Author Archives: billmanzi

Obama agrees to 3 debates

Posted on August 2, 2008 by billmanzi

It appears that Barack Obama has agreed to the three debates sponsored by the Presidential Debate Commission but no more. The NY Times is reporting that Obama appears to have rejected the joint town hall appearances suggested by the McCain … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 8 Comments

Obama shifts (slightly) on drilling

Posted on August 2, 2008 by billmanzi

Senator Barack Obama, in a nod to some political realities, agreed that where a good energy compromise bill could be negotiated he could support some additional offshore drilling. From the New York Times: “If we come up with a genuine … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 8 Comments

Enter the VEEP Sweeps

Posted on August 1, 2008 by billmanzi

All right now lets all get our best pundits hats on and make our predictions on the choice for Vice President by both nominees. I propose a contest for the readers of this blog. I will ask that you send … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, National News | 11 Comments

McCain the undisciplined

Posted on July 31, 2008 by billmanzi

With the two posts on campaign ads bringing some comments about effectiveness a story in todays Washington Post highlights some of my criticism of McCain’s political strategy. Essentially saying that McCain refuses to stay on message the story highlights McCains … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 7 Comments

The Obama response

Posted on July 31, 2008 by billmanzi

And after yesterdays post lets look at the Obama response. Effective? From Obama’s perspective I like the photo of Bush and McCain together, feeding into the “McSame” theme. Alternative energy proposals? Good visuals for Obama. Taking on big oil? A … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 2 Comments

Obama compared to Britney?

Posted on July 30, 2008 by billmanzi

The McCain campaign continues to struggle with the Obama factor in this race. They have criticized the media for slanted coverage, and ridiculed his overseas trip, referred to him as “the chosen one”, and now they have taken the drastic … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 7 Comments

Methuen Master Plan Passed

Posted on July 29, 2008 by billmanzi

Culminating a two year process the Methuen City Council voted 8-1 in favor of passing a new Master Plan for Methuen, and adopting a new city wide zoning plan that was the result of our master planning process. The zoning … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Methuen City Council | 7 Comments

Federal Deficit Soars

Posted on July 28, 2008 by billmanzi

More news from the land of fiscal responsibility. From the Washington Post: The federal budget deficit will surge to nearly $490 billion next fiscal year, a record dollar amount, driven by continuing war costs and an economic slowdown that is … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 5 Comments

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