Phone: (401) 207-7811
E-mail: Sandy@Patch.com
Sandy McGee has worked in community journalism for more than eight years, developing stories, editing and creating a voice for the towns she covers.
A graduate of Rhode Island College, she holds a bachelor's degree in English with studies in Communications. Earlier this year, she was named a Rhode Island Press Association award winner for spot news photo.
McGee also holds a Massachusetts teacher's certification and recently returned from a fellowship, which provided training for reporting crime on Native American reservations.
A former print journalist, McGee previously worked as a full-time staff writer and photographer for Rhode Island Suburban Newspapers (RISN), a newspaper group that includes The Woonsocket Call, The Pawtucket Times and Neighbors publications.
She believes that news belongs to the community and that the future of journalism is not only online, but also interactive.
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 and human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal certain key beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. 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 think you see evidence that we failed in this mission, we wholeheartedly invite you to let us know. Politics
▪ How would you describe your political beliefs?
To be a truly objective reporter, I don't believe in siding with any one particular political party. I enjoy following the politics of all parties equally.
However, I will admit being a "Cool Moose" at one time, solely for the name of course.
Religion
▪ How religious would you say you are? Casual, observant, devout, non-religious?
I believe a person's religious views are private but, when asked, can lead to lively discussions.
Local Hot Button Issue
▪ What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?
The most important issue in Portsmouth currently is the outcome of the budget.
▪ Where do you stand on each of these issues?
The budget will certainly impact residents through potential cuts to programs or the raising of taxes. Sometimes, cuts to programs are not always worth the extra savings.
As of 9:25 p.m. Sunday, the Portsmouth School District planned to open all schools on Monday while parents voiced their frustration on social media.
Will you need help shoveling after the storm? Or, are you offering shoveling services? Let's try and help out our neighbors during the blizzard.
Will you need help shoveling after the storm? Or, are you offering shoveling services? Let's try and help out our Westford neighbors during the blizzard.
Will you need help shoveling after the storm? Or, are you offering shoveling services? Let's try and help out our Newport neighbors during the blizzard.
Will you need help shoveling after the storm? Or, are you offering shoveling services? Let's try and help out our Brookline neighbors during the blizzard.
White-out conditions are expected. Motorists are advised to stay off the roads before 1 p.m.
Thanks to the blizzard, Portsmouth is expecting up to 24 inches of snow this weekend. See how many inches have fallen in your area with the LIVE map below.
Will you need help shoveling after the storm? Or, are you offering shoveling services? Let's try and help out our Portsmouth neighbors during the blizzard.
Let's measure the blizzard through lawn ornaments!
Motorists are asked to get off the roads as the storm intensifies. Up to 24 inches are of snow is possible in Portsmouth and other areas.
Is the grocery store out of bread? Are people packing the local hardware store? Take a picture of how residents are preparing for the storm and upload it here!
The School Committee is forming a committee to examine full-day kindergarten as an option.
Johnston resident Dennis Kennedy, a teacher at Bay View Academy in East Providence, recently attended a United Nations conference.
The storm is expected to bring 18 to 24 inches of snow to Portsmouth. Are you ready?
How did you spend your time indoors during the blizzard of 2013?
Are you canceling an event because of the storm? Share your closing announcement here!
The incoming winter storm is officially the Blizzard of 2013.
Time to take out those tape measures, rulers or marked strings and let us know—how much snow fell in your yard?
Do you plan to take any photos of the winter wonderland outside? We want to share your photos!
Did you build a snowman or woman in the blizzard? We want to see your photos.
