Leslie has lived in Cheshire for more than a decade and covered the town for about seven years as a reporter for The Cheshire Herald and the Record-Journal. She has also worked for the Norwalk Citizen-News and the North Haven Citizen newspapers. She has a degree in mass communications from Stephen F. Austin State University and started her career in Texas. She's worked at television stations in three states and moved to Connecticut to work at WVIT as the creative services director. At WTNH, Leslie was nominated for two northeast Emmy awards for news promotion.
<b>Your Beliefs</b>
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.
<b>Politics </b>
How would you describe your political beliefs? Populist
Are you registered with a certain party? Yes
<b>Religion</b>
How religious would you consider yourself? I'm spiritual rather than religious. I am a Unitarian Universalist.
<b> </b><b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b>
What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?
Finding the revenue for the town's first $100 million budget. Hiring of a new police chief. Choosing a solution for the Community Swimming Pool that continues to be a very expensive facility for heating costs in the winter. Creating more affordable housing in Cheshire. Protecting environmentally sensitive areas such as the Quinnipiac River and wetlands.
Where do you stand on each of these issues?
I believe human services should be considered a top priority. Residents should be warm and not hungry. Any service cuts due to funding should not come from this area.
The new police chief should be able to reach across to the union to bring cooperation back to the department.
The pool has never been self-funding although that was the plan when it opened. It either has to be enclosed by a permanent building or become a summer-only facility. The bubble has never been a good choice. A public-private partnership could be the answer.
Cheshire is far from having the required percentage of affordable housing, even with the future addition of units on West Main Street. Hourly workers and single parents should be able to afford to live in the town where they work.
I have been an environmentalist since I was a teen growing up in the Rocky Mountains. I believe toxic chemicals, such as pesticides, should be severely limited in use.
The Governor delivered the following speech at midnight on Thursday to end what the New York Times called the most liberal legislative session in memory.
Well before August rolls around, families will make their late-summer plans based on next year's school calendar.
Excessive levels of lead have been found in the bracelet craft kits.
Cheshire police officers will carry the Special Olympics Torch through town Friday on its way to New Haven for the 42nd annual games.
Elizabeth Esty's campaign for the 5th Congressional District garners attention from key women's political organization.
The 15th Annual Cheshire Relay for Life begins Friday for two days of fundraising and cancer awareness at the Cheshire High School track.
A fire that displaced a family of four began near a gas grill on the back porch of the large wooden home at 105 Scenic Court.
In it's third year as a community farm, Boulder Knoll has doubled the original number of shares in the weekly harvest.
A four-bedroom home is uninhabitable after a fire burned through the roof on Friday evening.
Senator says manufacturers could save pre-tax money and spend it later on their businesses at a lower tax rate, much like a retirement account.
Administrative services for the church will operate from a business condo on Highland Avenue. The church building collapsed in February.
Cheshire High School announces valedictorian and salutatorian for Class of 2011. They're off to Harvard and Boston College this fall.
Job seekers looking to land a job may find one at the rebuilt McDonald's on South Main Street.
Peter F. Dalton, 68, died last week after a long illness.
Students are required to read three books from a list of suggested authors that ranges from Asimov to Kerouac.
Number of fatalities more than triples from 2010.
The 44th Annual Memorial Day Parade begins Sunday at 1:30 p.m. with Parade Marshals Ernie DiPietro and John White.
Yankee Gas pipeline heads into historic territory on its way through town.
Major manufacturer recalls yard trimmers, edgers and backpack blowers.
The Connecticut Chapter of MADD will honor veteran officer with Top Cop award for 25 years of support.
