My name is Marques Hunter and I'm the Lakewood Patch editor. I'm nearing my 30s, going bald and loving every minute of it. I grew up in Tacoma and graduated from Mount Tahoma High School.
Lacking direction after graduating from high school, I enrolled in Pierce College in Lakewood. There, I found my passion for news writing. I joined the student newspaper, The Pioneer, and my journalism career took off. I liked the atmosphere and my colleagues.
My interest in writing continued. I graduated from Pierce and transferred to the University of Washington, Tacoma. I served as the managing editor for the school's student newspaper The Ledger.
After graduating, I worked as a youth counselor for troubled teens and as a Microsoft sales and marketing agent. Then I landed my first professional journalism job. It was with The Peninsula Gateway, Gig Harbor's outstanding weekly newspaper. I reported on city news and sports for nearly four years, winning multiple national awards.
After watching trends in journalism, I moved my work online with Patch.com. This is a terrific opportunity to take my passion for journalism and use it in a way that brings me closer to readers -- and readers to each other.
As the Lakewood Patch editor, I'll provide quality community news for the Lakewood Patch web site.
<strong>My beliefs</strong>
In order to form a strong community, there needs to be a place where people can socialize and exchange ideas.
As the Lakewood Patch editor, my goal is to cover the stories that the community cares about. Whether it's a city council meeting, a high school baseball game or a family-friendly festival, Patch's local coverage will tell you what's going on -- and what it means to Lakewood.
And, in turn, I want to hear from you. Tell me what's not getting enough coverage. Explain what you want to see more of (or less) on the website.
<strong>Politics</strong>
I consider myself an independent. I agree, in part, with some Democratic positions and some Republican views. I tend to be more liberal than conservative but I also think there needs to be a sharp eye on how the U. S. government spends our money.
<strong>Religion</strong>
I believe in Christianity. I respect every religion and would never judge anybody based upon their spiritual beliefs. Everybody has the right to believe -- or not. At its best, our country is a place where people of many religions can practice their beliefs without fear.
<b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b>
Economic development for one. City officials want to see improvement everywhere but most importantly in the Tillicum and Woodbrook communities. Locals created a Tillicum neighborhood plan to help address economic issues but there's still a long way to go.
In Lakewood, the city council has struggled to create a central district. They believe the Colonial Center has potential but what's missing is an official Lakewood park or public hub where the community gathers for festivals and concerts.
Also, there's local interest in connecting with the international business district, including the Korean-American business owners. City officials have said there is a need to bridge this cultural gap. They are right.
On a smaller note, Clover Park High School students and administrators believe the school doesn't get as much sports coverage as Lakes High School. I plan to cover both schools equally.
The elite performance group hopes to advance to the state tournament in March and bring home the school's first-ever gold medal.
Contamination has moderately affected Lakewood soil with arsenic and lead including five city parks, nine licensed child cares, three schools and private properties according to Ecology officials at Monday's City Council meeting.
The new properties are expected to meet the growing needs of Joint Base Lewis-McChord and surrounding communities.
A review of the environmental contamination is scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight at the City Council meeting. Patch will follow up with a story.
The city of Lakewood approved a right-of-way permit to move the Camp Murray gate farther into the Tillicum neighborhood, but the Tillicum Action Committee appealed.
The local business has a special deal that could save you 60 percent on a framing project.
Meino the tabby cat is an adorable feline looking for a home.
Division I schools in Washington state miss out as Zach Banner, Cedric Dozier and Ma'ne Manaea select out-of-state colleges. But that doesn't mean we won't see them possibly on TV. Banner and Dozier will be competing in the PAC-12 against UW and WSU.
A small group of fathers hope to spread the program to other schools in the Clover Park School District.
Don Anderson claims "Carrell's objections to the sewer franchise fee were made in a court challenge which was summarily rejected by the Superior Court and that the fee is legal and reasonable."
Put on your humor goggles as the Lakewood Playhouse hosts a fun comedy/romance that capitalizes on inept social patterns with a host of quality actors.
Bail was set at $500,000 for Jamie Marie McAdams.
Several classrooms performed skits and presentations Friday morning reflecting Dr. King's impact during the civil rights movement of the 1960s.
The rink portion was threatened in 2010 due to structural concerns but Executive Pat McCarthy and the County Council found a way to address critical needs with existing funding.
Its menu was a little pricey but the well-known burger joint is unlike any other fast-food restaurant in Lakewood. They feature four different kinds of hot dogs, burgers and some of the tastiest Cajun French fries I've ever had.
Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood is proposing Senate Bill 6110 that would prevent cities from charging franchise fees—or any other type of fee for that matter—on a sewer utility unless it is clearly tied to an expense the city has related to the sewers.
Fife forward Ciara Pedroni exploits an undersized Warriors squad Tuesday night in Lakewood.
Details are unclear but Lakewood Police Lt. Chris Lawler said an officer viewed someone firing shots out of a vehicle at the 7400 block of Bridgeport Way SW near Walmart Tuesday night. Check back later for more information as it becomes available.
City officials are asking businesses that incurred damages—like the Allied Ice building where the roof collapsed— to complete a worksheet that estimates adverse economic impact and property damage.
City will contribute $62,428 of the estimated $4.6 million for the Lakewood Station Connection Project. Estimated time of completion is spring before the arrival of the Sound Transit train by the end of the year.