Caren Fitzpatrick Announces Bid for State Assembly.

(Northfield) —Today, I am formally announcing that I will be entering the race for State Assembly in the 2^nd Legislative District. I first was compelled to run for public office in 2017 because I felt our county government did not represent me. Like so many other people, I always thought elected officials were intelligent and looking out for their constituents, but 2016 changed my mind. Now I know my experiences have given me the instinct and vision to see solutions to our problems. I want to bring that to the State Assembly so that I can help solve more of our issues.

I want to fight for Atlantic County, to make sure we get our fair share from state government. We need to address the inequitable school funding formulas that raise taxes on our middle-class families. I ran for county government because women were excluded from having a voice at the table, now I’m running for State Assembly to bring that voice to the State House.

I understand the needs of working families. As director of finance and administration of Meet AC, I have worked tirelessly to bring investment into our region. I know middle-class families are hurting in Atlantic County, and I pledge to devote myself to the revitalization of our region, to bring good-paying jobs and tackle the foreclosure crisis that threatens affordability for our neighbors.

Many of these issues affect my family deeply. In 2014, my family endured the greatest tragedy, the loss of our son, Duncan, due to struggles related to opioid addiction and mental illness. I share this pain with so many others touched by this crisis, including my running mate John. We will work to turn our compassion into consequence, and take this opioid crisis head on.

My experiences in work ultimately led me to managing multi-million dollar budgets and spending, and committing myself to the success of Atlantic City. My experiences in life have given me the ability to hear peoples’ concerns and understand their needs.

I look forward to a competitive race alongside my running mates Vince Mazzeo and John Armato. These two gentlemen have set a high bar for public service and I will endeavor to serve my neighbors in Atlantic County with the same passion and commitment.