Author Archives: billmanzi

Methuen’s Sensible Pot Regulation

Posted on January 13, 2009 by billmanzi

As you all know the voters of the State decriminalized the possession of marijuana in the last election cycle. Since that election there have been some questions raised, by law enforcement officials and others, about the impacts of the law … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Methuen City Council | Tagged , | 17 Comments

The Gas Tax It Is

Posted on January 13, 2009 by billmanzi

It is quite obvious that we will have, probably within the next month, a proposal to shelve the toll increases proposed by the Mass Turnpike and move to a gas tax increase of undetermined magnitude. The Governor, engaged in an … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

The Bush Finale

Posted on January 12, 2009 by billmanzi

President Bush held his final press conference this morning, covering the full gamut of questions. MSNBC gave the following overview: He said the “most urgent threat” that Obama will face is the potential for an “attack on our homeland.” Bush … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged , | 7 Comments

Regional Dispatch Moves Forward

Posted on January 12, 2009 by billmanzi

Today’s Eagle Tribune has a story on the potential for a regional dispatch center for Essex County. The story talks about a decision, due this month, on a state grant that would facilitate the building of a regional call center. … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Municipal Finance, State News | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Schuster and Ziegler Slug over Palin

Posted on January 11, 2009 by billmanzi

Filmaker John Ziegler (whose upcoming film on Obama’s election win was highlighted here a couple of days ago) slugs with MSNBC’s David Schuster over (yes, you guessed right) Sarah Palin. (Maybe Jules is right, I just can’t help myself). Some … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

Turnpike on the Hook for $400 million?

Posted on January 10, 2009 by billmanzi

The Globe reported today that the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority has received a demand letter from financial firm UBS, exercising its right to demand a $400 million dollar payment from the Turnpike. From the Globe: Authority executive director Alan LeBovidge said … Continue reading →

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

Obama Weekly Radio Address

Posted on January 10, 2009 by billmanzi

The President-Elect gives his weekly radio address, with the accent on some of the same themes hit upon during his economic speech given this week. This address has the President elect highlighting a report by economic advisors Christina Romer and … Continue reading →

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The Obama Economic Speech

Posted on January 10, 2009 by billmanzi

President-elect Barack Obama gives an economic talk this past week, warning of grave consequences if strong action is not taken. He speaks of the irresponsible actions of wall street and government. And he sets a goal of adding three million … Continue reading →

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

Rod Impeached

Posted on January 9, 2009 by billmanzi

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was impeached by the Illinois House yesterday, bringing him one step closer to being evicted from office. Blagojevich responded with a press conference that was a bit rambling, but during which he threw down the gauntlet … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Yippee! Sarah is Back!

Posted on January 9, 2009 by billmanzi

Governor Sarah Palin is back, giving a post mortem on press coverage of her vice presidential candidacy. Some great stuff here, including her criticism of the question asked by Katie Couric about what she reads. She attacks bloggers as well, … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged , | 9 Comments