Valerie Mihalek serves as the program director for Garden of Reflection 9/11 memorial
By Tom Waring
The Times
Former Yardley Councilwoman Valerie Mihalek will challenge U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick in next year’s Republican primary.
Mihalek has worked in administrative capacities for Fortune 500 companies and as an elementary school educator for nine years. She also served as deputy district director for former U.S. Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick, Brian’s older brother.
Today, she serves as the program director for Garden of Reflection 9/11 memorial. In 2012, the Bucks County Women’s Initiative of the United Way of Bucks County honored her with the Power of the Purse Award for her work with the Garden of Reflection.
In the community, she has been involved with veterans and law enforcement causes such as Honor Flight, Warriors Watch and National Police Week and as an advocate for the rights of the terminally ill.
The candidate resides in Lower Makefield Township with her husband, a veteran and professional federal law enforcement officer, and their two young daughters. She holds master’s degrees in liberal studies and school administration from C.W. Post University in New York and a bachelor’s degree in elementary school education from St Joseph’s College.
Dean Malik is also expected to seek the GOP nomination. He’s a lawyer from New Britain Township, an Iraq War veteran and a former Bucks County assistant district attorney.
Rachel Reddick, a lawyer and officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve, is seeking the Democratic nomination. She’s a former legal advocate for survivors of domestic abuse with the Doylestown-based A Woman’s Place and a former Navy Judge Advocate General.
Other Democrats could run, based on the party’s strong showing in last week’s countywide row office races. ••
