My name is Mary Flaherty and I've lived in Albany since 2000. My child went to Marin school, I ran WriterCoach Connection at AMS for 9 years, and taught flute in our grade schools for 11 years.

I have also reported for Albany news outlets over the years. That's why I joined the Albany News Project (the group heading up this fundraiser). We're determined to "Bring News Back to Albany," and we're well on our way to raising the $50,000 needed to hire a reporter. To everyone who has supported us already, thank you so very much!

Good news if you haven't given yet: This week, all contributions to Albany Scanner, up to $5,000, will be doubled through Sunday, March 15, thanks to a matching gift from a generous donor.

In 1995, I covered City Council, and more, as a freelancer for the Albany Journal. What I loved most was telling stories that were small discoveries, like the Bone Room on Solano Avenue (now gone). In 2004, I wrote about the winter colony of monarch butterflies on Albany Hill for the SF Chronicle. In 2012, I wrote for Albany Patch about the Occupy the Farm protests on UC land in Albany — and the university researchers who worked there.

Having worked for eight Bay Area news outlets, I know how many wonderful stories are out there — beyond the police beat, city hall and the school board. I want to see those kinds of stories about Albany again.

Just like I was paid for my work, reporters for Albany Scanner deserve fair payment from the start. I hope the promise of a news site dedicated to Albany motivates you to chip in, knowing your support will be matched through Sunday.

Thanks for reading.

Sincerely,

Mary Flaherty
Albany News Project

P.S. Your gift of any size will help us meet this important milestone and stay on pace with our fundraising efforts. The more people give, the faster we can "start the presses!"