Monthly Archives: January 2009

Legislature Grants 9-C Authority to Governor

Posted on January 15, 2009 by billmanzi

The Legislature yesterday granted expanded 9-c authority to Governor Deval Patrick to close a budget gap that is at about one billion dollars. In doing so the legislature exempted themselves, the judiciary, and constitutional officers from the expanded authority. It … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Municipal Finance, State News | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

The Tribune Editorial on Pot

Posted on January 15, 2009 by billmanzi

The Eagle Tribune ran an editorial on my proposal to add additional civil fines for public usage of marijuana. And I know it may be rare to praise an editorial that questions the underlying rationale for a proposal I am … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Methuen City Council | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Senate Proposes Transportation Reforms

Posted on January 14, 2009 by billmanzi

Senate President Therese Murray and Senate Transportation Chair Steve Baddour today presented a bold outline of where the Senate hopes to lead Massachusetts in transportation policy. The plan outlined today had no revenue component, but Senator Baddour estimates cost savings … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Melrose’s Rob Dolan to Head Mayors Association

Posted on January 14, 2009 by billmanzi

Melrose Mayor Rob Dolan will be nominated to head the Massachusetts Mayor’s Association at our annual meeting on January 24th. Mayor Dolan is an outstanding leader, and a really great choice to head our association. He comes in at a … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Dinner with Barack!

Posted on January 13, 2009 by billmanzi

Politico is reporting that Barack Obama had dinner tonight at the home of George Will, with other attendees being Charles Krauthammer, as well as David Brooks and William Kristol. Wow, what a dinner that must have been. How did Kristol … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Methuen’s Sensible Pot Regulation

Posted on January 13, 2009 by billmanzi

As you all know the voters of the State decriminalized the possession of marijuana in the last election cycle. Since that election there have been some questions raised, by law enforcement officials and others, about the impacts of the law … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Methuen City Council | Tagged , | 17 Comments

The Gas Tax It Is

Posted on January 13, 2009 by billmanzi

It is quite obvious that we will have, probably within the next month, a proposal to shelve the toll increases proposed by the Mass Turnpike and move to a gas tax increase of undetermined magnitude. The Governor, engaged in an … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

The Bush Finale

Posted on January 12, 2009 by billmanzi

President Bush held his final press conference this morning, covering the full gamut of questions. MSNBC gave the following overview: He said the “most urgent threat” that Obama will face is the potential for an “attack on our homeland.” Bush … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged , | 7 Comments

Regional Dispatch Moves Forward

Posted on January 12, 2009 by billmanzi

Today’s Eagle Tribune has a story on the potential for a regional dispatch center for Essex County. The story talks about a decision, due this month, on a state grant that would facilitate the building of a regional call center. … Continue reading →

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Schuster and Ziegler Slug over Palin

Posted on January 11, 2009 by billmanzi

Filmaker John Ziegler (whose upcoming film on Obama’s election win was highlighted here a couple of days ago) slugs with MSNBC’s David Schuster over (yes, you guessed right) Sarah Palin. (Maybe Jules is right, I just can’t help myself). Some … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments