Corey Butler Jr., Patch Staff

E-mail: corey.butler@patch.com

Phone: 612-356-4084

Where I Live: Northfield, Minn.

Birthday: June 30

My love for journalism dates back to seventh grade when my English teacher politely told me I had spelled playwright wrong in the school newspaper. After that, I couldn't think of a better career than putting my work on display for people to criticize.

Kidding aside, I've always loved writing. My interest blossomed in high school and I attended Minnesota State University, Mankato, where I earned Bachelor of Arts in journalism and a minor in creative writing. At MSU, I wrote for the university paper, The Reporter, and freelanced for several publications covering prep sports, stock car racing and the wine industry.

Following graduation in 2007, I came to Rice County and wrote for the Faribault Daily News, Northfield News and the Kenyon Leader covering several beats, including education, county government and youth issues, to name a few. During that time, I won first place for a social issues story and second place for a human interest story. I also had my hand in several other awards the papers won, including best use of photography, general reporting and general excellence.

I bring to Northfield Patch a love and passion for journalism, especially community journalism. I grew up reading the newspaper, but as many of you know, our world is constantly evolving and journalism's future is on the Internet. We have a powerful tool at our disposal and I plan to use it to its fullest. Northfield Patch will boast plenty of videos and photos, but my team of writers and I will never ignore what got us to this point: solid writing.

<strong>Beliefs</strong>

<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 because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. </i>

<i>This disclosure is not a license for us to inject our 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 cause us to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.</i>

<strong>Politics</strong>

<i>* How would you &#9;describe your political beliefs?</i>

I wouldn&#39;t describe myself as a supporter of any particular party. I&#39;ve grown tired of the polarized political climate and strongly believe voters should support candidates based on their beliefs and not because he or she has the support of any particular party. This system is cyclical and oftentimes leads us nowhere — look no further than the turnover in the past three elections.

In my short voting history, I have voted for democrats, republicans and independents. In high school, before I could vote, I supported a Green Party candidate. Again, I vote for candidates and how they reflect my beliefs. I believe with the current process, many good candidates are dismissed along the way because they lack money or initial support.

<strong>Religion</strong>

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

I grew up Lutheran. I didn&#39;t attend church regularly, but I did attend summer Bible camp annually for about eight years. First and foremost, I believe in people. I believe having faith is good, but it&#39;s different for everyone, regardless how they want to verbalize it. I&#39;m more comfortable with my faith inside my head than sharing it in an open setting on Sunday mornings.

<strong>Local Hot Button Issues</strong>

* <i>What do you think &#9;are the two or three most important issues facing the community?</i>

As with any government entity (schools, cities and counties), budgets will continue to have a regular rotation in headlines throughout the country.

To that end, locally, I see more partnerships forming between entities to deal with budget woes.

<i>* Where do you stand &#9;on each of these issues? </i>

I think money is good. I think it&#39;s hard to manage life, work, business and government with limited resources. But, I believe, innovation will win out and those who get it will thrive once our economic ship is righted.<i><br></i>