Moorestown|News|
Allen Crosses Aisle on Gay Marriage Vote
State Sen. Diane Allen was one of two Republican senators to support a gay marriage bill last month.

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.
State Sen. Diane Allen was one of two Republican senators to support a gay marriage bill last month.

The clubs' joint pancake breakfast drew more than 700 people to Moorestown High School Sunday.
The Moorestown Board of Education is now faced with restarting the search process, hiring an interim superintendent, or both.
Also, police say one drunk man tries to help another—and both wind up arrested.
The boys' and girls' teams sent 11 swimmers to compete in the meet last weekend.
Have an elderly parent and wondering about your choices for senior living? Read on.
Despite losing its top two players, the Moorestown girls' golf team hopes to build on its fourth-place finish at states last year.
Freeholder Director Bruce Garganio presses state office to stand firm and call off negotiations with New Jersey American Water.
Freeholder Director Bruce Garganio presses state office to stand firm and call off negotiations with New Jersey American Water.
An initial open house for the fledgling initiative will be held at William Allen Middle School Thursday night.
Brad and Terry Zimmerman will run the marathon to benefit the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary after doctors there removed a rare tumor from Brad's brain.
Moorestown's director of personnel Susan Powell will take over for UES principal Kim Jackson when she leaves this summer.
This week, tell us where you and your family like to go for a day of fun.
Moorestown's Thomas Forline goes 3-3 at states to place sixth.
Police arrest a man they say sold jewelry he stole from homes while working as a contractor.
Moorestown's Thomas Forline lost his third-round match Saturday at the state wrestling tournament, but a wrestleback win secures him a spot on the podium.
Super Bowl winners Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham will be at BC Sports Saturday afternoon to sign autographs.
Moorestown Mayor John Button stopped by Roberts Elementary School Friday to read to students for Read Across America Day.
Bacio Catering and Marketplace selected by Patch readers as the place to go for Italian in Moorestown.