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.
Three days after direct bomb threat at West High, a rumored bomb plan at East is uncovered, but classes resumed Monday with assurances of safety, and the School District says a joint investigation with police has identified suspect students.
As online registration for summer programs opened at 8 a.m. Saturday, a software system put many into virtual gridlock, with some still lost in cyberspace. The Rec Department director said he's trying to fulfill as many requests as possible.
Report of a home invasion in progress was a fake to pull patrol officers away from area where a store would be broken into minutes later.
Despite changes in benchmarks for Wisconsin statewide reading and math tests, Wauwatosa students continue to perform higher than the statewide norms.
Weapon may well have just been forgotten by a citizen, carrying for self-defense, who had to unholster while going about his business.
Two women say they were told this check-cashing thing was 'legit,' but it turns out to cost the a bundle.
Break-in artist in one case is something of an acrobat, climbing a too-convenient tree while carrying a brick, while in another case, it's only a matter of climbing the stairs and turning the doorknob.
Besides suspected felony five-timer, recent arrests include a 3rd-timer, a 2nd offender who blew a whopping .30 blood alcohol concentration with a child in his car, and a driver now on his 2nd offense who caused a collision while operating with a .24 BA
Robbers create strange diversion by dumping can of pennies on counter before demanding cash and cigarettes from clerks.
Picture of beloved monarch butterfly on backyard bush puts amateur Carrol Fibich just ahead of professional nature photographer, and they are both far ahead of the pack.
Fear over multimillion dollar lawsuits has prompted many departments to strictly follow requirements in the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act that may or may not apply. And in doing so, they're violating the state's open records law
Scheme to make hay from items taken from businesses in large office building unravels quickly, but each accomplice tries just as swiftly to deflect blame on the other, according to detectives.
Who doesn't love fabulous prizes? Especially when they are about finally getting outdoors and dressing up that winter-tired landscape. Stein Gardens and Gifts is open, and Hawk's is still there to help.
Citing reports of repeated concerns about Father Robert Marsicek, Listecki writes that, 'collectively they call into question allowing this priest to remain serving as pastor of two parishes, each with schools or daycare programs.'
Written threat found in bathroom Tuesday warning of bomb on Wednesday prompts canceling of evening classes, but morning sessions were being held under police watch.
Forest Exploration school's backers need to raise $2 million in donations and show that about $6 million more has or will come through other sources, within about two years. The Eschweiler Buildings' future rests on that success.
Arrested this time for trespassing after running from a police officer, man with long lists of arrests and pending cases is once again fodder for the criminal court system.
McKenna Nerone's rape survivors awareness project draws wide public attention, but it also spurs individual victims to speak up for themselves, knowing someone who cares is listening.
Shoppers won't know they're not in brand new stores, developer says as reconstruction commences on retail center built on the shell of vacated warehouses to house Nordstrom Rack and other retailers.
Woman's flat is cleaned out of electronics, and even her collection of movies, in daylight break-in.
