Author Archives: billmanzi

Obama opts out of public finance

Posted on June 19, 2008 by billmanzi

In a move that was widely expected Barack Obama announced today that he is opting out of the federal system of public finance. From MSNBC First Read, an interesting analysis. This move has been widely speculated, but it’s a reversal … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 4 Comments

Celtics crush Lakers

Posted on June 18, 2008 by billmanzi

In front of a crowd that included John Havlicek, Bill Russell and Jo Jo White the newest version of the Celtics crushed the Lakers 131-92. It was a fitting end for the Lakers, and the 17th championship for this fabled … Continue reading →

Posted in Sports | 2 Comments

Suprise! Gore endorses Obama

Posted on June 17, 2008 by billmanzi

Is a Gore endorsement of Barack Obama worthy of a post. Well it is on this blog. Al Gore yesterday made his endorsement of Barack Obama in Michigan, and being a blog that follows all things Gore I thought it … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 4 Comments

The war for independent voters

Posted on June 17, 2008 by billmanzi

A new Washington Post-ABC News poll has Barack Obama with an overall lead over John McCain, but with some slippage for Obama amongst independent voters. The new poll does point to some fertile ground for Obama, showing obvious discontent with … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 1 Comment

Methuen Budget Passes

Posted on June 17, 2008 by billmanzi

The Methuen City Council passed the 2009 Municipal Budget last night. I have posted that budget on this blog, and will post the final adopted budget in the next day or so. The major changes in the budget were the … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Methuen City Council | 4 Comments

Patti Solis Doyle Named to Obama Staff

Posted on June 16, 2008 by billmanzi

Patti Solis Doyle, who was deposed as Hillary Clinton’s campaign manager midstream, was named by Barack Obama to his campaign staff today. Solis Doyle will serve as the chief of staff to the Obama V.P. designee, adding some tension with … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 2 Comments

The Power Broker

Posted on June 16, 2008 by billmanzi

I have just finished readind Robert Caro’s outstanding book called “The Power Broker”, a biography of master builder Robert Moses. After I had posted on another Caro book on LBJ Haverhill Mayor Jim Fiorentini suggested that I read this book. … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, National News | Leave a comment

Plowed Streets a luxury?

Posted on June 15, 2008 by billmanzi

Todays Tribune has a story on the expense of snow plowing in Methuen titled “plowed streets a luxury”. The gist of the story is that Council Chairman Phil Lahey, a retired DPW worker who plowed streets for many years, maintains … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen | 4 Comments

Tim Russert Passes Away

Posted on June 13, 2008 by billmanzi

Tim Russert, the NBC News Washington Bureau Chief and the host of Meet the Press, has died suddenly, apparently of a heart attack. Russert, who was 58, was recording for the Sunday Meet the Press program when he was stricken. … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 3 Comments

Readiness Schools

Posted on June 13, 2008 by billmanzi

Matt Viser of the Boston Globe reported yesterday that Governor Deval Patrick will unveil a proposal for a new type of public school that will resemble in some fashion charter or pilot schools. From the Globe: Governor Deval Patrick, in … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, State News | 3 Comments