Author Archives: billmanzi

Governor to Exempt Chapter 70 from the Ax

Posted on January 22, 2009 by billmanzi

Governor Deval Patrick will tommorow announce that he will not cut Chapter 70 school aid as part of the overall cuts to local aid that he will announce. That news, while good for schools throughout the Commonwealth, will mean that … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | Tagged , | 2 Comments

The Arrogance of CEO’S

Posted on January 22, 2009 by billmanzi

Bank of America, finding itself in a little bit of trouble these days, announced the resignation of John Thaine, the former CEO of Merrill Lynch. Bank of America had begun to rethink the offer to acquire Merrill Lynch in light … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged , | 5 Comments

New State Marijuana Laws Proposed

Posted on January 22, 2009 by billmanzi

Rep. Cleon Turner from Cape Cod has filed some state bills on marijuana that he feels will “tighten” the referendum law passed by voters in November. From the State House News Service: A Cape Cod lawmaker has filed a pair … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | Tagged , | 6 Comments

Caroline Kennedy Withdraws From Consideration

Posted on January 21, 2009 by billmanzi

The New York Times is reporting that Caroline Kennedy has called New York Governor David Paterson to announce that she is no longer interested in being named to the Senate Seat vacated today by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. From … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Toll Hike Delayed?

Posted on January 21, 2009 by billmanzi

It appears pretty certain that Governor Deval Patrick and new Transportation Secretary Jim Aloisi will manage to get the Massachusetts Turnpike to postpone the toll increases announced a couple of months back and scheduled to be voted on tommorow. The … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

The Banking and Finance Sector Crater

Posted on January 21, 2009 by billmanzi

On his first full day in office President Obama is facing a global banking crisis that has been getting worse instead of better, with an initial application of help from governments around the world having little impact. The figures are … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Methuen Passes (Modified) Pot Ordinance

Posted on January 21, 2009 by billmanzi

Methuen’s City Council gave first read approval to my proposal to levy additional fines for public usage of marijuana last night. The approval was unanimous. I did announce to the City Council that I would submit to them revisions to … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Methuen City Council | Tagged , | 7 Comments

President Barack H. Obama

Posted on January 20, 2009 by billmanzi

The Inaugural address of President Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/28738177#28738177.msnbcLinks {font-size:11px; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #999; margin-top: 5px; background: transparent; text-align: center; width: 425px;} .msnbcLinks a {text-decoration:none !important; border-bottom: 1px dotted #999 !important; font-weight:normal !important; … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged , | 9 Comments

A Day of Hope

Posted on January 20, 2009 by billmanzi

Barack Obama will be inaugurated this morning, and the difficult job facing him will test him from minute one. But I think he represents a real hope that the rationale for decision making in the White House will be logic … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Obama Praises McCain

Posted on January 19, 2009 by billmanzi

John McCain was the guest of honor at a dinner party that featured President-elect Barack Obama. Another nice touch by Barack Obama, who has really got this inaugural week roaring. John McCain seemed delighted to be there. Good for both … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged , , | 1 Comment