Collingswood, NJ|News|
State Answers Same-Sex Marriage Questions
Moorestown received its first same-sex marriage license application Wednesday, according to the township clerk.

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.
Moorestown received its first same-sex marriage license application Wednesday, according to the township clerk.

A number of residents seemed to embrace the developers' plans for the empty Lenola Auto Mall and Getty lots on Camden Avenue.
Army veteran Joe Ruccolo is one of five candidates running for the Moorestown Board of Education.
Cinnaminson has received one marriage license application from a same-sex couple, according to the township.
Moorestown received its first same-sex marriage license application Wednesday, according to the township clerk.
The Burlington County Sheriff's Department arrested 11 people as part of a national campaign against family violence.
The Burlington County Sheriff's Department arrested 11 people as part of a national campaign against family violence.
Supporters have rallied to show their support for Dorothy Samartino, longtime township tax collector, who died in September.
Both sides praised each other Monday for working together on the new contract.
Kimberly Kersey brings her experience as an attorney and a former town councilwoman in Mount Holly to the Moorestown school board race.
School Board Member Pam Crepps says, "The security of our children is our No. 1 priority."
Burlington County Clerk Timothy Tyler says his office is on track to bring in $2 million more this year than in 2012.
Burlington County Clerk Timothy Tyler says his office is on track to bring in $2 million more this year than in 2012.
There are five candidates running for three open seats on the Moorestown Board of Education next month.
Moorestown Police say thieves stole "high-end" vehicles on the east end of town that had the doors unlocked, and the keys inside.
Catch Moorestown High School's latest fall production, premiering this week. Oh, and don't spoil the ending!
Mount Laurel Police say the teen robbed Subway at knifepoint earlier this month—for $100.