Tom Coombe, Patch Staff

Email : tom.coombe@patch.com

Phone: 610-216-5507

Hometown: Ashland, Schuylkill County. I've lived on the South Side of Easton since 2001

Birthday: November 25

Marital Status: Unmarried, but spoken for.

Professional Background: I've worked in journalism pretty much full-time since 1998. My first newspaper job was at my hometown paper, The Pottsville Republican and Evening Herald, in Schuylkill County. After that, I spent eight years at the Morning Call.

High School/College: I graduated from Cardinal Brennan High School in my hometown of Ashland. In 1999, I got my BA in English/Communications from DeSales University, back when it was still known as Allentown College.

Hobbies: I love the movies. I'd go every day if I could. I like watching and then writing about TV and music, reading comic books/actual books, cooking/trying new foods.

Favorite flicks: Lawrence of Arabia, Night of the Hunter, Goodfellas, anything by Wes Anderson

Tom's 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 you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you 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.

Journalism: I've said this elsewhere, but I'm far more interested in what people are up to than institutions. I'd rather spend time with someone who does something really weird or unique than hang out with the rich and powerful. I believe everyone has at least one good story to tell.

Politics: I keep my registration as Democrat -- same as my parents -- simply so I can vote in the primaries. 

How would you describe your political beliefs? Malice towards none. That's about it. I don't like bullies, and don't side with anyone who allows the strong to pick on the weak. 

 Religion: Raised Catholic, but I hold no religious/spiritual convictions. I find all faiths fascinating, and love to learn about other people's beliefs.