Moorestown|News|
UPDATE: Moorestown Mall Losing Gap, Gap Kids
The clothing retailer will close its stores at the mall by the end of the month.

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.
The clothing retailer will close its stores at the mall by the end of the month.

We asked the question, you answered it, and Mayor Stacey Jordan weighed in on some of readers' suggested improvements for the township in 2013.
Mayor Stacey Jordan and Deputy Mayor Chris Chiacchio thank those who already give back to the town, and urge residents to take advantage of the "day on."
Students and staff at Moorestown High School honored the late civil rights leader for the 44th year in a row Friday.
Township manager Scott Carew said the township has been getting by with an outside firm for the last several months—but it's just not the same.
Also, Mount Laurel Police arrest a pair of young men from Philly who they say lied about an accident.
Moorestown Police say a pair of men tried to steal clothes from Macy's, and when a security officer confronted them, one of the men assaulted him.
Moorestonians have plenty of ways they can serve over the long weekend. Did we miss one? Let us know.
Updates on the improvements to the recreation center and Wesley Bishop North, and news from Sustainable Moorestown.
Patch sat down with the acclaimed Philadelphia chef to talk about why he chose Moorestown and what foodies can expect to see on the menu—and when.
Mount Police are still investigating the cause of the deadly crash on Route 38 near Briggs Road.
Township manager Scott Carew shared his thoughts on Lenola, the library, potential plans for the East Gate Friendly's and more when he stopped by the Moorestown Business Association.
Edward Holweger, who owned McChesney's and Moorestown Hardware for roughly 40 years, died this past weekend.
Mayor Stacey Jordan says the appointment of PREIT's attorney as the township attorney won't represent a conflict of interest.
Ninety-two-year-old Edward H. Holweger passed away this weekend.
Also, Mount Laurel Police investigate another arson.
Moorestown Police say Kyle R. Jacoby tried to break into a Springhouse Lane home in November.
Perkins Center for the Arts and Moorestown Theater Company each received grants from the philanthropic arm of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.
Mount Laurel Police also investigated an arson at Essex Place and arrested two people for prostitution at a township hotel.
Lauralee Richardson's early struggles with reading planted the seed for her dream job as a teacher.