<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>
The City of Bradenton will hold a public hearing on its budget today at 5 p.m., county commissioners vote in free bus fares for octogenarians and the county is looking for volunteers to participate in its court watch program.
Commissioners recommended a lower speed limit and narrower lanes for a 1.5 mile stretch of the road project designed to be a main east-west artery.
A meeting next week will give citizens an opportunity to analyze the county's political boundaries and have a say in redrawing the districts.
Assailant cleans out cash register at west Bradenton business.
Video shows several men police want to talk to in connection with mischief.
Wednesday is ladies night out for a cause, The Sound of Music Opens Thursday night, and the DeSoto National Memorial is looking for volunteers.
The GOP hopeful for the presidential nomination was sick with the flu.
Excitement is building over the waterfront park that will include rowing, a fishing pier, splash park, kayak launch, sand volleyball courts and concrete skatepark.
Nearby residents and workers called Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission after noticing Manatees gathered in shallow waters.
Herman Cain makes a campaign stop in Bradenton, County Commissioners set to discuss the 44th Avenue extension and local restaurant set for its national television debut tonight.
A K-9 unit from the sheriff's department tracked the suspect to Gardenwalk apartments, but could not locate him.
Did you get it right?
The teens were driving in west Bradenton just after midnight when someone shot through the rear window of their vehicle.
Home team Braden River High loses 45-3 against visiting Palmetto.
U.S. Spc. Patrick L. Lay was killed in combat in Afghanistan. His high school team shows their love and appreciation to family and friends.
Herman Cain will answer residents' questions Monday during a campaign stop. What would you ask the candidate?
Herman Cain, vying to be the Republican nominee for President, is coming to town, Riverwalk ribbon cutting set for Monday morning and Manatee High falls to the nation's No. 1 team.
She's just one of the pets up for adoption at the county's downtown center.
County Commissioners set the tax rate and approve the budget, Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain to visit Bradenton Monday and Reels at Rossi offers "Remember the Titans" tonight.
The season must be heating up. There's so much to do it will be hard to pack it all in one weekend.
