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 Mercer Island Community Band, an impromptu gathering of local musicians is "Calling All Musicians" to join in and rehearse music in preparation for marching in the annual Summer Celebration Parade.
MI Farmers Market has its largest line-up ever, with over a dozen new vendors, on its 5th year in business near Mercerdale Park.
The following information from June 4-10 was supplied by the Mercer Island Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
An exhibition by Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL) featuring 16 Mercer Island artists opens at Aljoya on June 14.
Over 92 percent of Mercer Island High School's Class of 2012 are headed off to college — and over half are headed out of state. See where on a map illustrated by MIHS student Ethan Rouillard and parent Ken Glass.
Mercer Island High School's 12th grade students are reporting decade-low levels of alcohol use.
Patches is one of the adoptable pets at the Seattle Humane Society featured this week on Bellevue Patch. Check this column soon to meet another featured adoptable pet.
The following homes are holding open houses this Sunday, June 10.
Owen Bernstein, 10, was awarded 5th place for his essay on how he convinced the family cookie jar to release his savings so he could invest it in the stock market.
The first gubernatorial debate between candidates Rob McKenna and Jay Inslee will be on Tuesday in Spokane, but you can watch live on TVW. Here's how.
Police arrested a 15-year-old for aggravated assault on Tuesday, June 5 after he injured his older sister with a stapler, sending her to a nearby hospital.
The 55th Commencement Exercises of Mercer Island High School graduated the Class of 2012 Thursday night at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle.
"Green Gurus" are needed to support activities and trash recycling efforts, and the city plans to thank volunteers with commemorative t-shirts and through an ad in the local paper.
For June here is a list for graduates and parents both, books about transitioning to a new chapter of life. The books can be found through the King County Library System Woodinville branch.
The following information from May 23-June 3 was supplied by the Mercer Island Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
Mercer Island City Council will consider banning plastic grocery bags at its June 16 planning session.
Constituents will have the opportunity to discuss issues debated and actions taken during the 2012 legislative session.
In addition to the city's daylight Summer Celebration cruises around the island, the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce and the MI Sister City Association again offer the annual "Fireworks Cruise".
Give us your ideas on what dad is looking forward to on Father's Day 2012.
Members of Mercer Island-based Rain City Water Polo Club were among the state's top performers in prep competition this year.
