Carisa Giardino, Patch Staff

BASICS

EMAIL: carisa@patch.com

PHONE: 516-984-9889

WELCOME VIDEO: http://patch.com/A-gkW

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/GardenCityPatch

TWITTER: http://twitter.com/gardencitypatch...........................................................................

BIO:

While studying journalism at Marist College, Carisa got her first real feel for the newsroom at CBS News. Shortly after she landed a reporting gig at the South Shore Weekly newspaper chain. Prior to her three years at Patch, Carisa worked as editor of two weekly newspapers at Anton Community Newspapers. She lived in and covered Garden City for several years, which is why the town is so close to her heart............................................................................

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.................................................................................................................

POLITICS

How would you describe your political beliefs? Whomever makes the most sense is who I vote for...doesn't matter what side of the aisle you're sitting on. I like my independence............................................................................

RELIGION

Do you consider yourself religious: yes...........................................................................

Do you identify with a certain religion: Catholic..................................................................

LOCAL HOT-BUTTON ISSUES

What do you think are the most important issues facing the community? Garden City residents are deeply passionate about many topics. Here's but a few hot-button issues people are buzzing about: St. Paul's. Taxes. St. Paul's. Quality of life issues. St. Paul's. Parking. Did I mention St. Paul's?......................................................................................

Where do you stand on each of these issues? St. Paul's may just be one of the biggest issues village trustees -- and residents -- have grappled with for well over a decade now. The former boys school continues to sit quietly at the corner of Stewart and Rockaway avenues. Old Man Winter has taken its toll but yet it stands tall as a symbol of beauty that helps define Garden City's historical character. What will become of the architectural gem? If the village doesn't come to a consensus soon, Father Time will ultimately decide the building's fate..........................................................................