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.
John W. Parker's 14-foot sculpture can be viewed at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Military Street in west Dearborn.
Families say crime around Penn-Vassar Park is out of control and want to establish a Neighborhood Watch program.
The PAC says it is working to elect candidates who are dedicated to transparency and accountability in Dearborn.
Wayne County receives $360,000 to keep the senior meals program running through November.
Tickets for the annual fundraiser are on sale now. The event takes place on Oct. 25 at the Dearborn Inn.
Statistics are according to CrimeMapping.com, as reported by the Dearborn Police Department.
Friends for the Dearborn Animal Shelter advocate for proposed legislation protecting dogs and cats.
Here are five pieces of information to help fuel your week in Dearborn.
Hundreds of families visited Dearborn Fire Station No. 2 on Saturday.
Students and faculty at Dearborn Public Schools will compete in a friendly tournament at Ford Field Park.
Shirts are available for $20 throughout the month of October. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.
Plus more must-read stories from around southeast Michigan this week.
Residents can share their questions or concerns with Gov. Rick Snyder's office during a visit to the Henry Ford Centennial Library.
The following information was supplied by the Dearborn Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
More than $500,000 will be used to help prepare students for educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Plus more food and restaurant news from around southeast Michigan.
The League of Women Voters Dearborn/Dearborn Heights support efforts for cleaner electricity by cutting carbon pollution from power plants.
Plus more police and crime news from around southeast Michigan this week.
