Springfield resident Richard Benedetto is a 35-year White House correspondent for USA Today. He joined the staff of USA Today when the newspaper began and wrote its first front-page cover story. In April, he published a memoir of his reporting career: "Politicians Are People, Too." He is this week's People Profile.
Number of years in the community: 23
Family: Wife Carol; daughters, Kristen, 39, and triplets Aimee, Rebecca, Carlin, 27.
Education: B.A., M.A., honorary Ph.D. from Syracuse University.
Current job/primary occupation? White House correspondent/columnist, USA Today.
Achievements: Recently wrote a book, "Politicians Are People, Too," a memoir of my 35 years as a reporter, covering mayors to presidents.
Activities/interests/hobbies? Reading, photography, playing ball with grandson Cameron.
Favorite local restaurant or place in the community? Raffagino, Milano's.
What are your community concerns? A need for more cohesion.
What are some ideas you have on ways to improve your community? Share my experiences with community groups.
What brought you here? I came from Albany, N.Y. to work on the startup team for USA Today. It is now the nation's largest newspaper.
What community "hidden treasure" do you think more people should know about? We should take more time to enjoy its beauty and tranquillity.
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you "grew up?" A cowboy like Roy Rogers and a baseball player for the Yankees.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Writing books and college teaching.
Personal goals? To write a novel.