7QUESTIONS+PLUS

Kevin Poirier - the Kenosha News' new chief photographer - will now take your questions ...

   How do you pronounce your last name? You say Kevin. Don’t worry, it’s been mangled so many times, it doesn’t matter. Just call me Kevin.
   Where did you come from and how did you get to where you’re at today? I came from a very small place in Brittany, France, where people in neighboring villages used to joke that there were more cows than people. How did I get here? I am not sure. I guess you just take it one step at a time. It looks funny when you look back to where you started, but that’s the way life works out.
   How does a guy from France end up in Kenosha? Planes, they make travel so much easier. Joke aside, I was an exchange student in Traverse City, Mich., for a year in high school.
   Why Kenosha? I didn’t choose Kenosha. I applied to a job here because my friend (who previously held it) was leaving and he recommended it as a good place to work and a good community to live in. Paul Williams, my boss until a few weeks ago, is the the one who really made that choice for me when he decided to give me a chance at the job.
What has shocked you most about Kenosha? How much of a small town feel it has considering how large it really is. It seems that everyone knows everybody. And how strong the Italian community is.
   What’s the worst job you’ve had? Stacking shelves at a grocery store. It probably is not the worst job ever, but I think it was mine.
   What’s your dream job? I think this is pretty close to it.
   What/who inspired you to be a photographer? My parents to start with. They were always dedicated hobbyists to the craft.
   What superpowers do you wish you could have? I’d travel in time, that would make covering three assignments that happen at the some time a breeze.
   Summerfest in Milwaukee or House of Blues in Chicago? I have yet to go to Summerfest, so I’d have to say House of Blues. Last time I was there I saw Willie Nelson.
   What one movie will you drop everything to watch if it comes on TV? I dedicate almost no time to watching TV anymore. But I’ll always stop channel surfing for a James Bond movie (except maybe “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”).
   Which do you prefer – Paris, France, or Paris, Kenosha County? Paris, France wins for now. My sister lives there, but I am getting to know more and more wonderful people from Paris here. So if she moves, I’ll have to change it to Paris, Kenosha County.
   What makes a good news photo? If it communicates the story. We are visual story tellers, if our photos don’t tell the story, then we are not doing our job.
   What’s the best part of being a journalist? Front row seat to life ... And the fact that sometimes, you really can make the world a better place for one or two people.