Author Archives: billmanzi

Setti Warren Wins Methuen Straw Poll

Posted on September 10, 2011 by billmanzi

Newton Mayor Setti Warren, after a very strong appearance, won the Methuen Democratic Committee straw poll this morning. Mayor Warren came early and left late, and gave a great talk to the assembled Democrats. Elizabeth Warren finished second to Mayor … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | Tagged , | 1 Comment

The President on Jobs

Posted on September 10, 2011 by billmanzi

I watched the President’s jobs speech hoping to hear something big and bold. I just do not see this plan moving the needle all that much, even if adopted fully. As to whether it will be adopted at all I … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Where are the Republicans?

Posted on September 8, 2011 by billmanzi

The Republican debate last night was quite entertaining, and gave a peek of what is to come in the next few months. Some observations: Michelle Bachmann was invisible. Most analysis gives her low marks, not because of anything she said, … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

Scott Brown Leads Pack

Posted on September 7, 2011 by billmanzi

A new WBUR poll shows Senator Scott Brown leading all potential Democratic opponents, with newly minted candidate Elizabeth Warren closing to within nine points of Senator Brown. Brown led Elizabeth Warren by a 44% to 35% margin. The survey matched … Continue reading →

Posted in National News, State News | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

The Post Office Sinks

Posted on September 6, 2011 by billmanzi

The U.S. Post Office has been putting out the alarm bells, with the Postmaster holding out the prospect of the Service becoming insolvent and closing. The Post Office has seen sales drop by 22% over the past five years, with … Continue reading →

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The Mayor's Salary

Posted on September 5, 2011 by billmanzi

Today’s Tribune has a story about a proposal to lift the Mayor’s salary in Methuen to make it competitive with salaries paid to CEO’s in cities with similar populations and budgets. I filed this proposal on behalf of a group … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Methuen City Council, Methuen Mayor's Race, Municipal Finance | Tagged | 3 Comments

Perry Leads Romney in Nevada????

Posted on September 3, 2011 by billmanzi

Certainly it is way too early for Mitt Romney to enter panic mode, but a new Magellan survey shows Rick Perry leading Romney in Nevada, which has been considered a Romney firewall. The survey has Perry ahead among likely voters … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

What a Bunch of Dopes

Posted on August 31, 2011 by billmanzi

So now the President of the United States and the Speaker of the House cannot manage to avoid a public spat over the scheduling of a Presidential address to Congress? Almost irrelevant who is to blame, although I am hard … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged | 1 Comment

Pay-Go Redux

Posted on August 30, 2011 by billmanzi

With Congress looking at a hefty bill for Hurricane Irene relief the budgetary fighting has begun, with Minority Leader Cantor talking about imposing “pay-go” rules on such spending. From Politico: But on Fox News earlier Monday, Cantor said, “There’s a … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged | 2 Comments

Thanks to Methuen's EM Team

Posted on August 29, 2011 by billmanzi

I am very grateful to all those people who worked so hard this weekend to get us through Hurricane Irene. Emergency Management Director John Santoro, the Cert Volunteers, DPW Director Difiore and his team, and our Police and Fire Departments … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen | Tagged | 1 Comment