NH Insights & Op-Eds

Fact-based analysis, public commentary, and selected opinion writing on statewide issues.

Before becoming a candidate, I created NH Insights to help New Hampshire residents better understand the policy choices facing the state.

Through Substack, Facebook, podcasts, public commentary, and published op-eds, I have written and spoken about education, school funding, property taxes, housing, workforce development, childcare, local government, and the state budget.

My goal has been to bring more facts, context, and practical analysis into public conversations that are too often dominated by slogans and political talking points.

Campaign Announcement

Scott Shepard Announces Campaign for NH State Representative

I am running for New Hampshire State Representative in Strafford County District 4, representing Barrington and Strafford. This campaign grows out of the same work I have done through NH Insights: focusing on facts, understanding root causes, and working toward practical solutions.

Read the Full Announcement

Selected Writing and Analysis

This section collects the main public pieces I want voters to see: selected op-eds, Substack analysis, and public social versions where available. Some op-eds are hosted on external news sites; where possible, I also link to public NH Insights or Facebook versions for easier access and sharing.

Concord Monitor Op-Ed

New Hampshire is arguing about K–12 education — but not asking the right questions

This op-ed argues that New Hampshire’s education debate should start with deeper questions about local control, educational quality, value for money, risk, and whether the state is governing through strategy or recurring conflict.

Read the op-ed →

Read/share the public Facebook post →

Concord Monitor Letter

Brittle tax base: danger ahead

This letter highlights the risk of New Hampshire’s narrow tax base, revenue volatility, business tax concentration, and the danger of shifting fiscal stress onto municipalities and local property taxpayers.

Read the letter →

Read/share the public NH Insights note →

NH Insights School Strategy

From Defense to Strategy

This school strategy post argues that districts and education leaders should lead a more honest, forward-looking conversation about enrollment trends, fixed costs, student needs, public trust, and practical long-term strategies.

Read the school strategy post →