Christopher Paicely, Patch Staff

Earlier this year, Christopher received his Master of Science in journalism from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. Since then, he has written stories for Chicago Parent, The Good Men Project and Tinley Park Patch. He also is a writer for online publication, The Smoking Section.

While earning his bachelor's degree in international studies from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (aka IUPUI), Christopher traveled to Amman, Jordan as part of a study abroad program. While there, he learned how to smoke argeelah and barter with merchants — two skills he has found useless in the states. 

In 2008, Christopher married his wife, Jamie, and honeymooned in Cairo, Egypt, where bartering and argeelah smoking suddenly became useful again.

<b>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. We also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. In the spirit of simple honesty, we encourage editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license to inject our beliefs into stories or dictate coverage according to them. Rather, we hope the knowledge our beliefs are on the record will cause us to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair and balanced manner. If you ever see evidence we failed in this mission, please let us know.</i><br> <br> <b>Politics</b><br>Within the context of the two-party system, I tend to support the left more often than the right. That said, the political lines are much blurrier in Illinois, and who I support is now based more on ethical integrity than political policies. I like the non-criminals, which limits my choices significantly.

<b>Religion</b><br>While I was raised in an African Methodist Episcopal church, my father is a Jehovah&#39;s Witness, so I have been exposed to varying understandings of Christianity. I also studied Islam extensively and have learned a great deal about Judaism and several other religions. I am a believer in strong moral values and self-accountability, above all else. <br> <b><br> Local Hot-Button Issues</b><br>The political climate in Chicago Heights has always been one of the city&#39;s most interesting areas, and having seen three mayors in one term, that doesn&#39;t appear to be changing anytime soon. The city is also in the midst of a major restructuring with the addition of a seventh ward and a re-understanding of the mayoral position.