Let the record show that just moments after being sworn in, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. made good on one of his goals. He kept his inauguration speech short.
Fifteen minutes and 54 seconds to be precise — or 1,873 words.
But who's counting?
Sure, he was reportedly shooting for 10 minutes, but let's not get carried away with expectations. His speech included interruptions for applause and for thanking and acknowledging dignitaries, family, friends and supporters. All in all, it was a great effort. You've got to like any politico who can knock off an inauguration speech while breaking the half-hour barrier.
Just for that he gets a second term.
It's official now. Junior is our governor. They rolled him out on the Abravanel Hall stage Monday for the swearing in and then held a meet and greet as Utah's first new elected governor in 12 years. After the ceremony, he invited those in attendance to meet him in the lobby of Abravanel Hall, promising to shake everyone's hand who wanted it. By the end of the afternoon, they were ready to put his right hand in traction.
Gov. Huntsman hasn't gotten down to the business of fixing up Utah, as promised, but he certainly looks the part and has the pedigree. It's Romney in Michigan, Rockefeller in New York, Huntsman in Utah. The son of a wealthy, famous father, he's handsome, well-dressed, well-educated, well-spoken, owns a terrific head of graying hair, is backed by a large, beautiful family and has enough boyish enthusiasm and energy to be head cheerleader. Let the comparisons to the Kennedys — sans the soap opera — begin, starting with Jon, Jon Jr. and Jon III (or is it Jon Jon?).
Gov. Huntsman was sworn into office by Chief Justice Christine Durham with his hand on his grandfather's Bible, and then he and wife Mary Kaye soaked up a lengthy standing ovation before he stepped to the podium for his speech, with all four of the local TV networks broadcasting it live.
Huntsman is a gee-whiz guy, which is why he says things like, "Call me an optimist, but that's what I am." So let's call him an optimist. Let's also call him inexperienced. A former ambassador and business executive, he's never held public office, which probably accounts for his complete lack of cynicism and the boyish optimism. He's enthusiastic and gung-ho and he believes everything he says. The question is, will anyone else?
In his speech, Gov. Huntsman discussed two of his favorite themes — taking risks and accepting change. "I will take an occasional risk," he said. "We live in an era in which taking no risk is sometimes the biggest risk of all. As Fred Wilcox used to say, 'You can't steal second base while keeping your foot on first.' "
Later, he said, "I fear we are losing one trait that our forbears found indispensable — the ability not to fear change, for with change comes progress and opportunity."
All of which raises some questions:
1. What kind of risks is he talking about? Are we going to declare war on Colorado's ski resorts? Change our name to Idaho? Take the surplus and throw it on the tables in Vegas?
2. What does he mean by change? An Extreme Makeover? A new wardrobe? Makes you want to look in the mirror and check your hair, doesn't it.
3. Who is Fred Wilcox?
Give him credit for not slipping timidly into office. He says he's not the man for status quo. He's going to shake things up. Things are going to be different around here from now on — there's a new governor in town. He sounded a lot like a new football coach promising to deliver a championship.
"The nay-sayers will say it can't be done, we can't afford it," he said, ". . . to them I say, stand aside and let those who believe lead out."
So get in line, everybody, and see where the new guy takes us.
Doug Robinson's column runs on Tuesdays. E-mail drob@desnews.com