Inaugurations become stage for governors' visions

Crowds begin to gather at the Missouri Capitol for Jay Nixon's 2013 gubernatorial inauguration.
Crowds begin to gather at the Missouri Capitol for Jay Nixon's 2013 gubernatorial inauguration.

Inauguration ceremonies happen every four years, with lower-key ceremonies for the state auditor two years later (because they're the only statewide official elected in what often are called the "mid-term" elections for Congress).

Missouri laws set the statewide officials' terms as four years, beginning at noon on the second Monday of January after the officials' election in November.

The inaugural ceremonies historically begin at 11:30 a.m., allowing for the four other officials - lieutenant governor, secretary of state, treasurer and attorney general - to take their oaths before the governor, who usually takes his oath of office after the bells at St. Peter Church strike the noon hour.

After taking the oath, the new governor generally gives a speech. Those speeches, since 1969, have run between nine and 15 minutes - setting the tone or theme for the incoming administration.

When he first became governor on Jan. 12, 2009, now-outgoing Gov. Jay Nixon said his new administration marked a "fresh start" from previous years.

"It's a day on which we separate the shortcomings of yesterday from the hope of tomorrow," he said. "Today, we stop thinking about what should have been. And we start creating the future we all deserve."

Starting with Gov. Warren Hearnes' second inauguration - the first governor allowed to succeed himself - here's a brief look at some of the things incoming governors have said on inauguration day:

Jan. 13, 1969 - Warren E. Hearnes, second term: "I believe this state has awakened to the needs of education, highways, health, welfare and the many other facets of government that require additional monies.

"It requires self-restraint not to attempt too much - and yet it would be foolish and faint-hearted to attempt too little."

Jan. 8, 1973 - Christopher S. (Kit) Bond: "I know that the people of Missouri did not give an explicit mandate for explicit policies. They said instead: 'We trust you.'

"They have put that trust in this administration and in the people who serve it. That trust shall be our conscience as we seek to build the faith of Missouri in its public servants."

Jan. 10, 1977 - Joseph P.Teasdale: "I believe that in the years ahead, we can make the people of Missouri happier and create a positive atmosphere rather than a negative one if we give new allegiance to those time-honored ideals of our people.

"It is not only time to change tradition, but a time of urgent need to give Missourians real and persuasive reasons to believe that politics and government are based on noble and solid principles."

Jan. 12, 1981 - Bond, second term: "We are reeling from years of spiraling inflation. We are besieged by an increase in violent crime. We are beset by housing that is unaffordable. And we are beleaguered with dwindling energy resources.

"Never before has the American dream seemed so elusive.

"In recent years, the path of ever-growing government that some political leaders have had us follow - the path of easy solutions that raised our hopes and expectations - is now strewn with broken promises, and our confidence in government is seriously weakened."

Jan. 14, 1985 - John D. Ashcroft: "Our government must be a partner for progress, a force for freedom and an ombudsman for opportunity.

"I stand for the hope that government can help provide freedom and growth - that government should cooperate with and serve the people."

Jan. 9, 1989 - Ashcroft, second term: "Today we join to celebrate a new beginning of our work together. We bring renewed energy and the wisdom of greater experience to the challenges ahead.

"Each generation has a responsibility to issue its own declaration of independence. Each generation must plant its seed of freedom in a societal soil conducive to achievement and growth."

Jan. 11, 1993 - Mel Carnahan, who pledged to make education "the real test" of his administration: "It's going to take a revolution, not just in the classrooms but around kitchen tables and corporate board rooms.

"It's going to mean tougher standards for our children, our teachers and ourselves. It's going to mean dramatically shifting our teaching methods to reach this Nintendo generation."

Jan. 13, 1997 - Carnahan, second term: "Let there be no doubt that this administration will continue to make the education of Missouri's children the number one priority!

"Let there be no doubt - this administration will vigorously promote education, not just with words, but through plans and hard work that translate into achievement.

"I dedicate myself to those whose accomplishments are yet to come."

Jan. 8, 2001 - Bob Holden: "The goal of my administration is to unite all Missourians in forging a bright future that holds maximum opportunities for each of us.

"However, the greatest barrier we have to building one Missouri is ourselves. We can no longer think in terms of urban vs. rural, black vs. white, Democrat vs. Republican, St. Louis vs. Kansas City, or the countless other interests that seek to divide us. We must come together to find common ground."

Jan. 10, 2005 - Matt Blunt pledged to "lead Missouri in a new direction" after Missouri voters "mandated change in both the tone and priorities of our state government.

"(I will) work with your elected representatives to ensure that every young Missourian has the education they deserve. Their future and our own will depend on it.

"Even if we were not legally bound, we would be morally bound to serve the children of our state and the families who have placed their confidence in us."

Jan. 14, 2013 - Nixon's second inauguration speech looked at the partisan differences he faced with a General Assembly led by Republicans with a veto-proof majority in each House.

"We will put our shared principles ahead of our small differences," he said, "and work together for the common good."

Nixon characterized disagreement and debate as "a vivid reminder that democracy is a chorus of many voices."