Through the encouragement and persistence of a professor during my undergraduate studies, I decided to pursue a career as a journalist. Just over seven years later I graduated from Hofstra University with a master's degree in journalism. Upon receiving the degree this past May I immediately began to freelance for Glen Cove Patch. Within a few weeks I was writing for 10 different Patch communities. Given my passion for journalism and being a lifelong Long Island resident, providing community news coverage for the places I've grown familiar with throughout my life was a natural fit and my chance to provide the quality of news coverage that Long Island deserves. Prior to Patch I was a sports writer for Nassau News Live, where I covered the final season of Hofstra football, Hofstra and C.W. Post basketball and Adelphi baseball. Throughout my career as a journalist I have also contributed to numerous prominent music, fashion and art related blogs and Web sites.
<b>Beliefs</b> <i>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.</i><i>This disclosure is not a license for our editors to inject these 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 force us to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you, the user, ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.</i>
<b>Politics</b>
<i>How would you describe your political beliefs? </i>
I believe that regardless of party lines, whomever holds office should be held accountable for their decisions and actions by their constituents. I believe the only people deserving of holding a political position are those who honestly and wholeheartedly have the well-being of the people they serve in mind.
<b>Religion</b>
<i>Do you consider yourself religious?</i>
I consider myself a religious person but choose to celebrate my religion in my own manner, which is different than the norm.
Do<i> you identify with a certain religion?</i> Catholic.
<b>Local Hot Button Issues</b>
<i>What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?</i>
What I find most important issues to Smithtown are frequent issues throughout Long Island, such as taxes and the high costs of living, the lack of places for the youth to congregate and the presence of drugs and drug usage amongst the youth of the community.
<i>Where do you stand on each of these issues?</i>
The issue of taxes and high costs of living is a seemingly endless problem and those with the ability to create change all seem to differ in how to solve this problem. If the economic system has been damaged for as long as it has with no solution in sight then the entire system should be destroyed and rebuilt. As far as youth congregation, to ensure adolescents stay on a path to success and keep them off the streets and parking lots to socialize, positive and enjoyable activities should be readily available within the community and promoted to them in a manner that they can relate with. Drugs were introduced to my neighborhood when I was very young and I have witnessed first hand how they can destroy the lives of people who seemed destined to have a great future. The drug epidemic needs to be stopped before the youth is introduced to it through schools functions and community outreach programs rather than primarily focusing on the drugs already available in the streets.
Tuesday night was the official start for Grace Plourde and Joanne McEnroy on the Board of Education – what did you think of their first night on the board?
We provide a guide for things to do this weekend locally and show you what homes were sold in your neighborhood to round out your Friday.
Town of Smithtown Supervisor Patrick Vecchio is seeking changes to current tree removal policy.
Of the 15 people who signed up for Thursday's "Sweat-a-Thon," 12 completed all three 90-minute classes.
Put together a car, a tripod and a camera, and what will you get? A new Scenescapes video of a trip to Short Beach in Nissequogue.
Summer is finally here and Short Beach in Nissequogue is a favorite destination to enjoy the weather amongst locals.
Gladys Waldron and Scott Martella were voted President and Vice President of the Board of Education, respectively.
The SPCA is accepting donations to save the life of a pony and we ask you about your favorite flavors of Italian ices to round out your Wednesday.
Maria Rianna, former deputy superintendent for the Port Jefferson School District, will take over as Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Administration for the Smithtown Central School District.
A great summer treat is an Italian ice – what flavor do you favor?
A Palomino pony needs to have an eye surgically removed due to medical conditions.
Patch was at Long Beach in Nissequogue Tuesday to catch what locals were doing to enjoy the beautiful summer weather.
To round out your Tuesday we ask you where you like to go running locally.
Permits for walks and parades are also up for approval this week at town hall.
From the beach to the park, the street to the gym, running is a very popular activity for locals – but where do you like to run?
Participants will go through three 90-minute classes Thursday, with proceeds of the event going to the Family and Friends of Drew Odnoha Scholarship Fund.
Information on local industries hiring and we ask you if you think summer is moving by too fast rounds out your Monday.
In the blink of an eye, July is just about halfway over – does it feel like summer is quickly coming to a close?
Nothing beats a day at the beach with some good tunes during the summer – so what are you listening to?
Here's a rundown of what took place at town hall this week in the Town of Smithtown.
