Email: kendall.watson@patch.com
Phone: 206-455-1331
Hometown: Salem, UT
Age: 37
Bio: From 2006 to 2010, I've worked at newspapers in California and Washington state, including the Mercer Island Reporter in 2009 covering education and sports.
Beliefs
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. This disclosure is not a license for us to inject our 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 cause editors to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.
Politics
How would you describe your political beliefs?
I'm a mixed bag. I strongly believe in the power of the government to act as a force for good and to improve people's lives. It is, after all, made up of people. But I also believe that our elected representatives should be held accountable and spend money they raise for the state carefully and wisely—they should conserve our resources for when we really need them. It is, after all, our money. And finally, we should always be thinking about how our actions affect others, now and in the future—both those we don't know and our loved ones living with us now, as well as our children and grandchildren not yet born.
Are you registered with a certain party?
I am not currently registered with a political party.
Religion
How religious would you consider yourself?
I consider myself a casual observer of the mystery of life, and enjoy the multitude of expressions in celebration of it. Heck, it's one of the main reasons I sought out a career in writing. I believe in this.
The following information from Aug. 15-22 was supplied by the Mercer Island Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
The Washington State Republican Party legally donated $60,000 to the Litzow campaign late in the 2010 election, but erred in properly reporting the donation.
The state agency said problems with its vendor are being addressed and promises tolling will be implemented — eight months later than originally proposed.
First reported by KIRO, a small float plane suffered mechanical problems flying over Lake Washington around noon.
Mercer Island youth gave over 10,000 hours of their time this summer to help disadvantaged communities in the Seattle Metro area.
Eastside counselor Belinda Lafferty offers tips on easing the transitio
Constituents in mainly Republican districts across the U.S. voiced their frustration over jobs and unemployment directly — when they could — with their congressional representative this month.
In case you missed them, here are several of the most-popular Mercer Island news stories we reported on from the last week.
Each week, I'll pick two or three of the most interesting story or Facebook comments, questions, or Twitter tweets sent to Mercer Island Patch
Two dozen police agencies will have extra officers on patrol from Aug. 19 through Sept. 5 to keep the roadways clear of drunk drivers as part of the 'Drive Hammered, Get Nailed' campaign.
The following homes are holding open houses this Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 20 and 21.
The protesters blocked traffic at times in downtown Mercer Island.
Mercer Island Marching Band Directors Parker Bixby and Ryan Lane spent the past week with about 200 Mercer Island High School band members, getting ready for the coming school year.
The protesters blocked traffic, demanded "more jobs."
The congressman's office on Mercer Island has been the site of protests during the past weeks.
The protesters blocked traffic at times in downtown Mercer Island.
Working Washington brought 200 people to the Mercer Island office of Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Auburn.
The protesters blocked traffic at times in downtown Mercer Island.
The Mercer Island attorney was outpacing Seattle Port Commissioner John Creighton.
The following information from Aug. 3-15 was supplied by the Mercer Island Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
