Author Archives: billmanzi

The Concord Coalition Budget Report (and the A.M.T.)

Posted on March 6, 2008 by billmanzi

I read a very interesting post from the Eisenthal Report dealing with the recent Concord Coalition budget analysis of President Bush’s budget submission. The numbers cited are staggering. Read the Eisenthal posting here. David has done a superb job of … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 3 Comments

The Empire Strikes Back

Posted on March 5, 2008 by billmanzi

Senator Hillary Clinton, on the proverbial ropes, came back strongly last night, scoring impressive wins in Ohio, Rhode Island, and Texas. Senator Barack Obama won the Vermont primary, as expected. While her wins will not put her in a position … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 11 Comments

The Murray Health Bill

Posted on March 4, 2008 by billmanzi

Senate President Therese Murray has tackled health care cost containment in a new bill filed yesterday. She has also sent out an electronic newsletter highlighting some key aspects of this important legislation. From the Murray Mail special edition: Yesterday, along … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | 5 Comments

Changes at the Methuen Police Department

Posted on March 4, 2008 by billmanzi

Police Chief Katherine Lavigne instituted some important changes this week at the Methuen Police Department. These reforms will produce a simpler structure, save money, and get us back to having a unitary department, instead of competing fiefdoms. It is my … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen | Leave a comment

A Florida Re-Do

Posted on March 3, 2008 by billmanzi

Republican Florida Governor Charlie Crist is indicating support for a re-run of the Florida primary, essentially having the State accede to the national Democratic Party demands on time frame and hence allowing the delegates from Florida to be seated without … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 1 Comment

LBJ and the Means of Ascent

Posted on March 3, 2008 by billmanzi

With the Texas primary upon us what better time to review the Robert Caro LBJ book “Means of Ascent”. Caro has written a series of LBJ books, and is supposedly working on the fourth and final installment dealing with the … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 4 Comments

Dead Heat

Posted on March 2, 2008 by billmanzi

Two new polls show that in both Texas and Ohio the race between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton is to close to call. From MSNBC: According to an MSNBC/McClatchy/Mason-Dixon survey in Texas, Obama is ahead of Clinton, 46%-45%, although that … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 6 Comments

The Texas Two Step

Posted on March 2, 2008 by billmanzi

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that heavy pressure against the Texas Democratic Party is being exerted by Senator Clinton over the possibility of Texas caucus returns being reported on Tuesday night, potentially diluting the effects of a Clinton win … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 3 Comments

The Weigh In at Latitudes

Posted on March 2, 2008 by billmanzi

Mayor Mike Sullivan and I weighed in for the “biggest loser” competition we are participating in at Latitudes in Methuen. For the record I weighed in at a “robust” 243 pounds, while Mayor Sullivan weighed in at a “svelte” 228 … Continue reading →

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Clinton Achieves a Draw

Posted on February 27, 2008 by billmanzi

A key debate, especially from the perspective of Senator Hillary Clinton, while testy at times, offered no knockout punch by either candidate. With Senator Obama leading and pulling away in some polls this debate was vital for Senator Clinton. An … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 3 Comments