As we all know, Johnston in the last four years under my administration has become a growing, vibrant community, and I'm proud that Patch has recognized that growth. Johnston was chosen to be among the first group of Patch sites in the nation, because Patch knows that its hyperlocal approach will work here — and work well.

I'm also glad that we have Joe Hutnak as Local Editor for JohnstonPatch. I have known Joe for many years; he is a native Johnstonian, having attended our high school, played on our athletic fields and met hundreds of Johnston residents. Joe will bring a vibrant new perspective to Johnston, based on his varied professional background. He'll publish meaningful, informative stories about our town, and he'll have his finger on the pulse of Johnston. We all have busy lives, and often find it difficult to wade through a newspaper to find news about Johnston, but with JohnstonPatch at our fingertips, our residents can go online and get the news, information and current events about our community.

As mayor of our great town, I am extremely excited about Johnston having this new online presence with JohnstonPatch, which will provide us with a new perspective on our town — and on journalism itself. In speaking with Joe, I know his only agenda is to deliver straightforward, honest and objective information about our town so residents will be properly informed of what's happening.

Johnston finds itself at another turning point in its history: We are about to embark on major improvements to the public facilities that provide our residents with such important services, and we will soon see new economic development rise from the rubble of the former Stuart's department store. I think it's fitting, then, that Joe Hutnak is here to bring a new way of community journalism to our town — it's a testament to the progress that Johnston has already made, and a commitment to ensuring that Johnston's future growth is chronicled and celebrated.

On behalf of the people of Johnston, I welcome JohnstonPatch and wish Joe the best in his new endeavor.