E-mail: Michael.Bartolotta@Patch.com

Hometown: Old Saybrook

Birthday: July 11, 1961

I was born in Middletown, raised in Old Saybrook and have lived in East Hampton for 14 years. Small-town life suits me, even if it does take 30 minutes to get to Walmart. Fortunately I enjoy driving and listening to talk radio, or if my daughter is with me, whatever is on her iPod. You might see me around town wearing a Red Sox hat, a Yankees one, even a Nationals hat, but the truth is I am a Mets fan and a fan of sports in general. If I am not watching a game or a movie, I am often tuned in to my other passion, the news. Trying to understand an issue by listening to two talking heads on opposite sides is as frustrating as it is addictive. I have been a journalist for more than 22 years, most with The Hartford Courant. I split my time at The Courant evenly between the sports desk and the state desk. Now, I look forward to bringing this experience, and my passion for news and sports, to the East Hampton-Portland Patch.

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 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 to inject beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. The intent is the opposite: We hope the knowledge that our beliefs are on the record will cause us 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.

Politics

Republican. Always have been, though over the last several years I have found myself leaning more to the center, and on some issues, even to the left. I would like to think that is a result of having an open mind, but I understand too that as I have experienced changes in my life the past few years and as I get older, certain issues are becoming more important to me. Unhappy with our two parties in Washington these days, I often tell myself I am going to change my affiliation to Independent. However, those who know me know I am a creature of habit. Just as I have been wearing Converse high tops the past 30-plus years, deep down I know I will always call myself a Republican.

Religion

I belong to the Catholic church and proud to say so, though I will admit I do not attend church as often as I should. Beyond that, I'll defer to what John F. Kennedy said as the Democratic candidate for president, which was that ... what kind of church I believe in should be only important to me.