Author Archives: billmanzi

Steele Elected Chair of the R.N.C.

Posted on January 31, 2009 by billmanzi

Former Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele was elected as the new Chair of the Republican National Committee yesterday. Steele defeated a large field of candidates, including the incumbent Mike Duncan, who had been handpicked by President George Bush. Steele’s election … Continue reading →

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Daschle Hits the Tax Skids

Posted on January 31, 2009 by billmanzi

Tom Daschle’s confirmation as H.H.S. Secretary appears to be in doubt with the revelation yesterday of tax problems. Daschle has filed amended tax returns for three years that have added $128,000 to his tax liability. His problems are in three … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Bye Bye Blago

Posted on January 29, 2009 by billmanzi

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was today convicted by the Illinois State Senate, and removed from office by a vote of 59-0. Blagojevich had addressed the State Senate and defended his actions as Governor: From MSNBC: Blagojevich acknowledged he sometimes mingled … Continue reading →

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The Governor’s 2009 9-c cuts detailed

Posted on January 29, 2009 by billmanzi

Governor Deval Patrick yesterday detailed his 9-c cuts by community, as well as producing a plan to balance the FY2009 state budget. The cuts were not good news for cities and towns in the Merrimack Valley. Methuen’s mid year cut … Continue reading →

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House Passes Stimulus

Posted on January 29, 2009 by billmanzi

The House of Representatives yesterday passed the federal stimulus bill by a 244-188 margin, with not one Republican voting in favor. Republicans had offered a substitute that was weighted towards tax cuts. but that measure was handily defeated. I have … Continue reading →

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

Gore Testifies

Posted on January 28, 2009 by billmanzi

Al Gore testified today before the Senate Foreign Relation Committee. In that testimony Gore called for passage of President Obama’s stimulus package as well as quick action on climate change. He urged Congress not to let the myriad of problems, … Continue reading →

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The Obama Stimulus

Posted on January 28, 2009 by billmanzi

The huge federal stimulus bill is winding its way through Congress, with the House expected to pass it in the next day or so, and the Senate shooting for enactment by the Presidents Day Holiday. I have attached it below, … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Methuen Schools Closed

Posted on January 28, 2009 by billmanzi

The Methuen Public Schools will be closed today, Wednesday January 28th due to the storm.

Posted in Methuen | Tagged | 2 Comments

No Suprise: Deleo Next Speaker

Posted on January 27, 2009 by billmanzi

House Chairman of Ways and Means Bob Deleo will be elected by the full House tommorow to succeed Salvatore Dimasi as Speaker of the House. With John Rodgers conceding defeat Deleo took a victory lap around the State House, appearing … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Wilmington School Committe Nixes Teacher Contract

Posted on January 27, 2009 by billmanzi

The Lowell Sun is reporting that the Wilmington School Committee has turned down a teachers contract that had been negotiated and was ready for ratification by both sides. While the exact terms of the contract were not made public the … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | Tagged , | 3 Comments