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.
The cab driver is listed in critical condition at Cooper Hospital following a violent carjacking/robbery that netted $40 for the suspects, police said.
Thieves steal cars, snow blowers and propane tanks.
Volunteer and past Good Citizenship Award winner Brandon Pugh seeks one of three open seats on the school board this year.
Moorestown High School hosts SpeakUp! next month, giving kids (and parents) a chance to talk about issues like sex, drugs and self-image.
Prostitution, DWI and drug arrests, plus burglary and theft investigations, keep Mount Laurel Police busy.
Several arrests for shoplifting, as well as an arrest in a domestic violence incident.
After a protracted legal battle that reached federal court, Moorestown School District paid the parents of an autistic boy who accused the district of blocking their son's education.
The director tells Patch what he'd add to the library if money was no object, what everyone should be reading right now, and why the Internet is dangerous (looking at you Wikipedia).
Payouts for the top five winners, plus door prizes and a silent auction, at Lenola Fire Hall.
Catholic school grew by 4 percent in 2011, bucking national trend.
The burglary Wednesday follows a pair of break-ins over the weekend.
Brides (and grooms)-to-be, basketball fans, poker players and Girl Scout cookie lovers should have no shortage of things to do this weekend.
In the meantime, the board is still seeking input from the public.
One suspect is in custody in PA, while another is wanted and at large, police say.
Preliminary projections call for a $112 tax increase for the average Moorestown homeowner.
What happens when one parent wants to move after a divorce?
A floor plan for the new library would eliminate some volumes, but leave more room for "public service spaces."
Several roads in Cinnaminson-Moorestown-Mount Laurel included in county's $6.1 million road resurfacing plan.
The township lost more than $500,000 through tax appeals in 2011. A new revaluation would level the market—meaning some will pay less and some will pay more.
The ordinance sets up some—not all—of the parameters for alcohol sales in Moorestown, such as who's responsible for issuing licenses and hours of operation for establishments.
