Email: Hunt.Archbold@Patch.com
Phone: 678-620-7320
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Birthday: May 28
Bio: Hunt took a keen interest in writing at a young age and brings more than 20 years of professional journalism experience to Patch. Since September 2010, he has served as the Local Editor for Smyrna-Vinings Patch. Prior to that, he served as the Sports Editor of The Sunday Paper located in West Midtown. Born at Georgia Baptist Hospital (now Atlanta Medical Center, located just on the fringe of Midtown), Hunt was raised in Atlanta and has worked at several news outlets across the city and region. A former on-air personality for what is now known as mtvU, Hunt has enjoyed stints behind the mic in radio and television, but recognizes that his true expressive love is the written word. A graduate of both The Lovett School and North Carolina State University, Hunt is excited about the new opportunities here at Midtown Patch. Hunt lives in Midtown, doesn't take himself too seriously and sometimes talks in what has been described as a mumble-drawl-lisp.

Your 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 editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you 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

How would you describe your political beliefs?

I tend to be on the more moderate side of things as I like to take each issue on a case-by-case basis. Overall, though, it is my goal to be fair and give everyone the benefit of the doubt, especially in my coverage.

Are you registered with a certain party?

No

Religion

How religious would you consider yourself? (casual, observant, devout, non religious)

I would consider myself an observant Christian. I grew up in the church and my faith remains a very important part of my life. I'm accepting of all religions, however, and enjoy exploring how different people view spirituality.

Local Hot-Button Issues

What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?

What's crucial is how Midtown positions itself for smart growth. It's an area rich in history, but how can that be preserved with new development? Midtown needs to bring in the right kind of businesses, ones that promote a safe, walkable urban community. We want local, independent businesses along our streets. This year, local leaders are building the Midtown experience.

Transportation and parking continue to be drags of daily life. Will this summer’s vote on the transportation sales tax bring money for needed transit solutions? How will progress on the Atlanta BeltLine transform our neighborhoods? Will PARKAtlanta continue to draw the ire of so many?

And, of course, public safety remains a chief concern of Midtown residents. Even with a more focused effort to combat crime, is enough being done by police and residents to ensure better neighborhood and personal safety?

Where do you stand on each of these issues?

It will take astute planning to confront many of these issues, but most of them are a result of something good – the fact that Midtown is growing into such a desired place to live. Share your thoughts on these issues and others. Email me at midtown@patch.com. I look forward to helping to lead the community in conversation about these topics.