Daryl Nerl, Patch Staff

e-mail: Daryl.Nerl@patch.com

telephone: 610-213-3988

Lives: Bethlehem

Born: October 31, 1966

Biography: Daryl is a Brooklyn, N.Y. native who has lived in eastern Pennsylvania since graduating from New York University in 1988. He started a newspaper career at The Pottsville Republican on his 22nd birthday. He moved to Bethlehem in 1998 after becoming a reporter for The Morning Call where he worked for 10 years. He is an avid baseball fan who participates in three fantasy leagues and roots for the New York Mets. A music lover, Daryl collects CDs, mostly in the rock, blues and folk genres. He also loves to hear live music whenever he has the time. Godrey Daniels coffee house in South Bethlehem is one of his favorite haunts. Musikfest week is one of his favorite times of year. During visits to the Lehigh Valley, his parents, Norman and Diane Nerl, became so fond of Bethlehem, they decided to leave Brooklyn and retire here. Daryl is single.

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.

Politics: I am a registered Democrat and acknowledge that most people would find my views to be liberal. At the same time, I have a streak of libertarianism, especially where it concerns issues of personal freedom. I consider myself a pragmatist.

Religion: I was baptised and raised with Catholicism, but these days I consider myself a nonbeliever, much to my mother's chagrin.

Local Hot Buttons: There are none in particular that raise my hackles. I am generally a supporter of historic architectural preservation because I think it is important to preserve links to our past. I also think this principle has been a key to Bethlehem's charm and success. I don't believe the new casino has been detrimental to the community. It has created jobs, which are important right now. At the same time, I am always open to listen to any evidence to the contrary.