Basics
Originally From: Swedesboro, N.J. E-mail: samfran@patch.com Phone: 215-740-6915 Birthday: Oct. 7 Bio A graduate of La Salle University, I grew up in South Jersey—always fascinated by the nearby city. With a degree in communication and political science from the Big 5 school, I moved to North Jersey in October 2009 to operate Ridgewood Patch. When Pennsylvania—and Philadelphia specifically—hit the Patch landscape, I wanted to be first aboard. I helped launched one of the first two Pennsylvania sites in Roxborough-Manayunk, where I served as editor through February 2010. Currently, I am the associate regional editor for the Greater Philadelphia region. Previously, I wrote for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Press of Atlantic City and other Philadelphia-area publications. At La Salle, I served as editor in chief for the La Salle Collegian. On top of my writing interest, I enjoy rooting for the Phillies, playing guitar, dabbling in improv/sketch comedy, and being with those I love. I really don't have favorite pop culture titles, but to reveal a little about myself, I'll just generalize. Book: Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy; Movie: Mallrats; Album: Sha Sha by Ben Kweller. 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 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. 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. Politics: How would you describe your political beliefs? Although a moderate Democrat, I generally vote for individuals instead of parties. I've been known to vote Republican. Religion: How religious would you say you are? Casual, observant, devout, non-religious? Observant Catholic. Played guitar at mass in college.