The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
MESSAGE FROM
HIS EXCELLENCY THE LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR,
ACTING GOVERNOR,
RELATIVE TO THE
GENERAL CONCERNS
OF THE
COMMONWEALTH.
___________________
MESSAGE FROM
HIS EXCELLENCY THE LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR,
ACTING GOVERNOR,
RELATIVE TO THE
GENERAL CONCERNS
OF THE
COMMONWEALTH.
___________________
JANUARY 4, 2007
LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR TIMOTHY P. MURRAY
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
We gather together today in this “city on the hill” at this historic location to mark not only a moment of transition, but a moment of history.
When the oath of office for Governor was given, we not only witnessed a first in the Commonwealth’s history, but more importantly, we witnessed, in a vivid and tangible way, how our democratic process continues to endure with strength and vitality.
We are inspired by our new Governor’s life story of struggle and striving, of hard work and hope, because it reflects the fundamental tenets upon which this Commonwealth and our nation were founded. Governor Patrick’s story reflects a shared experience with families and individuals across this state whose daily efforts are the embodiment of those same values and work ethic.
Many of our ancestors came to this great country in ships…Pilgrims and indentured servants greeted by those who were already here…. hopeful masses on immigrant ships…. and generations of forced laborers on slave ships. And new immigrants continue to arrive by air, rail and highway to join us and to become partners in our beautiful, unique, and ongoing experiment in self government. Today brings honor to their sacrifices and to their aspirations.
Today we affirm that we are one Commonwealth.
The concept of democracy and liberty that sprang from Massachusetts and helped create a nation still lives and breaths in its purest form in city and town halls all across our state.
People at the local level have the opportunity to voice and shape their future through the electoral process, and through active engagement and participation in civic affairs. Today we affirm that tradition, and I pledge to you to work with our new governor to create a meaningful collaboration between state and local governments.
We will form a true partnership that respects and encourages civic engagement and works for the advancement of all, because we are one Commonwealth.
We are all so lucky to live here in Massachusetts, where America was born and the American Dream was conceived. Yet, for too many in our state this dream is becoming increasingly out of reach.
Dreams must not be deferred.
The responsibility, therefore, falls to each of us to foster a positive economic environment from one end of the state to the other that encourages inclusion, innovation and industry.
Innovation, coupled with intellectual capital, has allowed this state to reinvent its economy time and again. It values the dignity of honest work and good citizenship and it rewards families like the one that I grew up in where a public school teacher and nurse, children of immigrants themselves, could work hard and build a better future for their five children.
Only through a growing vigorous economy can we ensure that the American Dream is within reach for all in our Commonwealth. It is the dream my wife Tammy and I have worked hard to build for our family, and one that I know all of us here today share.
In pursuit of that goal I believe our economic well-being is inextricably linked to the educational achievement of our people. Historically, in Massachusetts, our leading industries, from early textile, manufacturing to financial services and high-tech, from shipping to software engineering to medical research, have been fueled by brainpower and innovation. Today our ability to chart an economic future in the emerging industries of life sciences, nano-technology, renewable energy, and many others that remain on the horizon of our imagination will require a renewed commitment to educational achievement and equality of educational opportunities for all people.
Moreover, we must make Massachusetts an affordable place to live and raise a family so we can retain the graduates of our schools, colleges and universities so that our best and brightest will be here to help create and lead our innovation economy.
I understand these goals are challenging, and that’s as it should be. We must aim high.
I believe all things are possible when citizens are keenly aware and are actively engaged in the civic life of their community. I am heartened and encouraged that the recent campaign and transition period saw increased levels of citizen participation all across the Commonwealth.
We need to nurture and foster that important trend. Because with resources limited by the current economic situation, strong, public involvement will be required not only from those in government, but from business and educational leaders, and from our labor, civic, charitable and non-profit organizations, to help us move Massachusetts forward.
Looking out upon this stunning gathering today, and as I reflect on the people I’ve met all across the state, it is my deepest hope and fervent prayer that years from now it will be said that this Administration made history, not just on its first day, but many, many times over by innovating, adapting and getting the job done. I commit myself completely to that goal and ask every citizen of the Commonwealth to join us in this great effort.
As we go forward from this momentous day, let us, as John Adams said, “cheerfully engage” the opportunities and challenges that confront us knowing our task is both difficult and worthy.
Thank you.