• Jon CollinsPatch Staff Verified Patch Staff Badge

  • Southwest Minneapolis, MN

<b>Bio</b>

The former editor of Southwest Minneapolis Patch, Jon is a graduate of the University of Minnesota journalism and history programs. While going to school he interned at Minneapolis&#39; own KFAI and worked as a projects reporter for the Minnesota Daily. For the past few years, he has reported on politics and the State Capitol for a number of online and print publications, including an extended stint covering Minnesota&#39;s Iron Range<b>.</b>

He&#39;s a native of Minneapolis who grew up all over the country, picking up odd accents from South Carolina to Indiana. A dedicated bicylist and resident of South Minneapolis, he frequently rides his yellow-and-black-striped bike to local music and art events.

<b>My Beliefs</b><br><i>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 because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. </i><br><br><b>Politics </b><br>I&#39;m not, and have never been, a registered member of any party (although I&#39;m more than happy to talk politics with you). I&#39;m all for journalism that&#39;s critical and independent of partisan politics. In my mind, the journalist&#39;s job is to explain the complexities and behind-the-scenes manuevering of our political system so that readers can hold those in power accountable. I&#39;m not interested in ginning up votes for anyone.<br><br><b>Religion</b>

I&#39;m not religious. I do like hearing and talking about religions. Even on Prairie Home Companion.<br><br><b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b><br>From covering small-town Minnesota, and now this urban neighborhood, I&#39;m concerned about the toll on our communities from years of state budget cuts. Education, where the state once led, is probably the area of most concern, with our schools consistently being broken open like a piggy-bank to pay back deficits.

Posting Activity

Southwest Minneapolis|News|

Q&A with Sen. Scott Dibble on Stadiums and Bullying

Dibble said he was dubious about whether his anti-bullying bills would move in a Republican-dominated legislature, but that it&#39;s unacceptable that kids are being &#34;bullied to death.&#34;

Q&A with Sen. Scott Dibble on Stadiums and Bullying
Southwest Minneapolis|News|

Great Restaurants for Valentine's Day

We chose five of our favorite restaurants in Southwest Minneapolis that would be great for romantic dates or just dinner.

Great Restaurants for Valentine's Day
Southwest Minneapolis|News|

Dibble and Kelash Vote Against Lifting Nuclear Energy Ban

The Senate passed a similar bill in 2009, although the House rejected it. Last year, a similar proposal passed the House as an amendment to a larger energy bill but failed in the Senate.

Dibble and Kelash Vote Against Lifting Nuclear Energy Ban
Southwest Minneapolis|News|

Viewfinder: The Week in Pictures

From school boards to park boards, Patch covered Southwest Minneapolis this week.

Viewfinder: The Week in Pictures
Southwest Minneapolis|News|

Get Out: Weekend Planner

There&#39;s more than the Superbowl happening this weekend. Check out puppets, rock&#39;n&#39;roll and short films. And the Superbowl.

Get Out: Weekend Planner
Southwest Minneapolis|News|

Winter Parking Restrictions Start Friday Morning

Starting 8 a.m., only park on the odd sides of non-snow emergency routes. This also applies to Bryant and Grand avenues in Southwest.

Southwest Minneapolis|News|

Suspect to Be Charged in Thefts from Kingfield Cars

In early November, police say the suspect stole items from seven cars in Kingfield in a one-night spree. Police plan to charge him with at least two of the thefts.