Jonathan Melle

Jonathan Melle
I turned 39 (2014)

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Christy Mihos - christy2010.com - to run again for governor, this time as a Republican, in 2010

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Christy Mihos (left) and Deval Patrick debated during the Massachusetts gubernatorial election in October 2006. (Matthew J. Lee/ Globe Staff/ File)
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"Mihos sets new run for governor"
By Matt Collette, Boston Globe Correspondent, April 27, 2009

Christy Mihos, who as an independent sought the state's highest post in 2006, intends to run again for governor, this time as a Republican.

"I plan to be there for 2010, and I plan to be at the top of the ticket," said Mihos last night in a telephone interview with the Globe.

Mihos, who lives in West Yarmouth and owns convenience stores on Cape Cod, said his candidacy would be similar to his 2006 bid. He pledged to increase local aid dramatically, massively restructure state agencies, and lay off thousands of state employees.

Mihos, who has sought office as a Republican in the past, started hinting at another gubernatorial run last summer, when he moved his campaign website to christy2010.com. On Saturday, he posted an op-ed titled "A Stimulus For The Rest Of Us" to the conservative blog Red Mass Group, ending his post with the line: "Christy Mihos is a businessman, entrepreneur, and a candidate for governor."

Mihos, who was vice chairman of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority from 1999 to 2004, said Governor Deval Patrick and the Democrat-controlled Legislature have enacted taxes and policies that have hurt Massachusetts residents.

"They're increasing the sales tax, the gas tax, tolls at the Turnpike Authority at a time when people can't afford it," he said. "This will do incredible harm for Massachusetts. You put those together, and then you take a look at the amount of corruption that takes place every single day; people are looking for alternatives."

A spokesman for Patrick, who has said he will seek reelection, declined to comment on Mihos's announcement.

Barney Keller, spokesman for the state's Republican Party, said Mihos's message would probably resonate with those struggling in the harsh economic climate.

"Working families across the Commonwealth are tightening their belts, and they don't see the state government doing the same things," he said.

Keller said Patrick will face a tough fight against Mihos, or another Republican candidate, should one emerge.

"The problem for him in 2010 is that he's going to have to run with a record, and that's a record of higher taxes, of having tried to put a friend into a high-paying job," he said, referring to Patrick's appointment of state Senator Marian Walsh as assistant executive director at the Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority. Walsh ultimately declined the appointment.

"The problem for Governor Patrick in 2010 is that his words and his rhetoric are going to be compared with his record," Keller said.

Mihos said that as governor he would increase state aid to cities and towns, dedicating 40 percent of state revenue to municipalities. "If you look at local aid, which is the lifeblood of cities and town, these cities and towns are operating at 2002 levels. Their costs have gone up double digits since then."

Mihos said he expects the support of more Massachusetts residents in the 2010 gubernatorial race than in 2006, when he garnered 7 percent of the vote, because, he said, his policies are well-suited to address the state's current financial woes. He said the recession was not unforeseen at the start of Patrick's term, and said the governor and his administration have not acted appropriately to address them.

"We were talking about recessions in 2006, but they hadn't happened yet," he said. "Right now, as things get worse - and they will get worse - we think that people will be looking to a responsible businessperson who is looking for responsible reforms."

He said his sharp cuts would be aimed at inefficiencies statewide. He criticized talk of tax increases and Patrick's appointment of Walsh as examples of Beacon Hill taking advantage of Massachusetts residents.

"The state is awash in corruption, and the special interests are getting taken care of," Mihos said. "Working men and women and small businesses are taking the brunt of the hits right now."

He said he is entering the race early to challenge Beacon Hill politicians on a wide slate of issues. Calling his early action "a call to arms," he said major problems need to be remedied fast.

"The way it's going right now, there's not going to be enough time to do what we have to do," he said.

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"Christy Mihos: Vote out the clowns"
By Dave Wedge, Sunday, May 3, 2009, www.bostonherald.com - Local Politics

Christy Mihos is the first to announce a bid to unseat Gov. Deval Patrick, but the Brockton convenience store titan is hoping he’ll have some healthy competition - even from fellow Republicans.

Mihos, who ran as an independent in 2006 but is running as a GOP candidate in 2010, says he hopes health-care mogul Charlie Baker or another Republican will challenge him in a primary.

“It would be in the best interest of the party and certainly would fire up the people of the commonwealth if there was a (GOP) primary that was well-contested,” said Mihos. “It would be awful if the Democrats had a primary and the Republicans had nothing.”

Mihos was slated to meet with Republicans, including party chair Jennifer Nassour, in Yarmouth today. He said he’s building an exploratory committee and plans to launch a fund-raising machine.

As to criticism from within his party for running as an independent in the last election, Mihos said: “People are going to say what they’re going to say. I was always a Republican, but in 2006 it just wasn’t my Republican party.”

Mihos, who recently sold off his Christy’s convenience stores to Hess Corp., said he’s focused on running a campaign that will bore in on jobs, taxes and corruption.

“I’m a son of Massachusetts. I’m not a drive-by governor,” he said. “I can’t stand seeing what’s happening to the state. It’s a clown-fest up there (on Beacon Hill).”

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Gubernatorial candidate Christy Mihos, inset, was late in his bid to get the MassPike service plazas including Natick. Photo by Will Nunnally (inset, John Wilcox file).
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HOT PROPERTY: Gubernatorial candidate Christy Mihos, below, was late in his attempt to get the MassPike service plazas including Natick. (Photo by Will Nunnally).
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"Christy Mihos’ Pike bid detoured: Tries for plaza deal he pushed as board member"
By Richard Weir, Tuesday, May 5, 2009, www.bostonherald.com - Local Politics

Republican gubernatorial candidate and convenience store mogul Christy Mihos tried to benefit from a plan he pushed as a Pike board member, submitting a belated - and botched - bid to buy the debt-ridden agency’s lucrative service plazas, the Herald has learned.

