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 school districts rank 357th (Grosse Ile) and 424th (Trenton) in Bridge Magazine’s top-to-bottom list of Michigan schools.
Students at North Creek and South Meadows elementary schools will attempt to consume 7,500 servings of fruit or vegetables through Jan. 31.
Check out these job openings, courtesy of indeed.com.
The following information was supplied by the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department. Arrests do not indicate a conviction.
Kenneth Patrick of Jackson died on Jan. 9, 2013.
Get the scoop on symptoms, where to find more information, where to get vaccinated and ways to stay healthy in Washtenaw County.
Residents can participate in a hands-on assessment of the township’s natural areas and provide input for its protection and enhancement.
The following information was supplied by the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department. Arrests do not indicate a conviction.
The school district ranks 167th in Bridge Magazine’s top-to-bottom list of Michigan schools.
The school district ranks 157th in Bridge Magazine’s top-to-bottom list of Michigan schools.
The free concert will take place on Jan. 15 at Silver Maples of Chelsea.
The county health department is predicting a moderately severe flu season in Michigan during 2013.
The former Saline mayor represents the 52nd House District in Washtenaw County.
The laws allow schools to implement programs for students and staff about the warning signs of sexual abuse.
Here's a look at some events going on around the Dexter area today.
Catering for Christ will serve Amish chicken dinners beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Proceeds from the 2012 Holiday Hustle 5K were divided among four civic groups in the village of Dexter.
The longtime Chelsea business officially closed its Main Street store on Jan. 5.
Farmington resident Matthew Gwynn co-stars in the 13th play penned by theater founder and Hollywood actor Jeff Daniels.
Musicians throughout Southeast Michigan will perform in Chelsea during January and February.
