Inaugural Speech

CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY

Thank you so very much and welcome to your newly restored Capitol! Before I say anything else, let me say to Governor Racicot on behalf of all Montanans how very proud of you we are. You have been an outstanding steward of our Governor's Office and we thank you for your commitment and service to the people who live and work under our beautiful Big Sky.

Just as this Capitol has received a magnificent new face, on the dawn of this millennium we stand ready to give our grand and glorious Montana a new face. Together with Montanans of all walks of life, we begin a journey to build a new Montana that will keep our young people living, working and raising their own families here at home.

It seems so fitting to me that we're here today in a building that so splendidly represents our rich and proud heritage to celebrate the changing face of our home. Indeed, we're here to inaugurate the first woman chief justice of the Montana Supreme Court and the first woman governor of our Treasure State.

While today certainly is a milestone in our state's history, it certainly should not be a celebration of historic firsts. For today IS NOT about what Karla Gray or Judy Martz have accomplished. Today IS about what we Montanans, working together, can do to make Montana a leader in the new economy.

For decades, Montana has struggled to define it's destiny - so richly blessed with the resources our nation demands, yet drawn to the technological age that serves as our best hope for a better future for our children and grandchildren.

Certainly, we have our share of challenges and tough decisions. But with the resiliency of our ancestors firmly engrained in the fabric of our way of life, we will work with fervent and determined spirit to chart a new course that capitalizes on the resources of our scenic landscapes, while simultaneously preparing our young people to lead us in the age of information.

We will accomplish our objectives by recognizing that which binds us, not that which divides us. For I know, as a fourth generation Montanan, that the greatness of Montana is not found in single issues that confront us, but in the generations of families who have always worked with civility and respect for one another to make Montana the last best place.

It is that very special way of life that, while seemingly found nowhere else on God's green earth, uniquely defines Montanans. It is our way of life and our fundamental respect for those who built this state that will be the foundation on which we will pass on to our young people an economy that is more supportive of the opportunities they so deserve.

Indeed, our legacy must be not of what we accomplished for ourselves, but what we accomplished for the generations of Montanans who came after us.

I am excited about the narrow window of opportunity I have to lead our people and to profoundly change Montana. My life here has been defined by the strength and determination that my mom and dad instilled in me and all my sisters and brother.

Like most Montanans, when I was growing up we didn't have much. But we didn't know that we didn't have much because we had parents who taught us the values of faith, family and hardwork. By their own example, they taught us to do the best we could with what we had.

And now, I stand before you with those qualities firmly intact to be a temporary steward of our Governor's office with a vision that is crystal clear and a determination that is unshakable.

You must demand of me my full measure of devotion and I will demand of you your commitment to working cooperatively make sure our children and grandchildren have the same shot at the American Dream that we had.

I believe with all the passion in my heart that we will build new jobs, new futures and a new Montana - a new Montana that is second to none.

Thank you for the trust you have placed in me. May God Bless each and every one of you and may God Bless Montana.