Mihos doomed his chances when the Fed Ex package with his $279 million bid arrived the Monday after the noon deadline of Friday, April 24, and lacked the required $150,000 deposit.

But the fact that Mihos, who served as vice chairman of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority from 1999 to 2004, was seeking to gain a financial interest from an issue he long championed as a Pike board member and political candidate raised eyebrows.

“I would think it would have a difficult time passing the public sniff test given his past relationship with the turnpike board,” said Pike board member Mary Connaughton. “I am not saying there is a conflict, but I think people might think there is some kind of conflict there.”

Mihos, who was “stunned” to learn from the Herald that his bid arrived late and was rejected, denied that his bid to buy the Pike’s service areas posed a conflict.

“I thought it was a good idea when I proposed it in 2003 and as an independent businessperson I was trying to make good on that promise,” Mihos said yesterday, noting that he left the board five years ago and that the request for proposals was open to the public.

Mihos was on the Pike board in 2003 when he first suggested the agency sell control of the 11 rest stops along the 135-mile roadway and use the windfall to retire its $145 million bond debt.

Mihos, who ran for governor as an independent in 2006 and is seeking the Corner Office again in 2010, has also publicly floated the idea.

In a Dec. 2, 2008 opinion column in the Herald, he wrote: “They produce healthy rent revenues - $18 million each year - with virtually no cost to the Turnpike. Let’s sell them to the highest bidder or to the state pension system and pay off the bonds.”

Speaking to the Herald yesterday, Mihos freely acknowledged using his inside knowledge of the issue when he submitted his bid, under the name Christy’s of Cape Cod, LLC, last month in hopes of collecting hefty rent checks from food and gas concessionaires such as McDonald’s and Gulf.

“It’s just a good real estate deal,” Mihos said of acquiring the service plazas. “They are triple A properties. . . It just doesn’t get better.”

Colin Durant, a state executive office of transportation spokesman, said it was unclear whether pike board members, like other state employees, are barred from doing business with the commonwealth for one year after they leave their post - and banned for life when it comes to matters they worked on directly.

Connaughton, who is also a Herald blogger, said “My guess is that enough time has passed that it is legal and does not violate state ethics laws because he (Mihos) was not involved in writing the RFP.”

The Turnpike is evaluating bids submitted by four bidders, Bulfinch Pike Investors, LLC; Saracen Properties, LLC; Cross Harbor Institutional Acquisition LLC; McDonalds Corporation.

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"Official blasts Big Dig plea deal: Pike board member says contractors let off hook"
By Thomas Grillo, Saturday, May 9, 2009, www.bostonherald.com - Local Coverage

A Pike board member ripped a federal plea deal yesterday that allowed one of the Big Dig’s largest contractors to escape criminal charges in connection with a 2006 tunnel collapse that killed a Jamaica Plain woman.

Mary Connaughton, a Massachusetts Turnpike Authority board member, slammed federal prosecutors for dismissing charges that Modern Continental knowingly used the wrong adhesive to hold up concrete anchors that failed in the Interstate 90 connector tunnel collapse that killed 39-year-old Milena Del Valle.

“Without a trial the public can’t gain true insight as to what went wrong - and why,” said Connaughton, a Herald guest blogger.

In a deal worked out with former U.S. attorney Michael Sullivan, Modern Continental pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to making a false statement about construction of a wall panel that ruptured in a different I-93 tunnel and to making numerous false statements in connection with the billing of workers.

Christy Mihos, a Republican gubernatorial candidate and former Pike board member, also criticized the deal. “Big company execs walk, and the taxpayers and toll payers of the commonwealth are left holding the bag,” Mihos said.

Modern Continental faces up to $19.5 million in fines, but it filed for bankruptcy last summer and probably won’t pay a cent, according to the firm’s attorney. “Modern Continental will finish all its contracts and cease to operate,” said Eric Eisenberg.

Prosecutors had alleged that the cause of the fatal tunnel collapse was a failure of its epoxy bolt system. Modern Continental, they said, knew the system wasn’t strong enough to hold concrete ceiling panels.

A spokeswoman for the U.S attorney defended the office’s handling of the case, noting that three Big Dig managers are serving time and that the office has collected more than $500 million in fines.

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Mihos: Grand Old Party’s over for him. (Photo by John Wilcox (file)
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"GOP isn’t buying Mihos: Republicans won’t forget his betrayal"
By Eric Fehrnstrom, Wednesday, May 13, 2009, www.bostonherald.com - Op-Ed

During the 2006 Massachusetts governor’s race, Republican-turned-independent Christy Mihos was asked who he’d vote for if he couldn’t vote for himself. “Probably Deval. Yeah, I like Deval,” Mihos said.

It wasn’t a surprising answer. Mihos, a Cape Cod businessman, spent the entire campaign attacking Republican nominee Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey, the party itself and GOP rule in the governor’s office. Casting his lot with the eventual Democratic victor was the final break in a nasty divorce.

What is surprising is that Mihos is back and running for governor in 2010, this time as a Republican. If he learned anything from his off-beat campaign, it’s that independent candidates rarely win. Without the organizational strength and fund-raising network of a major party, a statewide candidate faces very long odds.

