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Manzi on the hot seat

Sep 25th, 2007 by Nelson Benton

Methuen Mayor Bill Manzi has reason to be worried.
Considered a heavy favorite in his race with City Councilor Kathleen Corey Rahme at the start of the election season, Manzi has been beset by a series of unfavorable stories, many of them involving his police department. Indeed, one got the distinct impression from the conversation he had with the Eagle-Tribune’s editorial board Monday that the pressure is building on Manzi to do something, anything, to stop the bleeding.
Manzi’s plight brings to mind that of Beverly Mayor Bill Scanlon, who in his 2001 bid for re-election was brought down not so much by his opponent — former city councilor Tom Crean — but a series of mishaps, some involving the police and another having to do with a botched bid for the managerment of the municipal golf course.
Voters decided they wanted to send Scanlon a message, and to the surprise of many of them, it resulted in the election of Crean. (Who lost to Scanlon by a wide margin in a rematch two years later.)
Manzi better hope Methuen voters are not in a similar frame of mind.

Posted in Local politics, Nelson Benton | Comments

  • susan m
    The mayor should be ashamed of himself, for not supporting his Police Department.
    Leave the deaprtment to be run by the Chief and the union members. The mayor shouldn't be micro managing this department.
    It doesn't appear that he can maintain his responsibilities as mayor if he claims that the ongoings of the PD are distracting him. Maybe the mayoral post is not a good fit for Mr Manzi if he is so easily distracted.
    So sad to see the divide and conquer tactic. This chief should be given a chance to do what he was appointed to do and not humiliated and controlled by town councilors that do not agree with his management or decisions.
    Stay out of the police business, how dare you humiliate your chief of police by cutting his pay.
    Please stop with the petty politics. It interferes with the Public's Safety.
    Born & raised in Methuen, I do not reside there currently, yet all of my large family does, and will not be voting to re-elect Mr Manzi due to his non-support for his police department.
    I am very saddened by this whole circus brought on by the politicians.
    May the PD remain intact and undivided for the safety of the public and those in blue who protect & serve us... God Bless...
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