Friday, January 12, 2007
Governor Culver: "It's Our Time"
Culver Calls for "21st Century Iowa Expedition"; Bipartisanship
(Des Moines) Today, Governor-elect Chet Culver has the privilege of being sworn in as the next Governor of the State of Iowa, and Lt. Governor-elect Patty Judge will be sworn in as the next Lt. Governor of Iowa.
In his Inaugural Address to the people of Iowa, Governor Culver highlighted the ingenuity and hard work of Iowa’s predecessors, saying:
“As Iowans, I think we could do much worse than to learn from the lessons provided by those who have come before us.”
Using the lessons of Chief Black Hawk, who taught us how to live off the land, and Norman Borlaug, who taught us how to feed the world, Gov. Culver declared:
“Right now, Iowa is experiencing much the same change and with it comes the opportunity for a new era of greatness. … Well, my fellow Iowans, this is our time! It’s our time to accept the challenge, to explore and discover Iowa’s unlimited potential. It’s our time to win the race to become the energy capital of the world. Let us invoke the lessons previous generations of explorers and leaders have taught us. Let us all come together as one and lead our own 21st Century Iowa Expedition.”
To achieve this and other goals, Gov. Culver stressed the importance of “working together,” saying:
“So, to the 150 dedicated Iowans who serve in the 82nd General Assembly, I say this: may our inevitable disagreements reflect deep conviction but not contempt, honest difference but not divisiveness. Let us work together in a sincere and inclusive way to create One Iowa.”
Gov. Culver then invoked his call to action, saying:
“But a Governor can't do it alone. That's why today, I am asking for your help. Especially, the next generation of Iowans. Everyone has a role to play in our ‘21st Century Expedition.’”
Gov. Culver closed his address with optimism and faith, saying:
“I care deeply about the challenges we face, but I have an even greater faith in Iowa’s promise. So as we go from here, let us remember: This is our time. Much is expected of us, and our future is unlimited. Let us work to build One Iowa and achieve the greatness we all know is possible.”
Governor Chet Culver's 2007 Inauguration Address
Lt. Governor Judge's 2007 Inauguration Remarks