Author Archives: billmanzi

Governor Patrick Restores Some Cuts

Posted on May 21, 2013 by billmanzi

Governor Patrick, after cutting the current budget due to lower than expected tax revenues, is restoring $20.8 million of the $225 million cut as tax revenue begins to rebound. The latest figures show tax revenues $500 million or so above … Continue reading →

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Run Government as a Business????

Posted on May 19, 2013 by billmanzi

The Atlantic ran a pretty good story on government called, “Government Should Run Like a Business—but Not in the Way You Think.” Eric Schnurer has written a piece that provokes some thought, and got quite a bit of commentary from … Continue reading →

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Manzi in the Morning- Linda Soucy Interview

Posted on May 17, 2013 by billmanzi

I was very pleased to have Linda Soucy of the Methuen Arlington Neighborhood on the show this past week to talk about the progress made in our neighborhood through the efforts of MAN, and also to talk about the big … Continue reading →

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Shedding OPEB Through ObamaCare

Posted on May 15, 2013 by billmanzi

There is plenty to write about within the broad subject of municipal finance, pension obligations, and “Other Post Employment Benefits”(OPEB), which are primarily health care costs for retirees. While pension costs have at least (nominally in many cases)been addressed by … Continue reading →

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Panic in Detroit Part Two

Posted on May 15, 2013 by billmanzi

The Emergency Manager in Detroit, Kevyn Orr, just released his first report as E.M., painting a bleak picture of Detroit’s current financial status.This report was mandatory, with Orr going through some of the details found in his very short tenure … Continue reading →

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calPERS Lays Out the Issues

Posted on May 13, 2013 by billmanzi

Since I posted on the Stockton and San Bernadino bankruptcy cases yesterday I have bumped into a video produced by calPERS that gives the viewpoint they hold on those cases. As I mentioned yesterday these cases may produce groundbreaking law … Continue reading →

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Municipal Bankruptcy: Pensions, Bonds and Big Stakes in California

Posted on May 12, 2013 by billmanzi

California has had two major municipal bankruptcies in the past year, and both are being watched very closely by “interested parties” throughout the country. Novel legal issues are at stake in both Stockton and San Bernadino, with federal bankruptcy judges … Continue reading →

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Manzi in the Morning- Bryan Sweet Interview

Posted on May 11, 2013 by billmanzi

Bryan Sweet came on the show to talk about his announcement that he is a candidate for Methuen School Committee. That race should be interesting, as term limits and voluntary departures will create a large number of openings. Bryan has … Continue reading →

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Manzi in the Morning- Phil Lahey

Posted on May 9, 2013 by billmanzi

Phil Lahey, the host of the cable access show “The Empty Chair” came on the radio program this week to talk about addiction, the very real pain caused when a family member suffers from this disease, his own experience with … Continue reading →

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Suffolk Polling on MA Senate- Markey Leads

Posted on May 8, 2013 by billmanzi

Suffolk pollster David Paleologos has tonight released his first MA Senate poll, and it shows a substantial lead for Democrat Ed Markey over Republican Gabriel Gomez.From the Suffolk press release: “Ed Markey begins this race where he left off with … Continue reading →

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