Bianchi Supporters Slam Council Opposition
 Former Councilor Lou Costi was one of several who chided the council for a perceived climate of hostility. |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — In the wake of several controversies in recent weeks, Mayor Daniel Bianchi fired back at members of the City Council for what he termed political "mean-spiritedness."
The mayor addressed the council flanked by a crowd of supporters during a lengthy open microphone period at Wednesday night's council meeting.
In an unusual twist, the open microphone portion accounted for more than half the total time of an otherwise sparse agenda. Bianchi, along with a variety of former political officials and other allies, defended the mayor's right to outside employment and denounced continued challenges from Bianchi's opponents on the Council on a variety of issues.
"A few of you seem hell bent on slowing down the process, and creating roadblocks at every turn," said Diane Ferrero. "It does not help for you to nitpick every issue that comes before you, and it really doesn't help the city for you to make accusations, and try to second guess the mayor on almost all of his executive decisions."
In recent weeks, Bianchi has received sharp criticism from opponents on several issues, including his decision to lease space at 100 North St. for building inspectors, non-compliance with record requests, and maintaining employment in addition to his position as mayor.
Most recently, a complaint was filed with the state alleging that his support of the proposed Kinder Morgan natural gas pipeline creates a conflict of interest because of his employment as a consultant by a company that could financially benefit from its creation. It's an allegation Bianchi has categorically denied.
"I have never seen such a bad display of behavior by a City Council," said Phyllis Smith, a frequent critic of Bianchi's opposition on the council. "Never have I ever seen such blatant disrespect for a mayor."
Frequent bursts of applause broke out in response to these statements from a core group of about 20 supporters who turned out for this portion of the meeting, while Bianchi's wife worked the room thanking them for their attendance.
In particular, the legality of his additional employment was defended by members of the committee who generated the city's new charter. The said the body had specifically intended the charter's language on this issue not to preclude outside income or business dealings by a sitting mayor, so long as running the city was his or her primary full-time job.
"There was much discussion on this," said attorney Michael McCarthy. "We all agreed the mayor should be full time. I think we all also agreed that that does not mean the mayor should be limited to just being the mayor, but that there could be outside financial interest."
City Solicitor Kathleen Degnan spoke in addressing questions surrounding a ruling last week by the secretary of state ordering that records initially withheld from a request by Councilor Barry Clairmont should be turned over to him, stating that all requested documents regarding the recent lease of space at 100 North Street have now been provided.
"Councilor Clairmont has received everything that he has asked for," Degnan assured the council.
Former Pittsfield Councilor Lou Costi spoke in support of Bianchi's relocation of inspectors, and urged the council to be able to work together with the mayor despite differences of opinion.
"Mayor Bianchi deserves credit, not discredit, for his accomplishments helping the people of this city," said Costi.
Bianchi, speaking last, slammed the City Council on its handling of the pay increase for his position, and accused some councilors of cultivating a hostile political climate against him.
"The mean spiritedness seems to continue with the suggestion that an ordinance should be passed to make sure the mayor cannot have an outside job," Bianchi said, adding that standard had not been imposed on past mayors engaged in other industries, such as attorneys or restaurateurs who have their businesses while serving.
"Is this designed for good government? I don't think so. I think this is personal.
"I work between 50 and 70 hours a week as mayor," maintained Bianchi. "A small group of you were spreading rumors a while ago, telling people that 'the mayor doesn't have appointments on Monday or Friday, because he's working his other job,' That is certainly not true."
As had several other commenters, Bianchi also lashed out at The Berkshire Eagle, calling it "a very irresponsible and poorly managed newspaper, that has been unfair in their coverage for the past three years, and has for years manipulated local politics."
Bianchi said the atmosphere set by the City Council gives a poor impression of Pittsfield to citizens, and to businesses considering locating here.
He urged them to focus more on positive developments, such as the Berkshire Innovation Center to be constructed this coming year, and the new building planned for Taconic High School.
"I would strongly urge that we all try to stay positive, be civil, improve government, and work more cooperatively for the good people of Pittsfield. They certainly deserve it," Bianchi concluded.
Tags: Bianchi, city council,
