Today is election day in Methuen, and I urge you all to get out and vote. It is starting out as a rainy day, but hopefully the weather will improve as the day goes on. I will post results for all of the races tonight, and I invite one and all to come to my election night victory party at the Guesthouse Suites, 159 Pelham Street. Refreshments will be available, and we will have a television for viewing results. I will be in the MCTV Studios between 7:00 and 7:30 and at the Guesthouse after that. I look forward to seeing you all!
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Bill Manzi.com 
Hi Mayor.
I called all my friends to vote for you. You have done a good job in Methuen and you have my vote as long as you keep the good work.
See you tonight at the victory party.
Roger
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Your Honor,
What a day. I slogged through the rain to take my place in line of voters at the Tenney school.
I entered the voting booth with the ballot clutched in my shaking hand.
My hands continued to shake as I filled in the blank circle beside the name “Manzi”. I voted for a Democrat. Aaagh. I quickly returned to my car before the Republican God of vengeance could strike me down.
Just remember, if you win by one vote, you could beholden me. Naah.
Good luck.
Jules (The friendly opposition).
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Well done Mayor. A nice RESOUNDING victory!
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Hi Mr. Mayor,
I am very saddened to see that you have won the election. It is disheartening that you have threatened and bullied your way into a second term. The elderly people of the community feared losing their housing if they did not vote for you! How can you sleep at night knowing what you are doing is wrong. I support an investigation by an UNINTERESTED third party into the city…not just the police department but the city council and your office. I am sure this will never happen but some how, the truth of your dishonesty will come out.
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Well the fact that I got the vote of Jules Gordon has made this entire election cycle worthwhile. Thank you Jules! I certainly hope that you are not posting on this blog in a month saying how much you regret voting for a “d “. Maybe there is hope for that property tax cut you have been waiting on for so long!
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Jill,
Your comments are reflective of the type of negative smears that the people of Methuen have resoundingly defeated. What Methuen wants is not anonymous attacks like yours (maybe you are afraid to post your name because I will take your housing away) but progress on the issues that matter. And by the way it appears that there are plenty of outside investigations occuring that are not being run by my office. After they are concluded maybe you can come back to the blog and comment on my honesty. Thanks for stopping by!
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Wow! She almost made you sound like a Republican (sorry Jules ;->). The only thing she missed was the illegally declared war. If I had only known — now I feel so….disenfranchised…
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I have to agree with Jill’s posting. Mr. Mayor, I think that you are living in a fantasy world if you honestly believe that you can continue spreading the lies you have been spreading. I have heard first hand from several of the people you “warned” or “threatened” whatever you want to call it. It was unethical. If you so firmly believe that you are right and that the City wants you as Mayor because of your so called firm stance against Joe Solomon than you should not have needed to threaten the citizens of your City. There is a Constitution in place for a reason, and you Sir have violated several of the Amendments in your campaign to be reelected.
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Mr. Mayor (or whomever is responding on his behalf),
My comment is not a “negative smear” directed towards you or your office, they are the words spoken directly from several Methuen residents. Additionally, I did not comment anonymously and I am not in fear of losing my housing since my residence is not owned by you or any of your family members (thanks for the sarcasm).
I don’t wish to partake in a debate with you regarding what the City of Methuen wants since I can only speak for what I want and what I believe in (honesty not corruption). I sincerely hope this wonderful City of Methuen takes a turn for the better and all the negativity between departments and city officials can be kept out of the press to make room for the real issues happening in the city. What’s the reason for the Water Rate increase again?
JILL
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Not a smear? Who was threatened with the loss of housing? Are you alleging that I did that to seniors? You must be a subscriber to the “big lie” theory of politics, and continue to put forward those types of smears in an attempt to intimidate or change the inevitable. As far as water rates go the first increase in fifteen years would be to fund 1) fifteen years of inflation 2) fund a 20 million dollar upgrade to our water treatment plant 3) fund a 5 million dollar plus creation of a new water tank in the east district that was needed to help a large group of Methuen citizens who were having water pressure problems and to create additional water capacity for all of Methuen. After the water rate adjustment Methuen will have the lowest rate in the Merrimack Valley. Did you have any additional questions? Thanks for coming by.
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Amended
——————————————Boy, and just when I was beginning to think this website was getting boring….
