Michael Gelbwasser, Patch Staff

Email: Michael.Gelbwasser@patch.com Phone: 781-315-3175 Hometown: Rutland, Mass., "The Home of the Central Tree." Birthday: Dec. 25, 1968. Merry Christmas! Bio

The proud product of the exact geographical center of Massachusetts and of Wachusett Regional High School in Holden (Go Mountaineers!), I've written since age 6. Writing initially was how I communicated while dealing with my natural shyness (and I still prefer small groups to large crowds).

I'm finishing my 18th year as a full-time reporter, including stops at Boston's Jewish Advocate and, most recently, 12 years in the Foxboro Reporter-Sun Chronicle organization. In 2000, I earned three New England Press Association awards for my work at the Reporter: first places for human interest feature story and unique and outstanding journalistic accomplishment, and second place for reporting on religious issues.

When I'm not writing, I'm collecting comic books, watching the Red Sox and Bruins, walking, sight-seeing and spending time with my friends and family. My parents, Bonnie and Herman, celebrated their 45th anniversary this summer.

Your 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 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.

POLITICS:

I love a well-reasoned debate. The more you know, the better the decisions. Debating facts is healthy, and it holds public officials accountable.  I listen to both sides, and I typically dismiss those who use personal attacks in their arguments.

RELIGION:

I believe religion is a personal thing.

HOT BUTTON ISSUES:

I'm looking forward to covering the issues affecting Sharon residents, including: the development of Sharon Commons; the fate of the former Sacred Heart School property; the potential zoning changes in Post Office Square; and the progress on the Sharon Middle School renovation and expansion.