In 2006 Mihos finished a distant third. He wasn’t even the spoiler he wanted to be. His 7 percent of the vote, added to Healey’s total, wouldn’t have made a difference in the contest against Deval Patrick, who won with 56 percent of the vote to Healey’s 35 percent.

So how does Mihos convince Republicans to overlook his disloyalty and make him their standard-bearer? After all, Mihos used to see the resentment about a Republican Party that he felt was unworthy.

“There’s not a dime’s worth of difference between Democrats and Republicans,” he told voters. And he’d complain that “people are checking out because what the Republicans are selling people aren’t buying.”

Even more problematic are Mihos’ positions, which are poles apart from those of most Republicans.

Mihos opposes MCAS and merit pay for teachers. He wants to cap the number of charter schools. He supports the state’s prevailing wage law, which requires higher wages on public construction jobs than in the private sector. He backs the monopolistic “Pacheco law,” making it near-impossible to privatize government operations. He wants public financing of elections.

As a member of the Mass Pike board, Mihos voted to engage in risky derivatives trading that not only papered over the deficit but which has buried the agency in an avalanche of debt.

Deval Patrick is one of the nation’s most vulnerable governors, along with New York’s David Paterson and New Jersey’s Jon Corzine, because of their weak responses to the sagging economy. Even so, Republicans have to run near-perfect races in those Democratic strongholds to win.

Mihos committed enough gaffes to turn his last campaign into a running joke. He started the race with a groan-inducing joke about his wife. “My wife says I’m awful fast, so I’ll try to stick to that,” he told biotech executives. He ran a vulgar TV ad depicting animated characters with their heads up their rear ends.

Because Mihos was a long shot, the media overlooked his many missteps even as they gladly lapped up his criticisms of the GOP.

The good news is that Massachusetts Republicans have strong potential candidates in the wings - health care executive Charlie Baker, former corruption-busting U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan and conservative state Sen. Scott Brown. All three have solid resumes and impressive records of service to their party and state.

But so far, Mihos is the only declared Republican candidate, a demoralizing prospect. Last year, in a TV interview, Mihos wondered if it makes sense to run for the GOP nomination, given that he spent the last election riding shotgun for Patrick. “I don’t know if the Republicans are going to embrace me,” he said.

It’s a point worth pondering, since he refused to embrace them.

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"Scandals rattle Beacon Hill"
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In the past year (2008 - 2009), a number of Massachusetts politicians have been under investigation for violations ranging from bribery to harassment.
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On June 2, 2009, former House speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi was indicted in federal court following a series of Globe stories detailing the awarding of multi-million-dollar state computer software contracts in which DiMasi's associates made hundreds of thousands of dollars in commissions and fees.
DiMasi resigned from the House on January 27, 2009, after months of investigations.
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Left, Finneran as he testified before the board of overseers in December 2007.
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On March 13, 2009, the state's 12-member Board of Bar Overseers recommended Former House Speaker Thomas M. Finneran should be disbarred. This was the result of Finneran's guilty plea for giving false information while under oath during a 2003 civic trial.
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State Senator Dianne Wilkerson resigned Nov. 19, 2008, after facing mounting pressure when she was arrested on bribery charges in an FBI sting.
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Boston City Councilor Chuck Turner was ensnared Nov. 21, 2008, in the same FBI investigation that led to Wilkerson's arrest. Turner faces allegations of bribery and lying to investigators.
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Representative John Rogers (left), chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, was one of the politicians jockeying for DiMasi's position.
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Rogers is facing allegations that he funneled campaign money to a consultant who in turn made mortgage payments on a Cape house owned by Rogers.
Representative Robert A. DeLeo was elected speaker on Jan. 28, 2009.
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At left, Spellane takes the oath of office with his family by his side in 2001.
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Representative Robert P. Spellane, a Worcester Democrat, has been forced to explain how he was able to forgo a year's worth of payments on a $340,000 loan from a bank. The executive of the bank is a political supporter of Spellane's.
The lawmaker was also in trouble for using $50,000 of his campaign money for personal use from 2004 to 2006. He repaid his campaign $1,608.
In a settlement last year, he reimbursed $32,500 to the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance, and had to pay a $10,000 fine.
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Former state senator J. James Marzilli of Arlington resigned Nov. 14, 2008, while awaiting a trial on charges of sexually harassing four women in downtown Lowell.
Marzilli's lawyer said his actions were because of a mental illness. He resigned a day after he came under criticism over reports that he traveled to an energy conference in Germany as a Massachusetts state senator.
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"Christy Mihos, the only Republican who has said he plans to run, recently hired Dick Morris, a well-known conservative political consultant and commentator who was involved in campaigns for former Massachusetts governor William F. Weld."

Source: "Patrick picks Obama aide for his 2010 campaign" (By Matt Viser, Globe Staff, The Boston Globe, June 5, 2009)

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"Christy Mihos is more of a libertarian anti-tax and anti-government nut..."
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"Christy Mihos does have a base of support in the Cape Cod area where he owns a chain of grocery stores and the Southeastern part of the state (border with Rhode Island)..."

Source: "Mihos hires Morris" (- www.capecodtoday.com/blogs - 6/5/2009)

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"Christy Mihos says time right to rejoin GOP"
By Jake Berry, Cape Cod Times, Monday, July 13, 2009, www.bostonherald.com - Local Politics

Nearly a year after he first declared his intention to enter the 2010 gubernatorial race, West Yarmouth resident and businessman Christy Mihos hit the road to pitch his case.

In the last month, Mihos, owner of the Christy’s chain of convenience stores, has effectively launched his campaign, making stops from Dennis to Worcester and back again, reports the Cape Cod Times.

