• Jillian BadanesPatch Staff Verified Patch Staff Badge

  • North Potomac-Darnestown, MD

Email: jillian@patch.com

Phone: (301) 915-5602

Twitter: @NPotomacPatch

Facebook: North Potomac - Darnestown Patch

Hometown: My family lives in New Canaan, CT

Birthday: August 8

Jillian graduated from The George Washington University with a bachelor's in journalism and mass communication, with a minor in international politics. She spent her early years in London and Connecticut before moving to Washington, D.C., six years ago.

Jillian's first attempt at hyperlocal entrepreneurial journalism came in middle school when she created a magazine for her fellow sixth-grade friends. Without the tools of the web, the project did not expand much beyond her bedroom. But she held onto that ambition, and in college joined with a few classmates to publish a student travel magazine. Living in Washington, she got swept up in political journalism after interning at CNN and spent a year and a half working as an online editor and news broadcaster for WashingtonTimes.com.  She is thrilled to be diving in once again to entrepreneurial journalism with Patch.

In her free time, Jillian enjoys the outdoors, trying new foods (mostly of the vegetarian variety), attending art and music shows, skiing and traveling when she can find the time.   She can be seen driving around town in her lime green VW Beetle. If you see her, stop and say hi!

<i>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.</i>

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<i>This disclosure is not a license for me to inject my beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: I hope that the knowledge that my beliefs are on the record will cause me to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that I failed in this mission, please let me know.</i>

POLITICS

<i>How would you describe your political beliefs?</i>

Fairness and equal opportunity are at the core of my political beliefs, and I try to judge each issue with those ideals in mind. I also believe in the importance of viewing situations from many perspectives and trying to be aware of my own biases (we all have them). Six years in Washington have turned me into a news addict and political junkie, so I&#39;m always ready to discuss the latest developments on Capitol Hill.

<i>Are you registered with a certain party?</i>

I&#39;m registered with the Democratic Party.

RELIGION

<i>How religious would you consider yourself? (casual, observant, devout, nonreligious)</i>

I am not a regular church-goer but I enjoy attending different services and talking and thinking about religion with people from various backgrounds.

LOCAL HOT-BUTTON ISSUES

<i>What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?</i>

Development and protecting the environment seem to be big issues as these two communities push to maintain a rural feel with the perks of suburbia. But I&#39;m still new to the area. I&#39;m eager to learn what else makes residents tick besides trying to find the best ways to avoid driving on the Beltway at rush hour.

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<i>Where do you stand on each of these issues?</i>

Having only been in the area for a few months, it&#39;s easy to see why residents want to protect its natural beauty.  And I am definitely against driving on the Beltway at rush hour.

Posting Activity

North Potomac-Darnestown|News|

The Week in Tweets: Feb. 14 - 20

A selection of messages that locals shared on Twitter this week.

The Week in Tweets: Feb. 14 - 20
North Potomac-Darnestown|News|

VIDEO: A Fashionable Fundraiser

Darnestown and Bethesda mangers of Etcetera clothing line host fashion show to raise money for Pure Fashion.

North Potomac-Darnestown|News|

The Week in Tweets: Feb. 7 - 13

A selection of messages that locals shared on Twitter this week.

The Week in Tweets: Feb. 7 - 13
North Potomac-Darnestown|News|

Whiz Kid: Sean Nelson

Fifteen-year-old organized repair and cleanup of homeless shelter.

Whiz Kid: Sean Nelson
North Potomac-Darnestown|News|

Moms Talk Q&A: Foreign Travel for Kids

Eight members of the North Potomac-Darnestown Patch Moms Council share their thoughts on the topic.

Moms Talk Q&A: Foreign Travel for Kids
North Potomac-Darnestown|News|

Meet Your Neighbor: Bruce Deppa

Former Darnestown Civic Association President explains his work to preserve local history.