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.
Resident (and Democratic candidate for council) Greg Newcomer recounts a history of the Church Street Recreation Center and urges council to fund its revitalization.
We collected some of the more notable quotes from this week's stories, including a candid interview with the new superintendent and a campaign to add a Moorestown sports legends exhibit at the high school.
Also, Maple Shade Police arrest a PA man for DWI after he allegedly fled the scene of an accident.
Also, Mount Laurel Police investigate an expensive smash and grab at a Sprint store.
In the second part of our interview with Superintendent Brian Betze, he talks about having a thick skin and how his first day in Moorestown was better than his first day as a teacher.
New information on the township's plans for reassessment (which begins this month) and a new, easy way to access information about the municipal complex project.
Moorestown School District Superintendent Brian Betze sat down with Patch to talk about the challenges (and opportunities) of leading a larger district and where he sees room for improvement.
Business consultant and Moorestown Day organizer Jeanette Habina came to the rescue after Men's Headquarters' previous owner closed the barbershop.
Project organizers still plan on making a pitch to Moorestown council for Open Space funds.
Moorestown Council couldn't get enough votes to bond for major improvements at the Church Street Recreation Center, but will take up the vote again soon.
The Moorestown High School athletic director and the Historical Society are collaborating on the project, but need the public's help to make it happen.
Firefighters from Moorestown and surrounding communities quickly got the fire under control Tuesday morning, but not before it caused heavy damage to a dentist's office.
As it awaits the final result of a lawsuit filed by STEM, Moorestown council isn't taking any chances with the use of the Open Space Trust Fund.
Members of the First United Methodist Church, among others, traveled to the Mountain State last month as part of a mission trip.
Council voted unanimously to award four licenses—at $1 million apiece—to the Moorestown Mall owner, which expects to have restaurants open by next spring.
Council will discuss the fallout from last week's ruling on the STEM Open Space lawsuit and is expected to award four liquor licenses to PREIT.
Also, police investigate the theft of a particularly pricey Oriental rug.
However, STEM's challenge to the township's Open Space spending is still unsettled.
Also, Maple Shade Police investigate a possible ex-boyfriend burglary.
Two young girls collected money and donated it to Perkins Center for the Arts' Camp Hero program, which pays for disadvantaged youth to attend summer arts camp.
