Email: MatthewH@patch.com
Phone: 513-295-0793 Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio Birthday: February 19, 1983 Welcome Video: http://patch.com/A-BRn  Bio: I've been a reporter, writer, and editor in New York City since 2005, with the bulk of my experience coming in Queens. In my time here, I've fallen in love with the diversity, passion, and excitement that can be found on every single street in the borough. I got my first gig as a reporter at the Queens Tribune, and I've also spent time writing and editing with the Queens Chronicle and as the editor of the Franklin Square/Elmont Herald on Long Island. I went to college in western Massachusetts after growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio. After moving to Brooklyn in 2005, I quickly decided that writing — specifically reporting — was my passion, and I've been doing it ever since. I truly enjoy walking the streets, talking to my neighbors and learning something new with every story I write. Your 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 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. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know. Politics  How would you describe your political beliefs? My philosophy has always been that a good idea is a good idea, regardless of where it comes from. I've spent my career cultivating a reputation for getting both sides of any divisive story, and I'm proud of my record of reporting on both ends of the political spectrum. Are you registered with a certain party? I am a registered Democrat. Religion How religious would you consider yourself? I'm not a very religious person. My beliefs on the subject tend to be a hodgepodge of many divergent philosophies. Local Hot-Button Issues What do you think are the most important issues facing the community? Forest Hills — because of its diversity — is an interesting microcosm for America. The issues here are the same facing people from coast to coast. Tough economic realities force small businesses to make harsh choices; a shortage of good schools and teachers; general mistrust of government from the ground up. It's an interesting time to be a reporter, and the work has never been more crucial to people in communities like Forest Hills.