Email: lauren.traut@patch.com
Phone:  708-382-0737
Hometown: Tinley Park resident, raised in Evergreen Park, with a family farm in Manhattan to which I frolic
Birthday: Nov 29

I was born and raised in the south 'burbs. A Mother McAuley girl forever, I later memorized the potholes on I-57 during my five years attaining both bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

After my (reluctant) return from the Land of Bruce Weber and the Orange and Blue, I dove into the community of Frankfort as editor of the town's hyper-local weekly newspaper. I learned invaluable lessons in local journalism as I teared up while covering the funeral of a beloved couple and chased a renegade miniature pony through a subdivision.

Nearly three years later, in a temporary detour from my life's passion, I left the paper for a one-year stint in textbook publishing.

It didn't take long for the fever to hit.

Now I'm back and thrilled to be a part of Oak Forest Patch. I've seen firsthand what responsible, inspiring hyper-local journalism can do for a community. I cannot wait to nurture Oak Forest Patch.

I like a thick biography (the more details, the better) and movies that make me cry.  Sometimes I enjoy the company of my three horses (Ziggy, Alexis, and Finn), three dogs, or five cats better than that of some people.

I also tend to become ESPN-obsessed during March Madness—especially if the Illini make an appearance.

This Patch goes out to my parents, who have always supported my fervor for journalism, even if it means (literally) feeding my horse obsession themselves.

Your Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. We also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. In the spirit of simple honesty, we encourage editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license to inject our beliefs into stories or dictate coverage according to them. Rather, we hope the knowledge our beliefs are on the record will cause us to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair and balanced manner. If you ever see evidence we failed in this mission, please let us know.

Politics
I'm a Democrat. However, I'll admit when a party has failed us, whichever it may be, I'm open-minded to the idea of adjusting as our country's needs evolve. We watch the effects of our choices unfold every day. It's how we react that defines us as a country.

Religion
I attended Catholic school until the 12th grade. I come from a strong Irish-Catholic family and feel a connection to Roman Catholic ideologies.

Hot Button Issues

My impression from residents has been an overarching concern about transparency in government. Many seem skeptical about what goes on in administration. I'd like to help residents feel more informed about their city, while increasing trust throughout the area.

But you know your city better than me, so I'm passing this ball into your court. Let me know what concerns you. What worries you about your hometown? You have my full attention, Oak Forest, at lauren.traut@patch.com, or (708)382-0737.