Author Archives: billmanzi

The Methuen High School Project

Posted on January 12, 2013 by billmanzi

Back in January of 2012 I posted the below as a summary of the Methuen High School project as I left office. With a year gone by I thought a re-post would be appropriate. I would only add a few … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Municipal Finance | Tagged | Leave a comment

Housing Authority Reform and Local Control

Posted on January 12, 2013 by billmanzi

Governor Patrick yesterday unveiled a proposal that would radically alter the administration of public housing in Massachusetts. The Administration, rocked by earlier stories of housing mismanagement and corruption centered around Chelsea Housing Authority Director Michael McLaughlin, has now responded with … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Barney Frank Holds Forth on Defense Spending

Posted on January 10, 2013 by billmanzi

Barney Frank, on the “Last Word” program, talking with Ezra Klein about U.S. military spending, and the need to look for reductions in that budget. Frank brings a point of view, and immense budgetary knowledge to back up that point … Continue reading →

Posted in National News, State News | Tagged | Leave a comment

Rex Trailer Passes Away

Posted on January 10, 2013 by billmanzi

It is a big loss for all of the many fans of Rex Trailer to learn that he has today passed away at 84. Rex Trailer hosted Bomtown, a show that provided good clean wholesome entertainment for kids, like me, … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, State News | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The Coming Train Wreck

Posted on January 8, 2013 by billmanzi

There has been much speculation in the media about the potential for another fiscal clash in the first quarter of this year, centered around the debt ceiling and the sequester. Much has been already written, and there is plenty more … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Bill Weld Unchained: An Independent Run?

Posted on January 7, 2013 by billmanzi

There is plenty of focus on Scott Brown as the prospective Republican candidate in the special election to succeed John Kerry that is coming down the pike. I see that possibility as more than likely, with Brown, rightly or wrongly, … Continue reading →

Posted in State News, U.S. Senate Race | Tagged , | Leave a comment

I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass. Barney Frank for Senate!

Posted on January 4, 2013 by billmanzi

Barney Frank, in a morning appearance on Morning Joe, expressed his desire to be named to the interim U.S. Senate position by Governor Deval Patrick. He had indicated earlier that he would not want that slot, but he has changed … Continue reading →

Posted in U.S. Senate Race | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The State House Looks to Transportation

Posted on January 3, 2013 by billmanzi

The Congress of the United States has taken most of the media attention in the last few weeks, but in Massachusetts the new Legislature was sworn in yesterday, with both Speaker Robert Deleo and Senate President Therese Murray re-elected to … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Where Are You Going?

Posted on December 31, 2012 by billmanzi

As the temper tantrums and recriminations fly back and forth in Washington on the fiscal cliff I have to say that I am, despite my low expectations, still amazed at what is nothing short of group dysfunction in American government. … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged | Leave a comment

Big-Footed

Posted on December 29, 2012 by billmanzi

And so the powers that be have anointed Congressman Ed Markey as the next U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, issuing a well choreographed series of endorsements to his new candidacy to replace John Kerry. Why, even the future Secretary of State … Continue reading →

Posted in National News, State News, U.S. Senate Race | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment