Since Roxborough-Manayunk Patch launched in September 2010, the "Hello, I'm the new editor" column has been written three times. The difference about this fourth time is that I wrote this piece already.

As editor Jesse Reilly announced last week, she has left Patch to pursue graduate studies at St. Joseph's University. That leaves me the pleasure of returning to the site I launched a year-and-a-half ago.

So, who cares?

About a year ago, I left the local editor position to help Patch as an associate regional editor, overseeing the Main Line and our sites in the city, including this one. Solid, local reporters Jon Campisi and then Jesse Reilly replaced me and continued to grow Patch. While I think I learned a lot about the area in my role, I deeply missed reporting, and I can admit I was jealous of the great stories people churned out—especially in Roxborough and Manayunk. 

That's because I never physically left this neighborhood. Daily, I endured the parking and student tenant woes; strolled Main Street, the Tow Path and Ridge Avenue; and played basketball at Kendrick, Hillside, and Neighbors Park. I often bumped into my once—and future—sources while at the grocery store, and yearned to be telling their stories once again.

Lucky for me, Patch and my editor Lucy Bennett understood my feelings, and following Jesse's departure, allowed me to come back.

This is my home, and I have some unfinished business. I want to delve deeply into what makes this community great, what is getting in the way of our progress, and who is helping/hurting us. I've picked up some good reporting methods since leaving, and I hope you'll know of me and Patch more by my hustle and continuity. My boots are on the ground, and I want to be your sounding board—for what's up with the neighborhood, the city, and also the content on our site.

We are partners in telling the story of Roxborough and Manayunk, and Patch has created new ways to do that. A great change since I left is the ability for you to participate at home or on the road.

• Have an opinion? Blog for us.
• Snap a great picture? Submit it to our neighborhood gallery.
• Need us in a pinch on your mobile device? Download our app.

In the meantime, check out the welcome video shot last year. I may have shed the glasses and added a beard (and probably a few pounds), but the message remains the same—I'm devoted to giving the community quality, thorough and accurate local news.

If you need me, call 215-740-6915 or email samfran@patch.com (they haven't changed, either).