating substantive issues - or so we can all hope.
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Joan Vennochi can be reached at vennochi@globe.com.
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Thursday, July 2, 2009

Luciforo v Olver?

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"Luciforo"
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Andrea Nuciforo II (above) v John Olver?
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US Congressman John W Olver
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In two weeks from today (7/2), Andrea F. Nuciforo, Jr. (aka "Luciforo") is having a big fundraiser. To read more, please visit the following web-site link:

http://nuciforo.com/wpafn/news/events/reception-to-support-andrea-f-nuciforo-jr/
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I see that US Congressman John Olver is NOT on the list of honorary guests.

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I also see that Amherst Massachusetts State Senator Stan Rosenberg is NOT on the list of honorary guests.
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Pittsfield's political inbred, dark prince: Andrea F. Nuciforo, Jr.! -(below)-



Is this the year (2010) that Luciforo is going to challenge John Olver for US Congress?



I think so! & I hope to STOP "Luciforo" in his political tracks!

Sincerely,
Jonathan A. Melle
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Reception to Support Andrea F. Nuciforo Jr
By Citizens for Nuciforo - POSTED: 6/26/2009 at 3:00 pm

Please join us for a reception to support Andrea F. Nuciforo Jr.

Mazzeo’s Ristorante
7 Winter Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201
5-7 pm, July 16 2009

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Special Guest: Guy W. Glodis, Worcester County Sheriff
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Refreshments. Cash bar.

Suggested donation
$25 $50 $100

Checks payable to “Citizens for Nuciforo”

Host Committee



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Carmen C. Massimiano – Sheriff
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David F. Capeless – District Attorney
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Francis B. Marinaro – Register of Probate
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Sen. Benjamin B. Downing
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Rep. Denis E. Guyer
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Rep. Christopher Speranzo
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Rep. William Smitty Pignatelli
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Wanda M. Beckwith-Register of Deeds South Berkshire
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Mayor James M. Ruberto
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Council President Gerry Lee
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Councillor Kevin Sherman
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Councillor Louis Costi
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Dana S. Doyle
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David R. Cianflone
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Louis & Mary Ann Yarmosky
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Stanley Wojtkowski
NOTE: Wojtkowski is "Luciforo's" omitted maternal last name.
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Thomas & Anne Wojtkowski
NOTES: Tom Wojtkowski is "Luciforo's" Uncle -- or the brother of "Luciforo's" late-mother. He is a former Massachusetts State Representative & Attorney. Anne Wojtkowski is "Luciforo's" Aunt. She is a former Mayor of Pittsfield, Massachusetts & an Attorney.
Backstories:
Tom & Anne Wojtkowski ran the politics behind Berkshire Community College (BCC) in Pittsfield. They were both part of "Luciforo's" many years of conspiratorial layered bullying and persecution of me. They made a former BCC environmental science professor from nearby Becket use his adult daughter to flirt with and then harass me while her father threatened me with many verbal assaults, intimidating finger-pointing, and threats to "stay out of here" and that he was going to assault me. The more this man abused me, the more job security he had a BCC. Moreover, during the same time period that I was being threatened and bullied, "Luciforo" was swearing "ethics" complaints out against my Dad in order to get him fired from his then long-serving courthouse job and force my Dad to resign from his elected seat as a Berkshire County Commissioner. Shortly after "Luciforo's" "ethics" complaints did not ruin my Dad and our family's financial well being, "Luciforo" swore out false complaints to the Pittsfield Police Department that I was threatening him without my Dad's and my own knowledge. "Luciforo" had tried to falsely arrest me and send me Berkshire County Sheriff Carmen Massimiano II's Jail during the Spring & Summer of 1998 when I was only nearly-23-years-old. "Luciforo" started his layered bullying of me during the Spring of 1996 when I was just 20-years-old or nearly 21. "Luciforo's" last bullying minion is Denis E Guyer, who has spread vile, vicious and hate-filled rumors against me to the people of the Pittsfield area. Denis Guyer's rumors are mostly connected to and based on what "Luciforo" did to me in my early-20's in the mid-1990's. "Golddigger" Guyer will NOT admit that he spread the rumors against me, nor will he acknowledge he was acting on "Luciforo's" behalf. That is how Pittsfield Politics is really ran!
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Mark Nuciforo
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John Nuciforo
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Richard B. Johansen
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Roscoe Sandlin
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Phil Heller
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Jack Rubin
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Kathy & Mark Amuso
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Robbie & Jean Bard
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Richard X. Drennan
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Patrick C. Gable
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Christopher & Alycia Sacco-Duquette
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Peter Sturgeon
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Mark Brennan
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Amy & Sean MacDonald
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Frances Duncan
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William Martin
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Tony Marcella
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Andrew A. Schuyler
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John McAlister
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Christopher Stack
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Timothy Hannigan
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Thomas Hamel
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Timothy Bartini
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Pete White
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How come the BUREAUCRAT is NOT on the list?









Daniel E Bosley - Daniel Bosley - Dan Bosley - or BUREAUCRAT Bosley!
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Also, how come the long-serving Mayor of North Adams is NOT on the list?





John Barrett III

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How come the Lieutenant Governor is NOT on the list?



Tim Murray - He also loves corrupt special interest campaign money like "Luciforo"!



Tim Murray with Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.

THE BACKSTORY:

"Luciforo" has been very critical of Governor Patrick after he passed over "Luciforo" for the Commissioner of Insurance position in early-2007. "Luciforo" would have resigned his "elected" (& current) seat as Middle Berkshire (Pittsfield) Registrar of Deeds he had just taken a sworn oath of office to serve less than a few weeks beforehand which he won by strong-arming 2 women out of the 2006 state government "election" to anoint himself to his plum $85k per year sinecure funded by the taxpayers. "Luciforo" had to step down from his Berkshire State Senate seat -- the same one the late-Andrea Nuciforo I ("Luciforo's" father) once held prior to becoming Berkshire County Probate Court Judge -- he had disgraced due to his corrupt conflicts of interest with the Insurace Companies' financial industry whom he received hundreds of thousands of dollars per year in special interest campaign contributions from. In the past, "Luciforo" has been quoted in the news media as saying he would someday be elected to US Congress. I believe "Luciforo" is organizing a potential campaign to unseat U.S. Representative John W Olver so he may be elected to Capitol Hill to serve the Insurance Companies' financial industry in Washington, D.C. I, Jonathan Melle, hope to STOP "Luciforo's" political career in its tracks!

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Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Dan Bianchi will challenge Jimmy Ruberto for Mayor of Pittsfield, Massachusetts in 2009. But I also wonder if he is just another pawn for "Luciforo"?

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Pittsfield Politics
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"Luciforo" swears in Good Old Boy Mayor Jimmy Ruberto for a 3rd term (above). Challenger Dan Bianchi (below).
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"Bianchi aims for mayoral position: The former financial director and treasurer for the city will challenge James M. Ruberto."
By Dick Lindsay, Berkshire Eagle Staff, Tuesday, June 30, 2009

PITTSFIELD -- Daniel L. Bianchi has been involved with city government in one form or another for the past 20 years -- the last 10 as Ward 6's councilor.

Now the 58-year-old Pittsfield native is pursuing the city's top political post: Mayor.

However, Bianchi said he views his challenge of Mayor James M. Ruberto as the people's choice as well as his.

"I've had overwhelming, unsolicited feedback throughout the city," Bianchi said on Monday in announcing his candidacy. "I consider what we do is public service, not politics."

Bianchi is the first high-profile candidate of the seven who have taken out nomination papers with the intention to unseat Ruberto in the city's November election. Besides his current 10-year run on the City Council, Bianchi was Pittsfield's financial director and treasurer from 1988-1993 and served on the state's finance control board during the city's fiscal crisis from 2001-2004.

He currently works as a manager in the local office of Global Montello Group, a Waltham-based energy services and distribution company.

While Bianchi just took out nomination papers last Friday, he already has his family sprucing up a campaign headquarters at the former WUPE radio studios on East Street.

"God bless my wife [Theresa]: I left her with a paint brush in her hand," Bianchi said upon arriving at The Eagle for an interview.

Besides his spouse, Bianchi has the backing of his daughter, Madeline, 16 and two sons, Matthew, 18 and Benjamin, 20.

Bianchi said his campaign is based on "literally hundreds of people" wanting change in how the mayor's office manages Pittsfield.

"Managing the city, managing finances, managing relations with city employees," he cited. "Even [managing] the dwindling GE Economic Development Fund."

Bianchi has been very vocal on the City Council regarding how Pittsfield doles out those funds to companies looking to relocate or expand in the city. He said the city and the state needs to be better prepared when offering "incentive packages and marketing to attract businesses."

For example, Bianchi stated how "New York State has a very well-defined tax-incentive plan."

Furthermore, Bianchi finds residents concerned over their tax bills -- "especially older folks still living in their homes," the increase in violent crime, and the lack of progress by the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority in completing and finding tenants for the William Stanley Business Park.

Bianchi realizes a mayoral race is a broader political contest than running for Ward 6 councilor, but he plans to take the same down-to-earth approach.

"It will be a real grass-roots campaign," he said, "with a lot of going door-to-door for support."

And Bianchi expects to be well received by the voters.

"People feel comfortable with my approach," he added. "Deep down, I know the city and its values."
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To reach Dick Lindsay: rlindsay@berkshireeagle.com, or (413) 496-6233.
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www.topix.net/forum/source/berkshire-eagle/T22PQL3282AJ91SEK
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From left, Pittsfield City Councilors Kevin J. Sherman, Paul J. Capitanio and Daniel L. Bianchi look over numbers at the city budget meeting.
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Pittsfield, Massachusetts
"$122M budget OK'd"
By Benning W. De La Mater, Berkshire Eagle Staff, Wednesday, July 1, 2009

PITTSFIELD -- City Councilors approved a $122.7 million spending plan for fiscal year 2010 Tuesday night, a sign-of-the-times budget that will cut jobs and services and bump the tax rate up.

It's an operating budget that is more than $4 million less than last year due to a $6.4 million drop in local revenue and state aid.

