Andy Beshear is now in day two of his administration, serving as Kentucky’s 63rd governor. He, along with his family, friends, supporters, and even those with a differing political views are likely catching their breath today.
One of the many traditions during inauguration day is the parade down Capitol Avenue, full of bands, pageantry, and recognition of military service.
Not far from the viewing stand stood Ally Herring of Louisville. She said her interest in Andy Beshear’s big day was rooted in his position about voting privileges. “I’m so excited that Beshear has committed to restoring voter rights to folks with felonies in their past. Here to celebrate the progress that we can make,” said Herring.
Not five hours later the new governor was telling the crowd he will sign an executive order Thursday to do just that.
Kathy Waits and Jane McCord were taking in their 15th inauguration. Both had marched in the inaugural parade in the late 1960’s while in high school. Not far away stood Yuyi Duan, who came to central Kentucky from China three months ago. She’s a teacher in Frankfort who said people seemed happy and their activities made the winter feel warm.
Former Secretary of State Bob Babbage, who has kept ties to legislators and governors for decades after as a lobbyist, said there’s always a feeling of optimism and newness with an inauguration. “This is a moment of American success, the peaceful transfer of power and also the chance to restart and rethink the government and hopefully pull together and get some place new,” noted Babbage.
There were two proud parents at the inaugural parade, Former Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear and his wife Jane. The elder Beshear had a quick response to the question of advice.
“What is your piece of advice for you son on his first day on the job, heading state government?...Well Andy is going to be a great governor because he’s going to pull everybody together. Partisan politics needs to be set aside and we need to come together as Kentuckians and that’s the attitude he’s take and you know it infectious,” responded Beshear.
Another Former Governor, John Y Brown Junior said he believed Andy Beshear will bring the state together and has the confidence to be an effective governor.
A major part of the new governor’s successful campaign was found within the education community. Many teachers were among those braving the chilly temperatures yesterday. Jennifer Latham teaches at Lexington’s Beaumont Middle School. “This has just been a long process for so many of us. We just wanted to see this change. We knew we needed this change. We are just overjoyed, just so happy that this is going to happen for our state,” Latham said.
Trent Garrison is an educator at Northern Kentucky University. He knows funding for all levels of education is always a challenge, even made more so with reports of a large budget shortfall. Garrison says expanded gaming and medical marijuana should be options.
When the formal part of the afternoon arrived, it was time for the swearing-in ceremony. However, just before he took the traditional oath of office, Beshear announced a personal commitment to those attending. “My hope is that together we can work to live the values that we teach our children in both our words and our actions. I intend to lead by example. And I will strive to build an administration that does the same,” said Beshear.
In addition to formulating his leadership team, Beshear will be faced with working with a legislature heavily dominated by those in an opposing political party. Yesterday, Beshear signed an executive order reorganizing the state board of education so he could appoint new members.
Senate President Robert Stivers said the governor’s power to change board makeup will likely undergo legislative review at some point. “Consistency in education versus the governor’s right to re-organize. I go with Senator McConnell. He’s always said this, elections have consequences and how much latitude to you give an incoming executive to organize his administration,” commented Stivers.
Stivers said Beshear’s speech was one with a pleasant tone and reaching out. When asked about a honeymoon period heading into next months 2020 general assembly session, the republican leader replied “We’re on it right now, don’t know how long it was last.”
But it appeared to be holding at least for inauguration day.
