Moorestown|News|
Late Township Employee was 'Inspiration' to Friends, Co-Workers
Tax collector Dorothy Samartino passed away over the weekend.

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.
Tax collector Dorothy Samartino passed away over the weekend.

Looking to adopt? Check out this cute pooch at the Burlington County Animal Shelter.
Looking to adopt? Check out this cute pooch at the Burlington County Animal Shelter.
Award-winning Philly chef Marc Vetri casually made the announcement on Twitter Wednesday.
Matthew Paterno, who was challenging Committeewoman Kathy Fitzpatrick, recently resigned his candidacy.
Make your reservations now—the Broad Street eatery is back in business.
Developers from Land Resource Solutions—a brownfields redevelopment company—say it can, but some residents weren't as enthusiastic.
Palmyra Police say Jahid Williams, of Camden, was intervening on a traffic stop—involving his own vehicle—when they discovered he was a wanted man.
Rev. Dr. Alvin Jackson, of St. Paul Baptist Church, will have a street dedicated in his honor during a special ceremony next month.
Authorities say Louis Sweet, of Pemberton, was leaving his home when he was shot Tuesday night.
Authorities say Louis Sweet, of Pemberton, was leaving his home when he was shot Tuesday night.
The foundation's annual golf outing, its biggest fundraiser of the year, will be held next month at Laurel Creek Country Club.
Police say the break-in occurred in broad daylight on South Church Street Tuesday.
Circle of Friends is no more (for now). But don't worry—you can still get your local music fix. You just have to drive a little farther.
The library's new "Sundays on Stage" series, curated with help from Riveton-based Circle of Friends, features a variety of local artists.
Co-owner Louis Roustas said the eatery could be open within the next few weeks.
The Moorestown Theater Company will perform a series of shows this weekend unlike any its ever done before.
What would you like to see at the Lenola Auto Mall site? The developer wants to know and is inviting the public to share its thoughts at a meeting this week.
The organizers of the annual back-to-school race at St. Charles Borromeo said the event was another big success.
Also, stop by St. Paul Baptist Church—where Jackson served for 63 years—on Oct. 5 for a first-of-its-kind event.