Email: venice.buhain@patch.com
Phone: 425-999-2222 Hometown: Fremont, CA Age: 36 Bio: Venice Buhain is the editor of Bellevue Patch -http://bellevue.patch.com and Mercer Island Patch http://mercerisland.patch.com She has been a journalist in Western Washington for more than a decade. After an undergraduate stint at The Daily of the University of Washington, she landed her first news job in Bellevue as a reporter at the Eastside Journal (RIP). Since then, she has reported for daily newspapers in other parts of the state, including Olympia. In the past decade, she's covered cities, counties, schools and cops. She has won regional awards for lifestyles writing, watchdog journalism and investigative reporting. After nearly ten years of working at daily newspapers throughout the state, she is now excited to explore the next evolutionary stage in news that with a community-centered, hyperlocal focus and online delivery. Venice has degrees in Philosophy and in English from the University of Washington. Maybe one of these days, she'll get around to getting that journalism degree. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/BellevuePatch. My 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 to inject those beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that this disclosure will be cause to be mindful of writing, reporting and editing 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? Are you registered with a certain party?' I am a strong supporter of the first amendment, especially free speech, free association and free presss, and of open government and accountability. I am in favor of maintaining "sunshine" laws that keep the public sector accountable to the people that they work for:  the public. I tend to have liberal social views, as I don't think it's anyone's business how we live our lives. Fiscally, I believe that any social programs have to be pragmatic and have a proven effectiveness. I don't recall ever registering for a political party, signing any petition in the past 10 years, contributing to a campaign or participating in a caucus. I vote. Religion How religious would you consider yourself? (casual, observant, devout, non religious) I am an atheist, but I do not hate religion. My family is Catholic and I went to Catholic schools. I find all religions fascinating and some of the most interesting aspects of our daily lives stem from fellowship and worship.