John Patten
John.Patten@Patch.com 908-552-9051  April 26, 1957 Bio With more than a decade of experience as an editor of community newspapers in Central Jersey, John is dedicated to helping warren.patch.com become Warren Township's leading source of information for residents. A native of Montana, where he studied music at Montana State University—Billings, he moved to New Jersey in 1994 and launched a career in newspapers. He has edited award-winning newspapers covering Hillsborough, Manville, Cranford, Scotch Plains and Jackson Township. John is committed to building strong communities, and has served on the board of trustees for a local education foundation and for the organizing committee for an American Cancer Society Relay for Life. He has also been active in Boy Scout leadership and Toastmasters International. He continues to be an active musician, and also enjoys astronomy.   Your Beliefs I believe the greatest strength of our nation is the diversity of talented, energetic and interesting people I meet every day in my work. A community like Warren is best served by a constant dialogue between dedicated officials and informed residents, and my job is to facilitate that dialogue.  Politics As an independent voter, I listen to all parties before deciding what I believe -- no one has all the answers and we can often find new ones by discussing the issues. Religion While not a regular church attendee, I enjoy the spirit and passion of religious communities and believe the town is strengthened by the myriad of services they provide. Local Hot-Button Issues It's been clear to me that many residents of Warren want to know more about what town and school officials are doing, and to gain a better understanding of the decisions being made. As the municipality and school boards wrestle with new budgetary restraints and economic issues, residents need to know as much as possible about those decisions.