The native son didn't forget his region in his inaugural address Jan. 13.
In the address, which lasted a little over nine minutes, counting the many interruptions for applause, the 46th Governor of Arkansas delivered a very succinct and memorable speech. With only two of the six living Arkansas governors in attendance, former Governors Jim Guy Tucker and Mike Huckabee, the Gravette native began with saying "Thank you" to Arkansans everywhere.
"I am humbled by the opportunity and the responsibility that you, the people of Arkansas, have bestowed upon me," Hutchinson began. He quickly said, mimicking his campaign slogan to hit the ground running, "Today, I accept that responsibility as the 46th elected governor of this great state."
It was a moment for Hutchinson and yes, Republicans all across the state, to savor. Gov. Hutchinson said it was a moment in his life that will "stand apart." He added, "This is one of those moments. For me, it is my highest public honor... . But, more importantly, it is a tribute to the miracle of democracy that we witness every election cycle in the U.S. -- the orderly transfer of authority. And it is the envy of the world -- this moment here on the steps of our state capitol. It is a reminder of why we are all so blessed to be Americans."
Hutchinson, in the address, rarely used the words Republican and Democrat, but instead focused on Arkansas and Arkansans. "...We are especially privileged to be Arkansans, and to live in a state with so much natural beauty and so many wonderful people -- a state with a rich history and unbounded promise. Yes, we are the Natural State." In describing the state, Hutchinson did not forget his Ozark roots. "And while I am from the Ozark hills, I know the beauty of a Delta sunrise and the vast timberland of the south. And so while we enjoy the natural bounty of our geography, we also continue as the Land of Opportunity."
But his speech was more about economics and jobs and less about the state's natural beauty.
"And today we are presented with unprecedented economic opportunity during time of great change in the world," Hutchinson said. And he noted the changes were a reason he and other Republicans were present as the 90th General Assembly was to begin its work.
"In fact, we live in a time of consistent change. Political change. Demographic change. New technologies. Our challenge in the years ahead will be to adapt our agriculture, our government services, our health-care system and our industry to our changing world without forsaking our values. In other words, let's embrace the energy of change and all the opportunity it brings without forsaking our foundation. Our most reliable foundation is truth, our faith and confidence in Almighty God as He guides our nation and state."
The new governor then introduced his "new day" theme into the speech.
"It is truly a new day in Arkansas. An historic day. A day that many of us never thought we would see in our lifetimes...."
The governor closed with optimism and his theme.
"Considering the size of our state and our national and global influence, what Arkansas has done is nothing short of amazing. And that's why I'm so optimistic about our future together. Arkansans can do anything because, well, we have done everything.
"And we're just getting started because it is a New Day in Arkansas!"
And now the work begins.
MAYLON RICE, AN AWARD-WINNING COLUMNIST, HAS WRITTEN BOTH NEWS AND COLUMNS FOR SEVERAL NWA PUBLICATIONS AND HAS BEEN WRITING FOR THE ENTERPRISE-LEADER FOR SEVERAL YEARS.
Editorial on 01/21/2015