Patch User Profile for Natalie Neumann

Natalie Neumann, Patch Staff
South Orange, NJ

The Basics: Email: ntneumann@gmail.com Hometown: Sidney, Mont. Birthday: Sept. 14

This Maryland transplant was born and raised in Montana. Growing up she was highly engaged with civic organizations like Girl Scouts, Key Club and Student Council. She studied broadcast journalism and political science at the University of Montana in Missoula. Natalie worked for college radio and Montana Public Radio. She has also produced work for Montana Public Television and CBS affiliate KPAX. She came to the Washington metropolitan area for an internship with public radio station WAMU's news department. Following her internship she worked there as morning assistant producer and general assignment reporter. She also contributed to MarylandReporter.com. She's covered the state legislature in Montana and Maryland and is excited to cover local politics in many of the area's village and town councils.

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?

I do my best to treat political issues on a case-by-case basis. I'm not registered with any party. I do tend to be liberal on social issues like gender equality and the environment, but I try to keep a more open and balanced view on economic, domestic and foreign issues.

Religion

▪	How religious would you say you are? Casual, observant, devout, non-religious?

I was raised Catholic, and while I don't adhere to some of the beliefs or attend church on a weekly basis, I believe in a higher power and pray almost daily.

Local Hot Button Issues

▪	What do you think are the most important issues facing the community? Where do you stand on each of these issues? Development and transportation are big issues affecting the area. Connecticut Avenue can be a nightmare during rush hour. The proposed Purple Line could help, but that's also a controversial issue. In an area with beautiful homes, parks and trails, some would hate to see them negatively affected. More transportation options could bring more people to the area and more development. In the past the Chevy Chase Land Company has said they would like to develop the area called Lake East, south of the Beltway east of Connecticut Avenue, and it will be interesting to see what will happen.