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.
Resident and former 21 CFPC committee member Toby Suhm, a supporter of the $196 voter-approved school bond on the April ballot, responds to an earlier letter from bond opponent David de Yarza.
Lakeridge First-Grade Teacher Cindi Pacecca writes in a letter to the editor that outdated and overcrowded schools are at a built-in disadvantage compared to other Eastside schools.
Tuesday, March 20, officially kicks off the beginning of spring. Have you spotted any signs of spring around your neighborhood?
Mercer Island resident Janet Frohnmayer, writing from her perspective as a private citizen, says supporting the $196 million bond sends a message to teachers and staff that the community supports them and a high-quality education.
Senior Citizen Claus Jensen writes in a letter to the editor about the impacts the proposed $196 million school bond could have on senior residents, especially those living on a fixed income.
Take our poll and leave reviews to let us know in the comments which Martial Arts school comes is your favorite.
The following homes are holding open houses this Sunday, March 18.
Educators say Senate Bill 6442 is an attack on collective bargaining and will cost more by reducing benefits. More than 200 teachers rallied at Mercer Island against the legislation.
Educators say Senate Bill 6442 is an attack on collective bargaining and will cost more by reducing benefits. More than 200 teachers rallied at Mercer Island against the legislation.
Islander Middle School 7th grade students Maddie Coles, Alex Graham and Ryan Barbee are just a few of hundreds trying to raise money to take part in the Mercer Island Relay for Life on May 12.
Dispelling the myths of St. Patrick's Day.
Nine teachers unions will rally against health insurance consolidation at Island Park Elementary School.
Tells us which Martial Arts businesses on Mercer Island are the best place for kids to learn self-defense. Nominate your favorite for our Readers' Choice poll Monday!
Writing in his own spare time while not working as principal of West Mercer Elementary School, Rich Mellish writes the following letter based on his own personal concern for the children of Mercer Island.
Builder and local resident David de Yarza urges voters to reject a proposed $196 million construction bond proposal on the April Special Election ballot because the school district does not have a comprehensive master plan in place.
Resident Jon Brooks responds to a $196 million bond proposal on the April ballot to build new K-8 schools on Mercer Island.
Mercer Island Voters will be one of a handful of communities receiving a King County Voters' Pamphlet for the April 17 Special Election.
Rahr accepted a position as director of the state's police academy, beginning on April 1.
Rahr accepted a position as director of the state's police academy, beginning on April 1.
Rahr accepted a position as director of the state's police academy, beginning on April 1.