Author Archives: billmanzi

Mired Down in Afghanistan

Posted on June 25, 2011 by billmanzi

The President gave his speech on Afghanistan, announcing that he was essentially winding down the “surge” that he had authorized a year or so ago. It appears to just about all that the President is splitting the policy difference, throwing … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jon Joins the Party (Or did He?)

Posted on June 23, 2011 by billmanzi

Jon Huntsman officially joined the Party yesterday, declaring his intention to run for the Presidency as a Republican. In one of his first interviews to talk about electoral strategy Huntsman indicated that he would carve a path to the nomination … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged | Leave a comment

Republicans Split on Foreign Adventurism

Posted on June 22, 2011 by billmanzi

A pretty public split has occurred in the Republican Party over the proper role for the United States in the world, with the neo-con wing seeming to have some real issues with much of the comments from the Republican Presidential … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 6 Comments

Methuen Budget Message and Presentation

Posted on June 21, 2011 by billmanzi

I have attached my budget presentation below, along with my budget message to the Methuen City Council. Liberated some of the ideas from the slide show from Manager Lynch in Lowell. City Council meets in budget session tonight. Dear Chairman … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Municipal Finance | Tagged | 1 Comment

Muni Health Care Reform in Doubt

Posted on June 19, 2011 by billmanzi

The Massachusetts Senate, via a late budget amendment, has added a provision dealing with retiree health care that would negate a large portion of prospective savings that their original bill provided. The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, (thank you Michael Widmer) has … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Massachusetts Mayors Endorse Setti Warren

Posted on June 19, 2011 by billmanzi

Eight Massachusetts Mayors have endorsed the candidacy of Newton Mayor Setti Warren for United States Senate. Mayor Warren is an outstanding candidate who understands the issues facing localities in Massachusetts. His resume and background, in my view, make him ideally … Continue reading →

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

The Gingrich Collapse

Posted on June 11, 2011 by billmanzi

The rather abrupt collapse of the Newt Gingrich candidacy this past week can’t be too much of a surprise in light of his problems as a candidate from day one, but it should offer lessons to candidates for office at … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged | 1 Comment

Pawlenty on the Economy

Posted on June 9, 2011 by billmanzi

Tim Pawlenty gave a major speech on the economy this month in which he made some major proposals on tax cuts, the deficit, and economic growth. Pawlenty had the speech critiqued by the Fact Checker over at the Washington Post, … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Rollins and Bachmann Take on Palin

Posted on June 8, 2011 by billmanzi

Republican campaign advisor Ed Rollins, freshly in place as chief strategist for Michelle Bachmann, used multiple talk show appearances to kick around Sarah Palin. From Politico: “Sarah has not been serious over the last couple of years,” he said. “She … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Methuen Health Care Deal Announced

Posted on June 7, 2011 by billmanzi

I was very happy to report a health care deal yesterday with Methuen’s Section 19 Coalition, which includes representatives of all city unions. It is a one year contract (FY12) which continues the substantial changes we enacted in Methuen in … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Municipal Finance | Tagged , | 3 Comments