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.
The award, given by WISE International, is given to businesses that adhere to the principles and practices of the Hubbard Management System.
In a letter to the New York State Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, the senator asked for resources and experts come together to rectify the Main Street safety issue.
Here's some information you'll need to know for your Friday.
With temperatures on the rise, the beach is the perfect place to beat the heat – but what beach do you like to visit?
The proposed amendments to the town code concerning the transfer of density flow rights involve municipal facilities.
With weather surpassing 90 degrees, you might need a cold treat to cool down.
Here's what you need to know for your Thursday.
With temperatures expected to exceed 90 degree Thursday, we ask you how you stay cool locally.
Superintendent Edward Ehmann of the Smithtown Central School District will retire at the end of the 2012 school year – what characteristics are you looking for in his replacement?
The Town of Smithtown board voted to solicit bids to tear the Nesconset Armory down in 2004.
The annual festival closes down Main Street to vehicles and opens it up to business, not-for-profit and other types of vendors.
Local Ralph Barone had his camera in hand for the Rock N Roll University Superstars performance, just one week before the grand opening of the school in Hauppauge.
Electronics chain Sixth Avenue Electronics is selling a 33 percent stake to pay down debt, according to a TWICE report.
Here's what you need to know for your Tuesday.
Here's a rundown of the happenings at town hall for the Tuesday afternoon town board meeting.
Aaron Rosenthal, Alice Shan, Michael McCabe and Ryan Mathie all took home $1,000 scholarships from the Smithtown Fire Department.
It was a packed festival on Sunday, and we've got the coverage the prove it.
With another Smithtown Festival Day in the past, what did you like best about the Main Street celebration?
Game three of the NBA finals will take place Sunday at 8 p.m. – who do you think will win?
Both the NBA and NHL playoffs are taking place in June, so what are you watching?
