Leonard Gray Staff Writer

It’s never easy stepping into a new position on such short notice, but I’ve been there before, and I hope I can step up to the plate and serve our readers and advertisers well.

As a quick introduction of myself to our readers, here is a bit about me –

I started my journalism career with a summer job in 1971, pursued my college degree and continued with jobs in Zachary, Plaquemines Parish, Jefferson Parish and St. Charles Parish prior to coming here in 1994.

In the course of my tenure here so far, I’ve covered all three parish councils and school boards, the port commission and everything from the Rotary clubs to the River Parishes Tourist Commission.

My favorite type of articles to write are about the endlessly fascinating history of the River Parishes, and there are literally stories to be told around every corner.

However brief or lengthy is this task for me as interim managing editor, let me pledge my ongoing support for our region, my dedication to producing a quality newspaper and my promise to be accessible.

For those unfamiliar with the inner workings of a newspaper, there shouldn’t be a noticeable bump in the road from Jerry LePre to myself. He has taught me much and for this I do sincerely thank him.

I also pledge to my publisher, Ellen Ishmael, my professional standards of conduct and strong work ethic to guide this news department through days which could be difficult in the days and weeks to come, but keeping in mind that nothing is insurmountable. Also, though I have been in this business for a number of years, I pledge to one and all that I’ve always something to learn. That is one special quality of the journalism profession, that every day is different and every day is an opportunity to learn and hopefully to share that knowledge with our readership.

Feel free to contact me at any time with news tips, suggestions, ideas and criticisms. Let us all work together to keep this ship on course.

LEONARD GRAY is interim managing editor at L’Observateur.