Baker Wins the Nomination

Posted on April 20, 2010 by billmanzi

Republican Charlie Baker won big at the Republican Convention this past weekend, securing the Republican nomination for Governor and knocking Christy Mihos off the ballot. Baker did engage with Tim Cahill over the course of the convention, accusing Cahill of attempting to orchestrate Mihos getting on the ballot. From the Herald story:

Baker aides yesterday privately accused Cahill of conducting a phony call survey that went out to GOP delegates last week targeting Baker’s running mate, Sen. Richard Tisei. The poll focused on Tisei’s support of transgender rights and other issues that could have sent social conservatives to Mihos, who lost his bid for the primary ballot.

And so the mudfight between Cahill and Baker continues. Below is the Baker convention speech.

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Governors Race Stays Tight

Posted on April 19, 2010 by billmanzi

Governor Deval Patrick stayed on top of the latest survey in the Massachusetts Governor’s race, leading his opponents narrowly. Governor Patrick has consistently been ahead of both Tim Cahill and Charlie Baker, and the latest survey, by Western New England College, has him still leading, with Tim Cahill placing second and Charlie Baker third. Patrick came in with 34%, to Cahill’s 29% and Baker’s 27%. The survey was conducted before the Republican convention that nominated Baker. The numbers seem to reflect consistency between the different polling outfits, with Cahill and Baker continually trading second place in the different surveys. You can expect a press blast from Cahill touting himself as the real alternative to Governor Patrick at any moment. The survey has some numbers that really jump out at me, and that truly spell trouble for Charlie Baker unless reversed. The first number is Cahill’s percentage among Republican voters, which is 32%. That number is real bad news for Baker, and he must whittle that down significantly if he is to win this race. Cahill’s strategy of appealing to Republican voters and Tea Party activists appears to have had some success. And his showing up at the Republican Convention this weekend was a real irritant to Baker, who is now accusing Cahill of ochestrating attempts to get Christy Mihos on the Republican ballot.

The second number that jumped out at me is the “independent” number in the survey. Cahill leads in this category, pulling 35%, to Baker’s 29%, and Patrick’s 26%. A big spread amongst independent voters was a key to the Scott Brown victory, but with Cahill leading amongst independents Baker will be hard pressed to achieve any distance between himself and Deval Patrick in this key category. Tough for a Republican to win in this State without being able to run up some big margins amongst independents.

There is a long way to go but I think the survey is good news for Patrick, impressive for Cahill, and not so good for Baker. What do you think? I have attached the Western New England College survey below.

polling_-_mass_governor_april_2010_tables

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Goldman Sachs Charged

Posted on April 19, 2010 by billmanzi

Goldman Sachs was charged with securities fraud by the S.E.C. on Friday in a case that is likely going to be a central focus of the ongoing debate about financial regulation. Despite the complexity of some of the financial instruments involved the case itself is relatively straightforward. Goldman created mortgage backed security funds designed in part by people who wished to “short” the funds, or bet that they would lose money. Goldman itself made a fortune betting against these funds. From the New York Times:

According to the complaint, Goldman created Abacus 2007-AC1 in February 2007 at the request of John A. Paulson, a prominent hedge fund manager who earned an estimated $3.7 billion in 2007 by correctly wagering that the housing bubble would burst. Mr. Paulson is not named in the suit.

Goldman told investors that the bonds would be chosen by an independent manager. In the case of Abacus 2007-AC1, however, Goldman let Mr. Paulson select mortgage bonds that he believed were most likely to lose value, according to the complaint.

Goldman then sold the package to investors like foreign banks, pension funds and insurance companies, which would profit only if the bonds gained value. The European banks IKB and ABN Amro and other investors lost more than $1 billion in the deal, the commission said.

Maybe Goldman can blame the Community Reinvestment Act when it offers a defense to the SEC. But somehow I do not think that will work. This case, and the conduct of Wall Street during the meltdown, demand additional oversight and regulation. It will be increasingly difficult for Republicans to hold the line on this issue. Senator Scott Brown has indicated that he will join a Republican filibuster of the Senate bill, but left open the door to compromise. I have included video clips of Senator Mitch McConnell having a real hard time explaining why he and the Chairman of the Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee John Coryn were meeting with Wall Street folks to discuss ways to defeat this bill, and a clip of yesterday’s Face the Nation appearance by Senator Scott Brown, which focused heavily on the Financial Reform bill.

Read the New York Times story here.

Read a New York Times story on the political ramifications of the Goldman case here.

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The President on Financial Reform

Posted on April 17, 2010 by billmanzi

The President used his weekly talk to highlight proposed financial reforms, taking aim at Mitch McConnell and the Republicans for not only opposing reform but for painting that opposition as opposition to “bank bailouts”. I think that this issue is cutting in the President’s favor as Republicans are caught doing the bidding of the financial industry. Locally Butler Bank of Lowell just failed and was taken over by the FDIC and sold the same day to an out of state bank. Is that a “government intervention” that is a bad thing? The President, in my opinion, has the political upper hand on this issue.

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Nathan Gioacchini Wins April S.O.A.R. Award

Posted on April 16, 2010 by billmanzi

Congratulations to Nathan Gioacchini for winning the S.O.A.R. award in April. He is an outstanding young man with a great future.

It is an honor for the physical education department to nominate Nathan Gioacchini as this year’s S.O.A.R. Award recipient.