At least 23 school employees are being laid off, as are nine employees on the city side. Two vacancies are not being filled, one of which is in the fire department.

Based on proposed numbers, the residential tax rate would jump from $13.67 per $1,000 assessed value to $14.13. That translates to a $90.29 increase for the average single-family home worth nearly $189,000.

The commercial and industrial tax rate is expected to increase from $28.88 to $28.97, or an average of $671 for property valued at $567,000.

The budget was approved 9 to 2, with councilors Daniel L. Bianchi and Louis A. Costi voting against the plan. Councilors also approved using $1.7 million in surplus funds or "free cash" to help balance the budget.

The final budget was based on conservative state aid figures. Mayor James M. Ruberto said the city will likely get at least $371,000 more in aid, and he has vowed to set aside $216,000 of that sum for the school system to help make up for a shortfall in federal stimulus money that was anticipated.

Ruberto said using the funds in the school system will help avoid future cuts.

Bianchi, Ward 6 Councilor, urged his fellow councilors to designate the additional aid to help lower the tax burden on city residents.

"I propose that anything that comes back from the state be committed to reducing the tax rate," he said.

Ward 1 Councilor Lewis C. Markham Jr. said he felt it was a better to decide on surplus money at a later date.

"We're all sitting here knowing that we're going to have tough times next year ... some drastic times," he said. "We may amend this budget five or six times over the year."

Ward 5 Councilor Jonathan N. Lothrop said he'd like to ease the tax burden but would rather see how any surplus lays out and use those numbers in the November/ December sessions when the tax rate is set.

"My concern is that we have to leave ourselves flexibility in this budget for the future," he said. "I'm concerned about the stability of this budget. But to make a commitment for this money right now is unwise."
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To reach Benning W. De La Mater: bdelamater@berkshireeagle.com, (413) 496-6243.
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www.topix.net/forum/source/berkshire-eagle/TCCFTFLO41VD40IIN
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"Trash removal: A 2-family fee?"
By Dick Lindsay, Berkshire Eagle Staff, Monday, July 6, 2009

PITTSFIELD -- The City Council is now considering adding two-family dwellings, as well as three-family dwellings, to the list of households that must pay extra for Pittsfield's trash pick-up service.

The City Council Public Works and Utilities Committee has recommended both items be debated when the council's Ordinance and Rules Committee meets at 7:30 tonight at City Hall to discuss possible changes to the city's ordinance on solid waste collection and disposal. Ordinance and Rules makes the final recommendation before the trash fee proposal goes before the entire City Council.

Mayor James M. Ruberto had proposed adding only three-family dwellings, but indicated at the recent budget hearings he would likely return with a plan for duplexes too.

However, the public works panel recently voted 3-1, with Ward 6 Councilor Daniel L. Bianchi against, to include two-family homes in the city's proposal so as not to further drag out the issue.

"If we're going think about two-family, let's debate it all at once," said council member Lewis C. Markham Jr.

"We need an open, frank discussion," he added. "Let's get it done and over with."

The matter of added trash pick-up fees initially divided the City Council three years ago when it voted 7-4 to have the owners of four-family apartments pay $70 a month, unless he or she lives on the premises. Under the three-family proposal, the fee would be $52.50 if the building isn't owner-occupied. City officials have yet to develop a fee structure for two-family homes.

While the cost of Pittsfield's residential trash hauling program is factored into the property tax rate, city officials have said the added revenue is still needed to help offset the cost. The city currently collects more than $100,000 each year from charging four-family dwellings and the new fee could also generate the same amount, according to city financial officials.

However, Bianchi said the city's trash hauling service is not about making money.

"We have a service that keeps our city clean and healthy," Bianchi added. "That's our objective."
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To reach Dick Lindsay: rlindsay@berkshireeagle.com, or (413) 496-6233.
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www.topix.net/forum/source/berkshire-eagle/TTHBBBITHB4ILTGIQ
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Thursday, June 18, 2009

Carmen Massimiano is breaking state labor laws with understaffed jail! Carmen Massimiano II is a flaming homosexual!

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Carmen Massimiano
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I received a phone call yesterday concerning one of my 3 political enemies: Berkshire County Sheriff Carmen C Massimiano II.

www.jonathanmelleonpolitics.blogspot.com/2007/11/carmen-c-massimiano-jr.html

The anonymous caller asked me to forward the People, News Media, & Politicians the following message:

"The BCHC union voted about two weeks ago on a package of concessions, almost $4000.00 per officer. It was yes for concessions or no and eight to ten employees could be laid off. The vote was No, 62 to 50. A few days after the vote three officers were laid off, but they were voluntary layoffs. This week five or six more employees got laid off and we don't know if they were voluntary or forced. Our dept. is already down about twenty officers or more from normal staffing levels. We believe these layoffs were a knee jerk reaction (retaliation), due to the fact the Admin, doesn't even have the actual amount of money they are going to be short for the 2010 budget. The feelings are that the sheriff is using the layoffs and threatening to cancel vacation to get us to vote on a second concession package. The facility cannot be run with 10 officers being laid off.

"The reason this vote did not pass is in 2001 the same thing was done and officers voted yes. Officer were told that if they gave up money the Admin would also give it up and no employees would be laid off. The union found out two years latter that Admin did not give anything up, they lied. Also several people got large raises after the vote passed.

"The Sheriff is going to keep pressuring and threatening until he gets his way."

Jonathan Melle's NOTES:

I was told that Berkshire County Sheriff Carmen C Massimiano II won't allow his workers under a legal and legitimate union to take their demands to the state labor commission. If any union member backs this measure, Sheriff Massimiano will retaliate against them. CARMEN MASSIMIANO II is BREAKING the LAW! I was asked to send this email to the media because my voice sings for all of the voiceless people Sheriff Massimiano has bullied and persecuted over the years. I was told that Sheriff Massimiano lied to the workers and unions, stating that he did not receive a pay raise in over 5 years. Sheriff Massimiano contradicts the facts, below:

Sheriff Massimiano's 2006 21% pay raise "Luciforo" voted in favor of in 2005:
http://bp3.blogger.com/_mBqgM9-hXBo/R0nSCy5tNAI/AAAAAAAAAMA/xlEZWj0p9us/s1600-h/cashing+in.bmp
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www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2005/11/17/Cashing_in/

Carmen Massimiano & North Street, Pittsfield, Massachusetts = THE NADIR!
www.jonathanmelleonpolitics.blogspot.com/2007/11/pittsfields-revitalization-via-perverse.html

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"Unfair generalizations about students at PHS"
The Berkshire Eagle, Letters, Thursday, June 11, 2009

As students of Pittsfield High School, we wish to respond to the statements made about our school by Mayor Ruberto and School Committee member Carmen Massimiano at a recent School Committee meeting. Mayor Ruberto described the attire of the students at lunch "appalling" and "an absolute disgrace to the educational system," and Mr. Massimiano suggested that Pittsfield High should stop allowing its students to leave campus for lunch, because they should not be "traipsing all over the city."

We feel that Mayor Ruberto and Mr. Massimiano are being unfair in their accusations and suggestions, which depict us as a group of delinquents causing trouble in Pittsfield during our lunches. We feel that most students dress appropriately, and that judging our entire school by a handful of students is not fair. We also cannot think of anybody who dresses purposely to show disrespect to their teachers or fellow students.

Some students dress to achieve a specific look, and others dress for comfort, but students should be given the right to dress to suit their own needs and opinions. High school is all about discovering your own individuality and character so that you can decide what person you want to be for the rest of your life. Forcing us into strict dress codes will only hinder that creative process. We mean no disrespect when we arrive in torn jeans or baggy sweatpants — we're just playing with our appearances so that we can figure out how we want to present ourselves.

Judging a student by his or her clothing is not an accurate or fair measure of character. We respect ourselves regardless of what we choose to wear, and would like to feel that others can also see past our clothing before deciding what kind of person we are.

Closing the campus during lunchtime would be much more trouble than it is worth. As Superintendent Eberwein mentioned in the School Committee meeting, the cafeteria at our school accommodates 300 students, while we have an enrollment of 1,000. Additionally, the local businesses that feed those hundreds of students each day benefit by PHS having an open campus.

The lunch break also allows students to enjoy a breath of fresh air, and to get a little exercise. The school is worrying about serving healthy food and avoiding obesity — "traipsing all over the city" might be exactly what we need.

Mr. Massimiano's main objective in his desire to end off-campus lunch seems to be the wish to keep us out of sight and hidden from the view of the public. Although some may be surprised to see a few students smoking during lunchtime, we hope that they will not believe that Pittsfield High is the only school in which there are students that smoke. Our location in the center of town makes the smokers more visible, but off campus lunch is not the cause of the problem. These students would smoke anyway, just like high schoolers across the country.

Our clothing is not a factor of our education and, as most students dress according to the rules anyway, we see no need to be insulted. We are not just teenagers, we are your neighbors, your baby-sitters, your grocery baggers, and your family members. We do not lack respect for our teachers or our community, but respect must be given back to us as well. If we are old enough to be asked to make college and career decisions, we can certainly handle dressing ourselves. We respect ourselves and each other and hope that our community can do the same.

BECKY SIBNER
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
The letter was signed by 87 students.

Source: www.berkshireeagle.com/ci_12566844?source=most_viewed

"We feel that Mayor Ruberto and Mr. Massimiano are being unfair in their accusations and suggestions"
&
"Mr. Massimiano's main objective in his desire to end off-campus lunch seems to be the wish to keep us out of sight and hidden from the view of the public."

DID YOU KIDS KNOW THAT CARMEN MASSIMIANO IS A KNOWN COMMODITY AT BOSTON's GAY BARS? THAT IS RIGHT, GENTLEMEN! CARMEN MASSIMIANO IS WELL KNOWN IN BOTH PITTSFIELD & BOSTON TO LIKE HIS YOUNG MEN AND BLOW JOBS -- OR ORAL SEX ON A MAN! CARMEN MASSIMIANO IS AN ANGRY MAN WHO TAKES OUT HIS ANGER ON WOMEN & CHILDREN TO SUBLIMATE HIS FLAMING HOMOSEXUALITY! MABYE THAT IS WHY CARMEN MASSIMIANO HAS NOTICED HOW YOUNG MEN HAVE BEEN DRESSING AROUND PITTSFIELD HIGH SCHOOL!

