A refugee from the newspaper industry, Greg Johnston has been a journalist for more than 30 years, most of them with the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, which vanished into the pages of history in March of 2009. He also served for four years as wire editor/reporter at The Daily World in Aberdeen on the Washington Coast, and worked as a news writer and wirephoto operator at the Associated Press Seattle bureau while attending the University of Washington. Greg graduated from the UW's School of Communications in the Rose Bowl victory year of 1978 – Go Dawgs!
He sees in Patch the opportunity to continue doing what he does: real, honest journalism, now on line, at a hyper-local level, in his hometown. Adventure-oriented since a child, Greg loves to hike, backpack, fish, ride his mountain bike, run, kayak, snowboard and take nature photographs.
He lives on Finn Hill with his wife and has three grown children, one a U.S. Army infantryman and Afghanistan War veteran, and two beautiful grandchildren.
<b>Your Beliefs</b>
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.
<b>Politics</b>
How would you describe your political beliefs? Are you registered with a certain party?
I am fiscally conservative and socially liberal. I support a strong military, but believe the answer to conflict is tolerance, understanding, diplomacy and dialogue. I dream of the day Americans can withdraw from foreign conflict and look inward to address issues such as unemployment, homelessness, poverty and environmental protection. I am not a member of any party.
<b>Religion</b>
How religious would you consider yourself?
I was baptized a Christian and would call myself spiritual, but not devout. I find peace in nature, in the Pacific Northwest's mountains, forests, rivers and seas and along its magnificent ocean shoreline.
<b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b>
What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?
Where do you stand on each of these issues?
Kirkland is a relatively affluent, largely suburban bedroom community where quality of life issues are important. The challenge will be maintaining a vibrant downtown and neighborhoods while preserving their small-town charm. I think quality of life should not be sacrificed for economic development; rather, I think maintaining a high quality of life is essential to a strong economy.
Both sides claim the other refused to bargain in good faith, and the union says the company is flying in out-of-state strike-busters.
Both sides claim the other refused to bargain in good faith, and the union says the company is flying in out-of-state strike-busters.
Both sides claim the other refused to bargain in good faith, and the union says the company is flying in out-of-state strike-busters. The company denied it.
Both sides claim the other refused to bargain in good faith, and the union says the company is flying in out-of-state strike-busters.
Both sides claim the other refused to bargain in good faith, and the union says the company is flying in out-of-state strike-busters.
The principal is urging parents of fellow students to talk to and listen to them and seek help in the grieving process if necessary.
Troy Hennum will not face disciplinary action for texting a student in violation of district policy, but he will not coach at Lake Washington next year, says the school's athletic director.
Police hope residents will familiarize themselves with the program and the increased awareness will help prevent and reduce crime.
From the how sweet is that? files: EFR's Station 73 made an adorable rescue at Rock Meadow Farms in Issaquah Tuesday.
Troy Hennum will not face disciplinary action for texting a student in violation of district policy, but he will not coach at Lake Washington next year, says the school's athletic director.
The Rose Hill preschool, started in a former chicken coop in 1947, will host current and alumni families for a picnic Thursday evening.
Former Kirkland City Council Member Jessica Greenway reviews a memorable performance by the choral group that includes Kirkland's Melissa and Jeff Thirloway.
Two men from Finn Hill and a former Finn Hill resident have been charged with robbing the market to support their heroin addictions and remain in the King County Jail.
Patch has teamed up with James Patterson’s READKIDDOREAD program to bring you reading lists for every age. If you’re looking for some great summer reading options, check this list of “Terrific Transitional” books from James Patterson.
Patch has teamed up with James Patterson’s READKIDDOREAD program to bring you reading lists for every age. If you’re looking for some great summer reading options, check this list of “Favorite Pageturners” from James Patterson. These books are great read.
Patch has teamed up with James Patterson’s READKIDDOREAD program to bring you reading lists for every age. Here, James Patterson’s summer reading picks for tweens and teens, ages 11-up.
Patch has teamed up with James Patterson’s READKIDDOREAD program to bring you reading lists for every age. If you’re looking for some great summer reading options, check out this list of The Best Illustrated books from James Patterson.
Kirkland police say that when the suspect struck the victim in the head, the gun went off. The suspect has prior felony convictions.
Bruce Wynn says there will be a cash mob to help a Kirkland business on Thursday, June 7 starting at 11 a.m.
Two of three men arrested Thursday in connection with the May 6 armed robbery of Bothell's Yakima Fruit Market were picked up at two residences on Finn Hill in Kirkland.
