Teresa McMinn, Patch Staff

Teresa McMinn, Editor, Pottstown Patch     teresa.mcminn@patch.com  484-264-1602

I'm a 16-year veteran of journalism. I wrote thousands of articles published in newspapers, magazines and on websites around the world.

As a general assignment reporter, I wrote about politics, government, religion, sports, education, entertainment, business and human interest issues.

In 2005, I covered events related to the Kitzmiller vs. Dover case, also known as the Dover intelligent design trial.

I also covered public figures including British rock icon Billy Idol; U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia; civil rights advocate Yolanda King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr.; Florida's 43rd governor, Jeb Bush; LIVE frontman Ed Kowalczyk; Alina Fernandez, estranged daughter of Fidel Castro; Negro League baseball pioneer Willie Fordham; Pulitzer Prize recipient Leonard Pitts Jr.; Dr. Mehmet Oz; Little Rock Nine member/civil rights hero Ernest Green; Fox News talk-show host and former Miss America Gretchen Carlson; American soul, jazz, and blues singer Lou Rawls; Baltimore Orioles legend Al Bumbry and The Bacon Brothers’ Michael and Kevin Bacon.

<b>Beliefs</b>

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 you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you 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.

<strong>Politics: How would you describe your political beliefs? Are you registered with a certain party?</strong>

I&#39;m an Army brat and a Navy mom. I have tremendous respect for members of the U.S. military. They should have whatever they need to stay strong and safe. Decisions to send them into harm&#39;s way should never be taken lightly. I vote for leaders who share these beliefs. I&#39;m a registered Republican and I vote for the person over the party.

<strong>Religion: How religious would you consider yourself? </strong>

Wow. Mom was Catholic from California. Dad was Baptist from Mississippi. Because of their differing views, religion wasn&#39;t a popular subject at home. As a journalist, I cover a wide variety of religious services and find them fascinating. Religious faith can&#39;t be measured and shouldn&#39;t be judged. 

<strong>Local Hot-Button Issues: What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?</strong>

School taxes, quality of education, property values, gas prices, the need for more public transportation, healthcare and cost of living are important issues for folks in and around Pottstown.