<b>Bio</b>
The former editor of Southwest Minneapolis Patch, Jon is a graduate of the University of Minnesota journalism and history programs. While going to school he interned at Minneapolis' own KFAI and worked as a projects reporter for the Minnesota Daily. For the past few years, he has reported on politics and the State Capitol for a number of online and print publications, including an extended stint covering Minnesota's Iron Range<b>.</b>
He's a native of Minneapolis who grew up all over the country, picking up odd accents from South Carolina to Indiana. A dedicated bicylist and resident of South Minneapolis, he frequently rides his yellow-and-black-striped bike to local music and art events.
<b>My 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 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><br><br><b>Politics </b><br>I'm not, and have never been, a registered member of any party (although I'm more than happy to talk politics with you). I'm all for journalism that's critical and independent of partisan politics. In my mind, the journalist's job is to explain the complexities and behind-the-scenes manuevering of our political system so that readers can hold those in power accountable. I'm not interested in ginning up votes for anyone.<br><br><b>Religion</b>
I'm not religious. I do like hearing and talking about religions. Even on Prairie Home Companion.<br><br><b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b><br>From covering small-town Minnesota, and now this urban neighborhood, I'm concerned about the toll on our communities from years of state budget cuts. Education, where the state once led, is probably the area of most concern, with our schools consistently being broken open like a piggy-bank to pay back deficits.
Now that the state knows the deficit sits just over $5 billion, a $1.2 billion reduction, House Minority Leader Paul Thissen called on Republicans Monday to release their budget targets so public debate can begin.
Minneapolis state Rep. Jeff Hayden said there might be better ways to deal with issues of voter fraud, which in each case last year came from felons who mistakenly voted before they were eligible, not people impersonating voters.
Now that the state knows the deficit sits just over $5 billion, a $1.2 billion reduction, House Minority Leader Paul Thissen called on Republicans Monday to release their budget targets so public debate can begin.
Every week, we round up bills introduced or voted on by Southwest Minneapolis legislators.
A bill that passed both the Senate and House in 2009 faces a hard road in the Republican-controlled legislature.
At the end of last week, House Minority Paul Thissen (DFL-Minneapolis) and Senate Minority Leader Tom Bakk (DFL-Cook) chewed over budget issues.
We look back at the events we've covered every week.
Every week, we round up photos that tell the news visually.
The bill passed the state House Thursday by a vote of 126-3.
From clothes to crafts, here are five Southwest Minneapolis shops that sell boutique items.
The closed legacy pensions, which are expected to cost the city almost $15 million in 2011, need legislative approval to merge with less costly current city pension plans.
Lawmakers from the state Senate District 60 sent the following letter to constituents this week.
State Rep. Jeff Hayden (DFL-Minneapolis), spoke in the Health and Human Services Finance Committee about the impact of proposed budget changes to the Department of Human Services.
Car trapped in the garage? Work canceled? Send us your snow and storm photos and stories! How are you dealing with the weather?
From artist profiles to gymnastic meets, these are the events we covered in Southwest this week.
Things to do this weekend, from rock & roll to watching a vintage movie at a micro-cinema.
Every week we link to five things, this time around we're featuring local non-profits that do good work in the community.
This blotter covers only a fraction of police reports filed in Southwest Minneapolis from Feb 4-14. All details come from Minneapolis Police Department reports.
We have maps and documents on the Citizen Advisory Committee that will be reporting in 45 days on the 6th park district off-leash dog area.