Author Archives: billmanzi

The Phoenix eats humble pie

Posted on June 12, 2008 by billmanzi

As a final note on the weight loss competition with Lawrence Mayor Michael Sullivan I must happily accept the congratulations offered by David Bernstein of the Phoenix Talking Politics blog. . As many remember Mr. Bernstein predicted a big win … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen | Leave a comment

The stress on mass transit

Posted on June 11, 2008 by billmanzi

With gas prices soaring the country is experiencing serious hikes in the utilization of mass transit. While that correlation is not exactly rocket science our traditional underfunding of mass transit as a country will have consequences as ridership goes up. … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 11 Comments

The Tax Story

Posted on June 10, 2008 by billmanzi

The Tribune is running a story today that essentially says that I am “blaming” the City Council for “raising taxes”. The story comes out of last nights budget workshop where I agreed to restore $400,000 to the Fire Department budget. … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Methuen City Council | 3 Comments

The Al Franken Decade

Posted on June 9, 2008 by billmanzi

Writer/comedian Al Franken won a resounding victory in Minnesota at the Democratic convention, earning the right to face Republican Norm Coleman in November for the U.S. Senate seat. Franken had been dogged by criticism of some of his writing as … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 8 Comments

O’Reilly makes the ballot

Posted on June 7, 2008 by billmanzi

Attorney Ed O’Reilly crossed the fifteen percent threshold at today’s Democratic convention, ensuring a September primary with John Kerry. (I have endorsed John Kerry in this race). The delegate count was 1994 to 580, giving O’Reilly about 23 percent. The … Continue reading →

Posted in National News, State News | 6 Comments

Hillary Calls for Democratic Unity

Posted on June 7, 2008 by billmanzi

Hillary Clinton, in an eloquent speech, called for Democratic unity and endorsed Barack Obama today. Senator Clinton’s speech, while expected, was a fine talk that put to rest any talk of her not being totally supportive of the party nominee. … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 4 Comments

Methuen’s Budget

Posted on June 6, 2008 by billmanzi

I have submitted to the City Council the FY 2009 budget. This budget, attached in pdf form, is an austerity budget that deals with the city’s fiscal crisis head on, imposing some pain that will allow us to get through … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Methuen City Council | 4 Comments

The End- But No White Flag

Posted on June 3, 2008 by billmanzi

Hillary Clinton split the last two primaries with Barack Obama tonight, winning South Dakota and losing Montana. Obama crossed the threshold of delegates needed to win the nomination, but Team Clinton has still not conceded. Instead a furious PR campaign … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 1 Comment

Ted Kennedy to undergo surgery today

Posted on June 2, 2008 by billmanzi

Senator Ted Kennedy will undergo surgery today at Duke University to battle a brain tumor. The Globe is reporting that Ted will follow the surgery with both chemo and radiation, and will not return to the Senate until such treatment … Continue reading →

Posted in National News, State News | 1 Comment

The Beas Site

Posted on June 2, 2008 by billmanzi

We have unveiled a plan for boating access to the Merrimack River at the old Beas Sandwich Shop site. This plan is the result of a $250,000 state grant that will fully fund this project. And while the interaction between … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen | 3 Comments