Tony Dondero, Patch Staff

I've spent most of my career since my graduation from Whitman College in Walla Walla in 1996 with a degree in politics working as a journalist for weekly and daily newspapers in Oregon, California and for the past 10 years, Washington. I've also worked on a organic flower farm, as a library truck driver, a cashier at Target and as a paralegal intern. I am the fourth-generation on both sides of my family to live in the Seattle area. My first job ever was picking strawberries. In my so-called spare time, I enjoy working out, traveling, playing fantasy football and baseball and watching almost any sport.  Most of all, I love spending time with my wife and dog, Cinnamon.

<br><b>Your Beliefs</b><br>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.<br><br><b>Politics </b><br>How would you describe your political beliefs?

I usually vote for democrats but have voted for republicans on occasion. I cast my first vote for president for now-California governor-elect Jerry Brown in 1992. While people may generally align or define themselves as liberal and conservative, I believe that most people  are often not ideologically consistent. Like many people, I find within my own family and friends there are people all over the political map and can appreciate different points of view. That said, I believe in sticking to the facts in political discourse.<br><br><br><b>Religion</b><br>How religious would you consider yourself? (casual, observant, devout, non religious)

I joined a church in Seattle&#39;s University District, the University United Church of Christ a couple years ago and am active in the young adult group there.  I would say I am more of a student of religion than a devout believer.<br><b><br>Local Hot-Button Issues</b><br>I think the big issues here like many places are transportation, education, the environment and immigration. It&#39;s a balancing act I believe. I think race relations have improved a lot in recent decades but it&#39;s important we don&#39;t take that for granted. <br><br>