Isn’t Jill and Carrie’s tripe supposed to happen BEFORE the election?! Somebody’s not running their campaign too well…
But to your credit Mayor, I hadn’t realized that you were in every ballot box (to verify that all these intimidated residents voted your way) and that you controlled enough housing in the city to win by a 2:1 margin…
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I apologize for getting you so upset regarding my earlier comments…can it be that the truth is getting to you? Who am I trying to intimidate with my comments and what exactly would the inevitable be that I am supposedly trying to change?
I was informed by some of the Methuen residents that they were “in fear of losing their housing should they not vote for you” other residents were “in fear of losing their jobs should they choose to vote against you”. What exactly was said to them to make them feel this way I wonder??
As I stated before I am not here to go head to head with you it is a waste of time and energy. I do not subscribe to “the big lie theory of politics” (nor do I know what this is). I just listen to the news, listen to my fellow residents and of course I read the all knowing Eagle Tribune. If I am misinformed you can blame all the leaks in your various departments for the information being put out there.
Oh and by the way, the comment regarding the water bill increases was great…can that be published in greater detail in the newspapers rather than how much a secretary in the police department makes annually (thank you Tribune editors for that all important information).
Thanks
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Nobody is upset here. I rarely get upset on the day after a big election victory. I thought you were upset Jill because upset people are the ones who make allegations that have no basis in reality and call into question people’s honesty and ethics. I didn’t start us down that road, you did. If you want to ask a question without launching personal and bitter attacks on me I am happy to answer. But personal insults usually indicate an angry individual, and in this case that is you. (Upset with the Tribune? Why don’t you go over to their blog and complain?)
So I guess that what you are saying is that if you put out misinformation nobody should blame you. It appears that you only memorize what your political master tells you, and then repeat it verbatim without regard for the truth. Sorry, but Jim is right. You are a day late and way more than a dollar short.
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Thank you Jim for your insight…
I am not campaigning a day late just wanted to speak my mind as this site is intended for correct? I did not say that the mayor was in every ballot box however people can be persuaded to belive that certain people have more power than they actually do therefor influencing them to go against better judgement.
And to the respondant for Mayor Manzi, I am not the angry one and what I am speaking is not lies, slander or a question of ethics…I already know he doesn’t have any ethics therefor I don’t need to question them. Here’s a question for you, presinct 12…where was that? Oh yeah Manzi Park Gardens…that seems like a neutral place to vote. Methuen politics are getting out of control hopefully someday they be back under control. Boy I miss Sharon!
Have a great night.
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The election is over, and it’s time to move forward!
I am confident that Mayor Manzi and Councilor Corey Rahme will be able to work together to bridge the divide and end the negativity. Whether one agrees with him or not, the Mayor should be commended for his performance in this election.
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Your Honor,
What great fun. Your getting “Bushed” by your own. I wonder if that guy who said he was moving out of Methuen if you win is packing up. (Could it be Alex Baldwin???).
The good news is I survived the anger from the Republican God of Vengeance. Now I wonder how the Democratic God, who can be quite evil, is going to deal with you. Are Jill and Carrie angels rainig down fire brimstone on your
parade?
Well, keep a stiff upper lip. I look forward to buying you a cup coffee to celebrate your victory.
Oh, by the way don’t let that “mandate” stuff go to your head. Just do the best you can. I’ll keep you appraised of your progress.
Nice work.
Your Republican buddy, Jules
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Thanks Jules,
If my head was getting big from the election victory I think Jill whacking me around will ground me somewhat. I know you are getting a chuckle out of it, especially since she thinks that I don’t respond on my own blog. Maybe you can attest to the fact that I do my own postings. I really enjoy the jousting that is issue based but I regret that personal attacks have to be introduced. I am looking forward to that coffee.
Bill
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Jill,
You shouldn’t be so emotional. Have you tried anger management? You really do make it easy. I appreciate your missing Sharon. And just so you understand it was Sharon who made Manzi Park Garden a polling location. I was not involved in that decision at all. Maybe you can drop her a note complaining about her decision with regards to that polling location. And Park Garden is the polling location for Precincts 4 and 5, not 12. You are really quite emotional, aren’t you?
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Your Honor,
What is your favorite coffee place?
What are the best hours to meet you? (I work 8 to 5).
Coffee is on me. Property tax reduction, well, that’s on you.
Jules.
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Jules,
I am available before work or after. Your call. Depending on your preffered time I suggest Starbucks or Mann’s. I await your reply!
