Year: 2009

If you did not get a chance to hear or see Governor Jack Markell today give his inaugural address, it has been posted on the new Delaware.gov website in this section, and reprinted below. Governor Markell seems clear here about the magnitude of the financial difficulties we face and that there will be some pain in getting to a balanced budget. But he will be looking for opportunities in this period of crisis to lay some foundation for building towards a few important objectives — schools and industries for a 21st century economy. What do you think about the direction being set today? (ps. Has anyone noticed that Mike Mahaffie has a glorious photo on the banner of the new website?)

…Nearly a half-century ago, President John F. Kennedy declared: “Let the word go forth from this time and place that the torch has been passed to a new generation.”

That torch has been passed again, in a ritual that marks the constant renewal, reinvention, and revival of the spirit that has made America – and Delaware – great. It is a torch that continues to light our way, even in the darkest times.

From the beginning, progress for America has originated in Delaware. The ratification of the Constitution, establishing the greatest democracy the world has ever known, was led by our state. And today, our nation is led by President Barack Obama and by our new Vice President, Delaware’s own Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

Yesterday’s historic Inaugural marked the realization of change we truly can believe in. It reinforces our faith that America can still meet any challenge and that our best days do indeed lie ahead. This is the American creed… and Delaware has lit the way.