Author Archives: billmanzi

Wither the Globe?

Posted on April 4, 2009 by billmanzi

The New York Times is threatening to shutter the Boston Globe unless the newspapers unions agree to concessions totalling $20 million dollars. From the Globe: Executives from the Times Co. and Globe made the demands Thursday morning in an approximately … Continue reading →

Posted in National News, State News | Tagged | 8 Comments

President Obama’s Weekly Address

Posted on April 4, 2009 by billmanzi

The President, appearing to be taping aboard Air Force One, talks about his foreign travels, including the G-20 summit, discussions with Russian President Medvedev about further securing and reducing nuclear arsenals, and his appeal to our NATO allies to become … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | 6 Comments

Sanford Decision on Stimulus Funds Due Today

Posted on April 3, 2009 by billmanzi

South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, with his State’s unemployment rate hitting 11%, must decide by today whether to accept $700 million in federal stimulus money. Under rules governing this money Sanford’s decision will not be subject to review by South … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged , | 6 Comments

Gingrich Threatens Third Party Revolt

Posted on April 3, 2009 by billmanzi

Former Speaker Newt Gingrich, in remarks at the College of the Ozarks, warned that unless Republicans changed their “big government” ways, conservatives would bolt and form a third party in 2012. Gingrich attacked the policies of the Bush Administration with … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged | 7 Comments

Republicans File Budget Alternative

Posted on April 2, 2009 by billmanzi

The House Republicans unveiled their “alternative budget” yesterday, and this time it actually had numbers. Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, the top Republican on the House budget Committee, rolled out the Republican alternative, which I have attached below. From the … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged , | 8 Comments

New York Looks to Repeal “Rockefeller Laws”

Posted on April 1, 2009 by billmanzi

New York State is moving to undo the Rockefeller era drug laws, which amongst other things, imposed tough minimum mandatory sentences for first time offenders. From the Washington Post: Gov. David A. Paterson (D) and legislative leaders on Friday announced … Continue reading →

Posted in National News, State News | Tagged , | 7 Comments

Marian Walsh Withdraws

Posted on March 31, 2009 by billmanzi

Senator Marian Walsh today withdrew from consideration for the job at HEFA that had caused Governor Deval Patrick so much political heartburn. From the State House News Service: Sen. Marian Walsh, standing next to Gov. Deval Patrick outside his office, … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Methuen High School Hoedown

Posted on March 31, 2009 by billmanzi

Methuen High School had its “High School Hoedown” last week in the school cafe, and it really was a great time. It is an annual event put on by our outstanding Food Services Department and its Director, Wayne Vespa. It … Continue reading →

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Reform MBTA Health Care and Save a Billion

Posted on March 31, 2009 by billmanzi

Michael Widmer of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation has just issued a report that proposes reforms to the existing MBTA health care system that could save one billion dollars over twenty years. In looking at the existing system it is not … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | Tagged , | 3 Comments

The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

Posted on March 30, 2009 by billmanzi

The Obama Administration’s plans for G.M. and Chrysler seem to be taking shape publicly for the first time, with selected leaks out of the Administration laying out a map of where this debacle might end up. Today’s Wall Street Journal … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged , | 9 Comments