Author Archives: billmanzi

State Teaches Cities Fiscal Responsibility

Posted on July 27, 2008 by billmanzi

One of the new items to come out of the state budget is the idea of a commission to study municipal budgeting and monitor local spending. It is covered in todays Eagle Tribune, where we learn that the state is … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, State News | 5 Comments

More Pension Follies

Posted on July 25, 2008 by billmanzi

The Globe is reporting today on the ability of some local and state employees to gather extra (and earlier) pension benefits by invoking a 1945 state law that gives the richer benefit to twenty year employees who have had their … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | 14 Comments

Ethanol under attack

Posted on July 24, 2008 by billmanzi

With the prices of food commodities soaring Texas governor Rick Perry has asked the EPA to waive the ethanol requirements for gasoline in his state. From the New York Times: Mr. Perry says the billions of bushels of corn being … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 1 Comment

It is time for Campaigning!

Posted on July 22, 2008 by billmanzi

I had the video below sent to me via email, and it is pretty clever. Blue Mass group has it posted as well. Enjoy. http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=kMdSje1G07n1eyLB&service=sendables.jibjab.com Send a JibJab Sendables® eCard Today!

Posted in National News | 2 Comments

Timetables, Horizons and al-Maliki

Posted on July 21, 2008 by billmanzi

The Bush Administration is seeking clarification from the Iraqi government after German magazine Der Spiegel printed remarks from Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki that appeared to support the position of Barack Obama on a sixteen month withdrawal timetable for American … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 3 Comments

The Gore Speech

Posted on July 20, 2008 by billmanzi

Al Gore gave a major speech last week on energy. I know that the Gore haters will flame this post, but Gore is breaking some important ground. And in anticipation of the criticism lets get right to it. It has … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 10 Comments

Cahill moves to standardize design

Posted on July 18, 2008 by billmanzi

State Treasurer Tim Cahill, in charge of the Massachusetts School Building Authority, has called for standardized design to be used for new school construction. The Cahill call for such use is in line with a long-standing request by Inspector General … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, State News | 4 Comments

Methuen adds lacrosse

Posted on July 18, 2008 by billmanzi

I have had numerous requests in the past year to add the sport of lacrosse to the outstanding menu of youth sports activities in Methuen. With a group of persistent residents nipping at my heels I have promulgated an executive … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Sports | Leave a comment

Texas moves further ahead on wind

Posted on July 18, 2008 by billmanzi

Texas, the national leader in wind power, has approved what is being described as the nation’s largest wind power project. From the Globe: Texas officials gave preliminary approval yesterday to the nation’s largest wind-power project, a plan to build billions … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | 1 Comment

Legislature Removes Municipal Retiree Cola

Posted on July 17, 2008 by billmanzi

The legislative budget conference committee removed the provision that had been inserted in the Senate version of the budget that raised the base for calculating municipal retiree cost of living increases from $12,000 to $16,000. This prospective change, made without … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, State News | Leave a comment