Rob has been a reporter for roughly six years. In 2003, he graduated from Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pa., with a bachelor's degree in communication with a focus in media writing. After college, he began working at The Danville News, a small daily newspaper in Central Pennsylvania. Later, he moved up to their larger sister paper, The Daily Item. Most recently, Rob worked as the political reporter at the Gloucester County Times. He just moved to New Jersey last fall and is still getting used to the quirks of the Garden State: full-service gas stations and being able to buy beer and wine in the same store. He's new to Moorestown and is eager to make Patch's presence here even stronger.
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 them to inject their beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that their beliefs are on the record will cause them 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
How would you describe your political beliefs?
I suppose the easiest way to answer this question is I tend to be socially liberal and fiscally centrist. My view on politics - from watching it, reading it and covering it - is there seems to be a level of detachment between the people who govern and the governed. Not as much at the local level, but at the state and certainly the federal levels. That's why you see so many polls reflecting the populace's growing lack of faith in their representatives.
Religion
How religious would you consider yourself?
I was raised Roman Catholic, went to church every Sunday and attended Catholic school for seven years. But I now find that, while I appreciate the role organized religion plays in many people's lives, it's not for me. That's not to say I'm not religious. I believe in … something. But I see merit in every faith.
Local Hot-Button Issues
What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?
The liquor referendum. Everyone's talking about it and the debate seems to revolve around two ideas cast in opposition: The town's "character" vs. dollars and cents. What wins out?
Teacher contracts. It's only a couple weeks till school starts and still no resolution. When will it come? And what will the long-term implications of the new contract be?
The new municipal building/library/police department.
In our third Moorestown Friends Senior Snapshot, Noah Rubenstein talks to us about the value of education for education's sake and missing the "tiny little space" of MFS.
Also, police say a Camden woman driving under the influence crashed her car with her 9-year-old son inside.
Police are looking for the suspect, who robbed the store Wednesday night.
Maple Shade Police are looking for the suspect, who robbed the store Wednesday night.
In our second Moorestown Friends Senior Snapshot, Gabe Hege reminisces about mandatory second-grade violin lessons and pricey (but tasty) cafeteria food.
A number of residents were left in the dark Wednesday night when a large tree abruptly fell across power lines.
Mayor John Button and his running mates will run as independents in the fall against the Republican and Democratic tickets.
Commencement for Moorestown Friends School's 226th graduating class is Saturday.
Still-undefeated Moorestown (No. 1) will battle the No. 2 team in the state Saturday in the Tournament of Champions final.
The report cards measure academic achievement, as well as other statistics, including student-to-faculty ratio and staff salaries.
Several signs, put on display by proud Moorestown parents, were stolen from front lawns last week.
The official party tickets for Moorestown Township Council are running unopposed, but a handful of other races will be contested Tuesday.
Also, police say someone trashed a hotel room to the tune of $5,000 and investigate the theft of $100 worth of ... cooking grease?
Mount Laurel Police make several other arrests for drug possession.
Food, fun, friends, pie-eating contests? Tell us what you love best about Moorestown's big summer festival.
Sidney Ruffin, Jeremy Wilbur and T.J. PiPilla will all compete this weekend at South Plainfield High School.
Moorestown Republican candidates for council Phil Garwood, Victoria Napolitano and Pete Palko discuss Open Space, economic development, and why it's important to listen to everyone.
Supporters of the project may seek council's help by asking them to release money from the Open Space Trust Fund.
A pie-eating contest, an art exhibit, a book sale, music and more highlight Saturday's 36th annual Moorestown Day.
On its way to $1 billion raised, the Rutgers University Foundation is sharing stories of individual students across the state, including one from Moorestown.
