Author Archives: billmanzi

The Battle of Wisconsin Round Two

Posted on March 10, 2011 by billmanzi

Governor Scott Walker and the Wisconsin Republican Senate, using a parliamentary maneuver that seemed to take Democrats by surprise, passed legislation that took away the bulk of bargaining rights for public sector unions in Wisconsin yesterday. The Republicans stripped out … Continue reading →

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Muni Health Care Hearing

Posted on March 9, 2011 by billmanzi

The Legislature convened a hearing on municipal health care yesterday, which I was unable to attend.The Mass Mayors had Scott Lang of New Bedford, Kim Driscoll of Salem, and Tom Menino of Boston, amongst many, speaking for giving municipalities health … Continue reading →

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A Mystery to Me

Posted on March 6, 2011 by billmanzi

The Tribune ran two stories today talking about collective bargaining from the Massachusetts perspective. The first, from Bill Kirk, talked about the potential for the Wisconsin fallout to hit Massachusetts. Good piece worth a read. In the story I talk … Continue reading →

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All Praise Romney

Posted on March 1, 2011 by billmanzi

Who said civility in politics is dead??? We have heard both Governor Deval Patrick and now President Barack Obama go out of their way to highlight and praise the work Mitt Romney did in Massachusetts on health care reform. President … Continue reading →

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Blue Cross Clouds the Picture

Posted on February 28, 2011 by billmanzi

A Sunday piece in the Lowell Sun, written by John Coughlin of Blue Cross, manages to indirectly criticize Governor Patrick’s push to give greater flexibility to municipalities by giving them the option to join the GIC, by saying that we … Continue reading →

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Paul Downing Wins February SOAR Award

Posted on February 24, 2011 by billmanzi

Congratulations to Paul Downing, one of the SOAR Award winners in February. The narrative submitted for his nomination is below. “It is my great pleasure to nominate Paul Downing for the Methuen High School 2011 SOAR award in the Performing … Continue reading →

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Rahm Rolls in Chicago

Posted on February 23, 2011 by billmanzi

Rahm Emanuel rolled to victory in Chicago yesterday, crushing all opposition by outworking, outsmarting and outraising his opposition. For me it was a foregone conclusion when he announced because he is a campaign demon, willing to work like a dog … Continue reading →

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Methuen Single Stream Recycling Report

Posted on February 22, 2011 by billmanzi

This year Methuen instituted single stream recycling city wide, with curb side pickup. I have received some numbers from the five month mark that show that single stream is having a positive impact on overall recycling numbers. The improvement is … Continue reading →

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The Billion Dollar Question

Posted on February 21, 2011 by billmanzi

Governor Deval Patrick unveiled his budget for FY12, and we have talked about some of the ramifications of his recommended cut in local aid as well as his proposal on municipal health care. But little has been written, up to … Continue reading →

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Kasey Walko Wins February SOAR Award

Posted on February 19, 2011 by billmanzi

Congratulations to Kasey Walko, who was one of the SOAR Award winners at the February School Committee meeting. Statement of Recommendation and Recognition: When I arrive at school each morning, before 7 am., Kasey Walko is already waiting at the … Continue reading →

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