Nicole Trifone, Patch Staff

Nicole graduated from Syracuse University in 2006 with degrees in journalism and history. Since graduation, she has worked as a copy editor and page designer at the News Leader in Staunton and The Gazette in Montgomery County, Md.<br> <br><b>Beliefs</b><br> <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. 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.</i><br> <br> <b>Politics </b><br><i> How would you describe your political beliefs?</i>

I tend to lean left on most issues.<br> <br> <b>Religion</b><br> <i>How religious would you consider yourself? (casual, observant, devout, non religious)</i>

I am not religious, but I wouldn&#39;t say I&#39;m a nonbeliever. I just don&#39;t know.

<b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b><br> <i>What do you think are the most important issues facing the community? </i>

I think Oakton is trying to keep that balance between preserving its history and keeping up with modern times.