And so far he said he’s found an audience much more ready for change than in his last attempt at the governor’s chair in 2006, when Mihos fell to current Gov. Deval Patrick, a Democrat.

With 16 months to go until the 2010 election, Mihos, a Republican who ran as an Independent in 2006, sat down recently with the Cape Cod Times to discuss Democrats, Republicans and the changing landscape of Massachusetts politics.

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Monday morning briefing
By Hillary Chabot, Monday, July 20, 2009, www.bostonherald.com - Local Politics

Republican gubernatorial candidate Christy Mihos just filed his statement of candidacy July 13 saying he had no political receipts, despite hiring high-profile consultant Dick Morris and putting out radio ads earlier in the year. According to an Office of Campaign and Political Finance spokesman, the ads pass the smell test because they are about issues and don’t tell people to vote for any specific candidate. The lack of payments to Morris, however, could be another story.

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FOCUSING ATTENTION: Gubernatorial hopeful Christy Mihos installed a camera in Salem, N.H., shown on his Web site, to show how the sales tax hike will hurt Bay State businesses and to garner publicity for his campaign.
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"Driving away shoppers?: Christy Mihos installs camera on N.H. border to show cost of higher sales tax"
By Dave Wedge, Monday, July 27, 2009, www.bostonherald.com - Local Politics

Bargain-hunting Bay Staters seeking to skirt the state’s new higher sales tax will be on camera at the New Hampshire border as part of gubernatorial candidate Christy Mihos’ crusade against Beacon Hill.

Mihos’ campaign has mounted a hidden camera just over the border on Route 28 in Salem, N.H., that will feed live video to his Web site starting today to show how many Massachusetts shoppers are taking their business north.

“Deval Patrick is a good governor - for New Hampshire,” Mihos cracked. “We’re just trying to show how bad tax policy hurts the region and the state. We’re inhibiting economic growth on the border by giving a direct competitor a 6.25 percent advantage. Who in business would do that?”

Called the “MassBackwards” camera, the device is the latest publicity stunt by Mihos to garner attention for his campaign while highlighting an issue that has hit Bay Staters in the pocketbook. Mihos, who is running for governor as a Republican, ran as an independent in 2006, during which he mounted a camera outside his Beacon Hill office that kept watch on the State House.

The MassBackwards camera will monitor vehicles around the clock going in and out of Salem on the shopping center-filled stretch of Route 28. It also includes a car counter but tax dodgers fearful of being nabbed by Big Brother need not fret: The camera doesn’t read license plates or record.

A caption below the camera on Mihos’ campaign Web site, www.christy2010.com, reads: “Live video of Salem, N.H. traffic. View our lost sales. Thanks a billion.”

“It’s sad to watch the steady stream of Massachusetts residents voting with their feet and going to New Hampshire to do their business. But for a 6.25% savings, I would too,” the site says.

The road sees 18,000 cars per day, but Mihos expects that number to leap once the state’s sales tax jumps 25 percent to 6.25 percent Saturday. The Legislature and Patrick also approved tax on alcohol for the first time, which Mihos believes also will drive Bay State residents north.

“We really want to take a look at the increase of cars that are going to be driving up as of Aug. 1,” Mihos said. “This is just bad tax policy and bad for the economy.”

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"Christy Mihos blasts Charles Baker campaign: GOP contenders slam foe for ‘walrus club’"
By Christine McConville, Sunday, August 2, 2009, www.bostonherald.com - Local Politics

The fight is on!

The day after GOP gubernatorial hopeful Charles Baker said he won’t take an anti-patronage pledge, one of his competitors came out swinging.

“We’re coming in to do public service, not self-service,” said Republican hopeful Christy Mihos, who vowed not to dole out state jobs as political favors.

What’s more, Mihos said, if he’s elected governor, staffers he hires who are new to state government won’t even be allowed to join the state’s pension system.

“There’s just not going to be enough money to pay for everyone in the future,” said Mihos, a Cape Cod businessman.

On Friday, Baker, in an interview with the Herald, said: “I’d rather have the right person for the right job, and I care more about that than how they got there.”

Yesterday, Gov. Deval Patrick’s campaign staffers offered an even-keeled reply to that position.

“The governor has always hired people based on their qualifications, and will continue to do so,” said Steve Crawford, Patrick’s campaign manager.

But Crawford did criticize Baker for saying that during Patrick’s time in office, the state has added 7,500 new workers.

Patrick aides called Baker’s calculation “seriously misleading.” They said that since Patrick took office, the number of employees in the branch he controls has 1,200 fewer full-time employees. They also said that the state’s takeover of various sheriffs’ departments has increased the state employee count by 3,000.

“It would be helpful if all the candidates did their homework better, and avoided any misrepresentations,” Crawford said.

The state’s fourth likely gubernatorial candidate, State Treasurer Timothy Cahill, who is running an as independent, did not respond to requests for comment.

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"Christy Mihos eyes sports betting"
By State House News Service, Saturday, August 1, 2009, www.bostonherald.com - Local Politics

Republican gubernatorial candidate Christy Mihos wants the state to legalize wagers on professional and college sports, saying the industry could boost the sagging Lottery and flush cities and towns with over $1 billion annually.

Mihos, a convenience store magnate running in the GOP primary against former Harvard Pilgrim Health Care CEO Charles Baker, said the state should sanction sports betting through the Lottery and called it a fast mechanism to boost local aid.

Mihos said Massachusetts averages $829 per capita spending on the Lottery, far above states like Maryland ($290) and New Jersey ($270). He wants the Bay State to jump into what he called a $400 billion industry when both legal and illegal bets are considered.

