Fitzpatrick: ‘We Have To Work Together’

Mike Fitzpatrick is proud of his service to the residents of Pennsylvania’s Eighth Congressional District.

The incumbent Republican congressman spoke to LevittownNow.com recently in the lead up to the November 4 election.

Fitzpatrick, who lives on the same Levittown neighborhood where he grew, said he will continue to work with members of both parties if he is elected again.

“It’s been my perspective that a role of a representative is to provide a vision that is informed by the electorate and an understanding of the constitution. In the process of leading people, I look for American ideas that are bipartisan.”

Fitzpatrick noted that he has worked for citizens of all political backgrounds during his stints as elected congressional representative.

The congressman said that growing up with seven brothers and sisters has taught him “getting along with those that help you is just as important as get along with people who you don’t agree with.”

Fitzpatrick has heard about the “gridlock in congress” from constituents before. It’s a problem he blames on the senate.

“I’ve been part of a House of Representatives that has passed 340 bills – most of which are sitting on Harry Reid’s desks.”

While facing a challenge from Democrat and area newcomer Kevin Strouse, Fitzpatrick said he has remained focused on the issues at hand.

By all accounts, the economic recovery and helping the middle class are major issues in the district.

“In a difficult economy – President Obama’s economy – where the recovery is slow and jobs are not being created at the rate we need them to be, the balance between spending on government programs. Difficult choices need to be made,” he said.

Fitzpatrick, who graduated from Bishop Egan High School when Ronald Regan was president, said he understands the middle class and knows bring jobs back to America will help strengthen the economy. He called for tax reforms and said Americans’ are willing to pay a few dollars extra to buy a quality product made at home. He added the solution could be aided by politicians of all parities working together.

“We’ll live in a safer world and reduce the cost of manufacturing by making things at home. We’ve had 25 years of a sustained middle class, and I give some of that credit to democrats, but we have to work together. That’s what missing today,” he said.

Another issue at hand, the evolving threat that terrorist organizations pose to the United States.

“[ISIS] isn’t the Al-Qaeda of 12 years ago,” he said. “They are making $3 million a day through the sale of oil.”

At a recent debate, Fitzpatrick said he was working to take action against ISIS’ finances. He added that for continuing action against ISIS, he believes authorization from congress will be needed.

Recently, the congressman made a trip to the Middle East to meet with local officials and U.S. Treasury employees to “make sure they have the tools they need.”

With education being a major issue in the district, Fitzpatrick said he is concerned the federal Department of Education is expanding required programs but not funding.

“The department’s role needs to be defined and funded. They need to stop trying to be all things for all people. I have greater faith in a local school district handle what the students should eat and how they’ll be transported. Those are the officials closer to the people,” he said.

While speaking of the Department of Education, Fitzpatrick said: “I’m a federal official and I understand and respect what the local leaders do.”

Fitzpatrick, who had indicated he will likely not run in 2016, called claims by the Strouse campaign that he does not advocate for women without merit.

“I have a wife, 3 daughters, a mother and five sisters who would argue with that claim and say I support them and their careers and aspirations,” he said. “I’m very proud of my family.”

On reflecting upon his proudest achievement during his time in office, Fitzpatrick recalled the fight to bring the national veterans cemetery to Upper Makefield.

“We now have a national cemetery every bit as beautiful as Arlington,” he said.

Fitzpatrick said the cemetery brings local heroes’ final resting place closer to their families.

Throughout his career as an attorney, Bucks County Commissioner and a congressman, Fitzpatrick said there is one thing he wanted to do: “I want to represent Bucks County.”

Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated Mike Fitzpatrick was a former Middletown Township Supervisor.