Spill the Goods

What's a Moderator do, anyways? Join Jess and Cristina as they interview Ward Three Moderator, Avery Cyr, and discuss the importance of election workers. The conversation covers the various roles and their differences (i.e., an observer vs. a moderator vs. a selectman), the duties and responsibilities of a moderator, changes in voter registration requirements, the nonpartisan role of a moderator, and the recruitment process for poll workers and ballot inspectors. Additionally, this episode discusses polling hours, voter resources, and the requirements for voter registration.

Takeaways

• Election Moderator Role
• Training and Responsibilities
• Recruitment of Poll Workers Role of the moderator in elections
• Importance of voter registration

Chapters

• 00:00 Becoming an Election Moderator
• 01:20 Observer vs. Moderator
• 02:25 Campaigning and Permission
• 03:22 Duties of a Moderator
• 04:34 Voter Registration and Training
• 05:42 Changes in Voter Registration
• 06:05 Handling Voter Issues
• 07:12 Support Organizations for Voters
• 08:12 Nonpartisan Role of Moderator
• 09:15 Training and Compensation
• 10:00 Recruitment of Poll Workers
• 11:28 Role of Ballot Inspectors
• 12:33 Recruitment Process
• 23:14 Proof of Residency and Identity

Links/References

How to Register to Vote in Manchester

Where do I Vote?

Voter Registration and Elections in Manchester (including Absentee)

This episode covers various topics discussed at the Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting 07/07/26. Join us as we dissect the discussion! Public comment included topics like city officials' terms, the tax cap override, housing affordability, and transparency in contract negotiations. 'Infrastructure' was the word of the night as the BoMA heard from both the State and local agencies about roadway adjustments. The conversation delves into the impact of infrastructure projects on traffic volume and safety concerns, the challenges of funding and project modifications, and the importance of community engagement and advocacy in shaping the future of the city's transportation infrastructure.

Takeaways

• City officials' terms: Lengthening from two to four years
• Tax cap override and bond rating
• Housing affordability and rent concerns
• Transparency in contract negotiations
• Four-way stop at South Willow and Sheffield Infrastructure projects impact traffic and safety
• Funding challenges and modifications
• Community engagement and advocacy

Chapters

• 00:00 City Officials' Terms
• 01:09 Tax Cap Override and Bond Rating
• 03:10 Housing Affordability and Rent Concerns
• 06:04 Transparency in Contract Negotiations
• 14:16 Four-Way Stop at South Willow and Sheffield
• 18:04 Traffic Volume and Safety Concerns
• 19:30 The Raise Project and Infrastructure Changes
• 22:23 Funding Challenges and Modifications

Links/References:

The Raise Project

07/07/26 Board of Mayor and Alderman Agenda

07/07/26 Board of Mayor and Alderman Mtg. Video (MPTV)

The conversation delves into the complexities of tax structures, focusing on property taxes, income tax absence, tax exemptions, business taxes, and real estate taxes. It highlights the personal impact of policy decisions and the need for revenue generation alternatives.

Takeaways

• Property taxes disproportionately burden property owners
• The absence of income tax leads to a reliance on property taxes for revenue
• Business taxes and incentives should be used carefully so that NH doesn't lose out, while corporations build wealth

Chapters

• 00:00 The Burden of Property Taxes
• 11:53 Business Taxes and Incentives
• 22:42 Real Estate Taxes and Their Impact
• 29:26 Policy, Personal Impact, and Revenue Generation

The episode discusses the recent budget meeting and the drama surrounding the passing of the budget. It covers the different budgets presented, the alderman's questions, and the community's involvement in the budget process.

Takeaways

• Budget meetings can be dramatic and contentious
• Community involvement is crucial in the budget process

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Mood Setting
• 05:13 Reviewing Budgets and Alderman Questions
• 11:27 Republican Presented Budget and Expert Consultation
• 17:37 Third and Final Budget Review
• 23:27 Surplus Allocation and Tax Rate Offset

The conversation delves into the impact of Zohran Mamdani's historic mayoral race in New York City, focusing on his initiatives related to affordable housing, budget balancing, and taxation. It also explores the potential translation of Mamdani's policies to New Hampshire, particularly in the context of affordable housing, childcare, and early education programs.

Takeaways

• Progressive policies can work
• A balanced budget is possible with progressive policies
• Taxation policies in NH need updating
• Affordable housing encompasses not just building more but maintaining them and strengthening tenant's rights
• Child care availability affects home and the workplace
• Universal pre-K and Kindergarten positively impact education later

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Zohran Mamdani
• 12:23 Affordable Housing Initiatives
• 21:46 Childcare and Early Education Programs

https://www.spillthegoods603.com/

The conversation delves into the experience of running for public office, covering topics such as the filing process, the financial costs, fundraising, PAC money, endorsements, door knocking, and tips for running for office. Cristina and Jess reflect on their experiences and express their desire to stay involved in local politics.

