Jan. 14, 2005

Accomplished Journalist Matthew Heil Joins District 4 Staff

District 4 Councilman Tom Simplot announced that Matthew Heil has joined his staff as a council aide.

Heil previously worked as assistant editor for Echo Magazine, the Valley's largest and oldest gay and lesbian publication. While at Echo, Heil won several awards from the Arizona Press Club, the state's print news media association. In 2003, he was named first runner-up Journalist of the Year. The award recognizes journalism from smaller and community-based publications.

Heil is a graduate of Arizona State University's creative writing program, where he earned his Master of Fine Arts in poetry in 2002. Simplot praised Heil's writing skills and enthusiasm.

"Matthew is an excellent writer, who has a real passion for this community and its issues," said Simplot. "As a journalist, he pursued stories that made life better for the Valley's residents. Now, as a District 4 staff member, he can continue to help our citizens."

Heil will work on a variety of writing projects and neighborhood issues. He will assist with planning for the city's Caesar Chavez Community Day of Service on March 31 and implementing plans for upcoming city Earth Day celebrations.

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