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.
The family of the Google software engineer killed in the crash expresses disbelief and disgust at the light penalties for the charge of vehicular homicide.
The 43-year-old man is suspected of robbing a Bank of America branch.
The family of the Google software engineer killed in the crash expresses disbelief and disgust that the light penalties for the charge of vehicular homicide.
The family of Steve Lacey, the man killed in what troopers called a road rage incident, expresses disbelief and disgust that the light penalties for the charge of vehicular homicide.
Multiple agencies assisted in patrolling Lake Washington over Seafair weekend, with an emphasis on boating while impaired.
Things you might want to know today, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2011.
Fifteen Northshore School District alumni, former staff or board members will be recognized at a special ceremony at Pop Keeney Stadium in Bothell.
After a 74-year marriage, the Kirkland couple died within hours of each other, reports the Seattle Times.
King County Fire Marshal declares ban because of dry conditions and forecasts for more dry weather. Outdoor burning of leaves and brush is already banned in Kirkland.
Woman calls 911 to report incident at business early Sunday morning, two potential suspects identified.
Kirkland's favorite former teacher and principal returns to the scene more than 60 years later.
FBI has issued surveillance photos and is seeking information about the suspect, a stocky white male about 5-foot-10.
In its "Best of Seattle' edition, the newspaper also chooses Cafe Juanita as best dining destination and honors Milagro Cantina for the best guacamole.
A Kingsgate resident, Gardiner's top priorities are integrating annexed areas into greater Kirkland, offering new ideas on doing more with a limited city budget and maintaining the quality of life.
Molbak's is collecting fruits and vegetables from home gardeners for Hopelink's five food banks.
Kirkland Parks gave Patch an early look at the park's modernization as crews prepared the beach area for a limited re-opening. Check out our photo gallery.
Traffic delays are also expected on the SR 520 bridge Thursday and Friday evenings and Sunday morning due to draw-span openings.
A cougar was struck and killed on an Interstate 405 on-ramp two days before a bald eagle was killed after flying into the windshield of a King County Metro Transit bus on State Route 520
A cougar was struck and killed on an Interstate 405 on-ramp two days before a bald eagle was killed after flying into the windshield of a King County Metro Transit bus on State Route 520.
Wildlife authorities believe the cat was the same cougar spotted several times in Woodinville and then Medina, which means it likely wandered through Kirkland.