On a frigid December day, Andy Beshear and Jacqueline Coleman were sworn in as governor and lieutenant governor of Kentucky, promising to bring a new tone of openness and bipartisanship to Frankfort.
Jacqueline Coleman, lieutenant governor
Coleman was introduced by her father, Jack Coleman, who shared the three things that people who know Jacqueline Coleman know about her: the Look from a coach or teacher setting high standards; the Laugh from someone who enjoys life; and the Love of someone who is devoted to helping people.
In her inauguration address, Coleman said,
Today, our Capitol is open — to everyone — to celebrate.
I can’t think of a more fitting theme for a campaign, this inauguration, and our administration than Team Kentucky.
Here in Kentucky, we know we are stronger when we work together, and that more unites us than divides us.
…
What drives me is the understanding that all of us here today — regardless of party, ideology, or which part of Kentucky we come from — want what is best for our commonwealth.
She then went on to discuss the impact of public education, and the difference it can make in the future of the state. Then she said,
Andy Beshear understands this. It’s why he picked me — an active educator — to serve as his lieutenant governor. And why he named me Kentucky’s secretary of education and workforce development.
I want to take a minute to underscore what this means. It means that starting today, public education is a top priority. That the voices of our classroom educators — the people on the front lines — will take a prominent role in shaping public policy.
Coleman was then administered the oath of office by Justice Michelle M. Keller of the Kentucky Supreme Court.
Andy Beshear, governor
In a special moment, the Beshear children, Will and Lila, led the inauguration attendees in prayer for their father as the incoming governor, including using the prayer of St. Francis. They then introduced their mother, Britainy Beshear.
Ms. Beshear proceeded to share some personal remarks about her husband Andy, including how they met. She said how he proposed using a bottle of champagne with her name on it, and she was so impressed that her name was spelled correctly that she almost missed the marriage proposal.
Then, after noting that the St. Francis prayer was said regularly at their house, she told how the values of that prayer were key to their family’s values. She noted that when Andy discussed running for governor with the family, Will came to the discussion with a list of questions. The first one was “If Daddy runs for governor, will this make it easier for him to help people?”
Ms. Beshear then introduced her husband, and they embraced as he came to the podium.
Beshear’s inaugural address focused on the “common good” implied in the word “commonwealth.” He said,
The commitment to be that commonwealth for the common good is our north star. It should lead and guide us. But just saying we are a commonwealth is not enough, for today is seems that we are further from realizing our commitment than ever.
We not only teach our children that words matter, but that our actions speak just as loudly. My hope is that together we can work to live the values 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.
He then talked about what working together means. Then,
My faith teaches me to treat others with dignity and respect. My faith also teaches forgiveness. That’s why on Thursday, I will sign an executive order restoring voting rights to over a hundred thousand men and women who have done wrong in the past but are doing right now.
Next, Beshear talked about being on the same team, regardless of party or national divisions. As an example of this, he told this story:
As one of my first acts as governor-elect, I traveled to Clay County with Senate President Stivers, Senator McConnell, and Attorney General-elect Daniel Cameron. Together, we opened a drug treatment facility. Numberous members of the Clay County community attended. Some of the best conversations I had that day started with people telling me they didn’t vote for me, but now they were filled with hope and excitement, and now they are ready to work with me.
He then talked about Lieutenant Governor Coleman and about education.
Not only is Jacqueline the first teacher to serve as Lt. Governor since Martha Layne Collins, she is the first Lt. Governor to also serve as our Education Cabinet secretary. Jacqueline has gone from being locked out to lieutenant governor.
This morning, I reorganized the state board of education, and appointed new members who support public education. These members were not chosen on any partisan affiliation, but based on their commitment to make our schools better. To put our children first.
Today, for the first time, Kentucky’s teachers and educators led the inaugural parade, because they represent the best of us. They are the ones on the front lines fighting to give our children the opportunity to succeed. They are the ones Muhammad Ali — a great Kentuckian — referred to when he said, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”
After this ceremony, the doors to this Capitol — your Capitol — will be open to all who wish to enter. To help us celebrate our democracy and to remind all of us up here who we work for – you. And every day I’m governor these doors will remain open to all Kentuckians. No one will be locked out. Because everybody counts.
Beshear was then administered the oath of office by Chief Justice John D. Minton of the Kentucky Supreme Court.
Other parts of the swearing-in ceremony
The ceremony was held on specially-built platforms on the steps of the Capitol, with space for dignitaries behind the podium, reserved and general admission seating in front, a performance space on one side, and a space for the media on the other.
Three educators — Cathy Carter, Scott Collier, and Laura Hartkey — opened the ceremony, followed by the posting of the colors by the State Policy Honor Guard and the singing of the national anthem by Patricia Mathison of St. Stephen Church in Louisville. This was followed by an invocation by Rev. Daniel Corrie Shull of Burnett Avenue Baptist Church in Louisville.
Other speakers included Huston Wells, judge-executive of Franklin County; William May, mayor of Frankfort; and a benediction by Rev. Dr. Walter Malone of Canaan Christian Church in Louisville.
Of special note were remarks by House Minority Leader Rocky Adkins. Adkins, who ran against Beshear in the gubernatorial primary, has accepted a position as special adviser to Beshear in the new administration.
Adkins was greeted with chants of “Rocky! Rocky!” when he rose to speak. He proceeded to talk about his gratitude to Beshear for asking him to serve, and noted that he was proud to call Beshear his friend. He concluded with his signature campaign line, “I’m fired up and ready to go!”
Music was provided by the 202nd Army Band of the Kentucky National Guard, the Harlan Boys Choir, the Northern Pulaski Middle School Honors Choir, and the Louisville Eastern High School Chamber Singers. Jason Clayborn, Grammy nominee and Dove Award winner, sang “God Bless America”; and Christian Bishop, John Isaacs, Josh Rison, and Chris Shouse performed “Don’t Give Up on Me.” Finally, national recording artist Linkin’ Bridge closed the ceremony by performing “My Old Kentucky Home.”
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