Mary Mann, Patch Staff

Education: B.A. English Literature, La Salle University, Philadelphia, PA, 1989.

Before becoming Maplewood Patch editor, Mary Mann was a freelance writer and a commercial district management consultant. Mary has written locally for Matters Magazine. You can find more of Mary's writing at www.glocallynewark.com,www.nameberry.com and www.litmob.com. She has also been published in the TriCity News (Asbury Park), The Philadelphia Daily News and The New York Times (once, OK), among other publications.

In community development, Mary has worked for and/or provided consulting services to commercial district management organizations in Philadelphia, PA; Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, NY; and Red Bank, Bloomfield and Maplewood, NJ.

<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><br><b>Politics</b>

<i>How would you describe your political beliefs?</i>

I try not too. 

<br><b>Religion</b>

<i>How religious would you say you are? Casual, observant, devout, non-religious?</i>

After sixteen years of Catholic education, I&#39;m looking forward to practicing in a Roman Catholic church that embraces women as priests and does not lobby against same-sex marriage.

<b>Local Hot Button Issues</b>

<i>What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?</i>

<i>Where do you stand on each of these issues?</i>

Finding a way to close budget gaps and relieve tax stresses on residents while not eroding the quality of life for all residents in all neighborhoods in town. Providing a quality public education in times of fiscal difficulty.