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Congratulations on a landslide victory in the recent election! The voters of Methuen sent a re-sounding message that they are pleased with the way you have run things. Miss Jill is ill informed and a sore loser. The voters of Methuen made the right decision. Methuen moves ahead with the Manzi Mandate!
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Your Honor,
Mann’s opens toolate and closes too early.
How about Starbuck’s Wednesday night (14th) about 5:30 PM.
Jules
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Jules,
That time works for me. I will try to post some inflammatory anti Republican rant in advance of that coffee to insure our conversation is lively. Looking forward to seeing you.
Bill
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Oh, Yoour honor,
There is plenty of stuff in the blog. I could, however, suggest Governor Patric’s revenue raising plans.
20 billion transportatio.
2 billion free schools.
1 billion Bioindustry.
My property tax cut. (giggle)
Bet he does away with Prop 2 1/2.
etc,etc, etc,
See you there.
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Just a small congratulatory note to add to the many.
I did so enjoy the drubbing you gave your opponent.
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DJ,
Young man you are quite misguided
If you think this community divided
As they just overwhelmingly united
To re-elect Mayor Bill Manzi.
Chris
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Greg ‘the poet’ Hyatt, is that you?!
“Young man you are quite misguided
If you think this community divided
As they just overwhelmingly united
To re-elect Mayor Bill Manzi.”
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Hello Mr. Mayor! Never got a chance to congatulate you on your recent election.
I know you will continue doing a great job for the City of Methuen.
Chilly in Florida, Mike Kisiel
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I am a former resident of “rural” western Methuen and used to live near the farm off of Pelham Street.
Being from W. Methuen, I was quite struck by the influx of illegal immigration that had taken hold of the Lawrence and eastern Methuen areas.
We know that Governor Patrick has no plan to deal with illegal immigration as do most democrats actually, even those who are tasked to uphold the law like Tom Reilly who refuse to engage State Troopers in any form of arrest for illegal aliens.
So I ask what is your plan in dealing with the current illegal immigration that is happening right now in Methuen??
thank you,
Bob Ferrari webmaster of http://www.TewksburyIssues.Org
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And on what data do you base your observation that there is an influx of illegal immigrants in East Methuen? Is it by observation,(if so please tell me how to properly discern an illegal immigrant) or is there empirical data? As far as Democrats go it appears to me that it is the Republican Party that is quite divided on immigration. The last attempt at federal legislation on immigration reform was backed by President Bush and Senator McCain, wasn’t it? Are there any illegal immigrants in Tewksbury?
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I guess you just answered my question, there is no plan it seems. You are taking the stand that most democrats do and denying there is a problem in the first place.
How can you tell a legal from an illegal alien. Well for one, if they are stopped by a policeman and can’t produce any form of identification and are also not listed as residents in Registry computers, gee I guess that might be one way. Do I really have to list out all the methods to finding illegal aliens to you? You should know that, right?
The Republican party is divided on only how to deal with them. What is the Democrat party method? To give them drivers licenses and in-state tuition, that’s what.
One last thing, before you bash the Republican party again about illegal immigration, and which will lead me to a second method to allow police to ascertain who is legal and illegal. Why is it that the democrats are SO AGAINST requiring some form of identification when someone votes?? Why is that?? Answer, because of all the illegals used in voting for….wait for it… Democrats. Before you deny it, then answer this question? Why are you and most Democrats against a Federal ID program and requiring some form of ID when voting??? I’m dying to here this answer.
Also, I will ask again, what is your plan to deal with illegal immigration, now that you know they can be found as I discussed above.
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I simply asked what you based your statement on. I guess I will have to show you the words that you used to start.
Geez Bob, I think you made a statement that seems to clearly state that eastern Methuen was under an influx of illegal immigrants. Just to clarify I think we all understand how a policeman making a stop can discern the possibility of someone’s illegal status. That was not what I asked. I asked how you justify your statement that eastern Methuen was under such an influx. Where is your data? I guess you just answered my question. As far as your hilarious attempts to characterize my personal views on Voter Identification programs let me just say your assertions were good for a Thanksgiving laugh. They have as much validity as me asking you why you and the Republican Party continue to support a poll tax. (Well, on second thought maybe that is not so far fetched. Do you support a poll tax Bob?) You know the Republicans just seem to hate it when those pesky non rich folks actually excercise their right to vote. As far as what Methuen’s plans are to deal with illegals we follow the law in Methuen Bob. I will admit however that up to this point we have not sent out teams of police officers to round up illegal immigrants. Our Police Department handles cases as the law requires them to, nothing more and nothing less. If there is a identified problem we manage it. I realize that management is not a top priority for the Republican Party, as evidenced by their great stewardship of FEMA during the Katrina crisis. Better to create false issues to launch political attacks on. Let me know when you have the data that shows that “influx” in East Methuen. Happy Thanksgiving to you and the family.
