<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>
Impact fees will remain suspended in the city, the Humane Society of Manatee County is offering $20 spay services for cat owners across the county and don't miss the Pep Rally for the Pirates.
The Bradenton man was riding his bike across the bridge before dawn, when a car struck him from behind.
Sample healthy food from some of Bradenton's best restaurants, State College of Manatee will offer an open house for high school students and meet a few local celebrities Thursday and help raise money for the United Way of Manatee County.
The Gladiators took their fifth straight win after defeating the Sarasota Millionaires 27-16.
City and County offices are closed today, a forum on Presidential Leadership is set for Braden River High School on Thursday evening and Geraldson Community Farms is hosting a Sunday market.
Bradenton has been in the top 25 small cities for arts, but the city needs your help to keep it on the list.
She's 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.
Do you know where this picture was taken?
Did you get it right?
Get a preview of March Madness at IMG Academy this weekend,
Get ready for a festive weekend, Film Friday's continues its nod to the Academy Awards and Habitat for Humanity reopens a new and improved ReStore.
Plans are to have the store, tentatively a Save-A-Lot, up and running in January.
An old-fashioned soda fountain and a variety of sweet treats are offered at a new ice cream shop that mixes in nostalgia with every scoop it serves.
A public hearing on a Bradenton urban grocery will be held today, Village of the Arts is looking for people to dance and St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church invites the community to “A Tribute To A King: A One Man Play.”
It's Valentines Day, Wares Creek dredging prompts lane closure and Manatee Count Commissioners discuss dredging in the Intercoastal Waterway.
The school board is set to discuss last month's school bus accident, the county commissioners on Tuesday will discuss substance abuse issues in the county and don't forget your loved one on Valentine's Day Tuesday.
Key players ends game with an injury.
The catch was a wish come true for this woman.
She's just one of the pets up for adoption at the county's downtown center.
