Email: joev@patch.com
Phone: 815-219-6961
Hometown: Born in Detroit; currently living in New Lenox
Twitter: @FrankfortPatch 
Video: Go here to listen to Joe talk about Patch and what Frankfort residents can expect from the site 

I was bitten with the journalism bug as a teenager in South Florida, working on my high school newspaper, and I still haven't been cured of it. In fact, it's an exciting time for journalism, and I'm glad to be contributing to it.

A journalism graduate of Indiana University, I've worked in a variety of roles at newspapers and magazines for more than a decade. I started as a sports copy editor and page designer for the Indianapolis Star before moving on to the South Bend (Ind.) Tribune as its arts and entertainment editor. Before joining Patch, I was the managing editor for MKE, a free weekly entertainment magazine in Milwaukee that I helped launch.

It's in my free time that I let my guard down, and my inner geek comes out. I'm a huge movie buff and think comic books are an underrated artform. Also, I love reading up on scientific and technological advances in the pages of Wired and New Scientist. Does that make me a nerd, too?

My Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. We also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. In the spirit of simple honesty, we encourage editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license to inject our beliefs into stories or dictate coverage according to them. Rather, we hope the knowledge our beliefs are on the record will cause us to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair and balanced manner. If you ever see evidence we failed in this mission, please let us know.

Politics
What's the party affiliation that supports a robust and respectful discourse about the democratic process in order to create a fair government and society for everyone? That's the one I'm for.

Religion
I was raised Catholic but don't currently subscribe to a religion. That doesn't mean I'm dismissive of others' faiths. Quite the opposite. Religion can be a fascinating and thought-provoking discussion to have with someone. I just expect people to be respectful of everyone's beliefs.

Local Hot-Button Issues
Certainly, the big issue on the mind of many Frankfort residents is the upcoming widening of Route 30. There are still questions that need to be answered before this major construction begins next year, but it's been on the minds of many people I've spoken to.

Another issue I've heard mentioned by Frankfort officials and business owners is continuing to make the village downtown an attractive destination for residents as well as visitors. I'm curious to see what types of events and ideas are generated in the coming months.