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After lifting myself off the floor from the spasms of laughter, because seriously, I feel like I am speaking with Hillary Clinton during her last debate debacle, but eventually she did answered the question as to her support or non-support of drivers licenses for illegal aliens. She finally responded “no support”. It took here two debates and promises from Wolf Blitzer that no one would gang up on her because she was a women… really is this the best the Democrats have to offer, you have to be kidding.
Unfortunately I still have yet to hear what your plan is. When illegals are caught at traffic stops, what is the plan to handle them? Will you give them drivers licenses, in-state tuition, or will you deport them. Please answer?
As to your laughable blame on FEMA for Hurrican Katrina, I point you to the fact that responsibility of evacuating the residents of New Orleans is up to the Mayor of New Orleans and then the Governor of the state. But you say they completely failed at that and if you look out on the web you will see the pictoral evidence of the flooded parking lots filled with empty school buses that were supposed to be used for evacuating residents (evidence: http://www.snopes.com/katrina/photos/buses.asp). FEMA later certainly had it’s issues, but try not to distract too much from where the real blame needs to fall.
Feel free to deny that there is an illegal immigration problem in Methuen (certainly not just Methuen) but it seems that you are positioning yourself much like Tom Reilly and Governor Cadillac Patrick’s position, which I think is a detriment to the town.
So again, why are Democrats so against a Federal ID card or even simply requiring an ID card at the voting booth?? (..crickets…)
You know the old saying, “vote early, vote often”.
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I can tell that the laughter must have interrupted your thought process because you forgot to answer my question. Where is the data that shows a big influx of illegals into East Methuen. (..crickets…) Your continuing non response to that question is typical misdirection. Throw out a “fact” and then base an entire argument around the “fact”, which in reality is a total falsehood. But please pardon my pointing out your refusal to answer the question that premised your entire silly diatribe. It seems to be a Republican trait. Are you still looking for those WMD over in Iraq? Keep looking Bob. After you are done there maybe you can employ those WMD hunters to find all of your illegals in East Methuen. Now Bob I realize that you are from Tewksbury and maybe the Manager there has expanded powers but the last time I checked the Mayor of Methuen could not 1)grant drivers licenses 2)deport people, either from the City, State, or Country. Are you suggesting Governor Patrick make me the Registrar of Motor Vehicles? By the way Bob I have not denied or confirmed anything with regard to illegal immigrants in Methuen. I simply asked what you based your statement that there was a large influx of illegal immigrants into Methuen on. (..crickets…).When the Methuen Police stop someone they do exactly what the law requires them to do. They are under no political orders to treat immigration violations any different than other violations, so your attempt to bring state and federal issues into Methuen is a real turkey of an argument. As far as the Democrats and a federal id card I am not sure that there is uniform agreement on any position by the Democratic Party. In fact Bob there is not uniform agreement in the Republican Party either. Lets look at the following excerpt from William Buckley’s National Review about a Reagan Cabinet meeting. Hey Bob. Is the National Review a conservative Republican outfit? (…crickets)
Guess what Bob. Libertarian Republicans are solidly against a National ID card. So before you start casting stones on an issue why don’t you get your facts straight. Check out Ron Paul 2008. He has a great website. He is Republican.
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Anyone who wants to see the illegals in Methuen should go to the Holy Family emergency room. There does seem to be more of them at night. We only have one hospital, they will be there. Judging from the amount of information the hospital requires, they can pretty much tell who is illegal or not, although they won’t publish the numbers.
This is a problem facing the whole country.
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O.K. speaking my mind…….Not bashing so please read on, First off congrats and I voted for you , As a lifer of Methuen with a disabled child I have fallen into this economic rut. Now being a stay at home single mother of 2 I turn to Methuen housing for help, Only to find out that I can’t receive any help because of a 2 to 3 year waiting list,Although I’m sure 2 or 3 years will fly by for most, What shall I do until then Mr. Mayor? Will you be doing anything about no low income housing? rental assistance? project based housing? anything? any info you can provided would be of great help,
One concerned mom
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