<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.
Despite rain, throngs of Southwest Minneapolis residents showed up to eat and shop on the first day of Kingfield Farmers Market. Please send us your own photos and we'll post them!
Local Representative John Benson fought against the measure.
Sen. Scott Dibble, who was married to his husband in 2008, urged supporters to continue the fight.
Each weekend, we'll feature a few of our favorite blogs of the week.
Despite some gray skies, Southwest residents flocked to the first ever Fulton Farmers Market on Saturday May 21. Send us your pictures!
This annual neighborhood festival includes dozens of businesses and a petting zoo.
Sen. Scott Dibble was among those who criticized the choice of the speaker.
The $4.5 billion bill also funds highways and roads.
Print out this handy map (or just download it on your phone!) of Kingfield garage sales.
Police think he was involved in the brutal beating and robbery of a 61-year-old.
The video makes use of statements by state Sen. Scott Dibble (DFL-Minneapolis) and a host of DFL legislators over the still pending legislation.
Our weekly picks for weekend events in and around Southwest Minneapolis.
The 29-year-old man was arrested for the beating and robbery of a man in late April.
After days of Republican criticism of Gov. Mark Dayton, state Sen. Scott Dibble said he's never seen a more engaged governor.
The film shows at the Trylon cinema.
There will be an information meeting on the proposal on May 25.
This blotter covers only a fraction of police reports filed in Southwest Minneapolis from May 8-16. All details come from Minneapolis Police Department reports. The listed date refers to the day the report was originally filed.
Democrats said Republicans should focus on closing the state's $5 billion budget deficit.
As the session expires, both sides honed their arguments supporting cuts or taxes for the wealthy.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources agents seized the fish and ticketed Dakota fishermen.