Hometown: Hard to say. I was born in Long Beach, California, but I've been a Minnesota girl since 1995.<b><br>Birthday</b>: Jan. 20, 1983<br><b>Bio: </b>Graduated in December of 2006 from the University of Minnesota with degrees in journalism and global studies, with a Latin America area focus. Promptly jumped into coverage of the state Legislature, then worked as a non-partisan writer for the Minnesota Senate. Took a position as the news editor of the South-West Review for two years before joining Patch.<br><br><b>My Beliefs</b>
<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.</i>
<i>This disclosure is </i><i>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><b>Politics </b><br>How would you describe your political beliefs? I'm socially liberal, possibly libertarian to a degree. I thoroughly enjoyed economics, free market theory as well as Marxist social theory in college. There is no one right answer in today's complex world.
<br><strong>Are you registered with a certain party?</strong> No<br><br><b>Religion</b><br>How religious would you consider yourself? (casual, observant, devout, non religious) Humanist<br><b><br>Local Hot-Button Issues</b><br>What do you think are the most important issues facing the community? I think Mendota Heights Patch communities are concerned about maintaining development standards, ensuring strong education for students, and having a say in maintaining the natural environment that is part of our cities.
<br><strong>Where do you stand on each of these issues?</strong> I think elitist development standards can exclude certain demographic groups from joining the community, which worries me. With that being said, taking ownership in our neighborhoods, education system and environmental health is a priceless attribute and residents should feel lucky to live in such an invested community.
Joe Blum will take on DFLer Rep. Rick Hansen on Nov. 6 to represent the Mendota Heights area, as well as West St. Paul and part of South St. Paul.
The Mendota City Council will meet at 8 p.m. after polls close.
Blum will vie to be the Republican challenger of Rep. Rick Hansen in the Aug. 14 primary.
Cashiers at Holiday on Highway 13 share what it's like when a $305 million jackpot is on the line.
Take a look at what you'll find on the ballot Tuesday, Aug. 14.
Storm-damaged cities in Dakota County will likely be included in a state aid package.
A review of liquor license violations at Moose Country and Sunfish Cellars is on the agenda.
In other news around Dakota County, Eagan's Pawlenty passed over once again as vice presidential candidate, and Stream Global Services says it's coming to Eagan rather than Apple Valley.
Rabuse is the GOP challenger of Sen. Jim Metzen.
The primary election Aug. 14 will be the first opportunity for some residents to vote in new polling locations.
Hansen will run again to represent the Mendota Heights area in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Just because we're close to the big city lights doesn't mean the sky won't put on a show.
Flying into or out of MSP International next week? Leave a little extra time to reach your destination.
The West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan School District requires records of immunizations before the first day of school. Dakota County is providing reduced-cost immunizations for families in need.
A safer crossing at Lexington and Victoria Curve is among approved changes to traffic and pedestrian crossings.
Open houses for the project will likely be scheduled in mid-September.
Good interest rates mean the district may be able to improve their bottom line.
What supplies will your middle school student need before the learning begins?
What supplies will your child need before the learning begins?
Taxpayers will save about $5.5 million over ten years starting in 2014.
