<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>
Claim your business listing on 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.
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.
The 49-year-old suspect is a registered sexual offender with the state of Florida.
The college will continue to pursue plans for a charter school in Sarasota County.
It's a great weekend for soccer, Hemingway is at the Crosley and the county wants your help in spending $1.9 million.
Leaders in the Manatee County sports industry are working together to to strengthen the region's reputation as a destination for athletes and teams.
The teenager was left to die in the street after being shot.
The Downtown Development Authority meets this morning, students who competed in the science fair this year will receive recognition Thursday and local non-profits are competing for free fuel.
A Sarasota County Transit bus hit two cars and a utility pole while trying to avoid an accident.
The Gladiators rout the league's newest team, the Orlando Phantoms, 35-0.
Newt Gingrich is in town on Tuesday, the school board is set to recognize heros from a recent bus crash and the county administrator will offer his state of the county report.
A talent show Saturday night capped off the final week of the fair. Today is the final day of the fair.
The 19-year-old was found lying in the road on 27th Ave. East and was pronounced dead at the scene.
It's the last weekend for the Manatee County Fair, it's Mainly Art at the downtown Farmer's Market and the Manatee Players will hold auditions Sunday.
He's just one of the pets up for adoption at the county's downtown center.
Donald Vautrinot Jr. was a basketball coach and a board member of Suncoast Striders.
The Manatee County Fair is a bargain today, Beertopia is set for Saturday and you can celebrate the circus.
Your guide to what's happening around Bradenton this weekend.
The national traveling exhibit is part of an art education mission developed by the Susan Kathleen Black Foundation in honor of the artist whose favorite theme was flowers.
