Parnell sworn in as new governor

FAIRBANKS — At 3:32 p.m. on Sunday, former Lt.Gov. Sean Parnell was sworn in by Alaska Supreme Court Justice Daniel Winfree at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks. Outgoing Gov. Sarah Palin, and former Wasilla mayor and councilwoman, chose the annual Governor‚s Picnic in Fairbanks for the transfer of power after she announced on July 3 she would resign.

In her farewell speech, Palin noted her administration’s accomplishments — the oil and gas tax known as Alaska's Clear and Equitable Share; the Alaska Gas Line Inducement Act; and ethics reform, which, due to the high number of ethics complaints against her, she encouraged legislators to reform further.

Incoming Gov. Parnell’s inaugural speech focused on two elements: the economy and families. He promised to further Palin’s commitment to building a natural gas pipeline, but also spoke of the importance of seeing that small businesses succeed, and that large companies invest in Alaska. He also addressed the issue of Alaska’s low high school graduation rate, and restoring our state’s commitment to family values.

“In the next 50 years,” Parnell asked, “will Alaska move forward, or will time pass us by? I, like Gov. Palin, believe Alaska’s best days are ahead of us.”

Brendan Joel Kelley is a reporter for the Anchorage Press.