Read Across America in Methuen

Posted on March 27, 2009 by billmanzi

The first week in March was celebrated as Read Across America week in Methuen. I had the great pleasure of reading to students at the Timony, the Marsh, and the CGS. It was a great experience for me, and we had a great deal of participation from everyone in the community. Our students were wonderful, as was our great teaching staff. What is more fundamentally important than getting our students to read, and to actually enjoy reading outside of the academic world. Great program! Thanks to the Methuen Public Schools for inviting me to participate!

Read Across America

Read Across America Timony School

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 5 Comments

House Republicans File “Detailed Budget”

Posted on March 27, 2009 by billmanzi

House Republican’s yesterday filed a “detailed” budget blueprint in response to continued needling from President Obama that they were offering no alternatives. I have posted that document here so you can all see what is meant by detail. Glenn Thrush over at Politico yesterday wrote about the Republican infighting over the document.

“In his egocentric rush to get on camera, Mike Pence threw the rest of the Conference under the bus, specifically Paul Ryan, whose staff has been working night and day for weeks to develop a substantive budget plan,” said a GOP aide heavily involved in budget strategy.

“I hope his camera time was gratifying enough to justify erasing the weeks of hard work by dozens of Republicans to put forth serious ideas,” the person added.

“It’s categorically untrue,” said Pence spokesman Matt Lloyd. “Cantor as well as Ryan and the rest of the leadership have been part of this process for weeks. They not only signed off on it, but their staffs helped edit it.”

There is plenty of “detail” in this “budget document” to have a few laughs about, but let us look at one excerpt, as the document talks about how to reign in spending.

In addition to securing our nation’s major entitlements,by enacting common-sense reforms and weeding out waste, fraud, and abuse, Republicans propose to undo the recent reckless and wasteful Democrat spending binge included in the so-called “stimulus” and omnibus bills. In addition, Republicans would cut overall nondefense spending by reforming or eliminating a host of wasteful programs deemed ineffective by various government entities. And Republicans would fully fund our ongoing commitments overseas while devoting the entirety of any savings from reduced fighting to deficit reduction, rebuilding our military, and funding our commitment to our veterans.

Yes John Boehner, why didn’t the Democrats think of solving the budget crisis by eliminating waste, fraud and abuse. (I looked for an exemption on waste and fraud in the document on the billing practices of Halliburton in Iraq, but could not find one) I especially enjoyed the Republican detail on eliminating unneeded programs, which they fail to name. Reform entitlements? Everyone is for that, except when details are announced. Reduce spending by pouring more money into military operations. Isn’t that how Bush balanced the budget? The Republicans identified some budgetary “areas” that they feel should not be funded, but just don’t make any proposals.

International organizations and foreign aid recipients, including millions for reconstruction in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. Labor union bosses participating in a new “green jobs” program. The National Endowment for the Arts,the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Americorps,Title X Family Planning, and a host of spending programs that will do nothing to help our economy recover. And even community organizers, such as ACORN, performing “neighborhood stabilization.” Hundreds of programs deemed ineffective by prior
Administrations are funded, despite promises from the President to go “line by line” to examine each program’s effectiveness.

Maybe Rep. Ryan’s budget will fill some of the detail in, but for now this document has not done anything to answer the Obama charge that the Republican’s are simply the “party of no”. Obama is getting more detailed and reasoned pushback on his budget by moderate Democrats. But that is a story for a separate post.

republican-road-to-recovery-final

http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f8/1155201977

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

Governor Patrick Responds to Suffolk Poll

Posted on March 26, 2009 by billmanzi

Governor Deval Patrick responded today to the Suffolk/Channel 7 poll with a statement. The Governor essentially tells us that his job requires long term planning and he cannot be distracted by short term political considerations. From the Governor:

Governor Patrick has worked on long-term issues that will help us get through the current economic crisis, grow jobs, and secure our common economic future. He is tackling tough issues — including auto insurance reform, police details, health care, fixing our broken roads and bridges with the gas tax, and comprehensive ethics and pension reforms to restore public confidence — that will provide long-term benefits to the Commonwealth but also bring with them political consequences.
This focus on the long-term, rather than the next day’s headlines or poll results, will position Massachusetts to come out of the economic downturn stronger and better prepared to recover. Governor Patrick believes it is too early to focus on politics, and he is working 24/7 to do the job the voters elected him to do.

That is what he said he’d do when he ran and when the time is right to ask the voters for another four years, he believes they will see the benefit of having a Governor who does just that; and he looks forward to running on his record.