The state would have to join a federal suit seeking exemption from the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, which grandfathered sports betting in Oregon, Delaware, Montana and Nevada - although Nevada is the only state that currently has legal sports gambling.

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Christy Mihos (File) Photo by Ted Fitzgerald
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"Mihos wants legalized sports betting"
By Jim O’Sullivan / State House News Service, Friday, July 31, 2009, www.bostonherald.com - Local Politics

Republican gubernatorial candidate Christy Mihos wants the state to legalize wagers on professional and college sports, saying the industry could boost the sagging state Lottery and flush cities and towns with over $1 billion annually.

Mihos, a convenience store magnate running in the GOP primary against former Harvard Pilgrim Health Care CEO Charles Baker, said the state should sanction sports betting through the Lottery and called it a fast mechanism to boost local aid.

"We could do this very quickly and solve the revenue problem," Mihos told the News Service today.

Mihos said that Massachusetts averages $829 per capita spending on the Lottery, far above states like Maryland’s $290 rate and New Jersey, at $270. He wants the Bay State to jump into what he called a $400 billion industry when both legal and illegal bets are considered.

The Commonwealth would have to join a federal suit seeking exemption from the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, which grandfathered sports betting in Oregon, Delaware, Montana and Nevada - although Nevada is the only state that currently has legal sports gambling. Jai alai, horse and dog racing were waivered.

Delaware this year legalized single-game wagers and officials are hoping to have their system in place by August to capitalize on football season, although a federal suit is seeking to block implementation.

In March, New Jersey became involved in a federal suit seeking to declare the 1992 law unconstitutional. Professional sports leagues and the National Collegiate Athletic Association are defending the law.

If the case led by New Jersey succeeds, the state, expecting a debate over slot machines and casino gambling this fall, would have to amend its own laws to allow wagering on sports.

Already, bettors can use online sportsbooks in the United States, as well as traditional bookies. According to the American Gaming Association, bettors placed $2.58 million worth of action on Nevada’s sportsbooks last year and the National Gambling Impact Study Commission estimated that illegal wagers could reach $380 billion per year.

Sports betting could prop up the state’s slumping Lottery, which is predicting a loss of $222 million from gross revenues due to an $8 million reduction in its advertising budget in fiscal 2010. Lottery officials predict $904 million in net operative revenues, a shortfall of $34 million from the estimate on which the budget was based.

The state’s Lottery has teamed up with local professional sports teams to market its products.

Mihos has called for sweeping cuts to state services and a 10 percent reduction in payroll. The gambling revenue would help offset tax cuts he is seeking, including rollbacks of the income tax rate from 5.3 percent to 5 percent and the sales tax rate from 6.25 percent to 5 percent, reducing the capital gains tax, and a full repeal of the estate tax.

"In my world, the revenue should be designated to local aid, because that’s the only way to fix the gap in service funding and getting more local aid to cities and towns would certainly give the cities and towns the ability to look at property tax relief," Mihos said, who favors slot machines at the state’s four racetracks and opposes casinos.

He acknowledged that problematic gambling would likely occur. Corruption in sports is held up as one argument against permitting betting on games nationally.

"In essence Massachusetts put out of business the numbers bookie and a lot of illegal gambling," Mihos said of the Lottery. "This would sort of close the loop. People are going to gamble ... I’m just trying to keep as many of those dollars here for the Commonwealth. It’ll just be a different type of gambling with a different type of bookie."

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"Mihos aide: `Financial advantage' key in 2010 race"
By Glen Johnson, AP Political Writer, August 18, 2009

BOSTON --The chief political consultant for Cape Cod businessman Christy Mihos said Tuesday his client lost the 2006 gubernatorial race solely because he ran as an independent.

Conservative commentator and author Dick Morris also predicted that Mihos will beat fellow Republican Charles Baker in the 2010 GOP primary and Gov. Deval Patrick, a Democrat, in the general election because of his opposition to Big Dig spending and the "considerable financial advantage" the multimillionaire brings to the campaign.

"I don't think Baker is going to be a serious problem," Morris told The Associated Press in an interview. "I think he's subject to many of the same negatives that Patrick is. Patrick raised our taxes; Baker raised our tolls."

The criticism harkened back to Baker's work in the Weld and Cellucci administrations, when he served as the top finance official in the Cabinet from 1994 to 1998. During that time, the state sought to finance the $15 billion Central Artery tunnel project, which has triggered toll increases.

More recently, Patrick signed a 25-percent sales tax hike into law.

Yet Morris didn't limit his attack there. He criticized Baker, who went on to become president of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, for helping negotiate a state receivership for the troubled insurer and then taking a $1.5 million salary package from the now-profitable company until he resigned in July to run for governor.

"I wonder how popular health insurance companies are," Morris said. "Let's put it this way: I'd rather run a hedge fund."

A Baker spokesman dismissed the complaints.

"Looks like Christy Mihos is back negatively attacking Republicans again," Baker spokesman Andrew Goodrich said. "Christy's negative campaign is one reason elected Republican officials from across the state are flocking to support Charlie Baker and see Charlie as our only hope to defeat Deval Patrick."

Mihos garnered only 7 percent of the vote in 2006, when he squared off against Patrick and Republican Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey. The Christy's convenience store magnate is running as a Republican this time around.

Mihos has hired Morris to develop strategy. He is a newspaper columnist and Fox News analyst who once served as Democrat Bill Clinton's political adviser.

His work with Mihos is not the New Yorker's first venture into Massachusetts politics. He previously ran Ed King's successful campaign against Democrat Michael Dukakis, and also worked on state campaigns to limit property tax increases and elect William F. Weld as governor in 1990 and 1994.

