James Kleimann, Neighbor

Originally from Wyckoff, NJ

Born August 28, 1986

A twin (sister Karen is also in journalism)

Yankee fanatic with sabermetric leanings

Cat lover (presently have five wonderful felines)

E-mail address is jameskleimann@yahoo.com

Phone number is (201)-364-3232

Originally from neighboring Wyckoff, I became a frequent contributor to Wyckoff Patch after graduating from Champlain College&#39;s Professional Writing Program in May of 2009. While in college I was an editor of the school newspaper and spent time at <i>Seven Days</i>, Vermont&#39;s largest alternative newspaper. After college, I left the Green Mountain State to return to the more hectic (and exciting!) New Jersey I grew up in.

Since December of 2009, I&#39;ve covered education, politics, and environmental issues for Patch. In July, with editors of both Wyckoff and Ridgewood taking vacation, I stepped in as the guest editor, familiarizing myself with the current issues in both towns.

Ridgewood has a number of big issues that need to be vetted. Between parking problems, downtown vacancies, pedestrian safety matters, budget cuts, Graydon Pool, and the possible expansion of Valley Hospital (among others, even), there&#39;s no shortage of challenges weighing on the minds of residents, and there&#39;s often much division on the possible solutions to those challanges.

I hope to offer objective, comprehensive and well-balanced journalism so the community can form better-informed opinions on these substantial issues – issues that may very much decide the present and future character and landscape of this vibrant, historic village.

Ridgewood has been fortunate to have someone as bright and capable as outgoing Editor Sam Fran Scavuzzo, and Patch of course is incredibly fortunate to be able to serve such an interesting and active community. I don&#39;t aim to be Sam, but I hope I can serve the needs of the community effectively. Please don&#39;t hesitate to contact me, I&#39;d love to hear your thoughts on what&#39;s happening in the village.

<b>Beliefs </b><br>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.<br><br>Politics

How would you describe your political beliefs?

Moderate Republican with leanings to the left on social issues. Political parties on a local level, to me, are often irrelevant. I vote for candidates and issues, not party lines.<br><br>Religion

How religious would you say you are? Casual, observant, devout, non-religious?

Non-religious but respectful of the beliefs of others.<br><br>Local Hot Button Issues

What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?

How Ridgewood balances the services and programs that they provide while facing unprecedented budget challenges will be of paramount importance. I&#39;m interested to see how the village will operate if some of Governor Christie&#39;s proposals are enacted, specifically the 2% cap and so-called &#39;toolkit&#39;, along with the proposed education overhauls. Divisive issues like Graydon Pool, Valley Hospital expansion and downtown vacancies are also critical issues and ones without apparent easy answers.

Where do you stand on each of these issues?

Because I&#39;m new to town, I can&#39;t say I have a specific stance on these issues. As I become more acclimated to the community and its directions, I&#39;ll shape my opinions. Still, I&#39;d love to hear the voice of the community. Let me know what you think by e-mailing me.