Walsh seeks Democrats' support in Assembly run BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer "I know that I can actively serve residents as they should be served in the Assembly." - Patricia Walsh MIDDLETOWN - Saying that she "doesn't like the way things are being run right now," former Board of Education president and current member Patricia Walsh has announced she will seek her party's nomination to run for a seat in the state Assembly in the 13th District. Specifically, Walsh, a Democrat, has taken issue with Republican Amy Handlin due to what she calls "a lack of doing anything for her constituents." "Amy Handlin has not brought money or results back to the district. She hasn't had one bill posted in the time she has served in office and I am wondering how many more years it will take for her to accomplish this task," Walsh said. "Quite honestly, I don't think our area is well-represented." Walsh, 48, feels that her education in legislative issues over the past three years has led her to a point where she wants to take her experience to a wider arena. In recent years, she has been an outspoken critic of the state's public school funding system. She said that educational issues, eminent domain and tax reform are key issues she'd like to address. According to Walsh, her service on the Board of Education will be of great help on the campaign trail. "I know that the 13th District has not been served well in the past year by its legislators. It's time to bring new blood that can actually get visible results for this district and not just play political games in Trenton," Walsh said. Walsh said she has received positive feedback in regard to running for public office. She said she will be meeting with supporters in the near future and wants to break the Republicans' stranglehold in the district. "I know that I can actively serve residents as they should be served in the Assembly. I will be someone that residents can hold accountable for bringing back results they care about to the 13th District," Walsh said. District 13 consists of Aberdeen, Hazlet, Holmdel, Keansburg, Keyport, Matawan, Middletown and Union Beach in Monmouth County, and Old Bridge in Middlesex County.