Hi, my name is Chris Sheldon, and I am the editor of Long Branch-Eatontown Patch. I have lived in West Long Branch and Long Branch for most of my life, with a quick stopover in Rhode Island. I graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2008 with B.A. in journalism. I have worked at two hyperlocal news publications before joining Patch, and now I am excited to cover the area where I grew up.
Feel free to contact me by e-mail at christopher.sheldon@patch.com.
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?
I am an Independent and often vote for the candidates I feel best represent my beliefs.
Religion
* How religious would you say you are? Casual, observant, devout, non-religious?
I was raised Catholic and try to go to church as often as I can.
Local Hot Button Issues
What do you think are the two or three most important issues facing the community?
Long Branch and West Long Branch are facing a 2-percent levy cap next year which will make balancing the budget a difficult task. Challenges for Long Branch and West Long Branch residents and elected officials include stabilizing the tax rate without a significant reduction in public services and figuring out which luxuries the township, unfortunately, cannot afford.
* Where do you stand on each of these issues?
I feel officials should keep the services which the towns need the most and try to cut down on any unnecessary spending.
Find homes for sale in Long Branch, Eatontown, Tinton Falls and West Long Branch on this page every week, from our partners at Zillow.
The parade will begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13 at Long Branch Middle School.
Interested children should register for the league before Oct. 31.
The work will likely begin by mid-October.
Registration is now open for Little Silver's youth basketball league.
The parade is set for Sunday, Oct. 13
Michael Scarlett is wanted in connection with the stabbing of a man in the Pine Tree Mobile Home Village.
Michael Scarlett is wanted in connection with the stabbing of a man in the Pine Tree Mobile Home Village.
Fill out this easy form and Patch will build an interactive map of garage sales, yard sales and estate sales in Monmouth County. And be sure to share details of what you have for sale in the form!
Fill out this easy form and Patch will build an interactive map of garage sales, yard sales and estate sales in Monmouth County. And be sure to share details of what you have for sale in the form!
Benjamin J. Mann was born in Long Branch.
Benjamin J. Mann was born in Long Branch.
This is the first full year the track has been under the ownership of the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association.
The Eatontown Community Service Alliance was hard at work this weekend.
The Long Branch Council will meet at 6 p.m.
The borough is hosting a flu clinic on Tuesday.
The flu clinic will be held on Oct. 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
A look at what job opportunities are available in the Little Silver-Oceanport area.
A look at what job opportunities are available in the Long Branch-Eatontown area.