<b>Beliefs </b><br><i>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 and human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal certain key beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. <br><br>This disclosure is not a license for our editors to inject these beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that our beliefs are on the record will force us to be ever mindful to write, report, and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you, the user, ever think you see evidence that we failed in this mission, we wholeheartedly invite you to let us know.</i><br><br><b>Politics</b>
<i>Middle of the road. I am conservative on some issues, while liberal on others. I get frustrated when party politics trump important issues. Local representatives do a better job of reaching concensus on issues than national representatives, which is why I prefer following local politics.<br></i>
<b>Religion</b>
<i>I am casual, attending church ocassionally. </i>
<b>Local Hot Button Issues</b>
<i>The economy and jobs, the housing market, taxes and the budget.</i>
<i>I appreciate the small businesses are hiring and/or retaining workers. I think there are smart business people out there who have been able to expand, even as people cut back. <br></i>
<i>As for the housing market, I wonder what will happen to existing foreclosed homes if developers continue to build new ones. Right now it doesn't feel like we are having an influx of population or even part-time residents, so I am concerned that there will be pockets of blight if we as a community do not keep careful watch.</i>
<i>As property values continue to decline and we contninue to see double digit unemployment, our elected officials are faced with tough decisions about services and how to provide them. I think that so far, they have been able to make significant cuts in some areas. Raising taxes seems like the wrong thing to do when the unemployment rate is high and people are struggling. I am concerned about public employees who have lost their jobs, that only adds to the slow economy. <br></i>
Trevor Gooby, head of Florida operations for the Pirates and Bradenton Marauders, delivers a baby Tuesday night during a special event for season ticket holders.
The director of Florida operations for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders delivered a baby during a special event for season ticket holders Tuesday night.
The Manatee County School Board reached its decision in a closed-door executive session Monday night.
The director of Florida operations for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders delivered a baby during a special event for season ticket holders Tuesday night.
The Grammy nominated singer-songwriter arrived to present the school's music education program with a $10,000 check on behalf of an alumna and got a sweet surprise in return.
Pittsburgh's mayor arrives in Bradenton on Wednesday, there are two opportunities to hear from a quilt storyteller on Wednesday at the Manatee Historical Park and
Bradenton police are searching for anyone with information about the overnight crash.
The school board is expected to suspend Anne J. Wampole without pay and grant an administrative hearing.
Sara Bareilles will appear at Braden River High School today, the county commission will consider allowing members to meet electronically and State College of Florida will help celebrate Peace Corps week.
Do you know where this picture was taken?
Did you get it right?
Deputies were chasing a car with three suspected gunmen, when one jumped from the car and was hit by a sheriff's vehicle.
He is just one of the pets up for adoption at the county's downtown center.
She's just one of the pets up for adoption at the county's downtown center.
Pep Rally for the Pirates is set for Saturday, a pottery sale begins today and students will participate in the county's annual history fair Saturday.
Claim your business listing on Melrose Patch —it's easy, it's free and it can bring you lots of great benefits. It's just like having your own personal webpage, and that's a benefit for small business owners.
The Highway Patrol will work with other law enforcement on DUI check points in Manatee, the United Way of Manatee County is searching for a new executive director and animal services is looking for volunteer dog walkers.
More than two dozen businesses joined Patch this month, here's an example of just a few.
Broken glass after festivals prompted the move to make it illegal to have a glass bottle in public areas in the city.
Sara Bareilles will be a the high school Monday to present a $10,000 check for music education on behalf of a 2000 Southeast graduate.