- Jonathan Melle

P.S. Mayor Jimmy Ruberto is one of Carmen's minions. He follows all of Carmen's orders in Pittsfield Politics.
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www.topix.net/forum/source/berkshire-eagle/TUFMC66DLGHF6RE54/p3
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www.iberkshires.com/images/site_images/stories/25612.jpg
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"Arrests deter gangs: Police officials stress the importance of educating communities -- as well as adequate funding levels."
Berkshire Eagle Staff, Friday, June 26, 2009

PITTSFIELD -- There's a simple formula police use to explain how they bust gangs and their economic endeavors in the drug trade: Arrests = hours.

And county police believe if funding for narcotics units is cut, which means less policing hours, the gangs will gain an advantage.

That was the message from public safety officials Thursday afternoon at the "Gangs and Drugs in the Community" public forum hosted by radio station WBRK at the Berkshire Museum. About 16 people attended the event -- many of whom were police officers.

Local law enforcement officials said they're concerned that gang activity would be the major byproduct of slashed public safety budgets. With recent state funding cuts affecting police forces across the Commonwealth, it's a real issue.

Members in the Berkshires

Unclaimed turf, an abundance of cheap housing, and high profitability in the local drug trade have attracted gang members from across the Northeast to Berkshire County.

Berkshire County Sheriff Carmen C. Massimiano Jr. said of the roughly 400 inmates currently at the Berkshire County House of Corrections, 52 have been identified as gang members. Of those, 37 are natives of areas outside Berkshire County.

Police say that the lack of established national gangs in Berkshire County makes it easy for outsiders to come from places likes New York City, Springfield or Hartford, Conn., and sell drugs.

An amount of crack cocaine that sells in New York for $1,000 can fetch $5,000 in Pittsfield. A bag of heroin that sells for $3 in Boston can go for as much $20 here.
The war can last a long time

"The war doesn't end with one battle, one drug raid," Massimiano said. "It goes on every day. And it's our local police who are fighting that war."

Massachusetts State Police Lt. Joseph P. McDyer, commander of the Berkshire County Drug Task Force, said gangs have been operating in the county for decades.

Before, they were loose collections of acquaintances who sold drugs for profit. But in the last few years, local police have seen the rise of gangs with ties to national groups like the Bloods, Crips, the Latin Kings and La Familia.

"We've put a lot of them in jail, and curtailed a lot of crime," McDyer said. "But we'd have a bigger problem if it wasn't for the police officers in this county. And funding is running out."

McDyer said the task force is already out $150,000, a sum that helped pay salaries for city and town police officers who worked on countywide gang and drug cases.

"You'll see a big problem if that money isn't restored," he said.

Pittsfield Police Detective Sgt. Marc E. Strout, commander of the city's drug unit and a member of the task force, said the violence of late has been gang members targeting other gang members.

He hears the complaints from residents and longtime locals, but he'd like to see people step up and force a change in the community.

"We don't need more complainers, we need doers," he said.

Mayor James M. Ruberto said he was disappointed that more community members and parents did not attend the forum.

"It's unfortunate but not surprising," he said. "The people who are supposed to be here aren't here."

Bill Sturgeon, WBRK talk show host and a former police officer, said the forum was the first in what will be a series of events called Educating the Community.

"We're a community radio station so we want to help the community," he said. "There's so much misinformation out there about gangs. Some believe there are no gangs, and some say it's overblown. But this is not just not a Pittsfield issue, it's a countywide problem."
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To reach Benning W. De La Mater: bdelamater@berkshireeagle.com, (413) 496-6243.
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www.topix.net/forum/source/berkshire-eagle/TIBBJ9G93KIO0QQT6
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Friday, June 5, 2009

STOP FRANK GUINTA! - frankguinta.blogspot.com

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STOP FRANK GUINTA!

frankguinta.blogspot.com

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Frank Guinta is a BIGOT!

www.topix.com/forum/city/manchester-nh/TBNSOQ7QUAB3JJKNK

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About Me

Jonathan Melle
Amherst, NH, United States
I am a citizen defending the people against corrupt Pols who only serve their Corporate Elite masters, not the people! / My 3 political enemies are Andrea F. Nuciforo, Jr., nicknamed "Luciforo", Denis E. Guyer, nicknamed "Golddigger", and Berkshire County Sheriff Carmen C. Massimiano, Jr. "Golddigger" Guyer has been spreading vicious, hate-filled, violent, untrue and hurtful rumors about me to the people of the Pittsfield area. / I have also pasted many of my political essays on "The Berkshire Blog": berkshireeagle.blogspot.com / I AM THE ANTI-FRANK GUINTA! / I am being PERSECUTED by the Manchester, NH, Police Department because Police Officer John Cunningham illegally used multiple uses of force against me without properly communicating to me and is lying through his teeth contrary to 2 witness accounts of the incident of my FALSE arrest. My trial by jury is scheduled for 9/28/2009 in NH Superior Court - North in Manchester. / Please contact me at Jonathan A. Melle, 7 Corduroy Road, Unit # 3, Amherst, NH 03031, 603-554-1113, Cell 603-289-0739. Please Email me at jonathan_a_melle@yahoo.com
View my complete profile

50th Anniversary - 2009

50th Anniversary - 2009
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Columbus Avenue in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Pittsfield Politics: Capitanio, Mazzeo agree on budget cuts, public safety

Pittsfield Politics: Capitanio, Mazzeo agree on budget cuts, public safety
Paul Capitanio, left, speaks during Monday night's Ward 3 City Council debate with fellow candidate Melissa Mazzeo at Pittsfield Community Television's studio. The special election (3/31/2009) will be held a week from today (3/24/2009). The local issues ranged from economic development and cleaning up blighted areas in Ward 3 to public education and the continued remediation of PCB's.

Red Sox v Yankees

Red Sox v Yankees
Go Red Sox!

Outrage swells in Congress!

Outrage swells in Congress!
Senate Banking Committee Chairman Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., left, and the committee's ranking Republican Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., listen during a hearing on modernizing insurance regulations, Tuesday, March 17, 2009, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh). - http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20090318/pl_politico/30833

Beacon Hill's $pecial Interest Tax Raisers & $PENDERS!

Beacon Hill's $pecial Interest Tax Raisers & $PENDERS!
Photo Gallery: www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/03/15/St_Patricks_Day_Boston/

The path away from Wall Street ...

The path away from Wall Street ...
...Employers in the finance sector - traditionally a prime landing spot for college seniors, particularly in the Northeast - expect to have 71 percent fewer jobs to offer this year's (2009) graduates.

Economic collapse puts graduates on unforeseen paths: Enrollment in public service jobs rising...

Economic collapse puts graduates on unforeseen paths: Enrollment in public service jobs rising...
www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/03/14/economic_collapse_puts_graduates_on_unforeseen_paths/

Bank of America CEO Ken Lewis

Bank of America CEO Ken Lewis
Should he be fired? As Bank of America's Stock Plummets, CEO Resists Some Calls That He Step Down.

Hookers for Jesus

Hookers for Jesus
Annie Lobert is the founder of "Hookers for Jesus" - www.hookersforjesus.net/home.cfm - Saving Sin City: Las Vegas, Nevada?

Forever personalized stamped envelope

Forever personalized stamped envelope
The Forever stamp will continue to cover the price of a first-class letter. The USPS will also introduce Forever personalized, stamped envelopes. The envelopes will be preprinted with a Forever stamp, the sender's name and return address, and an optional personal message.

Purple Heart

Purple Heart
First issued in 2003, the Purple heart stamp will continue to honor the men and women wounded while serving in the US military. The Purple Heart stamp covers the cost of 44 cents for first-class, one-ounce mail.

Dolphin

Dolphin
The bottlenose is just one of the new animals set to appear on the price-change stamps. It will serve as a 64-cent stamp for odd shaped envelopes.

2009 price-change stamps

2009 price-change stamps
www.boston.com/business/gallery/2009pircechangestamps/ -&- www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/02/27/new_stamps_set_for_rate_increase_in_may/

Red Sox v Yankees

Red Sox v Yankees
Go Red Sox!

President Barack Obama

President Barack Obama
AP photo v Shepard Fairey

Rush Limbaugh lackeys

Rush Limbaugh lackeys
Posted by Dan Wasserman of the Boston Globe on March 3, 2009.

Honest Abe

Honest Abe
A 2007 US Penny

Dog race

Dog race
Sledding for dogs

The Capital of the Constitution State

The Capital of the Constitution State
Hartford, once the wealthiest city in the United States but now the poorest in Connecticut, is facing an uphill battle.

Brady, Bundchen married

Brady, Bundchen married
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and model Gisele Bundchen wed Feb. 26, 2009 in a Catholic ceremony in Los Angeles. www.boston.com/ae/celebrity/gallery/tom_gisele/

Deval Patrick

Deval Patrick
Massachusetts is going to the dogs!

Mayor Jimmy Ruberto

Mayor Jimmy Ruberto
Tanked Pittsfield's local economy while helping his fellow insider political hacks and business campaign contributors!

Journalist Andrew Manuse

Journalist Andrew Manuse
www.manuse.com & Editor of www.manchexpress.com

New Hampshire Supreme Court Building

New Hampshire Supreme Court Building
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Hampshire_Supreme_Court

Economic State of the Union

Economic State of the Union
A look at some of the economic conditions the Obama administration faces and what resources have already been pledged to help. 2/24/2009

President Barack Obama

President Barack Obama
The president addresses the nation's governors during a dinner in the State Dinning Room, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009, at the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari).

The Oscars - 2/22/2009.

The Oscars - 2/22/2009.
Hugh Jackman and Beyoncé Knowles teamed up for a musical medley during the show.

The 81st Academy Awards - Oscars - 2009

The 81st Academy Awards - Oscars - 2009
Hugh Jackman pulled actress Anne Hathaway on stage to accompany him during his opening musical number.

