'My Goal is to Just Serve the Residents'

Township Committeewoman Kathy Fitzpatrick will seek a third term on committee, defending her seat against a challenge from Democrat Matthew Paterno. 

Fitzpatrick, who served as mayor for part of her second term (only the fourth female mayor in township history), filed a petition with the township clerk to once again run for committee. The deadline for candidates was this past Monday.

She said her goals for a third term are fairly simple—and really no different from her goals during her entire tenure.

"Now, really my goal is to just serve the residents," she said. "I can be a conduit to help people who may not have somewhere to turn."

Fitzpatrick follows in the footsteps of her father, who served on Maple Shade Township Council for 16 years.

"I grew up with being involved in local politics," the mother of four said Friday, taking a break from helping her youngest son with his college search. "So when they asked me to run (for township committee) six years ago, I just felt like it was what I should do."

After six years on committee, Fitzpatrick, who serves as the director of administration and finance, said, "The beauty of running for a third term is, you come at it with the knowledge that helps you earn your space at the committee table."

And while some politicians might groan about having to hit the campaign trail for a third time, the committeewoman said it's one of the aspects of public office she most looks forward to.

"I enjoy knocking on doors and talking to people, because that's where the ideas begin," she said. "You learn what their needs are ... That's really fun for me."

Fitzpatrick will run against Democratic candidate Matthew Paterno. Patch was not immediately able to reach Paterno.

Election Day is Nov. 5 this year.