Dean Cascadden

Dean Cascadden graduated from Littleton High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College in 1983, a graduate degree from Regent University in 1993, and a Ph.D. from The College of William and Mary in 1996. His career experience includes working as an educator and administrator.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My life passions are public education, the natural environment and building empowering organizations that respect and support the diverse people who engage with them. I have been a biology teacher, a middle school principal, a district curriculum director and a superintendent of schools. I have been a husband, a father and now a grandfather. I care deeply about NH and about our future as a state.

I believe in government. I believe in local control, and the ability of citizens to come together to civilly debate ideas that will promote the general welfare. I believe in public education as a foundation for democracy, and to support our economic growth. I believe our local public schools build community and respect for others when they recognize diversity and deliver services equitably and in inclusive environments. The over reliance on property tax causes strife in and between our communities. We can look at better funding mechanisms for the diverse student pathways without implementing a sales or income tax. It has been done before with other revenue sources that have been reduced in recent years.

I promote environmental stewardship. We need to manage our natural resources for our present economic health and for future generations. Our Lakes, Mountains and natural areas need protection and reliable funding sources for managing multiple users.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Supporting Public Education

Public education with local control and supported by a wide base of funding is the hope and future of our democracy.Environmental Stewardship

As president of the Lake Wicwas association and its lake host coordinator, I see that managing our natural resources for recreation, tourism and preservation is critical to our state.

We all own our lakes and mountains and we need to protect them as we use them.Property Tax Relief

NH funds most of its services off of Property Taxes, user fees and "sin" taxes. A lot of burden has been pushed from Concord to the localities. There are other sources of revenue that can be looked at to provide the governmental services we want.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Educational policy and environment/ recreation policy