Email: james.price@patch.com
Phone 414-218-2779
Hometown: Wauwatosa, WI
Birthday: February 21, 1956
Bio: I've wanted to write ever since my father introduced me to the complete works of Mark Twain when I was a child, but I didn't get my start in journalism until 1986 when I began supplementing my income as an English major through freelancing for the Chicago Reader. Getting paid to write seemed better than not, so after graduating from the University of Illinois-Chicago, I applied to the graduate program of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, the first and I believe still the best J-school in the world.
Still a poor student, I begged my way onto the copy desk of the Columbia (Mo.) Daily Tribune. After five years of journalistic boot camp, I made my way to The Milwaukee Journal, settled in Wauwatosa, and I've been here ever since, editing and writing for The Journal and Journal Sentinel and teaching journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I'm thrilled to be a Patch editor in my adopted hometown of 22 years.
Our 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.
My Politics
I am unashamed to call myself a liberal in my personal political beliefs, and I don't think anyone should think it's a dirty word, because I believe this nation was founded on the most liberal principles the world has ever seen: that all people are equal and should govern their own affairs as equals. That said, I agree with my hero Thomas Jefferson about the limits of government and with many people today who believe that our government has in many ways outgrown that notion. In any case, I have 25 years of training and experience in journalism and I can assure readers that I have never let any personal beliefs affect my sense of fairness and balance in reporting or editing any story.
My Religion
I grew up in the Methodist Church, and although I do not practice any religion now, I still adhere to much of the guidance of that church, which taught that we should all act toward others and conduct ourselves in accordance with certain beliefs that underlie Christian morality.
Local Hot-Button Issues
The hottest button in Wauwatosa, I believe, is in the undercurrents that swell to the surface from time to time as we try to deal with being the closest suburban community to urban Milwaukee and the socio-economic issues that sometimes spill over our borders.
After half a century directing and 16 years leading the Tosa East Players, Tom Thaney will not return as Principal Nick Hughes seeks 'new direction' for school's drama program.
Mass and a patriotic ceremony at Calvary Cemetery will mark 150th anniversary of watershed year in Civil War history.
Investigation of the death of a Fredonia man led deputies to seek warrants charging 30-year-old Tosa man as his supplier.
Extra effort and resources will focus on both drunken driving and speeding as police seek to protect those out to enjoy the beginning of summer.
Brookfield man takes off at high speed hoping to elude patrol officer, but instead he multiplies his trouble.
Extra effort and resources will focus on both drunken driving and speeding as police seek to protect those out to enjoy the beginning of summer.
Chain specializing in local and organic edibles may open its second Milwaukee-area store in Brookfield or Wauwatosa, Biz Times reports.
Weissbier once flowed with fellowship in what is now Jacobus Park, as Castalia Bottling Works opened its grounds on sunny Sunday afternoons.
Homeowners, caretaker were on alert for the arrival of known drug addict who had already been arrested on suspicion of earlier thefts.
Chain specializing in local and organic edibles may open a second Milwaukee-area store in Wauwatosa or Brookfield, Biz Times reports.
Concerned citizen, worried by clanging alarm that something is amiss at a neighbor's home, calls police, who fly to the scene but can't put the cuffs on this home-breaker.
Curious crashes and odd exchanges mark arrests of several first-offense OWI suspects.
Veteran and author fought with Patton and recorded the horrors of the first Nazi concentration camp discovered by U.S. forces.
Continued discussion of alternatives will lead to a recommendation on modifications to I-94 corridor by this fall.
If set-up accident scene doesn't resonate with all students, followup film and testimonials do, as pre-Prom documentary of alcohol-related deaths hits home.
Blaring music and failure to pay tickets and maintain proper registration make a quick trip to the convenience store a beacon for police attention.
During National Police Week, Brookfield Department takes time out from regular duties for a special one: remembering those who sacrificed all "so that others may live."
Once again, firearms collections left unsecured are stolen in a Wauwatosa burglary. This time, there is a witness who almost reaches police in time to stop the perpetrators.
In its initial request to occupy church property, Phuoc Hau Buddhist Temple not only gets a kinder reception than it did in Greenfield, it's bolstered by a helpful Plan Commission.
Questions about overlapping hours of alcohol sales with children's open swimming prompt Plan Commission to recommend a one-hour later opening.
