Email: daniel.lai@patch.com
Phone: 734-223-6947
Hometown: Allen Park
Birthday: Aug. 31, 1982
Bio: I became editor of Dearborn Patch after two years running the Dexter and Chelsea Patch sites, and three years at Heritage Newspapers. 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 Dearborn 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 Dearborn to perform during Dearborn Homecoming and other events. Dearborn 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, crime, public education, and business development 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.