Vengerflutta Smith, Nashua Ward 6 Alderman Candidate

NASHUA, NH — Vengerflutta Smith

Position Sought

Alderman Ward 6

Family

Yes, fortunate to be my mother's "bestie" for Symphony NH and any event at the Nashua Art Center.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Yes, although 2026 is the start of retirement for most. I am proud to have family in the military and city service as firefighters, police, and transit police.

Education and-or work experience

Master's College and University Administration, Bachelor's Social Science, Bachelor's Employment Relations, Associate's Degree, Honors Science. Higher Education Administrator, (34yrs), College Faculty (30yrs)

Previous or current elected or appointed positions

None

Campaign website

Vengerfluttaf or New Hampshire

Why are you seeking elective office?

I want fiscal accountability with responsibility. We must make decisions not just for now, but with the future of our City and its residents in mind. I want to focus on our community needs and our most urgent problems, such as gaps in services (like housing, education, or healthcare), and other areas for improvement within the City's infrastructure.

The single most important pressing issue facing the community is _______ and this is what I intend to do about it

Property taxes are $15.90 per $1000. Retirees and many senior citizens on a fixed income feel this tax squeeze as a burden in Nashua. Residents share that they do not know if they can live their days in their homes as planned. Some feel forced to sell and relocate from a city they have known and loved.

I want to work with the Aldermanic Board and the Mayor to explore options that provide relief for some homeowners. What exemptions are available or should be available for those with fixed incomes at or below the supplemental poverty measure? Despite appearances, too many households in Nashua are struggling.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I want to return some of the federal tax dollars that Nashua residents have paid to the City. There are grants the City should consider that could benefit the City and potentially reduce some of the burden of those paying property taxes and increasingly higher rents.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

During the past two years, some on the Aldermanic board have voted "No" to grants that have been vetted and would have brought funds to the City. These "no" votes were closing the cash drawer on potential funds to reduce or maintain lower property taxes.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

If elected, I am committed to ensuring that the City and its communities' best interests are at the core of decisions and plans that will impact residents, Nashua businesses, and the City's infrastructure. Nashua needs an affordable housing stock to provide those recruited to work here in our healthcare services and other industries a place to live. We are losing talented professionals to surrounding cities in New England simply because we do not have various affordable housing options for new professionals.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence that you can handle this job?

Experienced administrator, educator, and fundraiser. I understand fiscal responsibility and will focus on plans that assist the City now, while preparing for its future. I have raised over 18 million dollars for non-profits and managed budgets up to $4 million. I have served on community boards and worked with professionals from various backgrounds, representing constituents' voices and concerns.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Be your authentic self and respect others when they share their authentic self.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

It's not about me; it's about the community of Ward 6 being informed and represented by our local government.