Takeaways

• Running for office involves significant financial costs
• Endorsements and support play a crucial role in political campaigns
• Accepting the help of others can alleviate some financial and personal burden

Chapters

• 00:00 Running for Office: Filing and Candidacy
• 10:04 Fundraising and PAC Money
• 21:51 Door Knocking and Campaigning
• 28:55 Reflections on Running for Office

The conversation covers a recap of the recent Board of Mayor Alderman meeting, focusing on public comment and the budget proposal. It delves into the themes of public comment, including discussions on sidewalks and infrastructure, as well as the budget proposal and its impact on taxes and community services.

Takeaways

• Public Comment
• Budget Proposal

Chapters

• 00:00 Board of Mayor Alderman Meeting Recap
• 15:29 Discussion of the Budget Proposal

Aldermen Contact Info: https://www.manchesternh.gov/Portals/2/Departments/elected_officials/mayor/AldermenEmailList.pdf

Manchester BoMA Agendas & Minutes: https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/City-Clerk/Meeting-Minutes-and-Agendas/Current

Spill the Goods' first live event was a Democratic primary forum for NH's 1st Congressional District. Participants included: Carleigh Beriont, Sarah Chadzynski, Heath Howard, Stefany Shaheen, Maura Sullivan, and Christian Urrutia. Questions were solicited from the public and chosen by Cristina and Jess based on the most asked about topics. Each candidate also addressed a question specific to them and their campaign for Congress. The forum begins with an introduction and a focus on driving engagement in local politics. Candidates then deliver their elevator pitches, highlighting their backgrounds and policy priorities. The discussion shifts to campaign finance, immigration, and human rights. The conversation covers topics such as motivating people to vote, addressing the cost of living, wealth redistribution, investing in universal healthcare, economic disparities, national debt, accountability, and success metrics. The candidates discuss the impact of tariffs on the cost of living, the need to address the real needs of everyday people, and the importance of wealth redistribution and fiscal policy. The conversation delved into the Gaza crisis and foreign policy, addressing the actions of the Israeli government, aid to Israel, and support for Jewish people. It also explored the theme of political courage and leadership, emphasizing the need for leaders to exercise courage and bring about change in the political landscape.

Chapters

• 00:00 Setting the Stage
• 15:19 Campaign Finance and Ethics
• 28:18 Immigration and Human Rights
• 38:13 Experience in Office
• 56:01 Economic Disparities and National Debt
• 01:06:37 Accountability and Success Metrics
• 01:16:09 Gaza Crisis and Foreign Policy

Thank you to the event sponsors-Manchester Ink Link, Village Play Cafe, and Southern NH Democratic Socialists of America, as well as to the Manchester Public Library for the use of the auditorium and to Manchester Public TV for filming the event.

Manchester Public TV: CD1 Forum 05/13/26

Special guest Liz O'Neil-Wong (Manchester Board of School Committee, Ward 11) joins Spill the Goods to talk about her experience as an educator and the complexities of measuring student achievement. The conversation this episode delves into the topic of measuring student success, exploring the limitations of standardized testing and the importance of alternative measures. It also discusses the iReady assessment in Manchester and the role of grades in determining student success. The conversation covers the importance of a holistic approach to education, including competency-based grading, the impact of home life on education, trauma-informed education, societal expectations on schools, the role of parents in a student's progress, and the importance of empathy and understanding in education.

Takeaways

• Measuring student success goes beyond standardized tests
• Importance of alternative measures of success Competency-based grading system
• Importance of holistic approach to education

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
• 05:13 Challenges with Standardized Testing
• 12:19 Grades and Student Success
• 17:54 Trauma-Informed Education
• 23:01 Student Involvement in Conferences

Visit us at: Spill the Goods

The conversation delves into the creation of budgets, the impact of property taxes, the tax cap, and the budget process. It also covers the recent Board of Mayor and Alderman meeting, highlighting the urgency of finalizing the budget. The conversation delves into the impact of budget underfunding on city services, highlighting the implications for roads, schools, and public programs. It emphasizes the importance of community involvement in budget decisions and encourages citizens to engage with local officials to voice their concerns and preferences.

Takeaways

• Budget creation process
• Impact of property taxes; Budget underfunding impacts city services
• Importance of community involvement in budget decisions

References

Property Taxes in NH: How They Work and How They Compare by Phil Sletten, NH Fiscal Policy Institute, April 9, 2026

Tax Cap Language, City Charter, The City of Manchester, NH

BoMA Meeting Minutes and Agendas

March 26, 2026 Mayor's Budget Presentation

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Budgets
• 11:45 Board of Mayor and Alderman Meeting

23:18 Community Involvement in Budget Decisions

Visit us at: www.spillthegoods603.com