Monthly Archives: December 2009

Today's Tribune Story on Pension Obligation

Posted on December 31, 2009 by

Today’s Tribune has a story on pension funding by the City of Methuen. The online version has a headline which reads “Mayor says City not able to pay pension money today”, which is not what I said. I said that … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Methuen City Council, Municipal Finance | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Tax Demagoguery

Posted on December 27, 2009 by

I am back from a Christmas respite from blogging. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season. As you likely know the Methuen City Council is faced with a vote on tax classification, which has brought forward a torrent … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 6 Comments

Dems Reach 60 in the Senate

Posted on December 20, 2009 by

With Senator Ben Nelson coming on board after a hard fought compromise on abortion was reached the Democratic Party has reached the 60 vote margin necessary to pass the Senate version of health care reform. Nelson achieved more than changes … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged | 1 Comment

The President on Health Care

Posted on December 19, 2009 by

The President spends his weekly address on health care, talking about the past failure of a patient bill of rights, and decrying the parliamentary obstruction of the Republican Party on health care. Meanwhile the Senate Democrats continue to struggle to … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Methuen High School Project Moves Forward

Posted on December 16, 2009 by

Today’s Eagle Tribune details the results of yesterday’s Building Committee Meeting, where a “preferred’ design was selected by the Committee. The school design selected, referred to as the “bridge” concept, will now be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen | Tagged | 2 Comments

Katie Oskar is December S.O.A.R. Award Recipient

Posted on December 15, 2009 by

“Academically distinguished, intellectually inquisitive, and athletically gifted best describe senior Katie Oskar,” states Principal Jim Guica. Methuen High School is pleased to recognize a student of Katie’s stature as the S.O.A.R Award recipient for December. Katie is a student athlete … Continue reading →

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The Explosion in Pension Costs

Posted on December 14, 2009 by

Today’s Tribune has a story about pension costs in Methuen, and how the continued rapid escalation in these costs are threatening municipal finances throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I do agree with Michael Widmer that any extension of the full … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Municipal Finance, State News | Tagged | 1 Comment