As a St. Louis area and University City resident for 25 years, I'm glad to see Patch not shying away from covering the controversial topics important to our community and this region.

Without a strong press, democracy itself simply cannot function. These words are as true on the local level as they are on the national level, and yes, as corny as it sounds, I really believe that.

My hobbies include shortwave radio, independent music, travel, and low-power community FM radio.