<![CDATA[Spill the Goods]]>Spill the Goods focuses on how policy affects you, not the politics behind it. Curious what City Hall decisions mean for your family? Unsure what the Board of School Committee is talking about? Spill the Goods focuses on local issues in Manchester, NH, and translates policy into personal impacts, highlighting areas where you can take action. Cristina and Jess are here to translate all the agenda items from the Board of Mayor and Alderman and School Committee meetings into what that means for YOU. We can't promise we won't get political, but we will get personal.

]]>www.spillthegoods603.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Wed, 01 Jul 2026 06:38:14 GMTFri, 17 Apr 2026 20:43:52 GMT60Jess Spillers and Cristina Goodwin<p>Spill the Goods focuses on how policy affects you, not the politics behind it. Curious what City Hall decisions mean for your family? Unsure what the Board of School Committee is talking about? Spill the Goods focuses on local issues in Manchester, NH, and translates policy into personal impacts, highlighting areas where you can take action. Cristina and Jess are here to translate all the agenda items from the Board of Mayor and Alderman and School Committee meetings into what that means for YOU. We can't promise we won't get political, but we will get personal.</p>episodicJess Spillers and Cristina Goodwininfo@spillthegoods603.comyes<![CDATA[NH: Tax Free or Tax Haven?]]>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
]]>40f22e63-6d85-40d0-b501-5a69ee0a6cc9Tue, 30 Jun 2026 18:15:34 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Property taxes disproportionately burden property owners</li><li>The absence of income tax leads to a reliance on property taxes for revenue</li><li>Business taxes and incentives should be used carefully so that NH doesn't lose out, while corporations build wealth</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Burden of Property Taxes</li><li>11:53 Business Taxes and Incentives</li><li>22:42 Real Estate Taxes and Their Impact</li><li>29:26 Policy, Personal Impact, and Revenue Generation</li></ul>yes00:31:5119NH: Tax Free or Tax Haven?full<![CDATA[Apples to Apples: The Final 2026/2027 City Budget]]>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
]]>005722fb-61ff-4f22-a87f-bd70d90f1d9cSun, 21 Jun 2026 15:11:35 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Budget meetings can be dramatic and contentious</li><li>Community involvement is crucial in the budget process</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Mood Setting</li><li>05:13 Reviewing Budgets and Alderman Questions</li><li>11:27 Republican Presented Budget and Expert Consultation</li><li>17:37 Third and Final Budget Review</li><li>23:27 Surplus Allocation and Tax Rate Offset</li></ul>yes00:29:1118Apples to Apples: The Final 2026/2027 City Budgetfull<![CDATA[That's My Mayor: If Mamdani Came to Manchester]]>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/

]]>52b56d92-c3c1-42e7-a85d-54467b68379cThu, 11 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Progressive policies can work</li><li>A balanced budget is possible with progressive policies</li><li>Taxation policies in NH need updating</li><li>Affordable housing encompasses not just building more but maintaining them and strengthening tenant's rights</li><li>Child care availability affects home and the workplace</li><li>Universal pre-K and Kindergarten positively impact education later</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to Zohran Mamdani</li><li>12:23 Affordable Housing Initiatives</li><li>21:46 Childcare and Early Education Programs</li></ul><p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.spillthegoods603.com/" target="_blank">https://www.spillthegoods603.com/</a></p>yes00:31:1017That's My Mayor: If Mamdani Came to Manchesterfull<![CDATA[We Want YOU To Run For Office]]>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
]]>05f7e174-b599-4792-a9ed-b4670de891f2Mon, 01 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Running for office involves significant financial costs</li><li>Endorsements and support play a crucial role in political campaigns</li><li>Accepting the help of others can alleviate some financial and personal burden</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Running for Office: Filing and Candidacy</li><li>10:04 Fundraising and PAC Money</li><li>21:51 Door Knocking and Campaigning</li><li>28:55 Reflections on Running for Office</li></ul>yes00:29:0616We Want YOU To Run For Officefull<![CDATA[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

