Sharon McLoone has been a journalist for about 20 years. Most recently, she's covered issues of interest to small business and entrepreneurs for The Washington Post, New York Times, CNN.com as well as smaller more specialized publications. McLoone also spent some time covering Capitol Hill. She spends a lot of time enjoying the neighborhoods of Old Town and Del Ray with her family.
She's also worked at National Journal covering technology, politics and policy and USA Today's Money section. She's always loved online journalism and loves to monitor its evolution, including cool new projects like Patch.
While she has a college degree in journalism, she also learned a lot from working as a waitress in a small Mexican restaurant, as a receptionist numerous times, on a construction site, bagging groceries, working with disabled kids in an arts therapy center, and making baked goods at a boutique grocery store in Boston, among many other jobs.
Sharon grew up in Arlington, Va., and has been enjoying Old Town since she was a tot. She still feeds the ducks there with her kids today.
She graduated from Emerson College in Boston, but has also completed coursework at Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Arizona's School of Business Journalism and the University of Caen in Normandy France. Caen is Alexandria's European sister city, by coincidence.
Sharon spends a lot of time in Del Ray and Old Town with her family and dog. She has to leave her 20-year-old cat at home. You'll often find her swimming at the YMCA, playing on the Alexandria Master's Soccer league, biking and enjoying the arts at various venues around the Washington, D.C., metro region.
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, the Patch policy is to encourage editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. As a daily, professionally trained journalist for nearly 20 years, I strive to report and edit in a fair and balanced way.
How would you describe your political beliefs?
I am not registered with a political party, but I'm probably something like a fiscally conservative Democrat. After working for eight years at National Journal, a non-partisan political magazine, I gained a lot of training and experience in the importance of providing fair and accurate reporting on all political parties. As a reporter, I have covered hearing on Capitol Hill for about 15 years, and so far have maintained a good reputation as a fair reporter on political issues.
How religious would you consider yourself?
I am not an extremely religious person, but enjoy the family unity that many religious celebrations can bring. I have friends of many different faiths and I revel in learning and understanding their religious views on life whether it be through discussion, books, food or family.
What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?
I think education and taxes, especially real-estate taxes, are a huge issue for the community. During this time of deep budget cuts, residents are increasingly asked to shoulder more fiscal responsibility for their schools, parking, construction and other issues. There's also a lot of planned construction and change in Old Town and nearby, such as the ongoing debate about the waterfront or the potential new metro station at Potomac Yard.
The latest annual report for tap water delivered to the City of Alexandria shows the water complies with state and federal requirements, but its unregulated sodium levels are high.
As part of our new Smart Spending series, Patch wants to uncover the true going rate for various goods and services in town, so you'll know exactly how much you should pay for what you need. Help us out by replying in the comments.
Morton Marshall Ford III died in 2011 from complications related to a blood transfusion when he was shot in 1974. He was also the center of a charged legal battle regarding then police Chief Charles Strobel.
Beginning in May, residents will see more tree trimming along city streets.
Fort Ward is hosting a free Civil War 150th anniversary concert.
Alexandria residents have until May 20 to register to participate in June 11 Democratic primary.
The latest annual report for tap water delivered to the City of Alexandria shows the water complies with state and federal requirements, but its unregulated sodium levels are high.
WMATA's North Old Town bus depot starts to see movement in the transit authority's efforts to move it to Fairfax County.
The historic site in Old Town Alexandria was competing for grants from Partners in Preservation.
Keller Williams volunteers last week helped ALIVE as part of the realty firm's RED day initiative.
Dominion Power replacing a transformer in the area.
The city and the developers of the Harris Teeter Development project are hosting a community meeting to discuss changes on Montgomery Street.
The Cummings Warehouse has a summer lessee.
T.C. Williams alum Chip Esten helps raise funds for the Alexandria Scholarship Fund.
The 530-unit apartment complex near Old Town's waterfront was purchased by an investment fund in concert with the Laramar Group.
T.C. Williams alum Chip Esten helps raise funds for the Alexandria Scholarship Fund.
The City of Alexandria's Department of Transportation and Environmental Services sends Robbie the Recycling squirrel and friends out to local elementary schools.
City staff are recommending approval of a new restaurant at the foot of King Street that would include outdoor dining.
New cafe specializing in the ice tea specialty drink proposed to open on South Washington Street.
Be a tourist in your own hometown. The Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association is offering city residents free tours to many local attractions for one day in May.
