In this episode, Jim O'Connell discusses his candidacy for the Executive Council of New Hampshire, outlining the council's significant powers, including contract approvals, judicial appointments, and infrastructure planning. He emphasizes the need for a pragmatic approach to governance, focusing on local control and effective management of state resources. We also dive into Question 2 on the ballot and why voting "No," actually helps retain local control.

Takeaways

• Executive Council's significant influence
• Question 2

Chapters

• 00:00 Understanding the Executive Council
• 05:59 The Power Dynamics of Appointments
• 06:54 Infrastructure and Transportation Challenges
• 11:33 Judicial Appointments and Ethical Concerns
• 22:19 The Role of the Executive Council in Education
• 26:42 Jim O'Connell's Vision and Goals

Website: https://oconnellfornh.com/

Catch up on what happened at the last Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BoMA) meeting (10/06/26) before you watch the next (10/20/26)! Public comment was lengthy but covered a variety of topics-including a proposed ban on kratom. Financial reports for 2025 were presented and the BoMA voted on a replacement School Board Member for Ward 7. It got a little awkward, and a little heated.

Takeaways

• Local governance matters
• Community engagement is crucial

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Local Issues
• 02:58 The Kratom Debate
• 08:13 Financial Oversight and School Funding
• 15:14 School Board Vacancy and Candidate Selection
• 30:02 Conclusion and Community Engagement

Resources

10/06/26 BoMA Agenda and Minutes

MPTV 10/06/26 BoMA episode

www.spillthegoods603.com

Did you know, NH has the lowest minimum wage in New England? And that, it hasn't changed in 17 years? In this episode, Jess Spillers and Cristina Goodwin discuss the critical issue of minimum wage in New Hampshire with guest, Rep. Kathy Staub. They explore the history, current state, and implications of minimum wage laws, examining the difference between a minimum wage and a livable age while emphasizing the need for advocacy and the positive economic impact a raise of the minimum wage would have on communities.

Takeaways

• Minimum wage advocacy importance
• Economic impact of wage increases

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Minimum Wage Advocacy
• 02:19 History of Minimum Wage in New Hampshire
• 04:41 Comparative Minimum Wage Analysis
• 06:04 Living Wage vs. Minimum Wage
• 08:24 The Exploitation of Workers
• 10:41 Impact on Small Businesses
• 12:09 Community Economic Health
• 14:25 Spending and Economic Circulation

References:

NH Fiscal Policy Institute: Living Expenses, Financial Vulnerability, and Poverty in New Hampshire Fact Sheet

MIT Living Wage Calculator: New Hampshire

Website: www.spillthegoods603.com

Warning, this episode contains discussion of murder and suicide some may find disturbing. Join Jess and Cristina for Part II of Dissecting a Porcupine, The Free State Project. Their discussion with former member, Amanda Bouldin, picks up where they left off, bringing to light the "Gold Standard" voting within the Free State Project. They also explore the tactics and strategies used by the Free Staters, and talk about how the alignment with the Republican party came about, and the sociopolitical dynamics within the movement. The discussion touches on the victimization of the Free State Project's own members, some of the more recent (troubling) headlines coming out of the party, and the importance of informed voting and humanizing individuals within the movement. They end by calling out the individuals running for office in Manchester this year as Democrats, who are actually members of the Free State Project.

Takeaways

• Free State Party's history and impact
• Gold Standard voting
• Free Staters weren't always this conservative
• GOP money backed Free Staters, causing a shift
• Free State Project members have been victimized and exploited by their own party
• The importance of informed voting
• Humanizing individuals within the Free State Project movement is the only way to get them out of the cult

Chapters

• 00:00 The Birth of the Free State Party
• 01:29 The Free State Project and Its Goals
• 03:27 The Free State Party's Influence on New Hampshire Politics
• 05:21 The Experience of a Former Free State Party Member
• 17:40 The Misalignment of Values and Political Affiliation
• 33:12 The Gold Standard and Party Politics
• 37:04 The Free State Project and New Hampshire Politics
• 44:33 Autism, Free State Project, and Sociopolitical Dynamics
• 58:33 Humanizing Individuals within the Free State Project Movement

Website: www.spillthegoods603.com

Meet current Representative for Ward Five, Kathy Staub! She's up for re-election this year and hoping you will send her back to Concord! In this episode, Kathy discusses her background, local ties, and political journey, emphasizing the importance of informed voting and the impact of state-level decisions on communities. She also highlights her advocacy for raising the minimum wage and the challenges faced in achieving this goal. The conversation covers a range of topics including local politics, housing issues, and the importance of a living wage. Kathy Staub discusses her concerns about the upcoming elections (including having a primary with a Free Stater), the challenges faced by renters, and the need for affordable housing.