Nathan is a bright and articulate young man for whom it has been a pleasure to teach over the last four years. He is a great student who is respected by both his peers and faculty as being a young man of integrity, pride and class. Regardless of the situation, Nathan always remains poised, positive and enthusiastic he is a role model for other students to strive to emulate. Along with physical education class, Nathan currently carries a course load of AP Physics, AP English Literature, AP Calculus, AP Biology, Level 4 United States History, and AP Enhancement.

Nathan is always prepared for class and he can be counted on at any time to assist or initiate at the onset of any new activity in class.

The physical education staff wishes him well as he enters his freshman year at either U Conn or Purdue University next fall and is confident that his attitude and energy will bring him continued success in the future.

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Mayor's Corner Featuring Merrimack Valley Food Bank

Posted on April 14, 2010 by billmanzi

I have posted on my You Tube channel the latest Mayor’s Corner featuring Amy Pessia, the Executive Director of the Merrimack Valley Food Bank. This is part one of four parts.

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Charlotte Blood Honored

Posted on April 14, 2010 by billmanzi

I joined with the Methuen City Council to honor Charlotte Blood, who has made a financial contribution to bring a new scoreboard to our fieldhouse. Charlotte and her family have run the Bruce Blood Memorial Basketball Tournament for 29 years, raising over $100,000 for scholarships. Bruce Blood was a wonderful person and a close friend of mine whose life was taken by a drunk driver many years ago. Our community is blessed to have someone like Charlotte, who is always there to help others, and who gives so much of herself to help the senior community. The Citation is below.

WHEREAS: Charlotte Blood started the Bruce Blood Memorial Scholarship Tournament in memory of her youngest son Bruce Blood after he was killed in a car crash in 1982 at the hands of a drunken driver
Charlotte Blood has sustained the memory of her son Bruce Blood for 29 years with class and dignity and has enriched our community through her tireless effort in volunteering her time and energy and;

WHEREAS: Charlotte Blood has been especially helpful in securing fundraising and donations for the scholarship’s tournament of 5,000 participants raising $100,000; and

WHEREAS: through the support of coaches and parents Methuen Youth Basketball officials will keep the Bruce Blood Memorial Basketball Tournament an event in memory of Bruce Blood: and

WHEREAS : Starting next year the Bruce Blood Memorial Scholarship will be renamed “ The Charlotte Blood Scholarship.

NOW THEREFORE: BE IT KNOWN the City of Methuen on behalf of the City Council express pride in Charlotte Blood for bringing honor to our community. We heartily congratulate and admire Charlotte Blood and her family as outstanding citizens and celebrate the decision to create “The Charlotte Blood Scholarship” in her honor.

DATED: April 5,2010

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Honoring Father Thomas Keyes

Posted on April 10, 2010 by billmanzi

I was delighted to join with the Methuen City Council in honoring Father Thomas Keyes, the Pastor at St Lucy’s, who is leaving this month for a mission in Peru. Father Tom has been a great asset for our City, and we wish him great success. The Eagle Tribune story is here. The citation is below.

WHEREAS: Father Thomas Keyes, Pastor of St. Lucy’s Church in Methuen, is leaving April 12, 2010 for a mission in Lima, Peru; and

WHEREAS: during his numerous years of service as Assistant Pastor and Pastor, he was involved in various fundraisers for the parish, civic activities, helping parishioners, as well as participation during the Invocation at various City Council meetings; and

WHEREAS: Father Keyes’ character, commitment, determination, energy and willingness to work for the benefit of others; his service and dedication as Assistant Pastor and Pastor of St. Lucy’s Church is well deserving of recognition; now

THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED that on behalf of the citizens of Methuen, the City Council and the Mayor express their gratitude and appreciation to Father Keyes for his personal dedication and accomplishments and hereby extend best wishes and continued success now and in the future.

DATED: April 5, 2010

Honoring Pastor Tom Keyes

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The President on Tax policy

Posted on April 10, 2010 by billmanzi

The President talks on tax policy during his weekly address. He speaks of some of the new tax breaks that have been implemented during his Administration. He also talks about closing some tax loopholes exploited by some in the corporate world, as well as tipping his hat to deficit reduction.

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Fundraiser to Help Fitzgerald Family

Posted on April 9, 2010 by billmanzi

Neighbors helping Neighbors
Don’t miss this chance to pay it forward!
Please show your support and join us for a
fundraiser to benefit the Fitzgerald family.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
2:00pm – 5:00pm
Merrimack Valley Golf Club
210 Howe Street, Methuen, MA
We look forward to your attendance.
Light appetizers will be served. Dress code: Clubhouse attire.
__________________________
On February 5, 2010, the Fitzgerald Family experienced a fire
in their home. Thankfully the family escaped safely but
they tragically lost everything in their home.
The neighbors of Anderson Drive are hosting a
fundraiser to help bridge the gap and help ease
the family’s stress as they rebuild their lives.
Tickets: $10.00 for adults.
Children are free.

To pre-order tickets or if you are unable to attend and want to purchase tickets as a donation please contact:
Dave Blanchette
19 Anderson Dr., Methuen, MA
phone: 978-686-1556
email: david@blue42design.com

HUGE RAFFLE GALLERY!!!
Spa Ni’joli Flowers by Steve
Lia Sophia Sal’s Pizza
Silpada Forbidden Tan
iTunes Polcari’s
Fishing Gear The Belmont Inn
Grill Tools Toys
50/50 Raffle and so much more…

Got Gold?

Party of Gold will have gold specialists on site. Bring your out of style, broken, unwanted gold and get a check on the spot. Party of Gold will donate 15% of their proceeds (not yours) to the Fitzgerald family.
For more information visit
http://www.partyofgold.com.

Music and Activities for the Kids including Face Painting

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