My career is a little upside down, since most journalists start with community news, aiming for the big city.

I grew up in Pacific Palisades, Calif., and majored in English in college (I've got a BA from Regis University in Denver, Colo.), then moved to New York City and spent a few years working in magazines there.

I've lived in East Greenwich since 1989. First, I freelanced for Rhode Island Monthly, then did a brief parttime stint at the Boston Globe before becoming a parttime copy editor for the Providence Journal. Working for the ProJo was fun and fast. It was a great job for when my children were young.

I started doing community reporting in 2009, when I went to work for EG Patch's precursor, my02818.com. I had a great teacher in Bob Plain, my0818.com's founding editor. I stepped into the Local Editor role in May 2011 and it's been fun and challenging and rewarding. I'm grateful to all those in the community who help out by commenting, sending tips, talking to me or just logging on and reading. We're all in this together!

On the personal side, my husband, Neal, and I have three great kids - Catherine, 20; Aidan, 18; and James, 14.

James has Down syndrome and was born without an esophagus (whew - he has one now!). Through James, I've gotten to see the world through new eyes. I am constantly impressed and awed by the people who make it their life's work to assist and aid families like ours.

Political Leanings: I was raised in a strongly Republican household but discussion of all sorts of issues was encouraged. I have voted Democratic much more than Republican. I am registered as an independent.

Religious Beliefs: I am an Episcopalian. I was raised and married in the Catholic Church but shifted to the Episcopal Church almost 20 years ago. I go to church because it helps me.

What Are The Issues That Matter Most In EG? Without a doubt, the answer is schools and taxes. People move here because of the school system. Longtime residents worry about increased taxes. Newcomers want that their tax dollars to be spent in ways that improve their quality of life. It can be a challenge.

Contact Info:

elizabeth.mcnamara@patch.com

(401) 924-4233