Email: shawn@patch.com
Phone: 864.322.3197
Hometown: Jermyn, Pennsylvania
Birthday: February 8

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Politics 

How would you describe your political beliefs?

I mostly vote Democratic but I have voted Republican and for third-party candidates. I voted for Barack Obama in 2008. When forming an opinion on an issue I try to think of how it will impact the average working person since that is what most of us are.

Religion
How religious would you consider yourself?

I was raised Catholic, but I haven't attended church regularly since I was in high school. I consider myself non-religious. However, I do respect the importance that church and church attendance has on many people's lives.

Local Hot-Button Issues
What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?  Mauldin experienced steady growth over the past decade or so and now that the economy is no longer in a free fall, the town's leaders are looking to make the city even better through a series of public works projects such as a new fire station, the widening of Route 276 and continued improvements to the Mauldin Cultural Center.

Where do you stand on each of these issues?  The impression I get is that Mauldin residents want to keep the city on an upward trajectory, but not at the expense of sacrificing its small town feel.