Matt M. Casey, Patch Staff

I started writing my first book in early elementary school. Unfortunately, I got stuck on drawing the cover, but I have since managed to publish hundreds of stories and articles.

I discovered my passion for journalism while bored one summer break from UMass Amherst. The Chelmsford Independent printed an essay I wrote about how my hometown had changed, and then offered me a column.

After graduating with two bachelor's degrees, I took a reporting job with the Contoocook Valley Villager in Hillsboro, N.H., and then another at the Evening Sun in Hanover, Penn., before returning to my native Massachusetts as an assistant editor with an industry publishing company called BevNET.

When I'm not working, I spend time fencing (the sport, not the property enhancement) and playing board games. I also dabble in martial arts, running and crossfit.

<b>My Beliefs</b>

<i>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. </i>

<b>Politics</b>

I grew up in a non-political household and later shaped my political identity around the belief that a society functions best when each of its members enjoys equal opportunity to succeed on his or her own merits. While I lean left, I remained a registered independent until 2008 when I registered as a Democrat to vote in the Presidential primary.

<b>Religion</b>

My mother raised me in a loosely-religious household with protestant ethics – particularly a strong work ethic. The work ethic stuck, but I parted ways with organized religion during my high school years.

<b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b>

Reading, like many towns, has to balance the need to maintain its identity with its need to build businesses and new sources of revenue. The town received a boost from recent commercial developments, but it has limited land to build on.

Reading also has to face the economy. The cost of living is rising and many residents are struggling with the cost of raising a family.