Drew Hansen, Patch Staff

Email: drewh@patch.com

Phone: 571-268-9900

Hometown: Born in Golden Valley, Minn., raised in Alexandria, Va.

Birthday: Jan. 14, 1982

Drew comes to Patch after spending six years working in newspapers, most recently in the sports department at the Washington Times. Prior to that, he worked at two smaller daily papers in Central Virginia — the (Charlottesville) Daily Progress and the Culpeper Star-Exponent.

Drew graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2004 and cut his teeth at the Badger Herald, the nation's largest independent student newspaper.

While most of his background is in sports journalism, he understands the importance of community news and looks forward to dealing with it on a daily basis. Though he's interviewed such sports luminaries as Tom Izzo, Drew Brees and David Beckham, the most fun he's ever had as a reporter was covering high school cross country in Culpeper.  He believes there's a joy on the smaller level, pointing out things others might miss or dismiss.

Drew was born in a Minneapolis suburb but moved just south of Alexandria when he was very young. His parents and sister still live in the area and he considers it home. His mother has spent more than 50 years in Alexandria. In fact, she purchased her first bicycle at the old Pep Boys on Mt. Vernon Ave. His father is from the Upper Midwest and Drew spent some time up there as well, making him a bit of a cultural mutt.

Outside of work, Drew likes to hike, bike and hang out with friends. He once encountered a bear alone in the woods and is still here to tell about it. He remains a big sports fan, specifically soccer, baseball and college sports. Go Badgers!

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 for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.

• How would you describe your political beliefs?

I have never registered with a political party, though I will say I lean toward the liberal end of the spectrum. I have voted for candidates in both major parties as well as more than one third-party entry.

• How religious would you consider yourself? Casual, observant, devout, non-religious?

I was raised in the Episcopal Church and still consider myself a member of St. Aidan's in Fort Hunt. Years of working nights and weekends have made it difficult to attend services with any regularity.

• What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?

I believe the biggest issue facing Del Ray is the future of Mt. Vernon Avenue. It seems residents and business owners have separate ideas considering the use of the community's main drag. I think it's also a bit of a generational issue. Should The Ave be a place for a night on the town? Or should it be for locals first and foremost? Who dictates the direction it takes?

I also think the future of Potomac Yard is going to have a huge effect on Del Ray and is something to monitor closely.