Author Archives: billmanzi

The Globe on Transportation

Posted on December 17, 2008 by billmanzi

Today’s Globe has another in what has become a series of editorials on transportation policy. Today’s editorial made some key points that are worth looking at. The idea of “reform before revenue” will not solve the mess we are in. … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Salazar to Interior, Vilsack to Agriculture

Posted on December 17, 2008 by billmanzi

President elect Barack Obama will name Colorado Senator Ken Salazar as Interior Secretary, and former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture today. Vilsack, as Governor of corn producing Iowa, has been a big proponent of biofuels. Both he … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

State Revenues Plunge

Posted on December 16, 2008 by billmanzi

The State of Massachusetts, after making a big round of budget cuts because of rapidly declining tax revenue, is faced with a new shortfall, as revenue continues to plunge below even the new, lower estimates put out two months ago. … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, State News | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

The Bell Tolls for Secretary Cohen

Posted on December 16, 2008 by billmanzi

Massachusetts Transportation Secretary Bernard Cohen resigned yesterday amid many rumors of his impending ouster. Governor Patrick accepted his resignation and issued a statement of thanks: “Thanks to Secretary Cohen’s expert leadership, we have begun to reverse decades of neglect and … Continue reading →

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Arne Duncan to be named Education Secretary

Posted on December 15, 2008 by billmanzi

The Washington Post is reporting that President elect Obama will name Chicago School Superintendent Arne Duncan as his Secretary of Education. Duncan will be named tommorow. From the Post: President-elect Barack Obama will name Chicago public schools superintendent Arne Duncan … Continue reading →

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Caroline Ready to Declare

Posted on December 15, 2008 by billmanzi

The New York Times is reporting that Caroline Kennedy, who has been toying with declaring interest in the New York Senate seat being vacated by Hillary Clinton, has decided to seek the seat. From the New York Times: The decision … Continue reading →

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

M.B.T.A. heads towards insolvency

Posted on December 15, 2008 by billmanzi

With the prospective toll hikes at the Pike taking all of our attention the dire financial condition of the M.B.T.A. has not received much attention lately. But we should all start paying attention, as the situation there goes from bad … Continue reading →

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

The RNC Attacks

Posted on December 15, 2008 by billmanzi

The RNC, in its zeal to hang the problems of Illinois Governor Rod Blogovetich around Barack Obama, has released this video. Pretty much of a stretch here, don’t you think?

Posted in National News | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Bush Ducks in Iraq

Posted on December 14, 2008 by billmanzi

President Bush, in a news conference with Iraqi President al-Maliki, had two shoes thrown at him by an Egyptian journalist. The President was nimble in ducking the first shoe, and unafraid as he stood in to duck the second. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 7 Comments

Methuen Schools Closed Tommorow

Posted on December 14, 2008 by billmanzi

The Methuen Public Schools will be closed tommorow, Monday December 15th due to ongoing power related problems. We are continuing to experience power outages for many residents, with the West End of Methuen appearing to be the slowest to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen | Tagged , | 4 Comments