Laura Tayman, Patch Staff

<b>Hometown:  Sheridan, Arkansas (3o miles south of Little Rock)<br>Birthday:  April 2 (because my mom did not want me to be known as an April Fool)<br></b>

<b>Bio:</b>

An Arkansas native, I grew up as the daughter of a well-known journalist. I graduated from college as a music major, taught elementary school music for a year, and then suffered throat damage and had to choose between teaching and singing.

With a big interest in politics, I began to work in the Arkansas Governor&#39;s Office in education and public information. I moved to Washington in 1992 and served as the Public Information Officer for the National Education Goals Panel. When then-Governor Clinton was elected President, I moved over to the White House.

Meanwhile I met Mike Tayman, a fellow musician and Maryland native whom I married a year later, and decided to stay and make this area my home.

My family and I moved to Arnold recently from Crofton, where I published a community news magazine and website similar to Patch for five years. I had also served as a community news reporter for the Capital for several years prior to starting my own publication. My husband Mike is the band and orchestra director for Severn River Middle School in Arnold, and my two children go to Broadneck feeder schools.

<b>My Beliefs</b><br>I believe in treating others with respect and dignity, and that includes when I cover an issue, event, or situation. I believe in the power of diversity, and trying to become more aware of the entire community around me and not just what is happening in my own day-to-day world. I believe that power is information, and I hope that by sharing  new thoughts, ideas, and personal stories in our community, I can make our area a more thriving, cohesive place to live, work, and play.

<b>Politics </b><br>I was schooled in the old way of doing politics -- respecting your opponent, being open to others&#39; viewpoints, understanding why some differ from your beliefs. I lean to the left in my political beliefs and would call myself a progressive if I was into labels.

<b>Religion</b><br>I believe in the teachings of multiple religions that would have me treating others as you want to be treated, helping those who need it, respecting others, and living my life for a greater cause than myself. I believe in the power of prayer and have joined and attended Protestant churches in the past.

<b>Local Hot-Button Issue</b><br>Development seems to be a huge concern in this community and the consequences of adding more housing to an area that is already congested and in environmental peril is important to many local residents.