Election Profile: Caren Fitzpatrick For NJ 2nd Assembly

ATLANTIC COUNTY, NJ — Caren Fitzpatrick is one of four total candidates hoping to land an Assembly seat in New Jersey's 2nd District, and one of two Democrats running.

Fitzpatrick, 62, previously worked as a senior director in finance and administration for 25 years. She currently serves as an Atlantic County Commissioner.

Patch asked each candidate to complete a questionnaire outlining biographical information, their platform and their stands on a handful of issues.

Read more about Fitzpatrick in this Patch Q&A below:

Age (as of Election Day): 62

Party affiliation: Democrat

Family: Husband, Brian; son, Brian, daughter in law, Meghan; grandchildren, Cassidy and Dylan

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Education: MBA Stockton University

Occupation: Sr Director Finance & Administration, 25 years

Previous, current elected or appointed office: Atlantic County Commissioner

Campaign website: carenfitzpatrick.com

Why are you seeking elective office? To more effectively advocate for the residents of my district. Too often, we are an afterthought.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it. Lack of opportunity. Use out of the box thinking to bring new business and industry to our area. Be open to new opportunities that are virtually-driven, technology-based and green energy focused.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I've been a small business owner, I'm an adult learner, having started my college career after having children, and continuing nights and weekends to earn a master's degree. I've worked in food service, and I've suffered loss that makes one stronger and empathetic, and currently work in our area's economic driver, the tourism industry.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform. Property tax relief, school funding, women's healthcare, racial justice, environmental equity and justice.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? Decades managing multi-million dollar budgets and spending, Elected twice as County Commissioner, leading the charge in Atlantic County for environmentally responsible government.

The best advice ever shared with me was: "Be pushy, dear!"

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I'm ready to make the next step to the Statehouse to make sure we in Atlantic County get everything we need to make our county a desirable place to live ad work, while keeping costs flat.