Email: jeff.rumage@patch.com
Phone: 414.248.3117
Hometown: Beloit, WI
Bio: Jeff Rumage has always had a passion for writing, learning about others and understanding the community around him.
Those three things drove Jeff to walk into The Daily Cardinal, one of UW-Madison's student newspapers, where he covered city, state and campus news stories.
After graduating from UW-Madison, Jeff took a job with a weekly newspaper in Oconomowoc, where he immersed himself in the community over the course of three years- writing about everything from farmers markets to murder trials.
When he learned about Patch's vision for community journalism, he felt compelled to be a part of it.
Your Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.
Politics
Some might say that a UW-Madison graduate with degrees in Political Science and Communications is inherently liberal, but I have always thought partisanship takes the intellect out of politics. I genuinely believe there are multiple sides to most issues, and I became a journalist to give a voice to all sides of the discussion. I do, of course, vote in every election, but my choice is shaped more by each candidate's background, openness and capacity for logic than their ability to rile a crowd and make their opponent look bad.
Religion
Religion is a personal matter, and I believe everyone should have the right to exercise and express their beliefs in an open environment.
Local Hot-Button Issue
Education is a major topic of interest in the North Shore - and rightfully so. I recognize that many families moved to the North Shore to ensure a strong education for their child, so I aim to highlight school happenings and share student success stories.
Also, many beautiful North Shore homes have incurred substantial property damage due to repeat flood events. I will provide updates on what is being done to remedy village sewer issues.
I do believe residents have a right to know where their tax dollars are spent. I pledge to provide accurate, comprehensive information about public affairs, and I will find answers to any issues brought to my attention.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation report on crime in the United States includes data from Whitefish Bay and most other communities in the state. See what kinds of violent crimes were reported here and how the village compares to others.
With the CDA's recommendation to create a TIF district, the developers have announced a construction schedule for the luxury apartment development.
The former Harder's service station will be transformed into a larger convenience store that features a coffee counter and walk-in coolers.
After receiving village approval, the aspiring restaurant owner now sets her sights on opening in the former Cutter's barbershop by March 1.
Trustees passed a budget that increases the tax levy by two-thirds of a percent, amounting to a $12 tax increase for the owner of a $400,000 home.
The village will save $347,000 this year and at least another $275,000 in 2014 by contracting directly with an insurance provider instead of through the state's Employee Trust Fund.
After six months of work, the water tower at Craig Counsell Park has received a new coat of paint and 'Whitefish Bay' lettering.
Shortly after Whitefish Bay decided not to allow Little Free Libraries in front yards, a small book box in South Milwaukee has been filled with pamphlets warning about doomsday.
Local administrator salaries tend to be higher than other North Shore districts. Use our interactive database to see which school administrators are the highest and lowest paid throughout the state of Wisconsin.
Your guide to finding pre-cut Christmas trees and cut-your-own Christmas tree farms north of Milwaukee.
More than 100 Whitefish Bay students are baking treats to raise money for an African schoolhouse through the Boxes of Love organization.
Whitefish Bay's uptempo offensive style led to a 73-43 victory over South Milwaukee on the Rockets' home court.
The Holiday Stroll on Friday will include a tree lighting ceremony, food, music, and the annual holiday parade at 6 p.m.
House hunters and curious neighbors are equally welcome on a virtual tour of Whitefish Bay's highest-priced houses, ranging from $739,000 to $1.8 million.
A procrastinator's guide to preparing Thanksgiving dinner – or finding a restaurant to cook it for you.
Evan Saunders has been sentenced to a year in prison and three years of probation for inappropriate interactions with patients.
A fundraising committee is asking the Whitefish Bay School Board to contribute $30,000 for the $128,000 project to refurbish the school's three tennis courts.
WisSports bestowed the Jim Leonhard award on Jackson Weber, who has led the Blue Dukes' historic season on both offense and defense.
The district's $150,000 contribution will help the baseball boosters organization pay for a $250,000 artificial turf installation in the diamond's infield.
Police have apprehended suspects that may be responsible for the recent spree of thefts from unlocked cars across the village.