Born and raised in Union County, N.J. and editor of Summit Patch. Camilo H. Smith has over 10 years of journalism experience in print and online publications. He spent seven years as a copy editor and contributing writer at the Los Angeles Times. His work has appeared in Paid Content, MSNBC.com, The Newark Star-Ledger, latimes.com, Reader's Digest, Latina magazine and various music publications. He's a graduate of Brandeis University and most recently Columbia Graduate School of Journalism, where he studied digital journalism.
Camilo was a freelancer for New Brunswick Patch, where he covered local businesses.
Before working full-time for Patch, he was a student at Columbia Graduate School of Journalism where he concentrated in digital journalism and focused on hyper-local reporting and immigration issues. He began his journalism career as a reporting intern at the Newark Star-Ledger. He followed that experience by working as a copy editor at Long Island Newsday and ventured west to work at the Los Angeles Times as a copy editor for several years.
His favorite things about N.J. in no particular order: Wildwoods, the mall and South Mountain Reservation.
<br><b>Beliefs</b>
<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 and human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal certain key beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable.</i>
<i><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 think you we failed in this mission, let us know.</i>
<b>Politics</b>
I don't hold any particular party affiliation. I find truths on both the conservative and liberal sides of the coin.
<b>Religion</b>
<i>How religious would you say you are? Casual, observant, devout, non-religious?</i>
I'm casually spiritual. I was raised Catholic and attended a Catholic high school in Newark, N.J. I earned my bachelor's degree from a predominantly Jewish university.
<b>Local Hot Button Issues</b>
<i>What do you think are the two or three most important issues facing the community?</i>
County taxes, parking and downtown businesses.
<i>•	Where do you stand on each of these issues?</i>
I work to report fairly on these issues and continue to look and read what the community and city officials have to say about them.
Poll: The owner of the 10 Ashwood Ave. gas station was once involved in a lawsuit with Exxon Corp. Should the location stay a spot that pumps gas, or become something else?
The 2012-2013 school year budget sees a zero increase with a $14.22 tax increase on the average $410K home.
Results of five-year school population study shows an uptick in high school students.
Neighbors once again come out to complain about 10 Highland Drive subdivision plan.
The hearing on a project for two homes on 10 Highland Drive continues tonight.
Move follows announcement of budget cuts and end of Sunday service. What do you think about this cost cutting move? Take this poll.
The Summit Area Public Foundation has helped out six organizations including Summit Public Schools this year.
The boys 7th grade basketball team grabbed the winner's trophy earlier this month.
Here's a look at some of the events this week in Summit.
What's your visual knowledge of all things Summit?
A rabbit can mean a 10-year commitment, and shouldn't be a hastily-decided Easter gift.
Every weekend, Patch highlights the homes sold in Summit.
Take a look at our chart with cookie booth locations and times through April 15.
The pediatrician located at 47 Maple St, #107 is the top recommendation this week.
Tickets are $45 at the door.
Poll: 472 Springfield Ave, Suite #3 now looks like art, but what should go there?
Summit 7th and 8th grade students are invited to an open house in the high school cafeteria to hear about Hilltopper athletics.
The Georgetown University field hockey standout is the only freshman from the Hoyas team to make the list.
Beverly A. Friend will talk about Lenape culture at free event tonight at 7:30 p.m.
The weather is nice and there's a discount on yogurt and smoothies. Take our poll to tell us how you're recognizing the vernal equinox.
