Vera Chinese
Suffolk County Political Reportervera.chinese@newsday.comEducation: Wagner College
I grew up on Long Island. My father was a tractor-trailer driver and my mother is a nurse. They moved to eastern Suffolk County from Queens in the 1980s to chase the suburban American dream.
It has been an honor to speak with countless Long Islanders, sometimes in their most vulnerable moments, and to be trusted to tell their stories.
I know how the high cost of living makes it hard to create a life here, because I saw my parents do it and I’m trying to do the same for my children. But I also know why we stay here – good schools, to be near friends and family and to enjoy some of the best beaches in the world. Also, I’d argue that Long Islanders are some of the funniest people you’ll ever meet.
That’s why I hate to see those in power do anything to make life harder for everyday people. My work as a government reporter at Newsday allows me to keep officials honest and let readers know if they are doing things to enrich themselves at the expense of taxpayers. I want to know that government is working for the people –whether it’s maintaining our parks and recreational spaces, providing services to those in need, keeping our neighborhoods safe or protecting our environment.
I’m proud to work at Newsday, where we produce multiple stories each day holding the powerful accountable. And we also highlight the wonderful things, like the good eats and creative people that live here. Our work is critical in making Long Island a better place.
I’ve been a journalist for the past 15 years and have been with Newsday since 2017. It has been an honor to speak with countless Long Islanders, sometimes in their most vulnerable moments, and to be trusted to tell their stories. Plus, I won’t lie: It never gets old seeing your name in print!