Author Archives: billmanzi

War with Iran?

Posted on June 16, 2007 by billmanzi

With Joe Lieberman calling for airstrikes against Iranian nuclear targets and the U.S. military accusing the Iranians of arming the Taliban the threat of a hot war with Iran seems to be rising. Pat Buchanan has written a column with … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 4 Comments

Gay Marriage Ban Defeated

Posted on June 14, 2007 by billmanzi

The Massachusetts Legislature, sitting in constitutional convention, defeated the amendment banning gay marriage by a vote of 151 to 45. In order to get the question on the ballot proponents needed 50 votes in the Constitutional Convention. Strong political pressure … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | 5 Comments

Campaign Kickoff

Posted on June 13, 2007 by billmanzi

Last night I formally declared my candidacy for re-election as Mayor of Methuen. My thanks to Senator Steve Baddour, Representative Linda Dean Campbell, and City Council President Steve Zanni for their kind words of support. I will say more about … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen Mayor's Race | 2 Comments

Budget Story

Posted on June 12, 2007 by billmanzi

The City Council conducted its first set of budget workshops last night, with the final set to come on Thursday evening. The Eagle Tribune has posted a story on the budget process. Link to it here. I will post my … Continue reading →

Posted in Municipal Finance | Leave a comment

An ascendant Romney

Posted on June 11, 2007 by billmanzi

With all of the hits I have been taking from our Republican friends it is time to say some nice things about a Republican. It has been reported that both Rudy Guiliani and John McCain have withdrawn from the August … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 6 Comments

Blog Coverage

Posted on June 11, 2007 by billmanzi

The Sunday Eagle Tribune had a great story on the debut of this blog, with some insightful comments by Richard Howe Jr. of http://www.richardhowe.com. Link to the article here. The blogging community really does have some impact, and that impact … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen | 24 Comments

Republican Collapse

Posted on June 10, 2007 by billmanzi

With all of the debate about the collapsed immigration bill in Washington there has been little attention paid to the wider political ramifications of this failed compromise. Todays New York Times talks about the growing clout of Hispanics in the … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 14 Comments

Oakland Avenue School

Posted on June 8, 2007 by billmanzi

I have agreed (with City Council assent) to renew the lease at the Oakland Avenue School for the Islamic Academy that had an existing lease on the building. The site contains the school, a mosque, and a playground area that … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen | 6 Comments

Methuen’s FY2008 Budget

Posted on June 7, 2007 by billmanzi

I have posted the 2008 budget submission online. This budget is an extremely difficult one, with all general government departments being forced to accept a de facto cut. I have allocated last years budget numbers to the departments, with no … Continue reading →

Posted in Municipal Finance | 4 Comments

Fifth Congessional AFL-CIO Debate

Posted on June 5, 2007 by billmanzi

The Fifth Congressional District Democratic candidates had a labor-sponsored debate on Monday June 4th. Lynne from Left in Lowell has provided excellent debate coverage. Link to her blog coverage here. There were some interesting exchanges. Comments anyone?

Posted in Fifth Congressional | Leave a comment