John Arthur, Patch Staff

<b>Basics</b>

<b>Phone</b>: 973-204-4241

<b>Email</b>: john.arthur&#64;patch.com

<b>Hometown</b>: Northfield, N.J.

<b>Birthday</b>: Aug. 20, 1986

Before becoming editor of Montville Patch in May, 2011, John worked with Patch as weekend editor and calendar editor in Morris and Somerset counties. He started freelancing for Patch in October of 2009 and has written for dozens of sites, mostly in Morris County. 

John grew up in South Jersey, just outside of Atlantic City in a small town (by New Jersey standards) called Northfield. He knew that a straight beats three of a kind before he started high school. He plays guitar and sings whenever he has time. He reads too much and exercises too little.

John attended Rutgers University, graduating with a B.A. in 2008, double majoring in history and philosophy. He then continued his studies at Rutgers, completing a master&#39;s degree in library and information sciences in 2010. His goal as editor of Montville Patch is simple: Tell the stories that interest and help inform readers and to do so accurately and with integrity.

<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>How would you describe your political beliefs? </i>Flexible. I choose to take stances on a case-by-case basis; instead of adhering to one party or system&#39;s ideology, my political beliefs depend more on whether a specific position is rational, beneficial, and works toward a greater good. 

<b>Religion</b>

<i>How religious would you say you are? Casual, observant, devout, non-religious?</i> Non-religious, but I am interested in and respectful of all religions.

<b>Local Hot Button Issues</b>

<i>What do you think are the most important issues facing the community? </i>The issues facing Montville Township are similar to those facing every municipality in the state during these economic times: Balancing spending while maintaining the standard of living with which township residents are accustomed.

<i>Where do you stand on each of these issues? </i>I don&#39;t have an opinion yet, my goal is simply to report accurately and fairly.