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People On The Move: Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande
10/23/2008 - By by Tobi Tesoriero
GOVERNING WITH SINCERE PASSION
Caroline Casagrande is the assemblywoman representing the 12th Legislative District of the state of New Jersey. This district covers 16 different towns: 14 in Monmouth County (including Colts Neck), as well as two in Mercer County. She is the youngest person serving in the legislature at this time, and further distinguishes herself as the youngest female ever elected to the New Jersey State Legislature.
When asked what drew her to politics, Assemblywoman Casagrande said that she has always had a fascination with government. As a young school girl she was always captivated by the lessons she learned about political institutions throughout the world. That deep interest had a direct effect on her life and the educational path she took.
Assemblywoman Casagrande expressed that her thirst for knowledge about government directed her choice of major in college, and then spurred her to continue her postgraduate studies in law. Her intention was to learn about our systems and government in greater depth. She completed her undergraduate studies at Penn State, where she studied political science, and subsequently attended Rutgers School of Law, from which she received her JD (Juris Doctor) degree. While at Penn State, Casagrande got bitten by the political bug, and was soon elected Student Body President (Penn States undergraduate student body is about 61,000).
When she began her career, Casagrande decided to direct her interests to the field of municipal law. In fact, she had the opportunity to serve as an attorney in several towns located in the 12th district. She said that one of her biggest concerns for New Jersey is the financial direction it is taking. She is concerned about taxes and the impact they have on our citizens. Because of her own demographic, she views herself as voice for the younger citizens of the state who, in the future, she feels will be saddled with a great deal of the financial responsibilities and debt incurred.
So, what compelled this woman to run for office? She says that one person can have an awesome impact on people through government, and she wanted to be that person. She is dedicated to serving her community and her constituents. In terms of what she has experienced so far as an assemblywoman, Casagrande is pleased to see how much can be accomplished for her constituents through her legislative offices. For example, she sees people who need help with utility bills, and her office is able to advise those individuals and provide them with the help they need.*
Casagrandes experience in the assembly up until now has been enlightening in many ways. One thing that surprised her is the short turnaround time the legislature is given to vote on proposed laws. Once the laws are proposed, the assembly is expected to vote on them by the next day. This is a procedure she would like to see changed so that legislation can be given more time to be reviewed and properly vetted.
In addition to being a freshman assemblywoman for the minority party, Casagrande serves on the State Government Committee and the Judiciary Committee – positions she obtained through appointment by her political party leader. Carolines interests also go beyond the government; she is a member of the board of the Visiting Nurse Association.
When not tackling government issues, Casagrande enjoys being a new mom. Caroline and her husband, Steve Chance, who have lived in Colts Neck (with their beagle) for about 3 years, celebrated the birth of their first child – their son, Harrison Frederick Chance – this past summer. They chose to make this town their home as they loved the open spaces and feel of the community. This is not to say, however, that Casagrande has deserted her Jersey Shore roots (she is originally from Spring Lake); she still loves the shore and plans to pass along her love of the ocean and sand to her son. At only 10 days old, Harrison already experienced his first outing to the beach.
*Assemblywoman Casagrandes office is located at 71 West Main Street in downtown Freehold.
STATS
FAVORITE RESTAURANT
Teak in Red Bank
FAVORITE MUSICAL GROUP
White Stripes
FAVORITE MOVIE
Out of Africa
PET PEEVE
bad drivers
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH
Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, and Mother Theresa
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