Rachel Maddow

Rachel Maddow
A Progressive News Commentator

$500,000 per year

$500,000 per year
That is chump change for the corporate elite!

THE CORPORATE ELITE...

THE CORPORATE ELITE...
Jeffrey R. Immelt, chairman and chief executive of General Electric

The Presidents' Club

The Presidents\
Bush, Obama, Bush Jr, Clinton & Carter.

5 Presidents: Bush, Obama, Bush Jr, Clinton, & Carter!

5 Presidents: Bush, Obama, Bush Jr, Clinton, & Carter!
White House Event: January 7, 2009.

Bank Bailout!

Bank Bailout!
v taxpayer

Actress Elizabeth Banks

Actress Elizabeth Banks
She will present an award to her hometown (Pittsfield) at the Massachusetts State House next month (1/2009). She recently starred in "W" and "Zack and Miri Make a Porno," and just signed a $1 million annual contract to be a spokesmodel for Paris.

Joanna Lipper

Joanna Lipper
Her award-winning 1999 documentary, "Growing Up Fast," about teenaged mothers in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

Happy Holidays...

Happy Holidays...
...from "Star Wars"

Massachusetts "poor" economy

Massachusetts "poor" economy
Massachusetts is one of the wealthiest states, but it is also very inequitable. For example, it boasts the nation's most lucrative lottery, which is just a system of regressive taxation so that the corporate elite get to pay less in taxes!

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon
Hollywood Actress

Peter G. Arlos.

Peter G. Arlos.
Arlos is shown in his Pittsfield office in early 2000.

Turnpike OK's hefty toll hikes

Turnpike OK\
Big Dig - East-west commuters take hit; Fees at tunnels would double. 11/15/2008.

The Pink Panther 2

The Pink Panther 2
Starring Steve Martin

Police ABUSE

Police ABUSE
I am a victim of Manchester Police Officer John Cunningham's ILLEGAL USES of FORCE!

Barack Obama

Barack Obama
The 44th US President!

Vote

Vote
Elections

The Bailout & the economic stimulus check

The Bailout & the economic stimulus check
A political cartoon by Dan Wasserman

A rainbow over Boston

A rainbow over Boston
"Rainbows galore" 10/2/2008

Our nation's leaders!

Our nation\
President Bush with both John McCain & Barack Obama - 9/25/2008.

Massachusetts & Big Dig: Big hike in tolls for Pike looming (9/26/2008).

Massachusetts & Big Dig: Big hike in tolls for Pike looming (9/26/2008).
$5 rise at tunnels is one possibility $1 jump posed for elsewhere.

Mary E Carey

Mary E Carey
My FAVORITE Journalist EVER!

9/11/2008 - A Show of Unity!

9/11/2008 - A Show of Unity!
John McCain and Barack Obama appeared together at ground zero in New York City - September 11, 2008.

John McCain...

John McCain...
...has all but abandoned the positions on taxes, torture and immigration. (A cartoon by Dan Wasserman. September 2008).

Dan Wasserman

Dan Wasserman
The deregulated chickens come home to roost... in all our pocketbooks. September 2008.

Sarah Palin's phobia

Sarah Palin\
A scripted candidate! (A cartoon by Dan Wasserman).

Dan Wasserman

Dan Wasserman
Family FInances - September, 2008.

Mark E. Roy

Mark E. Roy
Ward 1 Alderman for Manchester, NH (2008).

Theodore “Ted” L. Gatsas

Theodore “Ted” L. Gatsas
Ward 2 Alderman (& NH State Senator) for Manchester, NH (2008).

Peter M. Sullivan

Peter M. Sullivan
Ward 3 (downtown) Alderman for Manchester, NH (2008).

Jim Roy

Jim Roy
Ward 4 Alderman for Manchester, NH (2008).

Ed Osborne

Ed Osborne
Ward 5 Alderman for Manchester, NH (2008).

Real R. Pinard

Real R. Pinard
Ward 6 Alderman for Manchester, NH (2008).

William P. Shea

William P. Shea
Ward 7 Alderman for Manchester, NH (2008).

Betsi DeVries

Betsi DeVries
Ward 8 Alder-woman (& NH State Senator) for Manchester, NH (2008).

Michael Garrity

Michael Garrity
Ward 9 Alderman for Manchester, NH (2008).

George Smith

George Smith
Ward 10 Alderman for Manchester, NH (2008).

Russ Ouellette

Russ Ouellette
Ward 11 Alderman for Manchester, NH (2008).

Kelleigh Domaingue

Kelleigh Domaingue
Ward 12 Alder-woman for Manchester, NH (2008).

“Mike” Lopez

“Mike” Lopez
At-Large Alderman for Manchester, NH. (2008).

Daniel P. O’Neil

Daniel P. O’Neil
At-Large Alderman for Manchester, NH (2008).

Sarah Palin for Vice President.

Sarah Palin for Vice President.
Republican John McCain made the surprise pick of Alaska's governor Sarah Palin as his running mate today, August 29, 2008.

U.S. Representative John Olver, D-Amherst, Massachusetts.

U.S. Representative John Olver, D-Amherst, Massachusetts.
Congressman Olver said the country has spent well over a half-trillion dollars on the war in Iraq while the situation in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate. 8/25/08.

Ed O'Reilly for US Senate in Massachusetts!

Ed O\
John Kerry's 9/2008 challenger in the Democratic Primary.

Shays' Rebellion

Shays\
In a tax revolt, Massachusetts farmers fought back during Shays' Rebellion in the mid-1780s after The American Revolutionary War.

Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore
Actress. "The Big Lebowski" is one of my favorite movies. I also like "The Fugitive", too.

Rinaldo Del Gallo III & "Superman"

Rinaldo Del Gallo III & "Superman"
Go to: http://www.berkshirefatherhood.com/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=699&cntnt01returnid=69

"Income chasm widening in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts"

"Income chasm widening in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts"
The gap between rich and poor has widened substantially in Massachusetts over the past two decades. (8/15/2008).

Dan "Bureaucrat" Bosley

Dan "Bureaucrat" Bosley
"The Bosley Amendment": To create tax loopholes for the wealthiest corporate interests in Massachusetts!

John Edwards and...

John Edwards and...
...Rielle Hunter. WHO CARES?!

Rep. Edward J. Markey

Rep. Edward J. Markey
He wants online-privacy legislation. Some Web Firms Say They Track Behavior Without Explicit Consent.

Cindy Sheehan

Cindy Sheehan
She gained fame with her antiwar vigil outside the Bush ranch.

Olympics kick off in Beijing

Olympics kick off in Beijing
Go USA!

Exxon Mobil 2Q profit sets US record, shares fall

Exxon Mobil 2Q profit sets US record, shares fall
In this May 1, 2008, file photo, a customer pumps gas at an Exxon station in Middleton, Mass. Exxon Mobil Corp. reported second-quarter earnings of $11.68 billion Thursday, July 31, the biggest quarterly profit ever by any U.S. corporation, but the results were well short of Wall Street expectations and its shares fell as markets opened. (AP Photo/Lisa Poole, File) 7/31/2008.

Onota Lake 'Sea Serpent'

Onota Lake \
Some kind of monster on Onota Lake. Five-year-old Tyler Smith rides a 'sea serpent' on Onota Lake in Pittsfield, Mass. The 'monster,' fashioned by Smith's grandfather, first appeared over July 4 weekend. (Photo courtesy of Ron Smith). 7/30/2008.

Al Gore, Jr.

Al Gore, Jr.
Al Gore issues challenge on energy

The Norman Rockwell Museum

The Norman Rockwell Museum
Stockbridge, Massachusetts

"Big Dig"

"Big Dig"
Boston's financially wasteful pork barrel project!

"Big Dig"

"Big Dig"
Boston's pork barrel public works project cost 50 times more than the original price!

Mary E Carey

Mary E Carey
My favorite journalist EVER!

U.S. Rep. John Olver, state Sen. Stan Rosenberg and Selectwomen Stephanie O'Keeffe and Alisa Brewer

U.S. Rep. John Olver, state Sen. Stan Rosenberg and Selectwomen Stephanie O\
Note: Photo from Mary E Carey's Blog.

Tanglewood

Tanglewood
Boston Symphony Orchestra music director James Levine.

Google

Google
Chagall

Jimmy Ruberto

Jimmy Ruberto
Faces multiple persecutions under the Massachusetts "Ethics" conflict of interest laws.

Barack Obama

Barack Obama
Obama vows $500m in faith-based aid.

John McCain

John McCain
He is with his wife, Cindy, who were both met by Colombian President Alvaro Uribe (right) upon arriving in Cartagena.

Daniel Duquette

Daniel Duquette
Sold Mayor James M. Ruberto of Pittsfield two tickets to the 2004 World Series at face value.

Hillary & Barack in Unity, NH - 6/27/2008

Hillary & Barack in Unity, NH - 6/27/2008
Clinton tells Obama, crowd in Unity, N.H.: 'We are one party'

John Forbes Kerry

John Forbes Kerry
Wanna-be Prez?

WALL-E

WALL-E
"out of this World"

Crisis in the Congo - Ben Affleck

Crisis in the Congo - Ben Affleck
http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/popup?id=5057139&contentIndex=1&page=1&start=false - http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=5234555&page=1

Jeanne Shaheen

Jeanne Shaheen
NH's Democratic returning candidate for U.S. Senate

"Wall-E"

"Wall-E"
a cool robot

Ed O'Reilly

Ed O\
www.edoreilly.com

Go Celtics!

Go Celtics!
World Champions - 2008

Go Red Sox!

Go Red Sox!
J.D. Drew gets the same welcome whenever he visits the City of Brotherly Love: "Booooooo!"; Drew has been vilified in Philadelphia since refusing to sign with the Phillies after they drafted him in 1997...

Joe Kelly Levasseur & Joe Briggs

Joe Kelly Levasseur & Joe Briggs
www.2joes.org

NH Union Leader

NH Union Leader
Editorial Cartoon

Celtics - World Champions!

