Michael grew up in the Berkshires before graduating from Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire in 2002.
He began covering Durham and Middlefield for Patch in 2010, after spending nearly a decade in television news as a producer at FOX CT, WTNH and KRQE in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Michael lives with his wife Mayra and daughter Sofia in Meriden. When he's not reporting he enjoys fishing, gardening or watching the Boston Celtics. 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 reporters to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for our reporters 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 I vote Libertarian, and have always considered myself conservative. I have friends who live on both sides of the aisle. Almost forgot, I'm registered as an Independent. Religion I was raised Roman-Catholic and attended church as a kid. I was even an altar boy for several years. I was married in the church and believe in many of its values, but I only make it there occasionally. Local Hot-Button Issues Schools are incredibly important to all three of these communities, and not just academically. Athletics and the students' relationship with the community play a large role in daily life. In Middlefield, the future of Powder Ridge Ski Area is critically important to the town. The once popular ski area closed in 2006 and the town and potential investors continue to work on a deal to bring it back to prosperity. In Durham, the Durham Fair added an extra day this year as a buffer against the potential of bad weather and the subsequent loss of revenue. The fair is Connecticut's largest, and volunteers spend all year preparing for it. In Killingworth, officials are developing Regional School District 17's five-year "master plan." The plan will help guide teachers and students for years to come. I think in order to be a successful community you need great schools, great residents and great things to do. Killingworth, Durham and Middlefield are focused on making sure they have this combination.