Email: chris.dehnel@patch.com
Phone: 860-830-9863
Hometown: born in Greenwich CT, living in Vernon CT
Birthday: March 3

Bio: It was 1984. I had just graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University, an academic career that not only included a degree in English and communications, but intercollegiate basketball.

What would I do? This writing thing came naturally to me, so I gave it a shot at my hometown newspaper. That was it, and for the past 27 years, community journalism has not only been my job, but my passion. I started out writing sports and have also covered news, politics, education, business and government. I have written features that ranged from an interview with baseball great Hank Aaron to spending a weekend with a World War II re-enactment group in uniform (don't ask which one). I was once the hottest sailing writer in the world during one America's Cup. I take as much pride in getting that local budget story than I did with that interview with Dennis Conner.

I became active in Freedom of Information issues and successfully argued a case in Connecticut that made teacher disciplinary records public. It is precedent that applies to municipal employees across the board.

About a decade ago, I began writing about snowsports and am an active member of the Eastern Ski Writers Association and North American Snowsports Journalists Association.

I WANT to be the local editor for Vernon, and look forward to writing local news and features and a snowsports column for all Patch sites.

Your Beliefs

I may write the news, but I am NOT the news. I firmly believe in objective reporting and giving the public accurate information. I believe in good working relationships with town officials while maintaining high professional standards at all times.

Politics

I am basically a political plant - I self-reproduce each November. I have never been a part of a political party and doubt I ever will be. I believe in judging the office-holder by his or her professionalism, not his or her affiliation.

Religion
I am an active member of the United Church of Christ, a longtime confirmation teacher at the Gilead Congregational Church in Hebron.

Local Hot-Button Issues
There will always be the caste system that separates Vernon from Rockville. The key to a happy and prosperous Vernon is everyone working together.