Lynch Inauguration, Thursday, 1/6/2005
script iconLive State House Pix script iconIntro Backup #2
script iconIntro Guests script iconIntro Benson
script iconcermonies script iconIntro Opening Day
script iconanalysis script iconTease Outlook
script iconfactoids script iconGood-bye
script iconIntro Backup #1  


script iconLive State House Pix
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Welcome to NH Public Television's special coverage of the Inauguration of John Lynch.
You're looking at LIVE pictures of historic Representatives Hall in Concord NH
where the Inauguration is about to get underway.
With the administration of the oath of office -- John Lynch will become the state's 80th Governor.
Before a packed crowd of lawmakers, former governors, dignataries, supporters, and family -- the democrat from Hopkinton will give his first address as governor -- setting the agenda for his administration.
script iconIntro Guests
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Hello, I'm Beth Carroll.
Joining me with some perspective on today's Inauguration.
Dante Scala of the NH Institute of Politics at St Anselm College, and former house speaker Donna Sytek, who's literally written the book on protocol. Welcome.
The Ceremony is about to get underway. Newly elected House Speaker Douglas Scamman will introduce our next Governor -- followed by the INVOCATION by The Reverend Hays Junkin, Rector at St Andrew's Episcopal Church in John Lynch's hometown of Hopkinton.
Q DANTE: A good day for Democrats as they regain the corner office?
Q DONNA: How are Republicans feeling on a day like today, which many expected to belong to Craig Benson?
script iconcermonies
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As John Lynch takes over the reins of state government --he inherits a looming impasse over education funding --and, a 300-million dollar deficit.
Issues he's expected to address in his speech.as well as the familiar themes of
integrity and bi-partisanship which propelled him into office.
* We're likely to see the posting of the colors
* followed by the pledge of allegience and national anthem
before Mr Lynch is sworn in.
script iconanalysis
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So, the torch of leadership has been passed. Those attending the Inauguration are now filing out -- but, there will be a Receiving Line and Open House at the statehouse.
Governor Lynch and his family will greet citizens in the Executive Council chambers - they'll be tours, as well as entertainment and refreshments.
Giving us perspective on today's event again are: Dante Scala of the NH Institute of Politics at St Anselm College, and former house speaker Donna Sytek.
Q DONNA: Your thoughts on how John Lynch did?
Q DANTE: What do you need to accomplish in an INAUGURAL address --
and was he successful?
Q DONNA: LYNCH inherits a looming budget shortfall & an impasse over school funding. He faces Some Tough Decisions ahead on Education, & Medicaid.
Will he have a EASIER time than Craig Benson had working with Legislature?
Q Slot machines at NH race tracks are being proposed to deal with the budget deficit.
Does EXPANDED gaming have a chance here in NH?
Q DANTE: gov Lynch is already getting down to business -- had breakfast with state employees this morning before his Inauguration. Contract talks stalled under the Benson Administration -- are now back on.
How important were state workers in Lynch's ELECTION??
Q Gov Lynch holds his first meeting with the Executive Council at 3:30. They play a BIG role in the administration of state government. Only 2 states left that have executive councils and the baystate's council is nowhere near as powerful.
DONNA: How imperative is it for Lynch to get the EXEC council on his side?
Q DONNA: How much will things change with a DEMOCRAT in office?
Q DANTE: He brings a BUSINESS background to the job -- much like Craig Benson
did how much will that shape how he conducts BUSINESS of the STATE?
Q DANTE: INTEGRITY and CIVILITY familiar themes for Lynch -- he used them on campaign trail and won. He believes he's got a MANDATE of sorts on those issues.
Does he?
Q In Benson Inaugration he quoted Winston Churchill" We've run out of money -- now, its time to think" It good a great laugh. A memorable moment for LYNCH?
Q DANTE: A lot of SIMILARITIES between the past and current Governor.
What would you say are the CONTASTS?
Q Any parting thoughts on what we can Expect in the Lynch Administration?
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* Daughter Jacqueline -- freshman at Univ of Az, Daughter Julie and son Hayden who attend local public schools in Hopkinton. Wife Susan
* Both Mr Lynch and his wife -- say the run for office was a FAMILY DECISION.
They sat down and discussed it -- he warned them negative things could be said about him on the campaign trail -- but they all encouraged him to go for it.
* In planning these events --FAMILY play a prominent role in the proceedings.
* A portsmouth Lawmaker called on John Lynch to scale back inaugural activities so money could be spent aiding TSUNAMI victims.
Sensitivity to that in Lynch Administration --which will have agencies at the statehouse today to help those wishing to DONATE to TSUNAMI relief.
* Themes he WON'T mention. Craig BENSON, expanded GAMBLING, additional TAXES
* former Gov. Walter Peterson of Peterborough is a co-chair of Lynch's Inaugural
Cmte -- which includes Democrats and Republicans. Peterson supported Lynch in his campaign.
* Former Gov Jeanne Shaheen and her husband Bill -- big backers of Lynch --
can we expect to see a lot of FAMILIAR faces from Shaheen administration
in the Lynch Administratino
* Inaugural Ball Jan. 8th in Manchester and a North Country Ball.
script iconIntro Backup #1
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Like his predecessor --Craig Benson- John Lynch has never held public office before.
He's been a leader in business, civic and philanthropic endeavors.
But, Lynch's role as Governor will place him in the glare of the public spotlight at a time when the state is grappling with serious financial issues. He says his ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work.
Last week I sat down with John Lynch at his Transition Office in Concord -- to find out what we can expect in the days ahead.
Here's some of what he had to say:
script iconIntro Backup #2
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Lynch also got a bit personal with me. as he shared his thoughts about his family.
script iconIntro Benson
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Lynch takes office with the state on "shaky" fiscal ground, and a looming education impasse.
Problems his Predecessor also Inherited.
Here's an excerpt from Craig Benson's Inaugural Address -- which set the tone for his adminstration.
script iconIntro Opening Day
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The New Hampshire legislature began its new session yesterday -- The session's top priority is to get a new budget by July first. Richard Ager has a look at opening day events.
script iconTease Outlook
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Tonite on NH Outlook -- we'll have a complete wrap-up of the Inaugural ceremonies and analysis.
That's tonight at 10:00 on NH Public Television.
script iconGood-bye
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That concludes our special Live coverage of Governor John Lynch's Inauguration.
I'm Beth Carroll.
Thanks for joining us.
Enjoy your day.
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