Handlin chosen Assembly deputy minority leader BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer Amy Handlin Hoping to "have a stronger voice in the Assembly," Amy Handlin was recently appointed to the position of deputy minority leader of the New Jersey Assembly. Handlin (R-Monmouth/Middlesex), a Middletown resident who was elected to the Assembly in November 2005 and started her tenure the following January, listed the top priorities in her new role as cutting spending and boosting ethical standards within state government. "In my new position, I hope to have more chances to push legislation that is critical to me," Handlin said. "I am truly honored to have received this position after only a year-and-a-half. I look forward to working with my colleagues to provide true tax relief by cutting spending and eliminating waste, fraud and abuse at every level of government." Handlin also mentioned that she wanted to see the state banned from hiring lobbyists because she feels it's a waste of taxpayer money. Handlin was nominated by Minority Leader Alex DeCroce (R-Morris/Passaic) and was lauded by Monmouth County Republican Chairman Adam Puharic. "Assemblywoman Handlin is a recognized leader on ethics reform and working to cut out waste, fraud and abuse in government," Puharic said. "The residents of New Jersey are very lucky to have the assemblywoman fighting for them to reform state government in his very important leadership post." Another one of Handlin's missions is to require that ethics training be mandatory for all appointed and elected officials. This comes on the heels of Handlin offering such training at an event last week for leaders from many area municipalities. "People in leadership positions should have to go through with this. We're all working for the public and so this should be an item that officials should want to get involved with," Handlin said. "My goal is to help as many people as I can in this new position for as long as I can. Handlin and incumbent running mate Samuel Thompson of Old Bridge will face Democrats Patricia Walsh of Middletown and Robert Brown of Old Bridge in November for two seats in the Assembly. Also in District 13, incumbent Republican Joseph Kyrillos of Middletown will face Leonard Inzerillo of Middletown for a seat in the state Senate.