Tony Dodero --

It’s not really a rags-to-riches story. But it’s close.

A onetime Daily Pilot intern rises from the lowliest point on the

journalism totem pole to the No. 1 job at the paper.

It’s sort of remarkable. The guy who once had to compile wedding and

birth announcements, weather information and run errands for the boss now

gets to order news assistants to do the same.

And that guy, incredibly, is me.

Ten years after I first walked into these hallowed halls looking for a

break into the news business, I’m now running the show. And I’m not

afraid to admit that’s a bit scary.

But I probably shouldn’t be worried. I’ve always had a lot of help.

And that’s not going to change much.

My bosses, Bill Lobdell and Steve Marble, are two of the finest

newsmen one could ever meet. They are great teachers and great

supporters. And they will continue to be.

My writer and editor colleagues here now -- and through the years --

have also been great teachers and supporters.

And they will continue to be.

And of course, the residents of this community and readers of this

newspaper have for the most part been great teachers and supporters and

with any luck, they will continue to be.

Because, after all, the readers are why we exist in the first place.

Through the years, I’ve acted in several capacities around here, from

reporter to editor to columnist. And my work has allowed me to meet many

of those readers.

I’ve interviewed them, written their stories and taken their calls --

both when they were angry and when they were delighted. And through it

all, they’ve been great to deal with.

The philosophy my bosses have always preached is to put the readers

first.

And as the new top guy, I give my word that won’t change.

The Daily Pilot will continue to serve up the same good journalism

that the residents of this community expect and deserve.

Sure, we are going to make a few changes along the way, but nothing

too drastic.

One change we’d like to start, beginning next week, is a once-a-week

effort called Second Thoughts.

With Second Thoughts, we will take a look at the past week’s news

events and let the readers know why we made the decisions we did.

Through that column, we also hope to provide a place for readers to

express their opinions and concerns about how we treat the news that

happens in this community.

So, let’s get started.

I’m taking suggestions for next week. If you have questions or

concerns, give me a call at (949) 574-4258 or drop me a line either

through the mail at 330 W. Bay Street Costa Mesa, 92627 or by fax to

(949) 646-4170 or via e-mail at either o7 TDnews1@aol.com f7 or o7

dailypilot@earthlink.netf7 .

I look forward to telling your stories.