Celtics - World Champions!
www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/gallery/06_18_08_front_pages/ - www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/gallery/06_17_08_finals_game_6/ - www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/gallery/06_17_08_celebration/ - www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/gallery/06_15_08_celtics_championships/

"The Nation"

"The Nation"
A "Liberal" weekly political news magazine. Katrina vanden Heuvel.

TV - PBS: NOW

TV - PBS: NOW
http://www.pbs.org/now

The Twilight Zone

The Twilight Zone
List of Twilight Zone episodes - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Twilight_Zone_episodes

Equality for ALL Marriages

Equality for ALL Marriages
I, Jonathan Melle, am a supporter of same sex marriages.

Kobe Bryant leads his time to a Game 5 victory.

Kobe Bryant leads his time to a Game 5 victory.
L.A. Lakers holds on for the win to force Game 6 at Boston

Mohawk Trail

Mohawk Trail
The 'Hail to the Sunrise' statue in Charlemont is a well-known and easily recognized landmark on the Mohawk Trail. The trail once boasted several souvenir shops, some with motels and restaurants. Now only four remain. (Caroline Bonnivier / Berkshire Eagle Staff).

NASA - June 14, 2008

NASA - June 14, 2008
Space Shuttle Discovery returns to Earth.

Go Celtics! Game # 4 of the 2008 NBA Finals.

Go Celtics! Game # 4 of the 2008 NBA Finals.
Boston took a 20-second timeout, and the Celtics ran off four more points (including this incredible Erving-esque layup from Ray Allen) to build the lead to five points with just 2:10 remaining. Reeling, the Lakers took a full timeout to try to regain their momentum.

Sal DiMasi

Sal DiMasi
Speaker of the Massachusetts State House of Representatives

Kelly Ayotte - Attorney General of New Hampshire

Kelly Ayotte - Attorney General of New Hampshire
http://doj.nh.gov/

John Kerry

John Kerry
He does not like grassroots democracy & being challenged in the 2008 Massachusetts Democratic Party Primary for re-election. Moreover, he raises campaign money for the Crane Family's Denis "Golddigger" Guyer!

Tim Murray

Tim Murray
Corrupt Lt. Gov. of Massachusetts, 2007 - ?

North Adams, Massachusetts

North Adams, Massachusetts
downtown

Howie Carr

Howie Carr
Political Satirist on Massachusetts Corruption/Politics

Polar Bear

Polar Bear
Global Warming

Elizabeth Warren - Web-Site Links

Elizabeth Warren - Web-Site Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Warren & http://www.creditslips.org/creditslips/WarrenAuthor.html

Elizabeth Warren

Elizabeth Warren
Consumer Crusader

Leon Powe

Leon Powe
Celtics forward Leon Powe finished a fast break with a dunk.

Kevin Garnett

Kevin Garnett
Kevin Garnett reacted during the game.

Rajon Rondo

Rajon Rondo
Rajon Rondo finished a first half fast break with a dunk.

Teamwork

Teamwork
Los Angeles Lakers teammates help Pau Gasol (16) from the floor in the second quarter.

Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant took a shot in the first half of Game 2.

Kendrick Perkins

Kendrick Perkins
Kendrick Perkins (right) backed down Lamar Odom (left) during first half action.

Go Celtics!

Go Celtics!
The Boston Symphony Orchestra performed the national anthem prior to Game 2.

K.G.!

K.G.!
Garnett reacted to a hard dunk in the first quarter.

Paul Pierce

Paul Pierce
Paul Pierce reacted after hitting a three upon his return to the game since leaving with an injury.

Go Celtics!

Go Celtics!
Kobe Bryant (left) and Paul Pierce (right) squared off in the second half of the game.

James Taylor

James Taylor
Sings National Anthem at Celtics Game.

John Forbes Kerry & Deval Patrick

John Forbes Kerry & Deval Patrick
Attended Celtics Game.

Greats of the NBA: Dr. J, Bill Russell, & Kareem!

Greats of the NBA: Dr. J, Bill Russell, & Kareem!
Attend Game 1 of the 2008 NBA Finals.

Bruce Willis

Bruce Willis
The actor (left) and his date were in the crowd before the Celtics game.

John Kerry

John Kerry
Golddigger attends Celtics game

Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton
Ends her 2008 bid for Democratic Party nomination

Nonnie Burnes

Nonnie Burnes
Massachusetts Insurance Commish & former Judge

Jones Library

Jones Library
Amherst, Massachusetts

Barack Obama & Hillary Clinton

Barack Obama & Hillary Clinton
2008 Democratic Primary

"US vs Exxon and Halliburton"

"US vs Exxon and Halliburton"
U.S. Senator John Sununu took more than $220,000 from big oil.

Jeanne Shaheen

Jeanne Shaheen
4- U.S. Senate - 2008

William Pignatelli

William Pignatelli
Hack Rep. "Smitty" with Lynne Blake

Ben Bernanke

Ben Bernanke
Federal Reserve Chairman

Gazettenet.com

Gazettenet.com
www.gazettenet.com/beta/

Boys' & Girls' Club

Boys\
Melville Street, Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Denis Guyer

Denis Guyer
Billionaire Crane Family Golddigger!

The Berkshire Eagle

The Berkshire Eagle
Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Carmen Massimiano

Carmen Massimiano
Williams College - May 2008

Larry Bird & Magic Johnson

Larry Bird & Magic Johnson
www.boston.com/lifestyle/gallery/when_the_celtics_were_cool/

Regressive Taxation! via State Lotteries

Regressive Taxation! via State Lotteries
New Massachusetts state lottery game hits $600 million in sales!

Andrea Nuciforo

Andrea Nuciforo
"Luciforo"

John Barrett III

John Barrett III
Long-time Mayor of North Adams Massachusetts

Shine On

Shine On

Elmo

Elmo
cool!

Paul Pierce

Paul Pierce
Paul Pierce kissed the Eastern Conference trophy. 5/30/2008. AP Photo.

Kevin Garnett & Richard Hamilton

Kevin Garnett & Richard Hamilton
Kevin Garnett (left) talked to Pistons guard Richard Hamilton (right) after the Celtics' victory in Game 6. 5/30/2008. Reuters Photo.

Paul Pierce

Paul Pierce
Paul Pierce showed his team colors as the Celtics closed out the Pistons in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals. 5/30/2008. Globe Staff Photo / Jim Davis.

Joseph Kelly Levasseur

Joseph Kelly Levasseur
One of my favorite politicians!

Mary E Carey

Mary E Carey
In the Big Apple: NYC! She is the coolest!

Guyer & Kerry

Guyer & Kerry
My 2nd least favorite picture EVER!

Mary Carey

Mary Carey
My favorite journalist EVER!

Nuciforo & Ruberto

Nuciforo & Ruberto
My least favorite picture EVER!

Jeanne Shaheen

Jeanne Shaheen
U.S. Senate - 2008

NH Fisher Cats

NH Fisher Cats
AA Baseball - Toronto Blue Jays affiliate

Manchester, NH

Manchester, NH
Police Patch

Michael Briggs

Michael Briggs
#83 - We will never forget

Michael "Stix" Addison

Michael "Stix" Addison
http://unionleader.com/channel.aspx/News?channel=2af17ff4-f73b-4c44-9f51-092e828e1131

Charlie Gibson

Charlie Gibson
ABC News anchor

Scott McClellan

Scott McClellan
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/m/scott_mcclellan/index.html?inline=nyt-per

Boise, Idaho

Boise, Idaho
Downtown Boise Idaho

John Forbes Kerry

John Forbes Kerry
Legislative Hearing in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, BCC, on Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson
My favorite classical U.S. President!

NH Governor John Lynch

NH Governor John Lynch
Higher Taxes, Higher Tolls

Paul Hodes

Paul Hodes
My favorite Congressman!

Portland Sea Dogs

Portland Sea Dogs
AA Red Sox

New York

New York
Magnet

Massachusetts

Massachusetts
Magnet

New Hampshire

New Hampshire
Magnet

New Hampshire

New Hampshire
Button

Carmen Massimiano

Carmen Massimiano
"Luciforo" tried to send me to Carmen's Jail during the Spring & Summer of 1998.

Kay Khan - Massachusetts State Representative

Kay Khan - Massachusetts State Representative
www.openmass.org/members/show/174

Luciforo

Luciforo
Andrea F Nuciforo II

B-Eagle

B-Eagle
Pittsfield's monopoly/only daily newspaper

Jon Lester - Go Red Sox!

Jon Lester - Go Red Sox!
A Red Sox No Hitter on 5/19/2008!

Go Red Sox!

Go Red Sox!
Dustin Pedroia & Manny Ramirez

U.S. Flag

U.S. Flag
God Bless America!

Jonathan Melle's Blog

Jonathan Melle\
Hello, Everyone!

Molly Bish

Molly Bish
We will never forget!

Go Celtics!

Go Celtics!
Celtics guard Rajon Rondo listens to some advice from Celtics head coach Doc Rivers in the first half.

Go Celtics!

Go Celtics!
Celtics forward Kevin Garnett and Pistons forward Rasheed Wallace embrace at the end of the game.

Go Red Sox!

Go Red Sox!
Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon calls for the ball as he charges toward first base. Papelbon made the out en route to picking up his 14th save of the season.

Go Red Sox!

Go Red Sox!
Red Sox starting pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka throws to Royals David DeJesus during the first inning.

Go Red Sox!

Go Red Sox!
Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka delivers a pitch to Royals second baseman Mark Grudzielanek during the second inning.

Go Red Sox!

Go Red Sox!
Red Sox right fielder J.D. Drew is welcomed to home plate by teammates Mike Lowell (left), Kevin Youkilis (2nd left) and Manny Ramirez after he hit a grand slam in the second inning.

Go Red Sox!

Go Red Sox!
Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell crosses the plate after hitting a grand slam during the sixth inning. Teammates Manny Ramirez and Jacoby Ellsbury scored on the play. The Red Sox went on to win 11-8 to complete a four-game sweep and perfect homestand.

JD Drew - Go Red Sox

JD Drew - Go Red Sox
www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/gallery/05_22_08_sox_royals/

Thank you for serving; God Bless America!

