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.
Village Board approves two referendum questions asking voters about the size of the board and whether the supervisor position should be part-time or full-time.
Village staff will move forward with exploring the $23 million and $36 million stormwater sewer options.
Review of funding came in response to calls for reductions made at school district's annual meeting.
Nearly $14 million budget would increase tax bill on a $400,000 home by $52 to $2,124 this year.
Trustees will also consider two possible referendum items about the size of the Milwaukee County Board.
Enjoy some family time this Thanksgiving week at the Holiday Stroll and a movie at the library.
Nationwide recall pulls Smucker's Natural Chunky peanut butter due to salmonella concerns, but the same product available at Sendik's is safe, according to company officials.
Buy two holiday drinks for the price of one from Thursday through Sunday.
With a non-binding recommendation from the Plan Commission to authorize the space for public use, the Village Board will now hammer out the details for Stein's and other interested organizations to lease the space.
While politicians on both sides craft talking points, Wisconsin residents speak out on the reforms that have passed in Walker's first year in office.
Point guard on winning Lady Knights team signed her letter of intent with the Bulldogs Monday afternoon.
The latest reports from the Whitefish Bay Police Department.
Thanksgiving crafting and a "Rio" movie night are also on tap in this week's Whitefish Bay events calendar.
Proceeds from fundraising effort goes to Dryhootch, which provides a place where veterans can share stories over coffee or get help from a wide variety of support groups.
Contractors had to remove thick concrete from pipes stretching from Wilson Drive to Hampton Road.
Whitefish Bay trustees will analyze stormwater and sanitary sewer options at future meetings.
Artwork from students in junior kindergarten through high school will be sold at an auction at the Bay Ball on Nov. 19.
The latest reports from the Whitefish Bay Police Department.
Gilda's Club open house, Gallery 505 art show and Sprecher vendor tour are also on tap this week in Whitefish Bay.
Trustees also will also discuss any remaining budget issues in special meeting at 6 p.m. Monday.