Perdue Is Swon In, Promises Accessibility

Bev Perdue, North Carolina’s first female governor, was sworn into office today, promising a hands-on approach as she confronts what may be the state’s worst financial turmoil since the Great Depression.

“We are in the midst of a global economic crisis,” she said in her inaugural address. “People are actually worried about losing their jobs, about paying their mortgage, and about their own personal future.

“Now is not the time for us to hunker down. We cannot just cut back. And I will not lower my expectations.”

Under a cold and brilliant January sun, Perdue took the oath of office administered by Sarah Parker, the chief justice of the state Supreme Court. She is the state’s 73rd governor.

Perdue’s inaugural speech was light on policy, but she seemed determined to strike a tone different from the one often set by outgoing Gov. Mike Easley, a fellow Democrat whose popularity has waned recently. Easley has been criticized for running an opaque administration and being too willing to delegate problems; Perdue, on the other hand, promised on her first day as the state’s top leader to be transparent and to get directly involved in the workings of government.

“Government must be, must be, more accountable to the people,” she told thousands of onlookers who gathered in downtown Raleigh for her inauguration ceremony. “The state’s business must be conducted in sunshine. That will inspire confidence, not cynicism.”