Dedham, MA|News|
SOUND OFF: Should Women Serve in Combat?
The Pentagon lifted its ban Thursday on women serving in combat roles, including roles on the front lines of battle. What do you think about the change? Tell us below.

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.
The Pentagon lifted its ban Thursday on women serving in combat roles, including roles on the front lines of battle. What do you think about the change? Tell us below.

The Portsmouth Town Council will hear the request at a meeting tonight at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
The Portsmouth Town Council will meet tonight at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
A medical marijuana distribution center, with plans to open in Portsmouth, is asking the state to change the address on its permit. The public is welcome to comment on this change.
The Pentagon lifted its ban Thursday on women serving in combat roles, including roles on the front lines of battle. What do you think about the change? Tell us below.
Don't know what to get your sweetheart this year? How about a gift by a local seller?
Don't know what to get your sweetheart this year? How about a gift by a local seller?
One local online business owner offers a picture of Johnston.
The Pentagon lifted its ban Thursday on women serving in combat roles, including roles on the front lines of battle. What do you think about the change? Tell us below.
Here are some tips for carbon monoxide safety.
A medical marijuana distribution center, with plans to open in Portsmouth, is asking the state to change the address on its permit. The public is welcome to comment on this change.
A medical marijuana distribution center, with plans to open in Portsmouth, is asking the state to change the address on its permit. The public is welcome to comment on this change.
A medical marijuana distribution center, with plans to open in Portsmouth, is asking the state to change the address on its permit. The public is welcome to comment on this change.
The following is a press release provided by the Rhode Island Department of Health.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of the the Implus Footcare Recalls Perfect Fitness Resistance Bands due to injury hazard. The bands are sold exclusively at Walmart stores.
From Charlotte's Web to Where the Wild Things Are, share these classic books with your children and encourage their love for reading.
The National Weather Service is predicting low temperatures in the single digits.
Common Fence Music celebrated the sea and paid tribute to a well-known Rhode Islander.
The state House Judiciary Committee has scheduled a vote on the controversial measure for 3 pm on Jan. 22.
The construction is expected to continue until 3 a.m. each night.