Moorestown|News|
Councilman: Moorestown's Story is America's Story
However you choose to celebrate July 4th, take time to reflect on the blessings we have as Americans (and Moorestonians), writes Councilman Phil Garwood.

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.
However you choose to celebrate July 4th, take time to reflect on the blessings we have as Americans (and Moorestonians), writes Councilman Phil Garwood.

The meeting is the first since controversy erupted over the police department's plan to replace SRO Bryan Wright earlier this year.
Brian K. Lewis, of Tenby Chase Apartments, swindled the victim out of $15,000, according to authorities.
Committeeman Don Brauckmann says he hopes to have a bigger, better website by the end of summer.
Authorities say Carey L. Coleman shot the cab driver in the head in Burlington City last month.
The festivities kick off at 8:30 Thursday morning. Arrive early if you want a good spot for the parade, organizers say.
Planning a vacation or just a day trip this Fourth of July weekend? Patch has all the information on the Shore's best beaches.
Mike and Carmelo Colon—both former sewerage authority employees—were among 10 individuals charged in the corruption case.
Maple Shade Police are asking for the public's help tracking down a suspect.
Maple Shade Police identified the alleged culprit using a resident's home surveillance system.
Also, a Camden man allegedly comes back to the scene of the crime, but with worse results for him.
A mass to remember Mary E. O'Connor will be held at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.
The Riverton Country Club swim team will hold a swim-a-thon Tuesday in honor of the 7-year-old, who passed away earlier this year.
SweetWater chef George Kyrtatas will be on two new competitive cooking shows premiering later this year.
Mount Laurel Police charged Weldon J. Lucas, of Blackwood, with robbery.
Among a $1.5 billion gold mine, here are some of the priciest spots in Cinnaminson.
'I'm at peace with it,' says Westfield Friends School Head of School William Probsting about his decision to retire at the end of the month.
Cinnaminson High School senior Amaris Kobolak will graduate with the rest of her class on Thursday.