Thank you for serving; God Bless America!
Master Sgt. Kara B. Stackpole, of Westfield, holds her daughter, Samantha, upon her return today to Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee. She is one of the 38 members of the 439th Aeromedical Staging Squadron who returned after a 4-month deployment in Iraq. Photo by Dave Roback / The Republican.

Kathi-Anne Reinstein

Kathi-Anne Reinstein
www.openmass.org/members/show/175

Ted Kennedy

Ted Kennedy
Tragic diagnosis: Get well Senator!

Google doodle - Jonathan Melle Internet search

Google doodle - Jonathan Melle Internet search
http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch?hl=en&q=jonathan+melle+blogurl:http://jonathanmelleonpolitics.blogspot.com/&ie=UTF-8

John Forbes Kerry (Friend of fellow Billionaire Denis E Guyer)

John Forbes Kerry (Friend of fellow Billionaire Denis E Guyer)
Billionaire U.S. Senator gives address to MCLA graduates in North Adams, Massachusetts in mid-May 2008

Andrea Nuciforo

Andrea Nuciforo
"Luciforo"

A Red Sox Fan in Paris, France

A Red Sox Fan in Paris, France
Go Red Sox!

Rinaldo Del Gallo III

Rinaldo Del Gallo III
Interviewed on local TV

Andrea Nuciforo

Andrea Nuciforo
Luciforo!

John Adams

John Adams
#2 U.S. President

Jonathan Melle

Jonathan Melle
I stood under a tree on the afternoon of May 9, 2008, on the foregrounds of the NH State House - www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/nhinsider/vpost?id=2967773

Jonathan Melle

Jonathan Melle
Inside the front lobby of the NH State House

Jonathan Melle

Jonathan Melle
Bill Clinton campaign memorabilia

Jonathan Melle

Jonathan Melle
Liberty Bell & NH State House

Jon Keller

Jon Keller
Boston based political analyst

Jon Keller

Jon Keller
Boston based political analyst

Jonathan Melle

Jonathan Melle
Franklin Pierce Statue #14 U.S. President

Jonathan Melle

Jonathan Melle
NH State House

Jonathan Melle

Jonathan Melle
Stop the War NOW!

Jonathan Melle

Jonathan Melle
"Mr. Melle, tear down this Blog!"

Jonathan Melle

Jonathan Melle
I stood next to a JFK photo

Jonathan Levine, Publisher

Jonathan Levine, Publisher
The Pittsfield Gazette Online

Jonathan Melle

Jonathan Melle
I made rabbit ears with John & George

Jonathan Melle

Jonathan Melle
I made antenna ears with John & George

Jonathan Melle

Jonathan Melle
I impersonated Howard Dean

Jonathan Melle

Jonathan Melle
mock-voting

Jonathan Melle

Jonathan Melle
pretty ladies -/- Go to: http://www.wgir.com/cc-common/cc_photopop20.html?eventID=28541&pagecontent=&pagenum=4 - Go to: http://current.com/items/88807921_veterans_should_come_first_not_last# - http://www.mcam23.com/cgi-bin/cutter.cgi?c_function=STREAM?c_feature=EDIT?dir_catagory=10MorningRadio?dir_folder=2JoesClips?dir_file=JonathanMelle-090308? -

Jonathan Melle

Jonathan Melle
Go Red Sox! Me at Fenway Park

Mary E. Carey

Mary E. Carey
My favorite journalist! Her voice sings for the Voiceless. -/- Go to: http://aboutamherst.blogspot.com/search?q=melle -/- Go to: http://ongeicocaveman.blogspot.com/search?q=melle

Velvet Jesus

Velvet Jesus
Mary Carey blogs about my political writings. This is a picture of Jesus from her childhood home in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. -//- "How Can I Keep From Singing" : My life goes on in endless song / Above Earth's lamentations, / I hear the real, though far-off hymn / That hails a new creation. / / Through all the tumult and the strife / I hear its music ringing, / It sounds an echo in my soul. / How can I keep from singing? / / Whey tyrants tremble in their fear / And hear their death knell ringing, / When friends rejoice both far and near / How can I keep from singing? / / In prison cell and dungeon vile / Our thoughts to them are winging / When friends by shame are undefiled / How can I keep from singing?

www.truthdig.com

www.truthdig.com
www.truthdig.com

Jonathan Melle

Jonathan Melle
Concord NH

The Huffington Post

The Huffington Post
http://fundrace.huffingtonpost.com/neighbors.php?type=loc&newest=1&addr=&zip=01201&search=Search

Barack Obama

Barack Obama
smiles & beer

Jonathan Lothrop

Jonathan Lothrop
A Pittsfield City Councilor

Michael L. Ward

Michael L. Ward
A Pittsfield City Councilor

Peter Marchetti - Pittsfield's City Councilor at Large

Peter Marchetti - Pittsfield\
1 of Denis Guyer's campaign operatives; Pete always sides with the wealthy's political interests.

Gerald Lee - Pittsfield's City Council Prez

Gerald Lee - Pittsfield\
Gerald Lee told me that I am a Social Problem; Lee executes a top-down system of governance.

Matt Kerwood - Pittsfield's Councilor at Large

Matt Kerwood - Pittsfield\
Kerwood poured coffee drinks for Jane Swift

Louis Costi

Louis Costi
Pittsfield City Councilor

Lewis Markham

Lewis Markham
Pittsfield City Councilor

Kevin Sherman - Pittsfield City Councilor

Kevin Sherman - Pittsfield City Councilor
Sherman ran for Southern Berkshire State Rep against Smitty Pignatelli; Sherman is a good guy.

Anthony Maffuccio

Anthony Maffuccio
Pittsfield City Councilor

Linda Tyer

Linda Tyer
Pittsfield City Councilor

Daniel Bianchi

Daniel Bianchi
A Pittsfield City Councilor

The Democratic Donkey

The Democratic Donkey
Democratic Party Symbol

Paramount

Paramount
What is Paramount to you?

NH's Congresswoman

NH\
Carol Shea-Porter, Democrat

Sam Adams Beer

Sam Adams Beer
Boston Lager

Ratatouille

Ratatouille
Disney Animation

Ruberto Details Plans for Success - January 07, 2008

Ruberto Details Plans for Success - January 07, 2008
"Luciforo" swears in Mayor Ruberto. Pittsfield Politics at its very worst: 2 INSIDER POWERBROKERS! Where is Carmen Massimiano? He must be off to the side.

Abe

Abe
Lincoln

Optimus Prime

Optimus Prime
Leader of the Autobots

Optimus Prime

Optimus Prime
1984 Autobot Transformer Leader

Cleanup Agreements - GE & Pittsfield's PCBs toxic waste sites

Cleanup Agreements - GE & Pittsfield\
www.epa.gov/region1/ge/cleanupagreement.html

GE/Housatonic River Site: Introduction

GE/Housatonic River Site: Introduction
www.epa.gov/region1/ge/

GE/Housatonic River Site - Reports

GE/Housatonic River Site - Reports
www.epa.gov/region1/ge/thesite/opca-reports.html

US EPA - Contact - Pittsfield's PCBs toxic waste sites

US EPA - Contact -  Pittsfield\
www.epa.gov/region1/ge/contactinfo.html

GE Corporate Logo - Pittsfield's PCBs toxic waste sites

GE Corporate Logo - Pittsfield\
www.epa.gov/region1/ge/index.html

Commonwealth Connector

Commonwealth Connector
Commonwealth Care

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Healthcare Reform

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Healthcare Reform

Network Health Forward - A Commonwealth Care Plan

Network Health Forward - A Commonwealth Care Plan
Massachusetts Health Reform

Network Health Together: A MassHealth Plan - Commonwealth Care

Network Health Together: A MassHealth Plan - Commonwealth Care
Massachusetts Health Reform

www.network-health.org

www.network-health.org
Massachusetts Health Reform

Neighborhood Health Plan - Commonwealth Care

Neighborhood Health Plan - Commonwealth Care
Massachusetts Health Reform

Fallon Community Health Plan - Commonwealth Care

Fallon Community Health Plan - Commonwealth Care
Massachusetts Health Reform

BMC HealthNet Plan

BMC HealthNet Plan
Massachusetts Health Reform

Massachusetts Health Reform

Massachusetts Health Reform
Eligibility Chart: 2007

Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare

Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare
Massachusetts Health Reform

Business Peaks

Business Peaks
Voodoo Economics

Laffer Curve - Corporate Elite

Laffer Curve - Corporate Elite
Reagonomics: Supply Side

Corporate Elite Propaganda

Corporate Elite Propaganda
Mock Liberal Democratic Socialism Thinking

Real Estate Blues

Real Estate Blues
www.boston.com/bostonglobe/magazine/2008/0316/

Homeless Families Numbers

Homeless Families Numbers
Numbers are sadly on the rise

PEACE

PEACE
End ALL Wars!

Freedom of Speech

Freedom of Speech
Norman Rockwell's World War II artwork depicting America's values

Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln
A young Abe Lincoln

RACHEL KAPRIELIAN

RACHEL KAPRIELIAN
www.openmass.org/members/show/218 - www.rachelkaprielian.com

Jennifer M. Callahan - Massachusetts State Representative

Jennifer M. Callahan - Massachusetts State Representative
www.openmass.org/members/show/164 - www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/05/04/legislator_describes_threat_as_unnerving/

Human Rights for ALL Peoples!

Human Rights for ALL Peoples!
My #1 Political Belief!

Anne Frank

Anne Frank
Amsterdam, Netherlands, Europe

A young woman Hillary supporter

A young woman Hillary supporter
This excellent picture captures a youth's excitement

Hillary Clinton with Natalie Portman

Hillary Clinton with Natalie Portman
My favorite Actress!

Alan Chartock

Alan Chartock
WAMC public radio in Albany, NY; Political columnist who writes about Berkshire County area politics; Strong supporter for Human Rights for ALL Peoples

OpenCongress.Org

OpenCongress.Org
This web-site uses some of my Blog postings

OpenMass.org

OpenMass.org
This web-site uses some of my blog postings!

Shannon O'Brien

Shannon O\
One of my favorite politicians! She stands for the People first!

