Spill the Goods

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.TakeawaysExecutive Council's significant influenceQuestion 2Chapters00:00 Understanding the Executive Council05:59 The Power Dynamics of Appointments06:54 Infrastructure and Transportation Challenges11:33 Judicial Appointments and Ethical Concerns22:19 The Role of the Executive Council in Education26:42 Jim O'Connell's Vision and GoalsWebsite: 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.TakeawaysLocal governance mattersCommunity engagement is crucialChapters00:00 Introduction to Local Issues02:58 The Kratom Debate08:13 Financial Oversight and School Funding15:14 School Board Vacancy and Candidate Selection30:02 Conclusion and Community EngagementResources10/06/26 BoMA Agenda and MinutesMPTV 10/06/26 BoMA episodewww.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. TakeawaysMinimum wage advocacy importanceEconomic impact of wage increasesChapters00:00 Introduction to Minimum Wage Advocacy02:19 History of Minimum Wage in New Hampshire04:41 Comparative Minimum Wage Analysis06:04 Living Wage vs. Minimum Wage08:24 The Exploitation of Workers10:41 Impact on Small Businesses12:09 Community Economic Health14:25 Spending and Economic CirculationReferences:NH Fiscal Policy Institute: Living Expenses, Financial Vulnerability, and Poverty in New Hampshire Fact SheetMIT Living Wage Calculator: New HampshireWebsite: 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.TakeawaysFree State Party's history and impactGold Standard votingFree Staters weren't always this conservativeGOP money backed Free Staters, causing a shiftFree State Project members have been victimized and exploited by their own partyThe importance of informed votingHumanizing individuals within the Free State Project movement is the only way to get them out of the cultChapters00:00 The Birth of the Free State Party01:29 The Free State Project and Its Goals03:27 The Free State Party's Influence on New Hampshire Politics05:21 The Experience of a Former Free State Party Member17:40 The Misalignment of Values and Political Affiliation33:12 The Gold Standard and Party Politics37:04 The Free State Project and New Hampshire Politics44:33 Autism, Free State Project, and Sociopolitical Dynamics58:33 Humanizing Individuals within the Free State Project MovementWebsite: 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. TakeawaysCommunity impact of state-level decisionsAdvocacy/importance for raising the minimum wageLocal politics and electionsHousing challenges and affordable housingChapters00:00 Introduction and Importance of Informed Voting01:29 Local Ties and Political Journey05:08 Advocacy for Raising the Minimum Wage07:02 Challenges in Achieving Minimum Wage Increase10:47 Political Landscape and Opponents13:52 Local Politics and Elections14:21 Housing Challenges and Affordable Housing15:21 The Importance of a Living WageRepresentative Kathy StaubKathy Staub for NH State Representative