There’s no doubt that this publication — an institution in this community — is dedicated to ensuring that stories of interest, from human interest features to crimes that the community needs to know about, are disseminated factually to our readers and the public through our print and online presence, which has grown over the last few years by leaps and bounds.

There’s a facet of our mission in community journalism that I and every reporter who writes for this publication hold near and dear to their hearts — and that’s contained in the U.S. Constitution, which offers us life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as Americans.

The First Amendment to this sacred document is one of the most pivotal that has stood the test of time — “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

The freedom of speech and the press is one of the most important elements to a healthy democracy — an element that we are most dedicated to at The Gazette.

It’s our job to be the watchdogs of government for the people of our community. Amid the political, social and economic tension our nation and world faces today, newspapers are more relevant today than they have ever been.

I joined the news team at The Gazette as a proud member of the fourth estate — an old term that refers to a segment of society that has significant influence. My tenure here has allowed me to connect with some of the finest people I’ve ever met and worked with, from the hardworking men and women who toil day and night in our offices, to those who do the same in their jobs, caring for their families and the fighting for the issues that are most important to them.

My tenure as managing editor of this newspaper ends this week as a result of a decision of my own undertaking.

What’s most important to note is that The Gazette, along with its affiliate publications, is dedicated to ensuring your rights as Americans under the U.S. Constitution — namely the First Amendment — are respected and held to the highest degree among our government officials.

The Gazette is built on a rock-solid foundation of trust of this community, reporting the facts, issuing opinions that allow for thought-provoking action and the freedom of speech and the press.

I have no doubt that this publication will continue to prosper as it tackles the issues that are most important to you.

Jordan Miles is managing editor of The Charlotte Gazette. His email address is Jordan. Miles@TheCharlotteGazette.com.