Email: emily.sussman@patch.com
Phone: (508) 524-8945
Hometown: New Canaan, CT
Birthday: 11/15/79

Bio: I completed my undergraduate degree at NYU and attended the University of Missouri for a master's program in journalism. I've worked as a magazine writer, gourmet chef, legal researcher, newspaper reporter, radio personality and now, community news editor. I've lived on Cape Cod since 2004. For fun, I enjoy creative blogging and walking my Shih-Tzu in my adopted neighborhood of Davisville. 

Beliefs: I believe in truth. In the words of award-winning documentary filmmaker Errol Morris, "There is such a thing as truth, but we often have a vested interest in ignoring it or outright denying it. Truth is not relative, it's not subjective. It may be elusive or hidden. People may wish to disregard it. But there is such a thing as truth. And the pursuit of truth: trying to figure out what has really happened; trying to figure out how things really are." 

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: Democratic Party

Local Hot-Button Topics: Wastewater, Sprawl/Smart Growth. Just like other towns on Cape Cod, I believe Falmouth needs swift and decisive action with regard to treating the wastewater that's currently degrading the quality of our precious bays and estuaries. I also believe in encouraging young people to stay in Falmouth by building "smart," that is, discouraging Route 28-style sprawl, as well as creating incentives to build affordable top-of-shop housing downtown, better sidewalks and bike paths and an expanded public transportation system.