Sandy McGee, Patch Staff

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.