Author Archives: billmanzi

Governor Deval Patrick’s Transportation Speech

Posted on February 21, 2009 by billmanzi

Governor Deval Patrick announced his transportation package, and although I gave it a separate post dealing with the gas tax proposal it entails far more than that. He makes a powerful case for reform here, and without question the system … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 13 Comments

President Obama’s Weekly Address

Posted on February 21, 2009 by billmanzi

President Obama gives his weekly “radio” address, talking about the stimulus package, as well as his plan to stem the rising foreclosure tide. He mentions the fiscal summit he is convening, and talks about submitting a budget next week that … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged | 8 Comments

The Gas Tax It Is

Posted on February 20, 2009 by billmanzi

Governor Deval Patrick will today announce that he will file legislation that will raise the state’s gasoline tax by 19 cents, bringing it from 23.5 cents to 42.5 cents per gallon. While less than the Governor’s trial balloon number of … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

The Obama Housing Plan

Posted on February 19, 2009 by billmanzi

President Barack Obama has presented a plan to try to stem the foreclosure problem afflicting our housing market. Obama’s plan looks to bring $75 billion to the table in this effort, with a potential $200 billion in additional financial support … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged , , | 29 Comments

Does Cheney Have Bush Hate Syndrome?

Posted on February 18, 2009 by billmanzi

News reports apparently leaked out of the camp of Vice President Dick Cheney have the former VP quite miffed that George W. Bush refused to grant a pardon to his former Chief of Staff Scooter Libby. From the New York … Continue reading →

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

Looks Like Sebelius at HHS

Posted on February 18, 2009 by billmanzi

It appears that Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius will be chosen to be the Secretary of HHS, replacing Tom Daschle as the President’s nominee. The leak about the selection is of course subject to additional vetting by the Presidents staff. I … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Methuen City Council Approves High School Finance Plan

Posted on February 18, 2009 by billmanzi

The Methuen City Council last night agreed to support the financing package I recommended for Methuen High School, getting us started on the road to modernizing our high school. Methuen is one of three High Schools in Massachusetts that was … Continue reading →

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

G.M. and Chrysler Ask for More Help

Posted on February 17, 2009 by billmanzi

Both G.M. and Chrysler tonight filed plans required of them by the federal government pursuant to the loans they took back in December. In terms of the financial requests being made G.M. is seeking an additional $16.6 billion in federal … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged , | 7 Comments

Lincoln Our Greatest President?

Posted on February 16, 2009 by billmanzi

Abraham Lincoln, in a recent survey of 65 historians, was voted as our greatest president. James Buchanan was voted the worst. On this Presidents day what are your thoughts. If not Lincoln then who do you think stands above the … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged , | 18 Comments

Thievery in the Mortgage Business

Posted on February 15, 2009 by billmanzi

A “Sixty Minutes” piece on World Bank, which is very telling as to how we have gotten into this mess. Funny thing is that I do not hear anyone in this piece talking about the Community Reinvestment Act. What I … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged , | 21 Comments