Leslie Johnson, Patch Staff

Email: Leslie.johnson@patch.com Phone: 770-265-2666 Hometown: Baltimore, Md. Bio: My journalism career started as an intern for the Baltimore Evening Sun. My first full-time newspaper job was in Fort Lauderdale at the Sun-Sentinel, where I covered small business and the boating industry. Later, I moved on to Jackson, MS as a business writer for the Clarion-Ledger. I worked for the Charlotte Observer for four years in its business news department, where I covered the utility industry and small business. My 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. 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. Politics How would you describe your political beliefs? No strict political views. I have some conservative and liberal bones. Are you registered with a certain party? Democrat Religion How religious would you consider yourself? (casual, observant, devout, non religious) Committed to God, in faith and trust. Local Hot-Button Issues Jobs, crime, and revitalization of key corridors/neighborhoods in Stone Mountain. I often hear about areas such as Memorial Drive and Stone Mountain Village having their “heyday” years ago. With an educated work force, economic and continued cultural/arts development, among other things, I see no reason why that can’t be the case again someday. It may be on a smaller scale than before (given the lackluster economy) but revitalization is still possible. One of the things that impresses me is the entrepreneurial and giving spirit that exists in both the city of Stone Mountain and unincorporated areas. Entrepreneurs have vision and can get things done.