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Volunteers Help Local Kids Get Toys
Do-gooders helped assemble gift bags on Dec. 15 that will be distributed today (Thursday, Dec. 20) through the University Area Community Development Corporation.

Email: john.majeski@patch.com Phone: (813) 528-6772
John Majeski is the editor for the Land O’ Lakes and Lutz Patch sites, a job that allows him to do something different every day. He lives in Tampa and became a first-time father in March 2013.
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.
How would you describe your political beliefs?
Just left of center.
Are you registered with a certain party?
Nope.
How religious would you consider yourself?
I have recently started attending Sunday services again after a decade-long absence.
What do you think are the most important issues facing the community? Where do you stand on each of these issues?
The biggest issues facing the region are the availability of well-paying jobs, real estate values, rising costs of living and the lack of mass-transit options.
While I know it takes a long time to break old habits, it is very disappointing mass transit improvements are not better supported by the public. I don't think Tampa will reach anywhere near its potential as a city without a modern transit system. Relying solely on roads is simply an old way of thinking.
With improved mass transit, Tampa will be positioned to better attract world-class employers who can provide the well-paying jobs that we all need.
When it comes to real estate values, I am grateful to live in an area of town that has seen less distressed sales than others.
Do-gooders helped assemble gift bags on Dec. 15 that will be distributed today (Thursday, Dec. 20) through the University Area Community Development Corporation.

A free introductory class to the social-networking site will be held at 1 p.m. today (Thursday, Dec. 20).
Voting for four state license plate designs took place over a three-week period.
The themed programs kick off the weekend of Jan.5-6.
School officials want to increase the presence of security and have school psychologists on hand as a precaution, in the wake of the Connecticut elementary school shootings Friday.
The Aim Higher initiative is asking state officials to fund $118 million toward state universities and colleges. If politicos do, state university officials say there will be no increase in 2012- 13.
A roundup of recent crime in New Tampa.
The Aim Higher initiative is asking state officials to fund $118 million toward state universities and colleges. If politicos do, state university officials say there will be no increase in 2012- 13.
There is now one in English and one in Spanish.
A look at the good deals and unusual finds offered by your neighbors.
Here are some stories you may have missed this week.
A local UPS store owner offers advice on keeping your holiday green.
Peter Mitchell, of Strike the Gold Lane, is in stable condition following an early morning crash.
Does Fido or Fluffy rock? Tell us why your four-legged friend (or two-legged if you dig birds, zero-legged if you're into snakes) is the greatest in the world!