PAUL Heintz
Favorite Part of Job: I really enjoy covering the strange ecosystem of the Vermont Statehouse, where a couple hundred citizens gather for four months a year to hash out the state’s 
toughest problems — mostly in plain sight. I’m also lucky to report in such a civic-minded state, whose residents are engaged in their communities and invested in their government.
Most Inspiring Mentor: For more than 20 years, Seven Days cofounders Paula Routly and Pamela Polston have spent Tuesday nights ensuring that the paper lives up to their exacting standards, only to wake up the next morning to start the process again. Together, they’ve created an indispensible source of news, arts and lifestyle coverage that reflects the community they call home. Along the way, they’ve built a successful small business that employs more than 60 writers, editors, designers, account execs and drivers.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I’m not the first Vermont journalist in my family. My great, great, great, great, great grandfather, Anthony Haswell, founded the state’s first newspaper, the Vermont Gazette, in 1783 (and later, in 1792, the Herald of Rutland). He was jailed in 1799 under the Sedition Act for writing in defense of the imprisoned Congressman Matthew Lyons.
Favorite Vermont Escape: Taking in a sunset atop Camel’s Hump — or canoe-camping along one of Vermont’s fine rivers.
Favorite downtime activity: Walking my dog, Gus, in the woods behind our house in Hinesburg.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio. Come on, Trey. Please!
Career Highlights:
-Won Vermont Press Association’s 2015 Mavis Doyle Award for aggressive, compassionate coverage of state government
-Won 2015 VPA awards for best state story (1st place) and feature writing (3rd place)
-Finalist for 2014 Association of Alternative Newsmedia’s best political column award