Morris said Mihos's candidacy will resonate with voters because he fought against cost escalation in the Big Dig project while a member of the Massachusetts Turnpike board of directors. The consultant also said Mihos knows how to cut government spending but won't be afraid to spend his own money promoting his candidacy -- perhaps as early as this fall.

He said Mihos lost 2 1/2 years ago only because he ran as an independent.

"It was a basic mistake to think that as an independent in a highly polarized, partisan year," Morris said. "I think that people were not in the mood for a third choice."

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"Aides: Mihos will remain in governor's race"
By Frank Phillips, Boston Globe Staff, September 9, 2009

Republican Christy Mihos will stay in the race for governor, after spending a day seriously considering running instead for the Senate seat held by Edward M. Kennedy, two Mihos aides said today.

Mihos yesterday spoke with the staff of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, informing them that he was heavily leaning toward seeking the Republican nomination in the special election to fill Kennedy's seat. Mihos told the Globe last night that he was ''just about there.''

But, in a posting on the Republican blog Red Mass Group this morning, Joe Manzoli, a senior campaign aide, said that Mihos would remain in the race for the GOP gubernatorial nomination in 2010.

"Contrary to news reports you may have heard last evening and this morning, Christy Mihos is a candidate for governor of Massachusetts not for the US Senate," Manzoli's statement reads. "Christy has made that abundantly clear from the onset. Christy was approached by some representative of the national committee to consider running for the US Senate seat in the special election. As is sometimes the case, the story was leaked to the media and got on the news last evening. I want to assure everyone that Christy is committed to be the candidate for governor of Massachusetts in 2010 as we continue to fight for the citizens of this great state."

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"Christy Mihos calls for deep cuts to state salaries"
By Hillary Chabot, October 5, 2009, www.bostonherald.com - Local Politics

GOP gubernatorial candidate Christy Mihos is demanding a 10 percent pay cut for all state employees to prevent a hit to local aid after Gov. Deval Patrick announced a $212 million revenue shortfall last week.

“The public sector can hardly be held immune from the economic realities of the day,” said Mihos. “The taxpayers who fund state government have themselves suffered job loss and wage reductions. It’s cynicism at best, if not outright arrogance, to suggest that public employees not share in the burden.”

Patrick announced the steep shortfall Friday and said local aid cuts and layoffs are on the table. He will announce the cuts by the end of the month.

Mihos also urged lawmakers to immediately legalize slots at the tracks in an effort to generate more revenue.

“New revenues other than tax increases can be diligently pursued with the right leadership,” said Mihos. “Taxes are already punitive in Massachusetts, and the governor can see that his sales tax increase has had a negative impact, as proven by the dismal, September revenue figures.”

Mihos will face off with Republican Charlie Baker in the primary race for the corner office, and State Treasurer Tim Cahill, an Independent, is also challenging Patrick for the seat.

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Photo by Mike Adaskaveg (file)
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"Pols & politics: Christy Mihos’ Republican partly"
By Dave Wedge, Sunday, November 1, 2009, www.bostonherald.com - Local Politics

Christy Mihos has a reputation for being a straight-talker but when it comes to his party affiliations, he’s all over the map.

Mihos was a Republican, then he switched to an independent in the 2006 governor’s race and now he’s back to being a GOP candidate for next year’s gubernatorial election.

One of Mihos’ consultants, Dick Morris, has also bounced around the parties: First he was a Republican, then he was President Clinton’s top strategist and now he’s back in the GOP fold.

And now we see Mihos has paid $28,000 to a Democratic pollster for his GOP primary.

Mihos’ campaign made two head-scratching payments in August and September to MC Squared Consulting, a Kentucky-based polling firm founded by a Bluegrass State Democratic operative. The firm has done surveys for Bay State Dems, including Sen. James Timilty (D-Walpole) and former Worcester County Sheriff John Flynn, but no Republicans, records show. The firm also has done polling for the Kentucky Democratic Party.

Perhaps Mihos just wanted to get yet another opinion from the other side of the aisle.

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"Lawsuits: Mihos owes more than $600,000 in bills"
By Jake Berry, jberry@capecodonline.com - January 27, 2010

Gubernatorial candidate Christy Mihos, owner of the Christy's of Cape Cod convenience store chain, owes hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid business and campaign bills, business and former campaign associates have charged in recent days.

On Friday, a West Bridgewater gas supplier filed suit against Christy's of Cape Cod, claiming that Mihos' business has failed to pay more than $600,000 in goods and delivery fees.

That same day, three former consultants to his gubernatorial campaign filed a joint complaint against Mihos with the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance, claiming a combined $43,500 in unpaid wages.

Officials from the campaign office declined to confirm yesterday whether a complaint has been filed, but Kevin Sowyrda, the campaign's former communications director, said he notified state campaign officials Friday, along with Republican media strategist Rick Wilson of New York and Web designer Geoff Fudge, of Rhode Island.

Reached for comment yesterday, Mihos said that both Wilson, who reported $34,000 in unpaid wages, and Fudge, who is down $2,025, were paid in full, while Sowyrda resigned his post at the end of September — before he was due the $7,500 he is claiming, Mihos said.

Fudge has not yet received payment, he said yesterday. Wilson declined to comment for this story.

"We regretted having to (file the complaint), but Mr. Mihos left us no other choice," said Sowyrda, who claims he worked with the campaign through October, but never received a paycheck. "It's very sad when someone you admired and worked hard for disappoints you."

