Natalie Davis is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, author, community activist and musician. She has more than 25 years of professional journalism experience, having worked as a reporter and editor in broadcast, print and new media. She has won awards for investigative reporting, interviewing and website design from numerous professional societies, including the Maryland Society of Professional Journalists. Her book, "Real Estate Career Launcher" (co-written with Kelly Tomkies), recently was published.
Natalie also is a mom and a musician (singer-guitarist, primarily). Your 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 for them to inject their beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that their beliefs are on the record will cause them 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  How would you describe your political beliefs?Are you registered with a certain party? I am a progressive Independent and committed pacifist. As a rule, I avoid parties. Religion How religious would you consider yourself? (casual, observant, devout, non religious) I was raised in a devout Roman Catholic family, but walked away from it as an adult. I consider myself highly spiritual, but most organized religion leaves me cold. I proudly belong to the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches and also dabble in Quakerism, Buddhism and Judaism. Local Hot-Button Issues What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?Where do you stand on each of these issues? The most important issues facing Parsippany are those that affect taxpayers. My role as a journalist is to get answers for the people. The citizens need to know how their money is spent and if it is being used wisely and responsibly. It's my job to find the answers and present you with the facts. Education is also a major priority for Parsippany. As the mother of two, it is a concern I share, and much of my work will center around giving readers in-depth information about the school system and the many schools it operates. Another concern I see is a growing debate over the direction for the township's master plan. Some want more urbanization and smart growth, others want Parsippany to remain as is. All views are valid, and I want to present as many as possible and to have Patch serve as a venue for community discussion. Parsippany-Troy Hills belongs to all its citizens. You have a stake in what happens—you should have your say. Here, you can.