Cinnaminson, NJ|News|
'Unity' is Keyword of Young Candidate's Campaign
Democrat Matthew Paterno, 25, says he's looking forward to election season as he vies for Cinnaminson Committeewoman Kathy Fitzpatrick's open seat.

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.
Democrat Matthew Paterno, 25, says he's looking forward to election season as he vies for Cinnaminson Committeewoman Kathy Fitzpatrick's open seat.

The township won't get to make all the improvements on its list, but the project—coming in at a little under $600,000—will still be a major overhaul of the Church Street Recreation Center.
After neighbors expressed concerns about the original location, it was moved to a more discrete area—though officials aren't saying where just yet.
Eighteen-year-old Melvin J. Williams, of Burlington City, was identified using surveillance footage, Cinnaminson Police said.
Using new software, Moorestown Police will be able to track down stolen goods pawned at local shops.
Think you know your mall history? It's the Moorestown Mall's 50th anniversary. Catch up on the last half century here—and learn a little more about its future.
The incident occurred at Ross on Route 130 Saturday night, Cinnaminson Police say.
Also, find out which Cinnaminson restaurants your neighbors think are the best and get the latest on the development of Barone's and the Cinnaminson Home site.
Also, find out the five most popular restaurants in Moorestown (according to your neighbors) and how a local charity is helping kids get to the prom this year.
Committeewoman Kathy Fitzpatrick will seek a third term, and will have to fend off a challenge from Democratic candidate Matthew Paterno to keep her seat.
Also, Moorestown Police responding to an unwanted persons call find three young men—two from Moorestown—in possession of marijuana.
Mount Laurel Police say a township man got in trouble for not heeding that advice. Also, a township teen was arrested for pot possession and two cars were stripped of all four wheels.
Probably not, which is why Cinnaminson's Rachel Henry is headed to the National Geographic Bee at Rowan University and you're not.
A pair of Moorestown families seek damages against the company, alleging the use of dangerous chemicals contaminated the ground beneath their homes.
One person sustained minor injuries in the Thursday morning crash that caused headaches for Route 130 commuters, according to Cinnaminson Police.
Cinnaminson seeks a shared services agreement with neighboring towns to fill a vacant position.
Mount Laurel Police took a 65-year-old man into custody earlier this week, the day after the alleged assault occurred.
The township has more remediation work to take care of, while farther up the highway another abandoned gas station awaits its own demolition.
Picky eater? Need help figuring out where to get your next meal? Based on your neighbors' Yelp! reviews, here are five of the best restaurants in town.
Tax credits could cover roughly 70 percent of the cost of Lutheran Social Ministries' planned $10 million senior affordable housing complex.