Allison Esposito, Patch Staff

Coming from a long line of journalists (my grandmother wrote for the local weekly, and my grandfather was a press agent for CBS), I always felt journalism was in my blood, so I pursued it.

I graduated <i>cum laude</i> from SUNY Purchase with a B.A. in Journalism in 2005, where I served as editor of the school paper, <i>The Dispatch</i>. At Purchase, I was the recipient of the 2004 Mike McKnickle&#39;s Award for Excellence in Journalism.

After graduation, I worked in Opinions and Editorials for <i>The Journal News</i> (Gannett) in White Plains.

In 2007, I moved to New York City, where I earned my M.A. from the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism in Urban Affairs Reporting and Interactive Media Production. During this time, I covered the neighborhood of Flatbush, Brooklyn for the<i> New York City News Service</i>. I was part of a team that won the 2008 Online News Reporting honors in the Society of Professional Journalists&#39; Mark of Excellence Awards.

After graduation, I worked for one year as Communications Director for New York State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin. I&#39;ve also worked at <i>The Daily News </i>as a program coordinator for the nonprofit <i>Children&#39;s Pressline</i>, teaching kids ages 9-18 to be community journalists. I directed a team that put out a weekly page in <i>The Daily News</i> covering youth issues in Queens.

<b>Basics</b>

Email: allisone&#64;patch.com

Phone: 914.323.8077

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Welcome to New Rochelle Patch (video)

<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 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. <br> <br> 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.</i>

<b>Politics</b><br> <br> <i>How would you describe your political beliefs?</i>

I&#39;m big on human rights, women&#39;s rights, animal rights, and GLBT rights.

<br> <i>Are you registered with a certain party?</i>

Yes, but I often vote across party lines.

<br> <b>Religion</b><br> <br> <i>Do you consider yourself religious</i>?

Yes.

<i>Do you identify with a certain religion? If so, which one?</i> 

I identify with aspects of Catholicism and Zen Buddhism. I respect all religious choices— including atheism and agnosticism. <br> <br> <b>Local Hot Button Issues</b><br> <br> <i>What do you think are the most important issues facing the community? </i>

I think it&#39;s important that people in New Rochelle are heard on all issues relating to the community. New Rochelle fascinates me because it is a tale of two cities— the old and young New Rochelle, the rich and poor New Rochelle, the developed and the undeveloped New Rochelle. We have hot button issues that are constantly changing. I&#39;d like everyone to know that Patch is a place to discuss issues important to New Rochelle.