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.
Township manager Scott Carew tries to speed up the budget process, the township pays down its affordable housing debt, and council plans for an update on revaluation.
Mount Laurel Police also arrest a man for stealing $8,700 in lottery tickets and a woman who resisted on a DWI arrest.
The students are competing with thousands of others across the country for a chance to get their drawing on the Google homepage.
Plenty to do this weekend with the Easter Bunny's arrival, St. Patty's Day celebrations, and the kickoff of South Jersey Restaurant Week.
“I don’t think we would keep getting people back if we didn’t put on great shows.”
In a near-unanimous vote, the GOP selects three political novices to vie for council seats this fall.
Deputy Mayor Greg Gallo says the township recently heard a pitch for a farmer's market at the shuttered building on Chester Avenue.
Low bids for the township's three field improvement projects came in 20 percent lower than the engineer's estimates, according to officials involved with the project.
The Moorestown Theater Company will put on "Rapunzel" and a "Princess Sing-Along" beginning Wednesday at Hope Community Church.
Moorestown may be absent any alcohol-serving establishments, but that doesn't mean you can't celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
Police arrest two for possession of synthetic marijuana and investigate $17,000 worth of damage to some hotel chairs.
Police arrest a Camden man wanted in Pennsylvania after he allegedly led officers on a foot chase earlier this week.
Children in the Friends Enrichment Program of Moorestown Friends Meeting, in partnership with Moorestown Friends School, assemble robotic vehicles with Legos.
Police investigate various thefts and other crimes around town.
Sustainable Moorestown advocates discuss how to bring the town's social, economic and environmental elements together.
“My philosophy is, if you’re going to play, you’re going to commit," said girls' golf coach Charlotte Heenan. "If you are sending them those messages, they’re going to respond to that.”
Police make several arrests for shoplifting at the Moorestown Mall.
To avoid a tax increase, Moorestown council members will need to close a $1 million gap—a near-impossible task, according to the township manager.
Beef and beer for charity, Restaurant Week in Collingswood, and a star-studded monster movie (and TV) convention among this weekend's events.
State Sen. Diane Allen, who represents Cinnaminson in District 7, was one of two Republicans to support a gay marriage bill last month.
