Email: daniel.lai@patch.com
Phone: 734-223-6947
Hometown: Allen Park
Birthday: Aug. 31, 1982
Bio: I became editor of Dexter Patch after three and a half years at Heritage Newspapers covering the Manchester, Dexter and Chelsea areas. Prior to that, I worked for a small community newspaper in Taylor, Texas. I'm a 2006 graduate of the University of Texas College of Communication and I've worked extensively in print media for more than seven years.
When I first started off in journalism, it took me awhile to wrap my head around what it truly meant to be a community journalist. After years of covering local meetings, events, people, and places, I am a strong advocate of community journalism and I hope to turn this site into the best source of news for the Dexter community. I believe everyone has a story to tell and they just need the write person to tell it. I've met many fascinating people over the years – from the painter to the brain surgeon – everyone's lives fascinate me, and that's why I love to write about people.
In addition to my duties as an editor and reporter for Patch, I am an avid bass player in a classic rock cover band called Delirious Love. We perform in both Wayne and Washtenaw counties, and I look forward to bringing the band out to Dexter to perform during Dexter Daze and other events. Dexter is a great community, and I am eager to hit the ground running.
Your Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.
Politics
Though journalists try to remain neutral, if I had to choose, I tell people that I am a liberal conservative. In other words, there are issues that both liberals and conservatives support that I agree with. You have to be informed about the issues and do your own research. I don't believe decisions can be made by listening to talking points on FOX or CNN.
Religion
I am a practicing Catholic. I perform with the young adult church band every first and third Sunday at my church. However, I am open to all religious beliefs and values. I believe we should all be able to co-exist together and respect each other's values and beliefs.
Local Hot-Button Issues
Most of the hot-button issue right now may or may not be hot-button issues in a year from now. However, the economy, taxes, public education and road/bridge repairs are pretty important to this community. I welcome any and all comments or story suggestions on these and other news items affecting our readers on a daily basis. I can be reached at daniel.lai@patch.com.
Bestselling author James Patterson gives tips on making your child an avid reader. Plus, here's a great reading list for the fall to get you started.
Dexter High School choirs will perform a special concert with Broadway actors Jessica Grové and James Moye.
The Dark Knight scored big at the box office, but classic Halloween costumes remain the most popular.
Dexter Township officials cite cost and services as two main reasons the township will abstain from joining the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority.
The Canadian oil company says the outdoor sirens are a good investment for rural communities in Southeast Michigan.
Motorists in the Chelsea and Manchester area can expect delays on M-52 through Oct. 22.
Here's a look at upcoming weekend events going on around the Dexter and Chelsea area for Oct.18-20.
Here's a look at upcoming weekend events going on around the Dexter and Chelsea area for Oct.18-20.
Here's a look at some events going on around the Dexter area today.
Township officials cite cost and services as two main reasons the township will abstain from joining the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority.
Marshall will be interviewed by the Pentwater Board of Education on Oct. 24 for a superintendent/principal position.
A second weekend performance of the show will take place Oct. 19-21.
Early detection of breast cancer through routine exams saves thousands of lives every year.
The Dexter High School varsity soccer team defeated Tecumseh 9-1 in district play on Monday.
Taking time to tighten screws and secure mail receptacles now can prevent damage from snow removal in the winter.
The seventh annual Chelsea craft show will take place on Oct. 20 inside the parish hall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Betty J. Wild of Chelsea died on Oct. 13, 2012.
The fundraiser features dinner, music, live auction and a performance of the comedy/drama "Superior Donuts."
Customers can check out the jewelry and enter for a chance to win Pandora prizes on Oct. 26-27.
Here's a look at some events going on around the Dexter area today.