I am not originally a Michigander.
I grew up in Cincinnati, and went to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. I went to college with the intention of being an English major; ever since I was old enough to go to school, I wanted to be a writer. At orientation, I decided to double major in Journalism, seeing the profession as a way to write full time. I didn't care what medium it was, as long as I could work with words.
At Miami, I started working for the student newspaper, The Miami Student. During my three years on staff, I was a writer, a section editor, and then finally, the News Editor. As part of the position, I was the senior copy editor, managed the newsroom, and made sure everyone followed their deadlines (they didn't). It was a tedious, unglamorous job, but I loved it. I loved journalism and reporting for the same reason I wanted to be a writer in first grade: I love telling stories. Online and in the hyper-local market, the potential for storytelling is even greater.
I moved to Birmingham, MI, with my fiancé at the beginning of July 2010. And so, I'm not originally a Michigander, nor is Birmingham my hometown. But I'm ready to find my place in this community, and excited to tell its stories.
<b>Your Beliefs</b><br> 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 you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you 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.<br> <br> <b>Politics </b><br> <i>How would you describe your political beliefs? Are you registered with a certain party?</i>
I am not registered with any political parties, largely because I believe most party politics are driven by special interests and deep pockets, rather than than what's good for voters. I would consider myself to be fiscally conservative and socially liberal, but since social issues are far more important to me, I call myself liberal.
<b>Religion</b><i><br>How religious would you consider yourself? (casual, observant, devout, non religious)</i>
I've spent years mulling over the intellectual, philosophical and faith-based ramifications of religion, and I can't say I've reached many conclusions. However, I believe in faith, and take comfort from the assumption that there is a higher power. And so while my parents raised me in the Baptist church, I now choose to pursue faith on my own terms.
<b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b><i><br>What do you think are the most important issues facing the community? Where do you stand on each of these issues?</i>
Because of the relative wealth of Birmingham's residents, many believe the city isn't affected by the problems plaguing the state of Michigan. They are. Continued budget cuts across city departments deserve the attention of Birmingham residents, as well as the state of property values and the housing market.
Residents reported seeing a suspicious man believed to be behind an attempted home invasion on Dewey Street early Wednesday morning.
A man believed to be responsible for several bank robberies around Oakland County, including one in Berkley, is suspected of robbing an Independent Bank in Beverly Hills on Tuesday.
A pair of Beaumont officials will discuss the rising cost of healthcare and the impact of the Affordable Care Act during a special meeting next week.
The white smoke appeared on Wednesday, signaling the conclave had chosen Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio to be the new head of the Catholic Church.
The Pontiac School District is looking to borrow $8 million to pay unpaid teacher premiums and avoid taxing the residents in the district's eight communities, including West Bloomfield and Sylvan Lake.
Charles David Eizelman pleaded guilty to one count of false pretenses in August 2012 after scamming several seniors in 2005.
Also happening this weekend: Henry Ford West Bloomfield will host a social work fair while at the library, you can learn about the history of summer camps in West Bloomfield.
Meanwhile, the girls from Detroit Country Day bow out of the tournament with a loss to Flint Powers on Tuesday.
Also happening this weekend: The Community House hosts their annual gala and the Roeper School has their MOSAIC auction.
A portion of the proceeds from the charity event will be donated to the Birmingham-based nonprofit, The Bottomless Toy Chest.
You don't have to be Irish to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Birmingham. Did we miss anything? Let us know!
A man believed to be responsible for several bank robberies around Oakland County, including one in Birmingham, robbed the Independent Bank at 14 Mile and Southfield Tuesday.
The Washington-based nonprofit, Food & Water Watch, will discuss ways to protect Oakland County's water and food resources during a special meeting Thursday in Bloomfield Hills.
The prominent Bloomfield Hills attorney says he's out, despite interest and recent favorable poll data.
Despite reports that Bloomfield Hills attorney Scott Romney is leading a poll of potential Republicans to replace U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, Romney said on Tuesday he won't be running.
The Birmingham Area Seniors Center will be hosting their annual appraisal-buy event this Saturday.
West Bloomfield's newest representative in the Michigan House of Representatives visited five classes at Sheiko earlier this week.
U.S. Census figures released last week show that the average commute for a West Bloomfield resident was a little higher than the national average.
The Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society will discuss early 20th century, West Bloomfield summer camps this weekend.
A pair of Beaumont officials will talk about the rising cost of healthcare and the impact of the Affordable Care Act during a special meeting next week.
