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.
On the eve of his induction to the Washington Sports Hall of Fame, three of former MIHS boys basketball coach Ed Pepple's former players pay tribute to their mentor.
Former Mercer Island School Board President Pat Braman and Director Dave Myerson signed a letter voicing opposition to Initiative 1240, which would permit charter schools in the state, while Director Brian Emanuels supports them.
The following information from Oct. 29-31 was supplied by the Mercer Island Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
Every Thursday we'll feature a photograph of something delicious from a Mercer Island restaurant. Be the first to guess the restaurant—and the dish—correctly on Mercer Island Patch, and win a prize!
Nearly 80 businesses donned costumes and doled out tricks and treats on Halloween, Oct. 31. Local Dentist Dr. David Weed is donating the leftover candy to Operation Gratitude, destined as care packages to soldiers abroad.
Mercer Island resident and retired architect Jerry Gropp writes in a letter to the editor that preserving the South-end Fire Station protects the legacy of professional, local architects.
Check pass reports before grabbing the car keys. Failure to follow winter advisories will result in fines of up to $500.
Mercer Island Firefighters Union President Ray Austin writes in a letter to the editor that if it is not cost effective to maintain an essential piece of equipment, it must be replaced — and so it is with the South-end Fire Station.
Resident Rita Moore writes in a letter to the editor that the KC Conservation District is a vital part of protecting our natural environment and keeping working lands viable.
MIPD patrol officers found a lost Chihuahua at Homestead Park Tuesday and are temporarily sheltering him until they find the dog's owners.
The following information from Oct. 26-30 was supplied by the Mercer Island Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
While tree trimming continues on Island Crest Way, PSE asks the public to help keep vegetation away from power lines and to be prepared in case of an extended power outage.
Seattle mortgage investor Todd Hoss was sentenced on Oct. 26 to 8 years in prison for mail fraud and stole more than $2 million total from investors, including a Mercer Island family.
The annual FBI report "Crime in the United States" compiles crime data and crime rates from 18,200 law enforcement agencies nationwide.
The following homes are holding open houses this Sunday, Oct. 27-28.
Show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month by uploading photos of your and/or your family and friends supporting the cause.
We're searching for the best Halloween Costume in America. Enter yourself or your kids for a chance to win $5,000.
Both Alpenland Delicatessen and Mercerwood Shore Club are holding "Oktoberfest" style events to ring in the harvest season.
In a bid to increase transparency, the Mercer Island School Board accepted an offer to broadcast its meetings on MI-TV 21 and place recordings on the school district's website for a modest fee.
The following information from Oct. 17-24 was supplied by the Mercer Island Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
