Publisher's page: A word from the managing editor on election coverage, new interns | The Homepage

Juliet Martinez, managing editor of The Homepage. Photo by Sarah Kanar

I have been writing the recent election coverage for The Homepage, and I want you to know exactly where your election news is coming from.

First, I do not live in District 5, so I will not be voting for your new city councilperson. I do not have any financial connections to any candidate in this or any other race, or to any political party. I am a lifelong registered independent, so I do not participate in or contribute to any political party or campaign.

I do not discuss whom I vote for with anyone, including close family members. Naturally, I have deeply held beliefs that affect my voting decisions. If you are curious about those beliefs, I'm happy to talk with you about them.

When I vote, I want to know as much as I can so I can support whomever most closely reflects my convictions and priorities. My goal is to offer you, my readers, information that allows you to do the same: vote for the candidate whose platform reflects what is important to you. I appreciate the opportunity to serve you in this way and I hope you will let me know how I’m doing. My email is jmartinez@hazelwoodinitiative.org.

Welcome new interns!

Shelby (she/her), Outreach and Community Engagement

Intern Shelby Woodard. Photo courtesy of Shelby Woodard

From: New York state

Why is this job important to you and how does your educational, professional, or personal background help you to do your job well? My current education as a social work student at the University of Pittsburgh will help me to get to know the residents and organizations in Hazelwood and learn how we can work together to benefit everyone.

What do you love about this neighborhood? I love that the people of Hazelwood have such a strong sense of community, as it reminds me of my hometown, and that everyone I have met so far has been friendly and welcoming.

Oscar (he/him), Outreach and Community Engagement

We have respected Oscar's request not to include his photo.

From: Pennsylvania

Why is this job important to you and how does your educational, professional, or personal background help you to do your job well? My role at Hazelwood Initiative is important to me because of the tangible impact our work has on the community. My professional background in micro level social work helps me engage well with members of the community.

What do you love about this neighborhood? Hazelwood has a strong sense of community and is very welcoming.