Caseen Gaines

Caseen is a lifelong resident of Hackensack and a voice for community change whose advocacy work has been recognized by state and local organizations. After earning a degree in English, Journalism, and American Studies from Rutgers University, he returned to his former high school to teach and direct theater for the past eighteen years.

Cassen is president of his local teacher's union, a member of the National Education Association, an award-winning author, the current liaison to the city's Library Board, and a former member of the Hackensack Cultural Arts Board. Mike is also a co-founder of the nonprofit Hackensack Theatre Company.

He is especially concerned that Hackensack has become overrun with luxury apartment development, making it one of the most expensive places for renters (especially diverse working-class people) to live in New Jersey. Caseen will ensure that developers pay their fair share so his neighbors aren't priced out of town, the public schools aren't cheated out of funding, and vital public health, safety, and quality-of-life services aren't scaled back.