Hello, Dearborn!
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Daniel Lai, and I am your new local editor. Since 2010, I have served as editor of Patch sites in Chelsea and Dexter in Washtenaw County. During that time, I spent countless hours covering schools, local government, police and crime, and business news in those communities.
With my appointment as editor of Dearborn Patch, I look forward to bringing my enthusiastic approach to quality journalism to our city.
Many of you might be thinking, "How is a country boy going to adapt to a big city?"
While there are certainly a lot of differences among urban versus rural communities, I'm used to the challenge of covering areas with dense, multi-cultural populations.
Prior to moving to Michigan in 2007, I worked as a reporter for a small community newspaper in Austin, Texas.
Coming back to Michigan, however, has brought me closer to my roots. Years ago I lived in Allen Park, but spent many summers visiting grandparents, relatives, and friends in Dearborn. Fairlane Mall, The Henry Ford Museum, and the shops along Michigan Avenue were all childhood stomping grounds.
My sister is a graduate of the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and my brother teaches part-time at Henry Ford Community College's Music Department. I also perform around the Dearborn area with two classic rock cover bands.
For me, the appointment of local editor is more of a homecoming. I look forward to familiarizing myself with Dearborn and working with local residents, business owners, and government officials to continue to provide the quality journalism Patch readers enjoy.
I will also be working closely with our Community Editor Jason Alley to help groups connect and share the news and information that's important to you on Patch.
Here at Patch, we're all about providing you the news and information about what's going on around you, but we also invite you, our readers, to get involved and become part of the conversation, as well.
Please reach out to me with any questions you have about becoming involved with Patch. You can reach me at daniel.lai@patch.com, or at 734-223-6947. News tips can be emailed to dearborn@patch.com.
I'm looking forward to working with everyone in Dearborn to ensure that Patch remains a site that informs you, connects you, and simplifies your life. Join the conversation today by taking an active role on Patch.
See you around town!