Posted in State News | Tagged | 1 Comment

White House Virtual Town Meeting Today

Posted on March 26, 2009 by billmanzi

The White House is conducting a nationwide virtual Town Hall meeting today at 11:30. The President will be taking questions over the internet, and answering those questions. An interesting concept. Questions can be submitted through 9:30 a.m. Visit the White House website to participate or watch.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Methuen to Begin Curbside Pickup of Ice Storm Debris

Posted on March 26, 2009 by billmanzi

The City of Methuen will begin curbside pickup of tree debris that has been with us since the major ice storm that struck the area a couple of months back. It is important to note that we are requesting that any brush and tree material that needs to be removed be placed curbside by April 5th. We will begin removal on April 6th, and we will not be able to return to an area once we have gone through it. Federal Disaster Relief funds are aiding us in this endeavor, and I would like to thank Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, who was instrumental in getting cities and towns the disaster designation we needed to access these funds. I have placed the official city notice below. If you have any questions or concerns please call 978-983-8545.

City of Methuen

IMPORTANT NOTICE
Brush and Tree Material Pick up

All brush and tree material (NO LEAVES OR BAGS) must be placed
curb side by Sunday, April 5, 2009 for chipping and/or removal by the City and/or private contractors beginning April 6th.

The City will chip and/or pick up on your street once. Please abide by the April 5th date.

Mayor William M. Manzi III

If you have any questions, please call 978-983-8545

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Senate Transportation Bill Executive Summary

Posted on March 26, 2009 by billmanzi

Senate President Therese Murray issued a statement through her email newsletter, which is below. I have attached an executive summary of the Senate Transportation bill as well. A big win for the Senate President.

Reform Before Revenue: Senate Passes Bill To Dramatically Restructure And Simplify State Transportation System

I am pleased to announce that the Senate stood by its pledge of “Reform before Revenue” and in a 39 to 1 vote passed comprehensive reform legislation that consolidates multiple agencies into an independent authority and eliminates the MBTA’s “23 and out” retirement policy.

The Senate bill eliminates the Turnpike Authority, streamlines communications, and creates a more efficient and cost-effective system under a unifying agency called the Massachusetts Surface Transportation Authority (MSTA), potentially saving the Commonwealth up to $6.5 billion over 20 years.

The MSTA sheds the many layers of bureaucracy in the current system by consolidating and sharing existing resources and services. In the first two years of the Senate reform plan, the new system will see a surplus of $71.7 million in year one and $25.5 million in year two, based on reforms alone with no additional revenues attached.

Under the new Authority, the current system is reduced to two divisions: Roads and Bridges; and Public Transit.

The Roads and Bridges Division assumes the duties of MassHighway, the Turnpike Authority, the Tobin Bridge, and Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) parkways and bridges; while the Public Transit Division assumes the duties of the MBTA and provides the Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) with central oversight and funding through the new Authority.

Transition to the MSTA will phase in over a three-year period, consolidating the Western Turnpike, MassHighway and DCR parkways and bridges by July 1, 2009; the Metropolitan Highway System, the Tobin Bridge and the RTAs by July 1, 2010; and the MBTA by July 1, 2011.

The Senate bill aligns the new Authority’s retirement policy with the state retirement system, eliminating the MBTA’s “23 and out” and implementing “55 and 25”. It also requires that the cost of MBTA health care benefits will be no greater than those provided under the GIC. Employees will be required to participate in the GIC only if an actuarial study shows it to be more cost effective.

The legislation also includes significant transparency and accountability measures, including:

A special audit unit within MSTA to root out fraud, waste and abuse in Authority spending. The unit is authorized to refer matters to the state inspector general for further investigations;
Improved fiscal scrutiny for major capital expansion projects (those with projected construction costs greater than $25 million) by requiring a written finding that sufficient revenues will exist to operate the project;
Use of the state fiscal year and the state’s accounting system;
A ban on former employees from lobbying the Authority for one year;
Restrictions on the use of outside consultants;
Mandatory reporting requirements to the Legislature; and
A requirement that employee salaries are counted as operating expenses, thereby ending the Commonwealth’s practice of paying employee salaries from bond proceeds.
Massport is left untouched under the Senate restructuring bill and remains independent of the MSTA because it is not a surface transportation agency and is responsible for, and specializes in, aviation and the Port of Boston. Additionally, it does not use state money for its operations.

The bill now goes to the House for further action.

senate-executive-summary

Posted in State News | Tagged , | 7 Comments

Patrick Negatives Spike, Cahill Leads Head to Head

Posted on March 25, 2009 by billmanzi

A new Suffolk University/Channel 7 survey unveiled tonight shows 49% of Massachusetts voters disapprove of the job Governor Deval Patrick is doing. Patrick’s job performance was approved by 40 percent of the voters, leaving him in a bad spot after a bad month. When asked whether Governor Patrick deserved re-election 47% of the respondents said no, with 34% favoring the Governor’s re-election. And in a head to head match against Treasurer Tim Cahill the Governor trails Cahill by a 35% to 30% margin, with 30% undecided.