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

]]>ed05a28f-0d21-4487-b679-676db52350b3Tue, 26 May 2026 15:37:15 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Public Comment</li><li>Budget Proposal</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Board of Mayor Alderman Meeting Recap</li><li>15:29 Discussion of the Budget Proposal</li></ul><p></p><p>Aldermen Contact Info: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.manchesternh.gov/Portals/2/Departments/elected_officials/mayor/AldermenEmailList.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.manchesternh.gov/Portals/2/Departments/elected_officials/mayor/AldermenEmailList.pdf</a></p><p></p><p>Manchester BoMA Agendas &amp; Minutes: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/City-Clerk/Meeting-Minutes-and-Agendas/Current" target="_blank">https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/City-Clerk/Meeting-Minutes-and-Agendas/Current</a></p>yes00:30:241505/19/26 BoMA Mtg: Alternative Budgetsfull<![CDATA[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, 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

]]>80788af4-e8e4-4bdd-a2b5-22ae07ce0801Thu, 21 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Setting the Stage</li><li>15:19 Campaign Finance and Ethics</li><li>28:18 Immigration and Human Rights</li><li>38:13 Experience in Office</li><li>56:01 Economic Disparities and National Debt</li><li>01:06:37 Accountability and Success Metrics</li><li>01:16:09 Gaza Crisis and Foreign Policy</li></ul><p></p><p>Thank you to the event sponsors-<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://manchester.inklink.news/" target="_blank">Manchester Ink Link</a>, <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://villageplaycafenh.com/" target="_blank">Village Play Cafe</a>, and <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://snh.dsachapters.org/" target="_blank">Southern NH Democratic Socialists of America</a>, as well as to the Manchester Public Library for the use of the auditorium and to Manchester Public TV for filming the event.</p><p></p><p>Manchester Public TV: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://cloud.castus.tv/vod/manchestertv/video/6a063b88b521f40002c10991?page=HOME" target="_blank">CD1 Forum 05/13/26</a></p>no01:42:5414NH CD1 Democratic Primary Forumfull<![CDATA[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

]]>4bad5b18-d4a0-4dff-aa2e-c4a6f5371ef1Thu, 07 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT<p>Special guest Liz O'Neil-Wong (Manchester Board of School Committee, Ward 11) joins <i>Spill the Goods</i> 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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Measuring student success goes beyond standardized tests</li><li>Importance of alternative measures of success Competency-based grading system</li><li>Importance of holistic approach to education</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction</li><li>05:13 Challenges with Standardized Testing</li><li>12:19 Grades and Student Success</li><li>17:54 Trauma-Informed Education</li><li>23:01 Student Involvement in Conferences<p></p></li></ul><p>Visit us at: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.spillthegoods603.com/" target="_blank">Spill the Goods</a></p>no00:25:24The Best Way to Measure Your Brain (Proficiency Scores)full<![CDATA[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

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

]]>8ce71962-4681-4e2c-bf50-c6a87e9e7737Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:37:06 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Budget creation process</li><li>Impact of property taxes; Budget underfunding impacts city services</li><li>Importance of community involvement in budget decisions</li></ul><p></p><p>References</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://nhfpi.org/resource/property-taxes-in-new-hampshire-how-they-work-and-how-they-compare/" target="_blank">Property Taxes in NH: How They Work and How They Compare by Phil Sletten, NH Fiscal Policy Institute, April 9, 2026</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/City-Clerk/City-Charter" target="_blank">Tax Cap Language, City Charter, The City of Manchester, NH</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/City-Clerk/Meeting-Minutes-and-Agendas/Current" target="_blank">BoMA Meeting Minutes and Agendas</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/City-Clerk/Meeting-Minutes-and-Agendas/Current" target="_blank">March 26, 2026 Mayor's Budget Presentation</a></p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to Budgets</li><li>11:45 Board of Mayor and Alderman Meeting</li></ul><p>23:18 Community Involvement in Budget Decisions</p><p></p><p>Visit us at: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.spillthegoods603.com/" target="_blank">www.spillthegoods603.com</a></p>yes00:31:4912Budgets-Support Your City for Less Than a Dollar a Dayfull<![CDATA[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
]]>8592f1d5-d09f-4e4a-8eeb-074281160dadFri, 17 Apr 2026 20:50:19 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Local engagement is crucial</li><li>Jess and Cristina will host a CD1 Democratic candidate forum, 05/13/26</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to 'Spill the Goods' Podcast</li><li>05:35 Childhood and Interests</li><li>16:49 Purpose of 'Spill the Goods' Podcast and Future Plans</li></ul>yes00:24:5111Meet Your Local Policy Guidesfull