James Myers, Patch Staff

James was born and raised in Norristown just steps from the Norristown Public Library, igniting a lifelong love affair with the written word. He started his career in journalism as a reporter for TV Guide Magazine but soon became a proper newsman as a reporter for the Times Herald. He's lived and worked as a writer and editor on the Main Line and in Philadelphia and has returned to his hometown to helm Norristown Patch.

James is 37 and single, but has a large family who all live in Norristown and the surrounding communities including his parents, two brothers, a sister-in-law, three aunts, four uncles, a grandmother, two nephews, a niece and more cousins than he can count.

When he's not out and about reporting the news, he spends his time working with local nonprofits like the Patrician Society and the ACPPA Community Arts Center He's an avid reader, movie- and theater-goer, regularly visits galleries downtown and generally enjoys his life.

<br><b>James&#39; Beliefs</b><br>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. This disclosure is not a license for them to inject their beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite – we hope that the knowledge that our editors&#39; beliefs are on the record will cause them 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.<br><br><b>Politics </b><br>I&#39;m an independent who&#39;s more interested in a politician or candidate&#39;s record and beliefs than I am in what party he or she is registered with. I have great friends who are Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, Greens and undecideds and they all have something in common – they want what&#39;s best for this country and their communities. They just don&#39;t always agree on how to get it. I&#39;m willing to listen to all of them.<br><br><b>Religion</b><br>I was born Roman Catholic, baptized at St. Patrick&#39;s and attended church regularly for most of my childhood. While I don&#39;t attend services today, I believe churches, temples, mosques and religious institutions of all faiths play an important role in our community. They help bring people together.

Personally, I believe that god gave everyone the ability to have a relationship with him/her. It&#39;s there inside of you and doesn&#39;t require a book or a building or someone in a uniform to tell you how to do it. 

<b>Local Issues</b><br>Norristown is a complicated place facing a lot of tough issues. We&#39;re the seat of one of the wealthiest counties in the commonwealth but we are home to some of its poorest residents. We&#39;re a town of neighborhoods but we don&#39;t always know our neighbors. Our leaders are our friends and family members and we&#39;re sometimes too forgiving when they don&#39;t do their best for our community.

We can change Norristown for the better. By getting involved and staying engaged, we can transform Norristown into a place we can all be proud to call home. It&#39;s hard work and it starts with knowledge, information and conversation. That&#39;s what I&#39;ll do with Norristown Patch. That&#39;s what I want for Norristown.