Cahill’s strength in this matchup comes from men, independents, and Republicans. Patrick still wins amongst Democrats and women. It is still early but those numbers will push Cahill into an independent bid should he choose to run, and will present a major problem for Patrick if the Republicans nominate a weak candidate (anyone but Charlie Baker). Just think Joe Lieberman. And for those who have been “sticking a fork” in Cahill maybe you ought to put those utensils back in the drawer. Cahill has a 40% favorable rating, with an 8% unfavorable, with the balance undecided or never heard of the guy. He is a blank canvas to a big group, with the ability to mold that image positively. The flanking motion around the liberal constituency that hates him could make this a wild and bloody fight. Deval Patrick better start raising money. He is going to need it.

The Suffolk Poll marginals are below.
editedfinalsuffolkmarginalsmarch202009

Posted in State News | Tagged | 2 Comments

Senate Passes Reform (Before Revenue)

Posted on March 25, 2009 by billmanzi

The State Senate today passed a transportation bill that reorganizes the transportation system in Massachusetts by a vote of 39-1. It culminates a long process of give and take over the shape of the bill, and now throws the ball into the court of the House of Representatives. From the Boston Globe:

The bill calls for current transportation agencies to be reorganized. A Massachusetts Surface Transportation Agency would be created, with two divisions. The Roads and Bridges Division would assume the duties of MassHighway, the Turnpike Authority, the Tobin Bridge, and Department of Conservation and Recreation parkways and bridges; the Public Transit Division would assume the duties of the MBTA and provide regional transit authorities with central oversight and funding, Murray’s office said.

The bill slso took aim at some of the benefit packages currently enjoyed by T employees.

The Senate’s bill shares some similarities with Patrick’s restructuring proposal. Both, for example, would reduce fringe benefits for transit workers, now some of the most generous perks in the country. The bill would eliminate newly hired transit workers’ ability to retire after 23 years, regardless of age, with pensions. They would instead need to reach the age of 55 and work at least 25 years at the MBTA, the same rules that apply to other state workers. The bill would also put their healthcare costs closer in line with other state workers, a change that would save an estimated $50 million a year.

Senate President Therese Murray issued a statement upon success.

“This is an important piece of legislation for the Commonwealth,” Senate President Therese Murray said in a statement. “We need to consolidate and restructure first so we don’t throw money into a broken system that no one has confidence in anymore.”

On to the House, where leadership has promised to put its own stamp on this bill. Victory to Senate President Therese Murray and Senate Transportation Chair Steven Baddour, who have forced the issue of reforms to the forefront, leaving revenues to a later date. Maybe I was not listening in the right places but I did not hear a whole lot of public complaining about the bill from organized labor. I know that they cannot be happy about bill provisions that modify contractual rights without bargaining. But that handwriting has been on the wall for some time.

Posted in State News | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

New Head Start Building at Gill Avenue

Posted on March 25, 2009 by billmanzi

Today’s Tribune has the story of the proposal I have made to the Methuen City Council to lease parkland to the Head Start program at Gill Avenue so that they can construct a new building to house Methuen Head Start students. The land currently has a city building on it that has, in the past, served as a meeting hall for the DAV. It is currently unoccupied, and in some disrepair. The proposal would lease the land to the Head Start program for 99 years at one dollar a year. In return Head Start would build a brand new building on the site that would provide a home for Methuen Head Start students. Currently Head Start utilizes some space in the Central School, which is the administrative building for our school department. That space will not be available to the program after one more year. I have been working with the folks at Head Start for some time to come up with a new location, and Gill Avenue seems like the perfect spot.

The Gill Avenue park abuts a residential neighborhood with an active neighborhood group. That group spoke in favor of this proposal at the City Council meeting that gave the Home Rule Petition its first read. The residents have been interested in making the park a “drug free zone”, and the construction of a school on the site will allow them to achieve that important goal.

The construction will be funded 100 percent by Head Start, which hopes to take advantage of federal stimulus money to help fund construction. We will get to replace an aging structure in need of repair with a new building at no expense to the City, and also provide a new state of the art home for Methuen students. My thanks to Phil Larivierre, Anne D’Errico, and Chic Lopiano for all of their hard work. Lopiano still owes me a coffee at Starbucks, which I may have to wait forever for.

Read the Tribune story here.

What the New Building will look like

Head Start Students Visit Gill Avenue

Posted in Methuen, Methuen City Council | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Paleologos With New Poll Tonight on Channel 7

Posted on March 25, 2009 by billmanzi

Suffolk University pollster David Paleologos will be on with Andy Hiller unveiling the latest state poll numbers, including measurements of Governor Patrick. The Governor has had a tough month politically, and it will be interesting to see what the numbers show. Channel 7 has been teasing it, and we will try to post the survey tommorow. On at 10:00 and 11:00.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment