State representative Walrath will not seek re-election
By Angela Greiner Community Reporter

PHOTO/SUBMITTED State Rep. Patricia A. Walrath

Hudson - State Rep. Patricia A. Walrath, D-Stow, has served the 3rd Middlesex District since 1984, after securing Argeo Paul Celluci's former seat. She announced last week that she would not seek re-election for the next term.

Walrath's political career has transcended boundaries ever since she was the first woman ever elected to the Stow Board of Selectmen.

"Actually I think I was the only woman who ever ran," Walrath said.

Now several towns in the are have women as selectmen.

"Things are definitely changing," she said. "But we still need more women to run."

At times, she said, it was difficult for her to balance the needs of her family with the erratic last-minute evening or weekend meetings, but she is grateful to her family members, who were helpful and in favor of her career.

With nearly a year to go before her retirement, Walrath predicted it will be a difficult one.

"This is going to be a tough year with tight budgets on both the state and local levels," she said.

She recently visited the selectmen in her district.

"They said they have plans to work me to the bone over the next year," she said.

Walrath is the chair of the Healthcare Finance Committee and dedicated to the implementation of the health care reform law, having worked with the state for years to bring the cost of health care down.

"It [Health care reform law] is definitely a growing policy," she said. "It is the first time it has been implemented, so we have to work with it, making changes to make it better … but we need the help from the federal government."

Walrath is proud of her accomplishments as a state representative.

"I have done everything I can do," she said. "It is going to be up to some other minds to see it through."

In a press release, Walrath said that she intends to retire in order to pursue other interests.

"I am weighing my options at this point," she said.

With an active personal life that includes grandchildren and tending to blueberries and golden raspberries, Walrath said she is looking forward to some time in her gardens.

She also said she has no desire to run for a federal office.

"I have a great deal of respect for candidates running for offices," she said. "… It is very stressful running a campaign: they say it can take 10 years off your life. At my age, I don't think I want to do that."

Walrath has served on numerous committees, including the House Ways and Means committee, has chaired many conference committees, and has filed several hundred bills that are now law.

"Of all my accomplishments during the 12 terms in the House," she said, "I am particularly proud of working for the expansion of the Fire Training Academy; the $200 million Fort Devens Redevelopment Plan that proved so successful that it serves as a model for base closings across the United States; organizing and serving as the first chair of the Long Term Debt and Capital Expenditures Committee, where I worked to reduce the outstanding debt of the commonwealth and raise the bond rating; and organizing and serving as the first House chair of the Health Care Financing Committee, where I was instrumental in getting the health care reform law written and passed - perhaps the most difficult task that I have ever faced."

As she looks back on her years serving her constituency, Walrath appreciates what she sees.

"I have many memories and I have enjoyed virtually every day of serving in office," she said.