Gov. Chris Christie Declares 'Change Has Arrived' in His Inaugural Speech

From Home News Tribune
By Rick Malwitz

Taking the office at a time when New Jersey is facing historic economic challenges, Gov. Chris Christie declared in his inaugural address, "Today change has arrived.''

He made quite clear, as he became the 55th governor of New Jersey, that change is needed to turn around a state with enormous economic woes.

His theme: Change, change, change.

"Our economy is struggling. Our budget is in deep deficit and our state is losing ground. Our people are dispirited and wondering if our best days are truly still ahead of us,'' he said.

"I understand the task before me and I am well aware of your expectations for me and this government. You voted loudly and clearly for change and you have entrusted us with what may be our last, best hope for a stronger New Jersey,'' he said.

"New Jersey, you voted for change and today change has arrived - right here, right now.''

Republican Gov. Chris Christie interrupted his inaugural address to reach across the political aisle and clasp hands with Senate President Steve Sweeney, D-Gloucester, and Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver, D-Essex.

The gesture drew the loudest applause during his address.

"Let us shake hands as a symbol for our citizens of all that is possible in a future that demands that who gets the credit finally takes a back seat to doing something worth getting credit for,'' Christie said.

For the first time since Gov. Tom Kean took office in 1982, a Republican chief executive will govern with Democrats controlling both houses of the legislature.

Democrats have a 23-17 margin in the senate and 47-33 in the assembly.

Bret Schundler, who lost the governor's race to Jim McGreevey in 2001, is confident Christie can woo Democrats.

"He is a very charming guy. He will make connections with the Democrats to get things done,'' said Schundler, Christie's nominee to be Commissioner of Education.

In attendance yesterday was Michael Steele, Republican National Committee Chairman, who called the inauguration of a Republican governor in New Jersey, "A big deal, a very big deal.''

Coupled with the victory in November of a Republican in the Virginia governor's race - and anticipated success Massachusetts, where a conservative is poised to win the seat vacated by the death of U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy - a message is being sent to Washington, Steele said.

"This sends something very loud to the administration (of President Barack Obama),'' Steele said.

While he governs as a member of the minority party here, Christie made it clear he is in charge of the state's executive branch.

"Whether you voted for me or not, whether we have agreed or disagreed in the past - today, I am your governor. Young or old, Republican or Democrat, rich or poor, regardless of color or heritage, I promise you this: I will work every waking hour of every day for a better life for all of our citizens,'' he declared. While emphasizing his theme of change, the new governor said, "The era of runaway spending and higher and higher taxes has not worked. We have the largest budget deficit per person of any State in the Union. We have the highest tax rates in the nation. We have the highest unemployment rate in over a quarter century.''

He did not elaborate on specific plans to reduce taxes and spending.

"Our economy is stagnant and our people are suffering under the burden government has placed on them,'' he said.

"Today, a new era of lower taxes and higher growth will begin. The era of broken schools and broken streets and broken dreams in our cities has not worked. Too many urban school districts have failed despite massive spending per pupil,'' he said, while calling on the state to embrace school choice and charter schools.

"I stand here today as governor supremely confident that we are up to the challenge. Why am I confident? Because we have the tools to grow again. Because we have resources that few other states can match,'' he said.

While confident in himself, he said, "We are not a state of passive observers. We are a state of builders and doers.'' "This is not a time for just another season of cynicism. With a state in crisis, we must cast aside blame and embrace action. One person can make a difference. I will make a difference. And each of you will make a difference too, if you believe in a better tomorrow,'' he concluded.