Wednesday, Apr. 28, 2010

So long, with my thanks

Dear Readers:

I'm afraid this is goodbye.

After 18 years at The News & Observer, and 22 in journalism, I'm leaving for a promising job: manager of strategic communication at the Raleigh law firm Smith Anderson.

It's an exciting opportunity for me and my family, and, I most humbly hope, good for the firm.

But it's not easy to say goodbye to my professional home of almost two decades, or my valiant colleagues - or you, our loyal readers.

For it is you for whom we journalists labor at our craft, hoping you'll make good use of the information we provide, and maybe even appreciate it.

So before I go, I'd like to thank you for your attention, your thoughts, your criticisms, your compliments, and your faith in what we do.

I hope that I have, in your view, repaid your trust by treating you and the news of our community fairly, even - no, especially - when we disagreed.

I have held a succession of rigorous and fascinating jobs at The N&O: Before becoming editor of North Raleigh News and Midtown Raleigh News two years ago, I reported on crime, North Raleigh, Raleigh city government, Wake County government, statewide legal affairs, big breaking news, and growth.

As editor here, I have fulfilled my professional goal of writing columns. It has been my greatest journalistic joy.

My aim has been to offer analysis, insight, and humor through a common-sense, independent-minded, nonpartisan, nonideological, generally centrist viewpoint. This probably means I've pleased and irritated every reader at one time or another, which is OK with me.

I've tried to promote a free, full, and fair public debate on vital community issues.

And I've tried to highlight the people and places that give our community its character.

For this opportunity I owe tremendous gratitude to my editors, colleagues, and other mentors over the years who taught, encouraged, challenged, and improved me.

Thank you to every government official, citizen, and story subject who gave me time and information. Thank you for letting me know when I got things right, and when I had it wrong, so I could correct it.

Most of all, thank you Laura and Elizabeth for your love. I dedicate this final column to you, my favorite readers ever.