Toni Whitt, Patch Staff
- Bradenton, FL
<b>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 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. <br><br>This disclosure is 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><br><b>Politics</b>
<i>Middle of the road. I am conservative on some issues, while liberal on others. I get frustrated when party politics trump important issues. Local representatives do a better job of reaching concensus on issues than national representatives, which is why I prefer following local politics.<br></i>
<b>Religion</b>
<i>I am casual, attending church ocassionally. </i>
<b>Local Hot Button Issues</b>
<i>The economy and jobs, the housing market, taxes and the budget.</i>
<i>I appreciate the small businesses are hiring and/or retaining workers. I think there are smart business people out there who have been able to expand, even as people cut back. <br></i>
<i>As for the housing market, I wonder what will happen to existing foreclosed homes if developers continue to build new ones. Right now it doesn't feel like we are having an influx of population or even part-time residents, so I am concerned that there will be pockets of blight if we as a community do not keep careful watch.</i>
<i>As property values continue to decline and we contninue to see double digit unemployment, our elected officials are faced with tough decisions about services and how to provide them. I think that so far, they have been able to make significant cuts in some areas. Raising taxes seems like the wrong thing to do when the unemployment rate is high and people are struggling. I am concerned about public employees who have lost their jobs, that only adds to the slow economy. <br></i>
Posting Activity
Bradenton|News|
Mikey Likes to Play: Adoptable Cat of the Week
He's just one of the pets up for adoption at the county's downtown center.
Bradenton|News|
Adoptable Dog of the Week: Sam Is a Ball of Fun
He's just one of the pets up for adoption at the county's downtown center.
Bradenton|News|
Prosecutor's Office Serious About Protecting Animals
The state attorney's office is not just prosecuting more animal cruelty cases, its attorneys are adopting animals in need.
Sarasota, FL|News|
OMG PD: Resort Embezzlement, Jars of Pot, Tax Fraud Evidence in a 6-Year-Old's Backpack
We compile the odd, unusual ‘oh my gosh’ police items from throughout the Tampa Bay region.
Bradenton|News|
OMG PD: Resort Embezzlement, Jars of Pot, Tax Fraud Evidence in a 6-Year-Old's Backpack
We compile the odd, unusual ‘oh my gosh’ police items from throughout the Tampa Bay region.
Sarasota, FL|News|
Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Coming to Sarasota To Fight Citizens United
Ben Cohen is in Sarasota to visit a Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop with his 21-foot long money stamping truck with the hope of winning a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United.
Sarasota, FL|News|
Sarasota Man Among 14 Arrested on Fraud Charges Costing Investors Millions
Federal indictments allege long-term schemes to manipulate stock prices that led to more than 20,000 investors losing more than $30 million when the artificially inflated stock prices collapsed.
Bradenton|News|
Transportation Department To Seek Feedback on Cortez Bridge
The Florida Department of Transportation will be at the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival this weekend to hand out surveys about planned bridge improvements.
Bradenton|News|
Gloomy Skies Give Way to Sunny, Chilly Weekend
Forecasters are calling for rain to clear out as the long Presidents Day weekend approaches.
Bradenton|News|
Motorworks Brewing to Open Near McKechnie Field
The brewery and taproom is expected to draw tourists and create jobs in Bradenton.
Sarasota, FL|News|
Siesta Key Shuttle Launches Saturday
The shuttles will pick up passengers at Southgate Mall and drop them off at Siesta Key Beach and Siesta Key Village.
Bradenton|News|
Sarasota and Manatee Work to Lure World Rowing Championship
The tourism and business community are leading a push to bring the competition to the area.
Sarasota, FL|News|
Construction Contracts Approved on County Building Projects
Sarasota County Commission awarded four construction contracts totaling about $3.9 million for capital improvement projects
Sarasota, FL|News|
Sarasota and Manatee Work to Lure World Rowing Championship
The tourism and business community are leading a push to bring the competition to the area.
Bradenton|News|
New College to Host Presidential Inauguration
The ceremony and weekend of special events celebrates the appointment of Donal O’Shea as the fifth president of New College
Sarasota, FL|News|
New College to Host Presidential Inauguration
The ceremony and weekend of special events celebrates the appointment of Donal O’Shea as the fifth president of New College
Bradenton|News|
Local Lawmakers Work to Prohibit Open Parties that Provide Alcohol to Minors
Sarasota State Rep. Ray Pilon filed a an "Open Party" house bill designed to reduce underage drinking. Sen. Bill Galvano is expected to file the Senate companion bill within days.
Sarasota, FL|News|
Local Lawmakers Work to Prohibit Open Parties That Provide Alcohol to Minors
Sarasota State Representative Ray Pilon filed a an "Open Party" house bill designed to reduce underage drinking. Senator Bill Galvano, is expected to file the Senate companion bill within days.
Sarasota, FL|News|
Diocese of Venice and St. Pete React to Pope's Resignation
Joseph Ratzinger's last day as Pope will be Feb. 28. He was chosen in 2005 to succeed the late Pope John Paul II.