The Massachusetts State House

The Massachusetts State House
"The Almighty Golden Dome" - www.masslegislature.tv -

Sara Hathaway

Sara Hathaway
Former Mayor of Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Andrea F. Nuciforo, Jr.

Andrea F. Nuciforo, Jr.
A corrupt Pol who tried to put me in Jail

Andrea F. Nuciforo, Jr.

Andrea F. Nuciforo, Jr.
A wider view of Pittsfield's inbred, multigenerational political prince

Luciforo

Luciforo
Nuciforo's nickname

"Andy" Nuciforo

"Andy" Nuciforo
Luciforo!

Carmen C. Massimiano, Jr., Berkshire County Sheriff (Jailer)

Carmen C. Massimiano, Jr., Berkshire County Sheriff (Jailer)
Nuciforo's henchman! Nuciforo tried to send me to Carmen's Jail

Andrea Nuciforo Jr

Andrea Nuciforo Jr
Shhh! Luciforo's other job is working as a private attorney defending wealthy Boston-area corporate insurance companies

Berkshire County Sheriff (Jailer) Carmen C. Massimiano, Jr.

Berkshire County Sheriff (Jailer) Carmen C. Massimiano, Jr.
Nuciforo tried to send me to Carmen's Jail! Carmen sits with the Congressman, John Olver

Congressman John Olver

Congressman John Olver
Nuciforo's envy

The Dome of the U.S. Capitol

The Dome of the U.S. Capitol
Our Beacon of American Democracy

Nuciforo's architect

Nuciforo\
Mary O'Brien in red with scarf

Sara Hathaway (www.brynmawr.edu)

Sara Hathaway (www.brynmawr.edu)
Former-Mayor of Pittsfield, Massachusetts; Nuciforo intimidated her, along with another woman, from running in a democratic state election in the Spring of 2006!

Andrea F. Nuciforo II

Andrea F. Nuciforo II
Pittsfield Politics

Berkshire County Republican Association

Berkshire County Republican Association
Go to: www.fcgop.blogspot.com / www.guyerwatch.blogspot.com

Denis Guyer

Denis Guyer
Neo-Nazi! Golddigger! Mean-spirited Son of a Bitch!

John Forbes Kerry & Denis Guyer

John Forbes Kerry & Denis Guyer
Gold-Diggers! Denis Guyer slanders my name to the people of the Pittsfield Massachusetts area -/- Go to: http://guyerwatch.blogspot.com

John Kerry

John Kerry
Endorses Barack Obama for Prez then visits Berkshire County

Dan Bosley

Dan Bosley
A Bureaucrat impostering as a Legislator!

Ben Downing

Ben Downing
Berkshire State Senator - Go to: www.downingwatch.blogspot.com

Christopher N Speranzo

Christopher N Speranzo
Pittsfield's ANOINTED State Representative

Peter J. Larkin

Peter J. Larkin
Corrupt Lobbyist

GE - Peter Larkin's best friend!

GE - Peter Larkin\
GE's FRAUDULENT Consent Decree with Pittsfield, Massachusetts, will end up KILLING many innocent school children & other local residents!

GE's CEO Jack Welch

GE\
The Corporate System's Corporate Elite's King

Economics: Where Supply meets Demand

Economics: Where Supply meets Demand
Equilibrium

GE & Pittsfield, Massachusetts

GE & Pittsfield, Massachusetts
In 2007, GE sold its Plastics Division to a Saudi company. Now all that is left over by GE are its toxic PCB pollutants that cause cancer in many Pittsfield residents.

Pittsfield Mayor Jim Ruberto with wife Ellen

Pittsfield Mayor Jim Ruberto with wife Ellen
While I dislike The Ruberto Regime, I hope Ellen recovers from her struggles with cancer

Mayor James M Ruberto

Mayor James M Ruberto
A small-time pol chooses to serve the corporate elite & other elites over the people.

Governor Deval Patrick

Governor Deval Patrick
Deval shakes hands with Mayors in Berkshire County

Deval Patrick

Deval Patrick
Governor of Massachusetts

Pittsfield High School

Pittsfield High School
Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Sara Hathaway

Sara Hathaway
Pittsfield's former Mayor

Rinaldo Del Gallo III

Rinaldo Del Gallo III
Pittsfield Attorney focusing on Father's Rights Probate Court Legal Issues, & Local Politician and Political Observer

Rinaldo Del Gallo III

Rinaldo Del Gallo III
Very Intelligent Political Activists in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Rinaldo Del Gallo, III, Esq. is the spokesperson of the Berkshire Fatherhood Coalition. He has been practicing family law and has been a member of the Massachusetts bar since 1996.

Mayor Ed Reilly

Mayor Ed Reilly
He supports Mayor Ruberto & works as a municipal Attorney. As Mayor, he backed Bill Weld for Governor in 1994, despite being a Democrat. He was joined by Carmen Massimiano & John Barrett III, the long-standing Mayor of North Adams.

Manchester, NH Mayor Frank Guinta

Manchester, NH Mayor Frank Guinta
Cuts Dental Care for Public School Children-in-Need

Manchester, NH City Hall

Manchester, NH City Hall
My new hometown - view from Hanover St. intersection with Elm St.

Manchester NH City Democrats

Manchester NH City Democrats
Go Dems!

2008 Democratic Candidates for U.S. Prez

2008 Democratic Candidates for U.S. Prez
Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Mike Gravel, Dennis Kucinich, John Edwards

NH State House Dome

NH State House Dome
Concord, NH

Donna Walto

Donna Walto
Pittsfield Politician -- She strongly opposes Mayor Jim Ruberto's elitist tenure.

Elmo

Elmo
Who doesn't LOVE Elmo?

Hillary Clinton for U.S. President!

Hillary Clinton for U.S. President!
Hillary is for Children. She is my choice in 2008.

The White House in 1800

The White House in 1800
Home of our Presidents of the United States

John Adams

John Adams
2nd President of the USA

Hillary Clinton stands with John Edwards and Joe Biden

Hillary Clinton stands with John Edwards and Joe Biden
Hillary is my choice for U.S. President!

Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton
Former President Bill Clinton speaks at the Radisson in Manchester NH 11/16/2007

Barack Obama

Barack Obama
U.S. Senator & Candidate for President

Pittsfield's 3 Women City Councillors - 2004

Pittsfield\
Linda Tyer, Pam Malumphy, Tricia Farley-Bouvier

Wahconah Park in Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Wahconah Park in Pittsfield, Massachusetts
My friend Brian Merzbach reviews baseball parks around the nation.

The Corporate Elite's Economic Agenda: PERVERSE INCENTIVES!

The Corporate Elite\
10% of America is Financially Secure by Exploiting the other 90%

The Corporate Elite: Rational Incentives for only the wealthy

The Corporate Elite: Rational Incentives for only the wealthy
The Elites double their $ every 6 to 8 years, while the "have-nots" double their $ every generation (or 24 years). Good bye Middle Class!

George Will

George Will
The human satellite voice for the Corporate Elite

Elizabeth Warren

Elizabeth Warren
The Anti-George Will; Harvard Law School Professor; The Corporate Elite's Worst Nightmare

The Flag of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

The Flag of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
I was born and raised in Pittsfield, Massachusetts

The University of Massachusetts at Amherst

The University of Massachusetts at Amherst
My graduate school alma mater. I also attended undergraduate school at Siena College (WARNING!: Catholic right-wing, reactionary fascism via abusive bureaucrats like the praised Jeanne Obermeyer and their protected henchmen bullies!) near Albany, NY, and one semester at American University in Washington, D.C.

State Senator Stan Rosenberg

State Senator Stan Rosenberg
Democratic State Senator from Amherst, Massachusetts -/- Anti-Stan Rosenberg Blog: rosenbergwatch.blogspot.com

Ellen Story

Ellen Story
Amherst Massachusetts' State Representative

Teen Pregnancy in Pittsfield, Mass.

Teen Pregnancy in Pittsfield, Mass.
Books are being written on Pittsfield's high teen pregancy rates! What some intellectuals do NOT understand about the issue is that TEEN PREGNANCIES in Pittsfield double the statewide average by design - Perverse Incentives!

NH Governor John Lynch

NH Governor John Lynch
Supports $30 Scratch Tickets and other forms of regressive taxation. Another Pol that only serves his Corporate Elite Masters instead of the People!

U.S. Congresswoman Carol Shea Porter

U.S. Congresswoman Carol Shea Porter
The first woman whom the People of New Hampshire have voted in to serve in U.S. Congress

U.S. Congressman Paul Hodes

U.S. Congressman Paul Hodes
A good man who wants to bring progressive changes to Capitol Hill!

Paul Hodes for U.S. Congress

Paul Hodes for U.S. Congress
New Hampshire's finest!

Darth Vader

Darth Vader
Star Wars

Dick Cheney & George W. Bush

Dick Cheney & George W. Bush
The Gruesome Two-some! Stop the Neo-Cons' fascism! End the Iraq War NOW!

Impeach Bush

Impeach Bush
End the Iraq War NOW!

WAROPOLY

WAROPOLY
The Inequity of Globalism

Bushopoly!

Bushopoly!
The Corporate Elite have redesigned "The System" to enrich themselves at the expense of the people, masses, have-nots, poor & middle-class families

George W. Bush with Karl Rove

George W. Bush with Karl Rove
Rove was a political strategist with extraordinary influence within the Bush II White House

2008's Republican Prez-field

2008\
John McCain, Alan Keyes, Rudy Guiliani, Duncan Hunter, Mike Huckabee, WILLARD Mitt Romney, Fred Thompson, Ron Paul

Fall in New England

Fall in New England
Autumn is my favorite season

Picturing America

Picturing America
picturingamerica.neh.gov

Winter Weather Map

Winter Weather Map
3:45PM EST 3-Dec-07

Norman Rockwell Painting

Norman Rockwell Painting
Thanksgiving

Norman Rockwell Painting

Norman Rockwell Painting
Depiction of American Values in mid-20th Century America

Larry Bird #33

Larry Bird #33
My favorite basketball player of my childhood

Boston Celtics Basketball - 2007-2008

Boston Celtics Basketball - 2007-2008
Kevin Garnett hugs James Posey

Paul Pierce

Paul Pierce
All heart! Awesome basketball star for The Boston Celtics.

