The President Talks of Tragedy at Ft. Hood

Posted on November 7, 2009 by billmanzi

The President used his weekly address to speak of the terrible tragedy at Ft. Hood, including the heroic response of those who were involved and our great sorrow as a nation over the loss we suffered at Ft. Hood.

Posted in National News | Tagged | 1 Comment

Thank You Methuen!

Posted on November 4, 2009 by billmanzi

A very big thank you to the citizens of Methuen, who re-elected me last night to the job of Mayor. I appreciate the support, and offer my congratulations to all of the candidates who put their names on the ballot. I will post the numbers shortly.

Posted in Methuen, Methuen Mayor's Race | Tagged | 11 Comments

Webster Greene Antiques and Interiors

Posted on November 2, 2009 by billmanzi

Congratulations to Paul and Dennis Webster Greene, who have opened a magnificient new showroom at 306 Broadway. I attended the celebration over this past weekend, and I can tell you that this is so much more than a showroom. It is truly a stunning presentation which you must see! And a great new addition to our downtown.

Webster Greene Antiques and Interiors

Webster Greene Antiques

Posted in Methuen | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Eagle Tribune Endorses Manzi for Mayor

Posted on November 2, 2009 by billmanzi

I today received the endorsement of the Eagle Tribune, which said “Manzi has earned voters’ support for a third term…Manzi’s deserves great credit for his handling of Methuen’s budget, which is in far better shape that those in other Valley cities. Manzi deserves credit for negotiating important concessions with the municipal unions, which get credit as well for their willingness to help the city through fiscal troubles.”

The Tribune editorial ran yesterday, and you can read it here.

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Lt. Governor Tim Murray Endorses Manzi for Mayor

Posted on November 1, 2009 by billmanzi

Lt. Governor Tim Murray came to Methuen yesterday to endorse my candidacy for Mayor. The Lt. Governor is a former Mayor of Worcester, and he knows firsthand the problems that localities face. He has been a great asset for cities and towns in Massachusetts, and has been to Methuen frequently. The Lt. Governor was joined by State Senator Baddour, Rep. Linda Dean Campbell and Rep. Barbara L’Italien. I appreciate his endorsement greatly, and I am looking forward to continuing to work with Tim Murray over the next two years.

Tim Murray and Rep. Linda Dean Campbell

View the photos here.

Posted in Methuen, Methuen Mayor's Race | Tagged | 2 Comments

Pancake Breakfast This Morning

Posted on October 31, 2009 by billmanzi

We will be serving a full pancake breakfast this morning at the Methuen Senior Center, with the cooking being done by Chief Ken Bourassa. Come on down for some tasty breakfast.

Posted in Methuen, Methuen Mayor's Race | Tagged | 6 Comments

Art at the Library

Posted on October 31, 2009 by billmanzi

The Art Institute of the Merrimack Valley held their annual “Art at the Library” show at the Nevins Library, and it was a huge success. Artists from throughout the Merrimack Valley participated, and the work on display was truly stunning. I once again gave out the “Mayor’s Award”, with the winner being Barbara Burns. Thanks to the Art Institute and the Nevins Library for a great evening.

Mayor's Award Winner

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The President on the Economy

Posted on October 31, 2009 by billmanzi

President Obama talks about the uptick in GDP, and some of the beneficial impacts of the Stimulus passed earlier this year. The jobs situation remains bleak, and the President candidly acknowledges that. But he accentuates the positive, and speaks to the stabilizing effect of the actions of the federal government. As we swing into the midterms with unemployment at 10 percent or better what will happen politically in the House? Will the Dems suffer a wipeout, or lose seats but hold on to the majority? No question that the President is giving the midterms plenty of thought.

Posted in National News | Tagged | 1 Comment

The Governor Spares Local Aid

Posted on October 30, 2009 by billmanzi

Governor Deval Patrick unveiled his plan to close a $600 million dollar budget gap yesterday, sparing the main local aid accounts and imposing varied cuts against state spending, including the potential for 2000 state layoffs. The Governor was and is faced with a truly unenviable task, and his action with regard to local aid is deeply appreciated. And as we look at what cuts the Governor now has to impose on state government I know that his decision on local aid could not have been made easily. It will be one difficult decision after another, but the Governor has, from the perspective of the localities, stepped up and made a courageous choice. It is easy to criticize, and there will always be plenty of that for a Governor in difficult financial times. But the Governor deserves praise for wisdom and courage this morning, and I offer that without reservation. Thank you Governor Patrick. The Boston Herald listed some of the cuts offered by Governor Patrick.

$277 million in cuts to executive branches, encompassing $35 million for up to 2,000 layoffs; $3.9 million from the Registry of Motor Vehicles, $2.7 million in homeless individuals assistance and $5 million for higher education bonuses for police officers, known as the Quinn Bill. …Applying $106 million from additional departmental revenues, such as $50 million in anticipated tax settlements, $27 million in saved payments to the school building authority and $9 million from developing surplus state land. Using $62 million is federal stimulus funding to prevent cuts to higher education.

Posted in Methuen, Municipal Finance, State News | Tagged | 2 Comments

Korbani's Bakery Grand Re-Opening

Posted on October 28, 2009 by billmanzi

Korbani’s Bakery, right across the street from the brand new CVS on Swan and Jackson, unveiled their new and expanded bakery this week. It is a great bakery, with more room now for all of their great products. Thanks to the Korbani family for their willingness to invest in Methuen.

Korbani's Bakery Grand Opening

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