Tom Sunnergren, Patch Staff

I’m the first born of a large family, a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, a fervent supporter of the Philadelphia Eagles, and a slow jogger. My girlfriend and I have been together for long enough that she’s eager to get a title upgrade. D

Your 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.

Politics: How would you describe your political beliefs

My political philosophy stems, at the most basic level, from a conviction that people get too much credit and blame for their circumstances. As such, I’m a registered Democrat, but hold heterodox views on education, trade, national security, and abortion. Like most voters these days, I probably dislike the other side more than I like my own. On the local level however, I tend to view most spending as frivolous, most regulations as needlessly burdensome, and find myself doing the most nodding when Republicans are talking. 

Religion: How religious would you consider yourself?

I was raised Catholic, but am not presently practicing. 

Local Hot-Button Issues: What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?

The most important issue facing this, or any other, community, is what is bought and how it's paid for. In an age when legions of municipalities across the country are teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, I think it’s important we live within our means.