Governor Jim Gibbons’ Inaugural Address

Mr. Chief Justice, Lieutenant Governor Krolicki, members of the State Senate and Assembly, honorable Justices of the Supreme Court, constitutional officers, distinguished guests, members of my family –my fellow Nevadans:

First, on behalf of our State, I would like us to take a moment now to express our gratitude to the men and women who are serving in uniform, not only in this state but also around the world, making sacrifices every day to preserve and protect freedom an democracy.

Also, please join me in saluting President Gerald Ford. His lifetime was dedicated in service to God, Country, and freedom. America was blessed to have his leadership and wisdom at a very difficult time in our nation’s history.

Next, I wish to thank my predecessor, Governor Guinn, for his many years of service to Nevada.

Today, we celebrate the democratic transfer of power from one administration to another.

It is a transfer that was born in the fall and celebrated in the winter, here today; and which by its very nature, heralds the hope of coming Spring and the Summer that follows.

We now have a unique opportunity and challenge--to take the nearly 143 years of growth and progress that has created the Nevada of today, and set a course for the future.

A future that brings together the diverse communities and citizens of this great state into a common cause- One Nevada. Together we can create a new ideal of what it is to live the American Dream.

One Nevada is a place where all of our communities set aside what separates us, and embrace what unites us from our citizens who mine the earth, drive trucks along our highways, or serve our tourists in our hotels, to those that teach in our schools and those who enforce our laws, we come together ONE Nevada.

We are striving to create a better state that will continue to be the envy of all those who seek hope and the opportunity for themselves and their families.

In order to achieve real results for all Nevadans, I know I must reach across the aisle, and understand that the shared patriotism I have with each person here today does not create barriers but builds bridges.

In order to reclaim the American Dream for all Nevadans, to truly have One Nevada- we must not only build these bridges- we must cross them together.

We must not allow the interest of one part of the State to override the concerns of another. Some would call that politics. I would call it turning our backs on the lessons of history, for any great society that pits one group against another is bound to fail.

The test of leadership is to find common ground and then to lead the way. That challenge, to find One Nevada is one that we shall not shrink from.

When Nevada’s first Governor, James Nye, placed his hand upon the Bible, he affirmed that the supreme executive power of this state shall be vested in a Chief Magistrate, and he solemnly swore to see that all laws are faithfully executed.

It is this same oath that I have taken, and I am equal to the challenge.

On that day in 1864, Governor Nye initiated a long-lasting tradition for governors who, in addition to their constitutional duties, assumed the enormous task of leading the people of Nevada – a tradition of striking the right balance and course for our fledgling population, and determining this rugged western state’s destiny.

In the past fifty years, our governors have strived to improve upon what Governor Nye and others had begun. They made the tough decisions; together they oversaw the greatest expansion in Nevada’s history and they contributed mightily to the protection of the Nevada way of life.

“Letting Nevadans decide what is best for Nevada” is a hallmark of our state that has guided each governor that has served before me, and it shall guide my administration just the same.

Let us strive to strike a balance between listening to the people and governing them. In Ronald Reagan’s second inaugural address as Governor of California, he said that “when those who are governed do too little, those who govern can – and often will – do too much.”

Fortunately, for the past 143 years, this state has been blessed with leaders who knew just how much to govern – and with citizens who set the path for them to be led. That is the balance that we must strive for every day.

All of us must share a common vision of one Nevada – which can only become a reality if we agree upon what promises that vision entails.

It is a promise to make all decisions with fiscal discipline and strive to renew our faith in the American Dream - a dream of home ownership, safe streets and bountiful opportunity.