Jerry Brown sworn in as governor of California

Jerry Brown was sworn in as California’s 39th governor by Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye in the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium on Monday morning.

The new governor’s speech, which lasted about 18 minutes, concentrated on how the state will handle the current fiscal crisis.  Brown plans to reveal a spending plan next week that he says will have “no more smoke and mirrors” and “no more empty promises.” He also stood by his campaign promise that any taxes proposed would have to be approved by voters.

Though Californians have a large deficit to overcome, Brown said our ancestors have overcome greater challenges in California.

“The people of California have not lost the pioneering spirit or capacity to meet life’s challenges,” Brown said.  “This is a time to honestly assess our financial condition and make the tough choices.”

Brown said he hopes Californians will put aside their political differences for the betterment of the state.

“The year ahead will demand courage and sacrifice,” Brown said.  “We need to learn to work together as Californians first, members of a political party second.”