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.
Sheriff Steve Strachan violated professional ethics standards in his election campaign when he used a photo showing him in his official uniform, according to a report from the King County Ombudsman's Office.
Mercer Island City Council approved installation of an artificial turf infield at Island Crest Park designed to prevent rain-outs and paid for by a private-public partnership between baseball boosters and City Hall.
A strange group of high-stepping joggers were holding — uh — something up in the air. Write a funny caption to describe what they're up to.
City Council will meet in council chambers inside City Hall for its regularly scheduled 7 p.m. meeting. Get the latest updates from the Mercer Island City Council Meeting by following this story.
Lower gas-supply costs will ease winter heating bills.
The free exams give high school students a chance to test their readiness ahead of the 2012 PSAT/NMSQT at Mercer Island High School, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 20.
City Councilman Mike Cero writes in a letter to the editor that the Fire Station and Truck Levy on the ballot this November should be used to send a message to the city on how it manages it finances.
The following information from Sept. 24 - 27 was supplied by the Mercer Island Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
The following homes are holding open houses this Sunday, Sept. 30.
Cream? Sugar? Hazelnut? Pumpkin spice? Give a shout out to your favorite cup of joe, or favorite server.
MIHS Homecoming is here — Oct. 19 and 20 — so "Share" your photos and videos with the community by clicking the green upload button.
Bernice Koo writes in a letter to the editor that parents should educate their children about the dangers of drug abuse.
Mercer Island's busy parents will find a "quick and convenient experience" using the web-based startup's tools to find and take part in Parks & Rec programs, say city officials.
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!
Mercer Island Police and Fire units responded last night to the accident on the 8400 block of 83rd Street.
The NFL and the referees' union have reached a tentative deal, ending the use of replacements refs this season after a controversial call decided the Seattle Seahawks-Green Bay Packers game on Monday Night Football.
A grant from Puget Sound Energy will pay for the installation of several solar panels on the roof of the Mercer Island Community & Event Center after a total of 650 local customers signed up for the Green Power Program.
The following information from Sept. 13 - 24 was supplied by the Mercer Island Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
Members of the Mercer Island Clergy Association write in a letter to the editor of their desire for respectful and thoughtful public discourse this election season. Letters to the editor can be sent to MercerIsland@Patch.com
If you bought ground beef products at Safeway, Albertsons or Haggen stores, check your refrigerator or freezer.
