Author Archives: billmanzi

Michael Widmer on the Massachusetts Budget

Posted on December 5, 2012 by billmanzi

Some comments from Michael Widmer, laying out some of the issues facing the Commonwealth, and some of the unpleasant options facing the State as we begin looking to the FY 14 budget. Widmer was a guest on WBUR, Public Radio.

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Mayor Thatcher Kezer III on Amesbury Tax Rate

Posted on December 5, 2012 by billmanzi

Mayor Thatcher Kezer III of Amesbury, in response to some disagreements with the Newburyport Daily News over the municipal tax situation in Amesbury, did a posting on Facebook rebutting the position of the paper. I have cut and pasted that … Continue reading →

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Governor's Mid Year Cuts Are Here- Local Aid as Well

Posted on December 4, 2012 by billmanzi

The Governor today announced his mid-year budget cuts in response to the revenue shortfalls being experienced by the state. They are below, and they include a 1% cut to unrestricted local aid. The Governor also tapped the rainy day fund … Continue reading →

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Municipal Tax Rates and Surpluses

Posted on December 3, 2012 by billmanzi

Municipal budgeting, like most everything in government that relates to taxation, has become highly politicized. And like much that occurs in budgeting those politics, in many instances, show that budgetary doublespeak is not restricted to federal politicians. Municipal budgets are … Continue reading →

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Remembering Foreman-Lyle

Posted on December 1, 2012 by billmanzi

Many know that I have been a boxing fan for my entire life. So the political blog takes a look back at one of the greatest heavyweight fights that I have ever seen, the non-title bout between George Foreman and … Continue reading →

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Negotiating Towards the Cliff

Posted on November 30, 2012 by billmanzi

As someone who predicted a month ago that we would go over the “fiscal cliff”, and also that the debt ceiling introduction would complicate the negotiations you might expect that after yesterdays rhetoric I would be here saying I told … Continue reading →

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Remembering George Harrison

Posted on November 29, 2012 by billmanzi

Today is the anniversary of the death of George Harrison, the Beatle who was maybe the lowest key individual in the band, but certainly had a unique talent. Harrison came truly into his own as a solo artist, as he … Continue reading →

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Solving Parliamentary Snarls in Methuen

Posted on November 29, 2012 by billmanzi

As a former Mayor it is usually a wise thing to be seen and not heard on local issues. Sometimes not being seen or heard is preferable. I have decided to take a middle ground, and offer some commentary on … Continue reading →

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Municipal Bond Tax Exemption at Risk

Posted on November 28, 2012 by billmanzi

There has been plenty of talk about “tax expenditures” at both the federal and state levels, with all tax breaks under heavy scrutiny. One that has received a little attention, but deserves some more discussion, is the municipal bond tax … Continue reading →

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The Filibuster Blues

Posted on November 27, 2012 by billmanzi

Republicans are screaming bloody murder over the potential rules changes on the filibuster being proposed in the U.S. Senate by Harry Reid and the Democrats. A look at the actual proposal shows that it honestly does not amount to a … Continue reading →

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