Monthly Archives: February 2011

Blue Cross Clouds the Picture

Posted on February 28, 2011 by billmanzi

A Sunday piece in the Lowell Sun, written by John Coughlin of Blue Cross, manages to indirectly criticize Governor Patrick’s push to give greater flexibility to municipalities by giving them the option to join the GIC, by saying that we … Continue reading →

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Paul Downing Wins February SOAR Award

Posted on February 24, 2011 by billmanzi

Congratulations to Paul Downing, one of the SOAR Award winners in February. The narrative submitted for his nomination is below. “It is my great pleasure to nominate Paul Downing for the Methuen High School 2011 SOAR award in the Performing … Continue reading →

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Rahm Rolls in Chicago

Posted on February 23, 2011 by billmanzi

Rahm Emanuel rolled to victory in Chicago yesterday, crushing all opposition by outworking, outsmarting and outraising his opposition. For me it was a foregone conclusion when he announced because he is a campaign demon, willing to work like a dog … Continue reading →

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Methuen Single Stream Recycling Report

Posted on February 22, 2011 by billmanzi

This year Methuen instituted single stream recycling city wide, with curb side pickup. I have received some numbers from the five month mark that show that single stream is having a positive impact on overall recycling numbers. The improvement is … Continue reading →

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The Billion Dollar Question

Posted on February 21, 2011 by billmanzi

Governor Deval Patrick unveiled his budget for FY12, and we have talked about some of the ramifications of his recommended cut in local aid as well as his proposal on municipal health care. But little has been written, up to … Continue reading →

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Kasey Walko Wins February SOAR Award

Posted on February 19, 2011 by billmanzi

Congratulations to Kasey Walko, who was one of the SOAR Award winners at the February School Committee meeting. Statement of Recommendation and Recognition: When I arrive at school each morning, before 7 am., Kasey Walko is already waiting at the … Continue reading →

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Battleground Wisconsin

Posted on February 19, 2011 by billmanzi

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has precipitated a huge political brawl in Wisconsin by filing a bill that would force Wisconsin employees to shoulder more of their own health care and pension obligations, as well as stripping away a huge swarth … Continue reading →

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Ryan, Republicans Step Up on Entitlements

Posted on February 17, 2011 by billmanzi

Well on this blog I have (in order) praised, criticized, and now must praise again Paul Ryan. My praise does not necessarily stem from agreement with all of his prescriptions for solving the budget deficit problem. But he now says … Continue reading →

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The President on the Budget

Posted on February 16, 2011 by billmanzi

The President takes on the press over his budget submission, admitting that he has not tackled the big budget drivers but urging “patience” as he works on longer term bipartisan solutions. He talked about Social Security, saying he felt that … Continue reading →

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Tiptoeing By the Can

Posted on February 15, 2011 by billmanzi

The President submitted his budget yesterday, and it has received generally negative reviews. And from a deficit reduction perspective it should be criticized. The President, in the first move in what promises to be an interesting game of budgetary chess, … Continue reading →

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