Campaign spending records show that in August, Mihos had more than $211,000 in his campaign account. After doling out hundreds of thousands in salaries and other expenses, he finished the year with about $3,100 — an amount that has since dwindled to less than $2,000.

By contrast, Timothy Cahill, who is running as an independent for governor, had more than $828,000 in his campaign account after the first two weeks in January, according to state records. Incumbent Gov. Deval Patrick had $644,000 in his account as of Jan. 15, and Republican challenger Charles Baker reported a year-end balance of $1.6 million.

"We didn't do much of anything in December or January because any moneys donated to us would have been taken away from (Republican Senate candidate) Scott Brown," Mihos said. "But we're moving forward now. ... We're hitting the ground every day."

Politics aside, Mihos' business has also struggled to keep up with its bills, according to the lawsuit filed last week in Plymouth Superior Court by Noonan Petroleum Products.

Company officials claim that Christy's of Cape Cod failed to pay $634,000 in goods and delivery fees, according to court records. Michael Mahoney, a Boston attorney representing Noonan Petroleum, did not return calls for comment yesterday.

But Mihos contends the matter is nothing but basic business. Christy's relationship with Noonan Petroleum goes back decades, and the company continues to buy gas from Noonan every day, Mihos said.

"I just signed a check to them for $30,000," he said. "These (issues) happen all the time. ... We're going to work through this like we always do."

Noonan's attorneys have applied to attach a lien on Mihos' Yarmouth home, assessed at about $5.8 million, according to Yarmouth property records, and his business assets. Both parties are scheduled to appear Friday in Plymouth Superior Court.

Mihos sold 11 stores last year to Hess Corp, though Christy's still operates two convenience stores and a gas station around the Cape.
-
Staff writer Stephanie Vosk contributed to this report.
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"Mihos insists he's candidate for Massachusetts governor"
Boston.com - AP - February 5, 2010

BOSTON --Republican Christy Mihos insists he's still in the Massachusetts gubernatorial race.

In an e-mail to supporters Friday, the convenience store magnate said reports of his political death are greatly exaggerated.

Mihos' campaign has been plagued with staff upheavals. And last week a Superior Court judge slapped liens on three businesses he owns after a gasoline supplier claimed he was owed more than $600,000.

The Cape Cod resident has also faced skepticism within the GOP after running for governor in 2006 as an independent.

Mihos faces Charles Baker in the Republican primary.

Gov. Deval Patrick and community activist Grace Ross are competing for the Democratic nomination. Treasurer Timothy Cahill is running as an independent, and Jill Stein is the Green-Rainbow candidate.

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"Ex-campaign boss sues Christy Mihos for $44G"
By Associated Press, Local Politics, www.bostonherald.com - March 18, 2010

Republican gubernatorial candidate Christy Mihos is being sued by his former campaign manager, who says he is owed tens of thousands of dollars for unpaid services.

Joe Manzoli said Mihos owes him $44,500 for work he did for the convenience store magnate’s bid to win the GOP nomination for governor.

Manzoli’s lawyer, Margaret Melican, said she filed the civil lawsuit yesterday in Worcester District Court after Mihos stopped paying her client. Mihos said he was unaware of the lawsuit. He said he paid Manzoli more then $60,000 and tried to settle amicably with him last week.

“We offered him what we said we were going to pay him and we have not heard back from him directly,” Mihos said in a telephone interview.

Although Mihos has pumped hundreds of thousands of dollars of his own money into his run for office, his campaign has been plagued with staff upheavals and financial problems. His latest filing with the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance showed a campaign balance of just more than $4,000.

Mihos said he is being targeted because he is a political outsider. He’s running against fellow Republican Charles Baker, who served under former GOP governors William Weld and Paul Cellucci.

Manzoli said he just wants to get paid.

“Everything I talk about is facts and figures,” he said. “Christy can say whatever he wants. I go by the facts.”

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"After spot on ballot is denied, Mihos says he won’t run again"
By Noah Bierman, Boston Globe Staff, April 18, 2010

WORCESTER — As Christy Mihos sat in a spare room backstage putting the finishing touches on his convention speech, his wife tried to pump him up.

“This is your time, this is what you wanted,’’ Andrea Mihos said, looking into his eyes. “It’s never going to happen again.’’

She was right. Six hours later, his long-shot bid for the Republican gubernatorial nomination ended in resounding defeat to Charles D. Baker, whose lopsided victory yesterday will keep Mihos off the primary ballot. Mihos said moments later that he would not run for office again.

“Not with this wife,’’ Andrea Mihos said, acknowledging that she had had enough of his political adventures.

Mihos himself sounded almost as relieved as he sat on a folding chair, surrounded by a half-dozen supporters. “I’m going back to being Christy from Christy’s again,’’ he said, referring to his life as a Cape Cod convenience store owner.

“Thank God,’’ Andrea shot back, smiling at her husband of 35 years.

But although his months of campaigning and exhausting all-out push to make the ballot — including two days of missed meals — was rewarded with a blowout in the delegate vote, Mihos said it had all been worth it.

“Running for political office, that’s the best time I’ve ever had in my life,’’ said Mihos, 60.

Baker’s campaign lodged a strong effort to keep Mihos off the September primary ballot, distributing fliers highlighting his statement in a 2006 interview that he would vote for Democrat Deval Patrick if he was not running himself. Many delegates interviewed on the floor yesterday faulted Mihos for running as an independent in 2006, saying it damaged Kerry Healey’s bid for governor.

Before the vote, Mihos tried to drum up support for keeping him on the Republican primary ballot, saying it would be a chance to attract media attention to the party in the coming months.

“Are we up for a primary or not?’’ Mihos asked a group of Duxbury delegates on the convention floor.

