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.
Also, get the latest on the fundraising for Percheron Park and find out how you can help welcome the Wall That Heals when it rolls through town next month.
'It gives me comfort knowing they'll always remember,' says the son of an officer killed in the line of duty.
'It gives me comfort knowing they'll always remember,' says the son of a Moorestown officer killed in the line of duty.
Also, check out this perfect '10' home in Cinnaminson with a dining room that's great for entertaining and an over-sized garage.
'The idea that a viable business could be taken and handed over to another viable business is, to say it’s an impossibility would be an understatement,' says Deputy Mayor Anthony Minniti.
Police officers from Moorestown and neighboring departments will stop at memorials in the area Thursday, including Fullerton Park, before they begin the main leg of the annual Police Unity Tour.
Police officers from Moorestown and neighboring departments will stop at memorials in the area Thursday, including Fullerton Park, before they begin the main leg of the annual Police Unity Tour.
A grand jury indicted Steven Donaldson in connection with the death of 1-year-old Claudia Nunes in Cinnaminson earlier this year, according to authorities.
The contract went to Cinnaminson-based Networks Plus, which offered the township a reduced rate, according to the company president.
The township is still seeking vendors for its new farmers market, which opens next month.
John and Brittany will bring their brand of rock and roll to the next Circle of Friends show, at Muse Tattoo and Art Gallery in Palmyra.
John and Brittany will bring their brand of rock and roll to the next Circle of Friends show, at Muse Tattoo and Art Gallery in Palmyra.
Also, find out what Cinnaminson business owners are doing to address their concerns over Route 130 redevelopment and which restaurant is celebrating 20 years in business.
Also, get more details on next month's visit from the Wall That Heals and find out what a statewide study has to say about Moorestown's municipal website.
The Run for Recovery, at Full Gospel Fellowship Church in Burlington, raised money for Brianna Wittman, who was severely injured in a car accident days before her graduation last June.
'A lot of my customers were kids. Now they come in with kids,' says D'Angelo's Pizzeria owner Maurizio Randazzo.
Samuel David Mayberry Sr. was the owner of Mayberry Rigger in Moorestown since 1970.
Also, Mount Laurel Police arrest a Union man they say was standing in traffic and investigate a pair of pricey jewelry heists.
Cinnaminson Township Committee plans to vote on the contract at its Monday meeting.