• E-mail: daniel.nee@patch.com
• Phone: 732-703-4072

• Birthday: Jan. 19

Daniel Nee is a lifelong resident of Ocean County and has lived in Brick for more than 20 years. He is a 2007 graduate of Monmouth University with a degree in Political Science, and is currently in the process of earning a Masters Degree in Public Policy, also at Monmouth.

Daniel began his career in journalism at The SandPaper in Surf City, covering local issues, and later worked for a weekly newspaper in Monmouth County before founding Jersey Shore Fishing, a monthly magazine covering fishing and boating in the Shore area. He has also covered local government, businesses, events and breaking news for The Press of Atlantic City and Micromedia Publications.

Daniel is an avid boater and angler, and can often be seen cruising Barnegat Bay, searching for fluke and striped bass in the Manasquan River or somewhere a few miles off the beach drifting over an artificial reef. He hopes to be Patch's first editor to file a few stories from the middle of the ocean.

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 and human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal certain key beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable.

This disclosure is not a license for our editors to inject these beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that our beliefs are on the record will force us to be ever mindful to write, report, and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you, the user, ever think you see evidence that we failed in this mission, we wholeheartedly invite you to let us know.

Politics

* How would you describe your political beliefs?

I am a registered Republican and generally take a conservative view on national issues. Locally, however, I've been all over the map in my election day choices and will be happy to continue the tradition.

Religion

* How religious would you say you are? Casual, observant, devout, non-religious?

I was raised Catholic and have attended church services at Epiphany Church in Brick and St. Francis of Assisi on Long Beach Island.

Local Hot Button Issues

What do you think are the two or three most important issues facing the community?

Brick Township faces, like many suburban communities in New Jersey, ever-decreasing state aid and thus, the responsibility of local taxpayers to absorb the full cost of local services on the municipal and school district levels. Challenges for Brick Township residents and elected officials include stabilizing the tax rate without a significant reduction in public services and figuring out which luxuries the township, unfortunately, cannot afford.

Additionally, a long-term challenge for Brick officials will be maintaining the township's status as one of America's safest large communities as the town experiences sharp growth.

* Where do you stand on each of these issues?

Officials - elected and appointed - should work to ensure that Brick residents get the most and best services for their tax dollars. As elected officials should serve as watchdogs for the public interest, it is the media's job to serve as a watchdog as well, ensuring Brick residents are in the know about their town, their elected officials and how their money is being spent.