One of the delegates, Paula Harris, offered a shrug and a polite smile in response.

“I can’t lie. I’ve never played poker well,’’ she said in an interview after Mihos moved on to canvass others. “I think Christy has a lot of great things to say. I think he hasn’t channeled it well . . . we need a united front.’’

Greg Dulchinos of Chelmsford was the rare delegate who said he wanted Mihos on the ballot “mainly just to give him a chance,’’ he said. “I know he sometimes stooped a little low, but . . .’’ he continued, trailing off without finishing the thought.

Mihos’s advisers, in preparing for yesterday’s big convention speech, were trying to help him hone a pitch that would avoid giving the pro-Baker crowd a chance to boo him, and preparing him to respond in case they did.

“It’s body language,’’ said Greg O’Brien, an old friend from Cape Cod who has been advising Mihos on communications. “People need to see the confidence, the excitement.’’

The speech he wound up giving, after taking the stage to the tune of Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down,’’ avoided any references to the state’s health care plan as “Romney Care’’ or “Baker Care,’’ phrases edited out to avoid enflaming the crowd.

It included several lines designed to win applause, including antitax promises, critiques of the Big Dig, and pledges to eliminate some tolls. There were a few ovations, and no boos. “We’ve got the banners, the signs, we’ve got the music,’’ Mihos said from the stage. “But this isn’t about that. This is about you.’’

Mihos cast his opponents as the party establishment, arguing that the people, regardless of party affiliation, want choices.

“Do they want a primary?’’ he said of party insiders during an interview. “I don’t think so. They just want another suit.’’

Though his campaign has been dogged by financial problems and a steady parade of advisers leaving in frustration and confusion, Mihos remained a threat to make the ballot until the end. When the vote count came in, he pledged his support to Baker, calling him a “real Republican.’’

“It’s all over,’’ he told his wife and son, Christy Mihos IV. “Let’s go home.’’
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www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/04/18/after_spot_on_ballot_is_denied_mihos_says_he_wont_run_again/?comments=all#readerComm
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About Me

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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 2 political enemies are Andrea F. Nuciforo, Jr., nicknamed "Luciforo" and former Berkshire County Sheriff Carmen C. Massimiano, Jr. / I have also pasted many of my political essays on "The Berkshire Blog": berkshireeagle.blogspot.com / I AM THE ANTI-FRANK GUINTA! / Please contact me at jonathan_a_melle@yahoo.com

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/

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

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' Club
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's hefty toll hikes
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 was a victim of Manchester Police Officer John Cunningham's ILLEGAL USES of FORCE! John Cunningham was reprimanded by the Chief of Police for disrespecting me. John Cunningham yelled at a witness: "I don't care if he (Jonathan Melle) is disabled!"

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's leaders!
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's phobia
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) Murphy

Kelleigh (Domaingue) Murphy
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'Reilly for US Senate in Massachusetts!
John Kerry's 9/2008 challenger in the Democratic Primary.

Shays' Rebellion

Shays' Rebellion
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 'Sea Serpent'
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'Keeffe and Alisa Brewer
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'Reilly
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.

Tim Murray

Tim Murray
Corrupt Lt. Gov. of Massachusetts, 2007 - 2013.

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' & Girls' Club
Melville Street, Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Denis Guyer

Denis Guyer
Dalton State Representative

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's Blog
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

John Forbes Kerry
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's City Councilor at Large
Pete always sides with the wealthy's political interests.

Gerald Lee - Pittsfield's City Council Prez

Gerald Lee - Pittsfield's City Council Prez
Gerald Lee told me that I am a Social Problem; Lee executes a top-down system of governance. R.I.P. Gerry Lee.

Matt Kerwood - Pittsfield's Councilor at Large

Matt Kerwood - Pittsfield's Councilor at Large
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's Congresswoman
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's PCBs toxic waste sites
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's PCBs toxic waste sites
www.epa.gov/region1/ge/contactinfo.html

GE Corporate Logo - Pittsfield's PCBs toxic waste sites

GE Corporate Logo - Pittsfield's PCBs toxic waste sites
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/

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'Brien
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.
Another view of Pittsfield's inbred, multigenerational political prince. Luciforo!

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's architect
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 Pot $

Berkshire County Republican Association

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

Denis Guyer

Denis Guyer
Dalton State Representative

John Forbes Kerry & Denis Guyer

John Forbes Kerry & Denis Guyer
U.S. Senator & State Representative

John Kerry

John Kerry
Endorses Barack Obama for Prez then visits Berkshire County

Dan Bosley

Dan Bosley
A Bureaucrat impostoring as a Legislator!

Ben Downing

Ben Downing
Berkshire State Senator

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's best friend!
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's CEO Jack Welch
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.

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's 3 Women City Councillors - 2004
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: 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

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!

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's Republican Prez-field
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 Stephanopolous

George Stephanopolous
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.amherstlibrary.org

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's Palace Theater
Manchester NH decided to restore its Palace Theater

Pittsfield's Palace Theater

Pittsfield's Palace Theater
Pittsfield tore down this landmark on North Street in favor of a parking lot

Pleasant Street Theater

Pleasant Street Theater
Amherst, Massachusetts

William "Shitty" Pignatelli

William "Shitty" 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?

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
Dalton State Representative

Denis Guyer goes to college

Denis Guyer goes to college
Dalton State Representative

Peter Marchetti

Peter Marchetti
He is my second cousin. 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

Human Rights for All Peoples & people

Human Rights for All Peoples & people
Stop Anti-Semitism

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!

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's car.
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's Good Old Boy Network - Political Machine!
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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