05/19/26 BoMA Mtg: Alternative Budgets

05/19/26 BoMA Mtg: Alternative Budgets

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 [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 [https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/City-Clerk/Meeting-Minutes-and-Agendas/Current]

NH CD1 Democratic Primary Forum

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 [https://manchester.inklink.news/], Village Play Cafe [https://villageplaycafenh.com/], and Southern NH Democratic Socialists of America [https://snh.dsachapters.org/], 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 [https://cloud.castus.tv/vod/manchestertv/video/6a063b88b521f40002c10991?page=HOME]

The Best Way to Measure Your Brain (Proficiency Scores)

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 [https://www.spillthegoods603.com/]

Budgets-Support Your City for Less Than a Dollar a Day

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 [https://nhfpi.org/resource/property-taxes-in-new-hampshire-how-they-work-and-how-they-compare/] Tax Cap Language, City Charter, The City of Manchester, NH [https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/City-Clerk/City-Charter] BoMA Meeting Minutes and Agendas [https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/City-Clerk/Meeting-Minutes-and-Agendas/Current] March 26, 2026 Mayor's Budget Presentation [https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/City-Clerk/Meeting-Minutes-and-Agendas/Current] 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 [https://www.spillthegoods603.com/]

Meet Your Local Policy Guides

Jess Spillers and Cristina Goodwin introduce their podcast 'Spill the Goods' and discuss the importance of local engagement and awareness. They also share personal stories and plans for future episodes, including a candidate forum and soliciting questions from the community. Takeaways * Local engagement is crucial * Jess and Cristina will host a CD1 Democratic candidate forum, 05/13/26 Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to 'Spill the Goods' Podcast * 05:35 Childhood and Interests * 16:49 Purpose of 'Spill the Goods' Podcast and Future Plans