 |
| ||||||
Text Size 
• Email • Printer Friendly
|
Monday, January 12, 2009 10:46 AM Perdue ceremony brings out big crowd Wilsonians say she will be a friend to eastern North Carolina By Matt Shaw | Times Staff Writer RALEIGH - Amber and Autumn Coleman stood on their chairs Saturday morning, craned their necks and peered across the crowd at the stage in front of the State Archives and History Building. One of the 6-year-olds even grabbed her hands around her mom's neck and pulled up to get a better view. This was, after all, history. "They are dying to see Bev Perdue," explained their dad, Dwight Coleman. He had gone on a reconnaissance mission to the front of the crowd with his video camera to get some closer views of North Carolina's first female governor to show the twins later. The Colemans had been excited about the election of Barack Obama, the nation's first black president, mom Sandie said, but she said Perdue's swearing into office sends an even more important message to her daughters. "I hope it shows them that they can achieve big things," she said. Legislators and lobbyists wearing suits, Girl Scouts clad in their uniforms and sashes, grandparents and children, parents pushing strollers, even joggers and dogwalkers who broke from their routines -- thousands of people in all turned out on an occasionally blustery but warm day to see Perdue's inaugural ceremony. The ceremony also installed nine other members of the Council of State, including Attorney General Roy Cooper, a Nash County native and Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, who is married to Wilson attorney Bill Holdford. Perdue, who was elected in November as North Carolina's 73rd governor, seized upon her place in history in her inaugural speech, promising the state "a new beginning." North Carolina has always been forward-thinking, she said, citing the creation of the first state-supported university, the Research Triangle Park and the more recent redevelopment of a textile mill in Kannapolis into a world-class bio-tech center. "Now it is time for us in the old North State to confront new challenges," she said. We are in the midst of a global economic crisis. People are worried about losing their jobs, paying their mortgage and planning their own personal futures. "Now is not the time for us to hunker down. We cannot just 'cut' back. We will not lower expectations for you or for the people of North Carolina." She called her commitment to education her top priority, drawing widespread applause. "We'll retrain displaced workers and educate our people for 21st century jobs. No child in North Carolina has permission to drop out of school," Perdue said. "No child." Learning must be "seamless from the high chair to the rocking chair," she said. She also renewed her voiced commitment to accountable government. Only decisions made openly inspire the people's confidence, instead of cynicism. She concluded, "Even in these trying times, the American Dream is alive. It lives in the hard work, sheer determination and sacrifice of our people. Together we can race boldly toward our future." Wilsonians in the crowd were optimistic about Perdue's governorship, especially given her long history with Wilson County. "We won't ever see a governor who's any better than Jim Hunt, but Bev Perdue is certainly a tremendous lady," said Chris Boykin, chairman of the county's Democratic Party. "It is nice to know that Wilson County has a friend in the governor's mansion." Bruce Beasley, president of the Wilson County Chamber of Commerce, has known Perdue for 35 years, he said. "We are all very hopeful that she will shine extra light on the area and counties east of Interstate 95," Beasley said. "It's truly great to be here on this historic day." Rusty Stephens, president of Wilson Community College, called Perdue "a strong advocate of education." He also noted that she is committed to energy conservation and finding new alternative energies, a policy that she announced last spring at the Wilson campus. "I am very excited about her leadership. When Bev Perdue walks into a room, the average IQ goes up," he said. The ceremony began around 10 a.m. with a performance by the 440th Army National Guard Band. Former U.S. Rep. Eva Clayton acted as emcee. In his invocation, Bishop George E. Battle Jr. noted the challenges facing Perdue. While the weekend's festivities were well-earned, he asked God's blessings for her "when the celebration is over and the hard work begins." Four F-15Es from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base flew over as the national anthem concluded. Each of the Council of State members took their oaths of office from members of the N.C. Supreme Court. Perdue was sworn in by Chief Justice Sarah Parker. A special guest was actor Andy Griffith, a long-time Perdue friend, who read a poem that had been written by his wife, Cindi. The others inaugurated Saturday were Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton; Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin; Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry; Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler; Cooper; State Superintendent June Atkinson; State Treasurer Janet Cowell; and State Auditor Beth Wood. mshaw@wilsontimes.com | 265-7878 |
| Add Comment: | |  | | (All comments must be approved) |
| View Comments: | | | | (0 comments) |
Most Popular
 |
 |
 |
