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.
The following information was supplied by the Dearborn Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
The shelter is seeking to place 779 adoptable animals in loving homes from June through August.
Dearborn resident John Robert Dmytro is a World War II veteran.
Firefighters Christopher Foote and Jeffrey Mallari joined the DFD earlier this month.
The eco-friendly hotel was recently awarded Green Key certification for its interior renovations.
Father's Day musings from around Dearborn.
Here is a list of the Class of 2013's top grads and colleges where they are heading this fall.
Residents complain that Oakwood employees are invading neighborhoods to smoke due to restrictions on the hospital grounds.
The following information was supplied by the Dearborn Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
Fire officials are hoping to complete the merger by Sept. 1 pending approval from the Melvindale City Council.
The Dearborn automotive company will add its innovative MyKey safe driving technology to all of its newer model cars and trucks.
700 swimmers across the Midwest will compete in Dearborn on June 14-16.
The restaurant is known for its homemade hamburgers, and has grown in popularity since opening in 1942.
Artspace is applying for a low-income housing grant to convert city hall into apartments and studios for artists.
900 classic vehicles will be on display at The Henry Ford on June 15-16.
The following information was supplied by the Dearborn Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
Andrea Awada-Zeaiter is retiring from Dearborn Public Schools after 35 years in the district.
