As a former Manhattan apartment tenant who rode two subways to high school, I value Birmingham's blend of metro sophistication and village charm. I've seen our community expand without sacrificing its soul or losing its appeal for residents, businesses and visitors.

On the personal side, I enjoy spicy food, loud music, offbeat films, Elmore Leonard, spinning at Beverly Hills Club and watching Syracuse University sports.  (Go Orange!) I'm also a lifelong news junkie who's glad we have this Patch.