Email: matthew.sanderson@patch.com

Phone: 401-374-6286

Hometown: Cranston, RI

Birthday: December 30

Bio: Matt began his journalism career writing for The New Hampshire student newspaper for the University of New Hampshire, where he graduated in 2007 with a degree in journalism and a minor in sports studies. It was interning at the Warwick Beacon, Cranston Herald and Johnston Sunrise in 2006 where he discovered his passion to cover local news and report on the issues that matter the most to its citizens. He continued to write for them after college graduation, too. To stay busy, Matt also wrote freelance articles on business and real estate for The Woonsocket Call, The Pawtucket Times and any media outlets looking for help with news coverage. Prior to joining Patch in September 2010, Matt spent over two years writing in eastern Connecticut for the Stonebridge Press and Villager Newspapers, specifically the Killingly Villager, Putnam Villager, Woodstock Villager and Thompson Villager.

From the wealth of knowledge gained in Connecticut, Matt was happy to move back to the Ocean State, relocating to Portsmouth just over the Sakonnet Bridge from Tiverton.

In his free time, Matt enjoys reading national and international news publicatons, following New England sports, listening to National Public Radio, cooking and exploring all genres of music. He is also thrilled to get acquainted with the beautiful landscapes of Little Compton. It has a coastal and rural character unlike any other.

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 and human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal certain key beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable.

This disclosure is not a license for our editors to inject these beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: We hope that the knowledge that our beliefs are on the record will force us to be ever mindful to write, report, and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you, the user, ever think you see evidence that we failed in this mission, we wholeheartedly invite you to let us know.

Politics:

• How would you describe yourself politically?

I extract enough details from both sides of an issue before coming to an opinion. I have seen merit and misinterpretation from both sides of the aisle, which is why I am registered as an unaffiliated voter.

Religion

• How religious would you say you are? Casual, observant, devout, non-religious?

I grew up going to a wonderful Episcopal church but have not attended regularly since high school. I would consider myself casual in that regard.

Local Hot Button Issues

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

Cuts in state aid continue to raise fiscal concerns in Tiverton and Little Compton.

With a lot of small businesses, farmland and coastal seascapes, Tiverton and Little Compton residents have a pulse on land use and conservation. They are strictly governing development while experiencing gradual annual growth.

Sustaining public education is also a never-ending concern.