Takeaways

• Community impact of state-level decisions
• Advocacy/importance for raising the minimum wage
• Local politics and elections
• Housing challenges and affordable housing

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Importance of Informed Voting
• 01:29 Local Ties and Political Journey
• 05:08 Advocacy for Raising the Minimum Wage
• 07:02 Challenges in Achieving Minimum Wage Increase
• 10:47 Political Landscape and Opponents
• 13:52 Local Politics and Elections
• 14:21 Housing Challenges and Affordable Housing
• 15:21 The Importance of a Living Wage

Representative Kathy Staub

Kathy Staub for NH State Representative

Mike Farley, a candidate running for state rep. in ward eight, shares his personal background, career, and views on Manchester and New Hampshire. He discusses the impact of property taxes, the need for fair taxation, and the importance of education. Mike shares his motivation for running, his experiences and background, and his plans for when he is elected to the State House. He emphasizes the need for engagement, support, and communication within the community, and shares personal insights and challenges.

Takeaways

• Community Representation
• Property Taxation
• Importance of Education
• Community Engagement
• Personal Resilience

Chapters

• 00:00 Personal Background and Career
• 03:23 Defending Manchester
• 04:46 Property Taxes and Fair Taxation
• 09:01 Adequate Education and Fairness
• 11:45 Community Engagement and Disenchantment
• 13:10 Personal Resilience and the American Dream
• 14:34 Political Engagement and Experience
• 18:12 Communication and Community Building

Website: https://mike4manchester.com/

Rob Snipes, a candidate for Hillsborough 40 (Manchester Wards 1, 3, 10, 11, and 12), shares his background, motivations, and platform for running for office. He discusses the importance of representation, the need for change in legislation, and the challenges faced by renters in the area. Rob emphasizes the value of engaging with the community and the significance of diverse voices in politics.

Takeaways

• Representation Matters
• Legislation Needs Change

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Rob Snipes
• 00:59 Motivations for Running
• 02:19 Platform and Priorities
• 03:19 Community Engagement and Challenges
• 05:22 Living in Manchester and Neighborhood Insights
• 09:13 Primary Election and Campaign Support
• 13:04 Youthful Perspectives in Politics
• 18:43 Light-hearted Questions

Website: www.rob4nh.com

The August BOMA meeting covered a range of topics, including public comments on ICE and MPD cooperation, requests for changes to police policies, the historic significance of Central High School, and staffing challenges at the tax collector's office. The meeting also addressed the potential use of the Arms Park area and the Water Works building. The Board of School Committee (BoSC) was also back in session-lots of updates, not a lot of action to be had, but a few things to watch out for as school heads back in session.

Takeaways

• ICE and MPD cooperation
• Requests for changes to police policies
• Historic significance of Central High School
• Staffing challenges at the tax collector's office
• The school board discussed attendance policies, budgeting, and school start times, with a focus on community engagement and support
• Community events like CelebratEd and Get Faded provide resources and support for families, emphasizing community engagement and collaboration

Chapters

• 00:00 Public Comments on ICE and MPD Cooperation
• 03:01 Requests for Changes to Police Policies
• 17:22 Historic Significance of Central High School
• 19:00 Staffing Challenges at the Tax Collector's Office
• 21:13 Workforce Management and Task-Based Work
• 24:55 MPD and ICE Deputization
• 31:14 School Board Meetings and Education Policy
• 43:37 Community Engagement and Support

Additional Resources/References:

Get Faded 4th Annual Free Hair Cuts

08/04/26 BoMA Agenda & Minutes

08/04/26 MPTV BoMA Recording

08/10/26 BoSC Minutes

08/10/26 BoSC Agenda

08/10/26 MPTV BoSC Recording