The Soapbox

    The Soapbox: Double standards in pay raise politics and why Ayotte’s critique of Craig rings hollow

    read more…: The Soapbox: Double standards in pay raise politics and why Ayotte’s critique of Craig rings hollow

    The charter revision was never adopted, but the city’s Board of Mayor and Alderman did subsequently approve a long-overdue salary bump for the person who captured the mayoralty in 2023, a bit of nuance the Ayotte campaign fails to note in its TV spot, thereby intentionally creating the false impression that Craig was feathering her own nest despite never receiving a raise as mayor.

    The Soapbox: Choose classic liberalism

    read more…: The Soapbox: Choose classic liberalism

    Most Americans describe themselves as socially tolerant and fiscally responsible.  “Live and let live” has always been our gold standard, and keeping our neighbors and government out of our lives as much as possible has always been the goal. 

    Today, no political party stands for the fundamental liberal values that we claim to support.

    The Soapbox: On homelessnes, seeking solutions is needed instead of seeking blame

    read more…: The Soapbox: On homelessnes, seeking solutions is needed instead of seeking blame

    For decades, I have been involved with many other advocates in efforts to end homelessness in NH and worked for many years in agencies involved with housing and low-income people. I  grew up in and have worked in Manchester. I have also worked all over the state including Nashua, where I live now. Since homelessness is caused by multiple economic, social, and health-related factors, it is not easy to find effective solutions. 

    The Soapbox: We need policy change to bring back affordable housing

    read more…: The Soapbox: We need policy change to bring back affordable housing

    Renting in Manchester is often stressful. Too many of our friends and neighbors are wracked by the uncertainty of whether they’ll be able to remain in the community for another year, while trying to keep up with increasing rent costs, which are a direct result of the lack of homes here in Manchester and the surrounding towns. The shortage of attainable housing options for working folks is a policy choice – a choice that has forced young families who grew up here to move away, kept too many stuck in housing situations they cannot afford, and prevented young adults from growing up and moving out.

    The Soapbox: Social Security is on the ballot. Trump wants to cut it.

    read more…: The Soapbox: Social Security is on the ballot. Trump wants to cut it.

    Like many Granite Staters, I’ve worked hard and paid for decades into Social Security and Medicare. I earned these benefits and I’ll count on them in my retirement. But let’s be clear: Social Security and Medicare are under attack by Donald Trump and the extreme MAGA Republicans who are threatening to slash them.

    The Power of Murals: A canvas for community and change

    read more…: The Power of Murals: A canvas for community and change

    Murals are not just about aesthetics; they bring tangible benefits to communities. Studies have shown that public art can drive economic growth by attracting visitors and boosting local businesses. Cities with vibrant public art scenes often see a 20% increase in foot traffic, as murals turn ordinary streets into tourist destinations. This influx of visitors translates into economic benefits for nearby shops, restaurants, and service providers.

    Header photo by Stonewall Photography