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Mr.
Chief Justice, Lieutenant Governor Krolicki, members of the
State Senate and Assembly, honorable Justices of the Supreme
Court, constitutional officers, distinguished guests, members of
my family –my fellow Nevadans:
First, on behalf of our State, I would like us to take a moment
now to express our gratitude to the men and women who are
serving in uniform, not only in this state but also around the
world, making sacrifices every day to preserve and protect
freedom and democracy.
Also, please join me in saluting President Gerald Ford. His
lifetime was dedicated in service to God, Country, and freedom.
America was blessed to have his leadership and wisdom at a very
difficult time in our nation’s history.
Next, I wish to thank my predecessor, Governor Guinn, for his
many years of service to Nevada.
Today, we celebrate the democratic transfer of power from one
administration to another.
It
is a transfer that was born in the fall and celebrated in the
winter, here today; and which by its very nature, heralds the
hope of coming Spring and the Summer that follows.
We
now have a unique opportunity and challenge--to take the nearly
143 years of growth and progress that has created the Nevada of
today, and set a course for the future.
A
future that brings together the diverse communities and citizens
of this great state into a common cause- One Nevada. Together
we can create a new ideal of what it is to live the American
Dream.
One
Nevada is a place where all of our communities set aside what
separates us, and embrace what unites us from our citizens who
mine the earth, drive trucks along our highways, or serve our
tourists in our hotels, to those that teach in our schools and
those who enforce our laws, we come together ONE Nevada.
We
are striving to create a better state that will continue to be
the envy of all those who seek hope and the opportunity for
themselves and their families.
In
order to achieve real results for all Nevadans, I know I must
reach across the aisle, and understand that the shared
patriotism I have with each person here today does not create
barriers but builds bridges.
In
order to reclaim the American Dream for all Nevadans, to truly
have One Nevada- we must not only build these bridges- we must
cross them together.
We
must not allow the interest of one part of the State to override
the concerns of another. Some would call that politics. I
would call it turning our backs on the lessons of history, for
any great society that pits one group against another is bound
to fail.
The
test of leadership is to find common ground and then to lead the
way. That challenge, to find One Nevada is one that we shall
not shrink from.
When Nevada’s first Governor, James Nye, placed his hand upon
the Bible, he affirmed that the supreme executive power of this
state shall be vested in a Chief Magistrate, and he solemnly
swore to see that all laws are faithfully executed.
It
is this same oath that I have taken, and I am equal to the
challenge.
On
that day in 1864, Governor Nye initiated a long-lasting
tradition for governors who, in addition to their constitutional
duties, assumed the enormous task of leading the people of
Nevada – a tradition of striking the right balance and course
for our fledgling population, and determining this rugged
western state’s destiny.
In
the past fifty years, our governors have strived to improve upon
what Governor Nye and others had begun. They made the tough
decisions; together they oversaw the greatest expansion in
Nevada’s history and they contributed mightily to the protection
of the Nevada way of life.
“Letting Nevadans decide what is best for Nevada” is a hallmark
of our state that has guided each governor that has served
before me, and it shall guide my administration just the same.
Let
us strive to strike a balance between listening to the people
and governing them. In Ronald Reagan’s second inaugural address
as Governor of California, he said that “when those who are
governed do too little, those who govern can – and often will –
do too much.”
Fortunately, for the past 143 years, this state has been blessed
with leaders who knew just how much to govern – and with
citizens who set the path for them to be led. That is the
balance that we must strive for every day.
All
of us must share a common vision of one Nevada – which can only
become a reality if we agree upon what promises that vision
entails.
It
is a promise to make all decisions with fiscal discipline and
strive to renew our faith in the American Dream - a dream of
home ownership, safe streets and bountiful opportunity.
I
am humbled in the presence of our Capitol’s great silver dome,
and as the 29th Governor of the State of Nevada, I
stand before you and pledge to fiercely defend the Constitution,
with as much steadfastness as I have trust in the people of this
great state.
All, for a better place to live, raise a family and be warmed by
the sunshine of freedom.
Ronald Reagan went on to say “…we owe our humble thanks to a God
who has blessed us possibly more than we deserve. Let us, in
our stewardship of all He has given us, at least try to match
His bounty – try as (one) to match His mountains.”
So,
today, I call upon the leaders of both parties to join with me
in scaling those mountains– to make the climb our own; to do it
together and to recognize that, just as in climbing any
mountain, we must rely upon and protect one another, for failure
to do so endangers us all.
There is much to do – and today our work begins. It will
require a valiant effort by each of us, and a willingness to
believe in our capacity to perform great deeds; to believe that
together, as one Nevada, we can do anything.
The
people of Nevada have spoken. Together we must listen and
begin the climb of that mountain of hope, opportunity, and
bounty that is the promise of one Nevada.
God
bless each one of you…God bless the United States of America…and
God bless the great state of Nevada.
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