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 School Foundation seeks to raise $1.2 million by the end of the school year to save 20 teaching positions at the Mercer Island School District.
The Mercer Island School Board delayed approval of drawing up plans for future schools as the public weighed in on school bond plans overwhelmingly rejected by the public in the April 17 Special Election.
Former King County Sheriff's spokesman John Urquhart announced his intention to run for Sheriff at a downtown Seattle hotel on Tuesday.
Mercer Island resident John Urquhart announced his intention to run for King County Sheriff at a downtown Seattle hotel on Tuesday.
Online auction website PropertyRoom.com was contracted by MIPD Marine Patrol officials to handle an array of items taken from Lake Washington.
CMIPS member Cliff Sharples writes in a letter to the editor that the community needs to remain supportive of the school district administration and find a solution for the needs of "overcrowded, outdated" local schools.
Local author Diane Kinman is one of 50,000 book givers across the U.S. and eight on the Eastside participating in World Book Night 2012.
Last fall, Mercer Island residents dropped off nearly 140 pounds of unused, expired or unwanted drugs from their homes.
Mercer Island Girls Tennis Remains on-track for state in a team win over the Saints at MIHS Monday afternoon.
Seattle School Deputy Superintendent Noel Treat will begin working at City Hall next month
QFC's original South-end Mercer Island store bagged the most votes and a five star rating this week.
Boom Noodle gets a new head chef, Trellis wins an award and Willows Lodge prepares for the Iron Vintner Challenge.
Resident Marina Moscovici writes in a letter to the editor that residents should work anew and together to formulate a new bond to replace aging school buildings in the school district.
Local resident and 21CFPC facilitator Kris Kelsay writes in a letter to the editor that the rejection of the $196 million school bond measure could lead to several negative unintended consequences.
Tell us why you think the April 17 Special Election School Bond issue failed at the ballot box.
Election night results show local voters are overwhelmingly rejecting a $196 million Mercer Island School District construction bond measure
Mercer Island Patch caught up with sign-waving school bond supporters Bill Hochberg and Aleta Finnila.
Approved or Rejected? Mercer Island resident Ralph Jorgenson writes in a letter to the editor his thoughts on next steps.
The Kiwanis Youth Law Enforcement Career Camp is being hosted by the Washington State Patrol and is intended for high school juniors and seniors with an interest in law enforcement as a career.
Tax Day is normally April 15, but is two days later this year here are some tips on how to get your taxes filed on time.
