




Vengerflutta Smith, Nashua Ward 6 Alderman Candidate


🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source



Vengerflutta Smith Launches Campaign for Nashua Ward 6 Alderman
The November 2024 municipal elections in Nashua, New Hampshire, are shaping up to be one of the most contested local races in recent memory, and at the center of that drama is newcomer Vengerflutta Smith, who has entered the race for Ward 6 alderman. Smith, a 38‑year‑old community organizer and former youth advocate, announced her candidacy on the Patch news site with a brief but impassioned video and a statement that “every voice in Ward 6 deserves to be heard, and my job is to make sure it is.”
A Candidate Built on Grassroots Experience
Smith’s background is firmly rooted in local service. She spent six years as the director of community outreach for the Nashua Youth Development Center, where she coordinated after‑school programs, summer camps, and scholarship drives for low‑income families. Prior to that, she worked as a city liaison for the Nashua Housing Authority, a role that gave her intimate knowledge of the city’s affordable‑housing challenges. In the interview she gave to Patch, Smith emphasized that she “does not come from a career‑politics background; I come from the streets, the schools, and the parks that make up Ward 6.” Her campaign slogan, “Build Together, Not Alone,” reflects her belief in collaborative solutions.
Key Issues: Affordable Housing, Public Safety, and Small‑Business Support
Smith has outlined a three‑pronged platform that she says will address the most pressing needs of Ward 6 residents:
Affordable Housing – Smith proposes a partnership with the New Hampshire Housing Authority to fast‑track the construction of three new mixed‑income apartment complexes within Ward 6. She argues that the city’s current rent‑to‑income ratio is “the highest it has ever been in the state.” Smith also plans to advocate for a new local ordinance that would require developers to allocate 15 % of new residential projects to affordable units.
Public Safety and Community Policing – In response to recent concerns over traffic accidents at the intersection of Main Street and South Main, Smith pledged to work with the Nashua Police Department to increase patrol presence and install additional traffic‑calming measures. She also plans to support the formation of a neighborhood watch program that would provide grants for safety equipment and training.
Small‑Business Revitalization – Smith is a longtime supporter of the Downtown Nashua revitalization initiative and has met with several small‑business owners to understand their challenges. She proposes a “Shop Local” voucher program that would give residents a $50 monthly voucher to spend at local businesses. Additionally, Smith will lobby for a small‑business tax incentive to attract new retailers to vacant storefronts in Ward 6.
Campaign Strategy and Endorsements
Smith’s campaign operates on a lean budget, but she has already secured several high‑profile endorsements. The local labor union, the Nashua Workers’ Alliance, announced its support in a joint statement, noting Smith’s commitment to “fair wages and safe workplaces.” A former Nashua Alderman, John Morales, also endorsed Smith, stating that “she has the vision and the experience to lead Ward 6 into a brighter future.”
Smith’s fundraising strategy is largely digital. She launched a GoFundMe page—linked from the Patch article—that has already raised $3,200 from 78 donors, with a clear goal of $25,000 to cover advertising and canvassing costs. The campaign’s social‑media presence is active; Smith’s Instagram account, @VengerSmith, has posted over 120 posts, many of which include short videos of her visiting community centers, attending town hall meetings, and speaking with residents on the street.
Community Reaction and Local Media Coverage
Local residents have responded positively to Smith’s campaign. In a series of on‑the‑street interviews, Patch captured the impressions of several voters. A senior citizen, Mrs. Elaine Thompson, expressed support for Smith’s housing plan, saying, “I’m worried about where my grandchildren will live when they’re old. If she can make sure there’s space for them, that’s a big plus.” Meanwhile, a local bar owner, Carlos Ramirez, praised Smith’s small‑business agenda, noting that “a voucher program would help keep money circulating right here in our neighborhood.”
The city’s election office confirmed that the Ward 6 alderman race will be decided on November 5, with the next city council meeting scheduled for November 20. Vengerflutta Smith is one of five candidates in the race, including former alderman Daniel Phelps, who is known for his tough‑on‑crime stance. Phelps’s platform focuses on increasing police presence and cutting taxes, a strategy that contrasts sharply with Smith’s community‑oriented approach.
Links Followed for Additional Context
The Patch article included several internal links that were followed for context:
Vengerflutta Smith’s Official Campaign Website – The website offers a detailed FAQ section, a list of volunteer sign‑ups, and an interactive map showing targeted areas for outreach. It also provides downloadable policy documents and a press release archive.
Nashua Housing Authority Policy Documents – The linked policy pages give an overview of current state and city guidelines on affordable‑housing development, providing a framework for Smith’s proposed changes.
Nashua City Election Board Page – The official election board page lists the candidates’ filing status, campaign finance reports, and election dates, confirming that Smith has met all statutory requirements.
Local Community Organization Pages – Several local nonprofit sites were linked, such as the Nashua Youth Development Center, where Smith’s former employer is listed. These pages contain additional information on the community projects she oversaw.
Conclusion: A Fresh Voice for Ward 6
Vengerflutta Smith’s entry into the Ward 6 alderman race brings a fresh, community‑centric perspective to Nashua’s local politics. With a background steeped in community organization and a platform that tackles affordable housing, public safety, and small‑business revitalization, Smith aims to give Ward 6 residents a voice that has long felt marginalized. Whether her message will resonate with the broader electorate remains to be seen, but her early fundraising success and endorsements suggest that she is a serious contender who could reshape the conversation around local governance in Nashua.
Read the Full Patch Article at:
[ https://patch.com/new-hampshire/nashua/vengerflutta-smith-nashua-ward-6-alderman-candidate-0 ]