Mike Hays, Neighbor

Let's get this out of the way: I'm a local elected official.

In 2009, I ran for borough council in Spring City and won by four votes.

I love newspapers - read the Saturday and Sunday editions religiously with my morning coffee. Online is cool, too.

Personally, I started reporting in college at Widener University in Chester. My first paying job in journalism was with Today's News-Herald in Lake Havasu City, Ariz. I covered local government and politics.

More recently, I covered Limerick Township for the Mercury. In early 2009, I formed What's the 422.com with two current editors at Patch, David Powell and Lynn Jusinski.

My day job is at a grocery store on the Main Line.

Forgive me if I make NBA references in my basketball stories. I am a hoop head, especially for the Sixers.

Hobbies include hiking, good beer, and reading just about anything.