Tom Brady

Tom Brady
Go Patriots!

Rupert Murdoch

Rupert Murdoch
Owner of Fox News - CORPORATE ELITE!

George Stephenopolous

George Stephenopolous
A Corporate Elite Political News Analyst

Robert Redford

Robert Redford
Starred in the movie "Lions for Lambs"

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep
Plays a jaded journalist with integrity in the movie "Lions for Lambs"

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise plays the Neo-Con D.C. Pol purely indoctrinated by the Corporate Elite's political agenda in the Middle East

CHARLIZE THERON

CHARLIZE THERON
"I want to say I've never been surrounded by so many fake breasts, but I went to the Academy Awards."

Amherst Town Library

Amherst Town Library
Amherst, NH - www.amherst.lib.nh.us

Manchester NH Library

Manchester NH Library
I use the library's automated timed 1-hour-per-day Internet computers to post on my Blog - www.manchester.lib.nh.us

Manchester NH's Palace Theater

Manchester NH\
Manchester NH decided to restore its Palace Theater

Pittsfield's Palace Theater

Pittsfield\
Pittsfield tore down this landmark on North Street in favor of a parking lot

Pleasant Street Theater

Pleasant Street Theater
Amherst, Massachusetts

William "Smitty" Pignatelli

William "Smitty" Pignatelli
A top down & banal State House Pol from Lenox Massachusetts -- A GOOD MAN!

The CIA & Mind Control

The CIA & Mind Control
Did the CIA murder people by proxy assassins?

Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra
The Manchurian Candidate was an allegory for the CIA's brainwashing programs to control people & politics

Skull & Bones

Skull & Bones
Yale's Elite

ImpeachBush.org

ImpeachBush.org
I believe President Bush should be IMPEACHED because he is waging an illegal and immoral war against Iraq!

Bob Feuer drumming for U.S. Congress v John Olver in 2008

Bob Feuer drumming for U.S. Congress v John Olver in 2008
www.blog.bobfeuer.us

Abe Lincoln

Abe Lincoln
The 16th President of the USA

Power

Power
Peace

Global Warming Mock Giant Thermometer

Global Warming Mock Giant Thermometer
A member of Green Peace activist sets up a giant thermometer as a symbol of global warming during their campaign in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007. World leaders launch marathon negotiations Monday on how to fight global warming, which left unchecked could cause devastating sea level rises, send millions further into poverty and lead to the mass extinction of plants and animals.

combat global warming...

combat global warming...
...or risk economic and environmental disaster caused by rising temperatures

www.climatecrisiscoalition.org

www.climatecrisiscoalition.org
P.O. Box 125, South Lee, MA 01260, (413) 243-5665, tstokes@kyotoandbeyond.org, www.kyotoandbeyond.org

3 Democratic presidentional candidates

3 Democratic presidentional candidates
Democratic presidential candidates former senator John Edwards (from right) and Senators Joe Biden and Chris Dodd before the National Public Radio debate yesterday (12/4/2007).

The UN Seal

The UN Seal
An archaic & bureaucratic post WW2 top-down, non-democratic institution that also stands for some good governance values

Superman

Superman
One of my favorite childhood heroes and movies

Web-Site on toxic toys

Web-Site on toxic toys
www.healthytoys.org

Batman

Batman
One of my favorite super-heroes

Deval Patrick & Denis Guyer

Deval Patrick & Denis Guyer
Massachusetts' Governor stands with Dalton's State Rep. Denis E. Guyer.

Bill Cosby & Denis Guyer

Bill Cosby & Denis Guyer
TV Star Bill Cosby stands with Denis E. Guyer

Denis Guyer with his supporters

Denis Guyer with his supporters
Denis Guyer is an ASSHOLE!

Denis Guyer goes to college

Denis Guyer goes to college
Denis Guyer is beyond STUPID!

Peter Marchetti

Peter Marchetti
He is my second cousin, but chose to sell me out by doing Denis Guyer's dirty work by spreading slanderous rumors against me during a 9/2006 John Kerry Pittsfield visit at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Pete Marchetti favors MONEY, not fairness!

Matt Barron & Denis Guyer with couple

Matt Barron & Denis Guyer with couple
Matt Barron plays DIRTY politics against his opponents!

Nat Karns

Nat Karns
Top-Down Executive Director of the ELITIST Berkshire Regional Planning Commission

Denis Guyer

Denis Guyer
Denis Guyer is RACIST against the Jewish People!

Massachusetts State Treasurer Tim Cahill

Massachusetts State Treasurer Tim Cahill
State House, Room 227, Boston, MA 02133, 617-367-6900, www.mass.gov/treasury/

Massachusetts State Attorney General Martha Coakley

Massachusetts State Attorney General Martha Coakley
1350 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103, 413-784-1240 / McCormick Building, One Asburton Place, Boston, MA 02108, 617-727-4765 / marthacoakley.com / www.ago.state.ma.us

Bush v. Gore: December 12, 2007, was the seventh anniversary, the 5-4 Supreme Court decision...

Bush v. Gore: December 12, 2007, was the seventh anniversary, the 5-4 Supreme Court decision...
www.takebackthecourt.org - A political billboard near my downtown apartment in Manchester, NH

Marc Murgo

Marc Murgo
An old friend of mine from Pittsfield

Downtown Manchester, NH

Downtown Manchester, NH
www.newhampshire.com/nh-towns/manchester.aspx

Marisa Tomei

Marisa Tomei
Movie Actress

Massachusetts Coalition for Healthy Communities (MCHC)

Massachusetts Coalition for Healthy Communities (MCHC)
www.masschc.org/issue.php

Mike Firestone & Anna Weisfeiler

Mike Firestone & Anna Weisfeiler
Mike Firestone works in Manchester NH for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign

James Pindell

James Pindell
Covers NH Primary Politcs for The Boston Globe

U.S. History - Declaration

U.S. History - Declaration
A 19th century engraving shows Benjamin Franklin, left, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Philip Livingston and Roger Sherman at work on the Declaration of Independence.

Boston Globe Photos of the Week - www.boston.com/bostonglobe/gallery/

Boston Globe Photos of the Week - www.boston.com/bostonglobe/gallery/
Sybregje Palenstijn (left), who plays Sarah Godbertson at Plimouth Plantation, taught visitors how to roast a turkey on a spit. The plantation often sees a large influx of visitors during the holiday season.

Chris Hodgkins

Chris Hodgkins
Another special interest Berkshire Pol who could not hold his "WATER" on Beacon Hill's State House!

WILLARD Mitt Romney - The former Governor vies for the support of Yoda's dog.

WILLARD Mitt Romney - The former Governor vies for the support of Yoda\
All of WILLARD's epiphanies have coincided with the Republican Party's socially conservative agenda that really only serves the Corporate Elite by co-opting the have-nots into supporting their supply-side economic agenda that not only benefits the top 10% of America's wealthy citizens, but also, many big business interests as well.

The Big Dig - 15 tons of concrete fell from a tunnel ceiling onto Milena Del Valle's car.

The Big Dig - 15 tons of concrete fell from a tunnel ceiling onto Milena Del Valle\
Most of Boston's Big Dig highway remains closed, after a woman was crushed when 15 tons of concrete fell from a tunnel ceiling onto her car. (ABC News)

Jane Swift

Jane Swift
Former Acting Governor of Massachusetts & Berkshire State Senator

Paul Cellucci

Paul Cellucci
Former Massachusetts Governor

William Floyd Weld

William Floyd Weld
$80 Million Trust Fund Former Governor of Massachusetts

Mike Dukakis

Mike Dukakis
Former Governor of Massachusetts

Mary E. Carey

Mary E. Carey
Amherst, Massachusetts, Journalist and Blogger

Caveman

Caveman
www.ongeicocaveman.blogspot.com

Peter G. Arlos

Peter G. Arlos
"The biggest challenge Pittsfield faces is putting its fiscal house in order. The problem is that doing so requires structural changes in local government, many of which I have advocated for years, but which officials do not have the will to implement. Fiscal responsibility requires more than shifting funds from one department to another. Raising taxes and fees and cutting services are not the answer. Structural changes in the way services are delivered and greater productivity are the answer, and without these changes the city's fiscal crisis will not be solved."

James M. Ruberto

James M. Ruberto
"Pittsfield's biggest challenge is to find common ground for a better future. The city is at a crossroads. On one hand, our quality of life is challenged. On the other hand, some important building blocks are in place that could be a strong foundation for our community. Pittsfield needs to unite for the good of its future. The city needs an experienced businessman and a consensus builder who will invite the people to hold him accountable."

Matt Kerwood

Matt Kerwood
Pittsfield's Councilor-At-Large. Go to: extras.berkshireeagle.com/NeBe/profiles/12.htm

Gerald M. Lee

Gerald M. Lee
Pittsfield's City Council Prez. Top-down governance of the first order!

Mary Carey

Mary Carey
Mary with student

Boston Red Sox

Boston Red Sox
Jonathan Papelbon celebrates with Jason Varitek

Free Bernard Baran!

Free Bernard Baran!
www.freebaran.org

Political Intelligence

Political Intelligence
Capitol Hill

Sherwood Guernsey II

Sherwood Guernsey II
Wealthy Williamstown Political Activist & Pittsfield Attorney

Mary Carey 2

Mary Carey 2
California Pol & porn star

Pittsfield's Good Old Boy Network - Political Machine!

Pittsfield\
Andy "Luciforo" swears in Jimmy Ruberto for the returning Mayor's 3rd term

Berkshire Grown

Berkshire Grown
www.berkshiregrown.org

Rambo

Rambo

The Mount was built in 1902 & was home to Edith Wharton (1862-1937) from 1903 to 1908.

The Mount was built in 1902 & was home to Edith Wharton (1862-1937) from 1903 to 1908.
The Mount, the historic home in Lenox of famed American novelist Edith Wharton, is facing foreclosure.

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