JUNEAU, Alaska — Gov. Sean Parnell was sworn in Monday as Alaska's 10th governor during a no-frills inauguration in line with his style of governing.
Parnell, who took his oath of office on his personal Bible, outlined a vision for the state's future that includes strong families and a strong economy.
He vowed to create opportunities, spend state dollars conservatively, work to transform the public education system and end the scourge of domestic violence and sexual assault. He also pledged to fight the federal government when it overstepped its bounds — a commitment that drew applause.
"We pursue greatness, together with you, for this land of ours," he said.
The inauguration was low-key, in line with Parnell's wish to keep it "simple and elegant," his spokeswoman said.
Before winning the job in his own right last month, he'd held the office for more than a year, having taken over for Sarah Palin when she quit.
Parnell, who is known for his unassuming style, has been credited with serving as a calming, stabilizing influence following Palin's stormy tenure.
He and Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell will govern during a time when Alaska's financial position is the envy of many states, with its billions of dollars in reserves. But it faces challenges, including projections calling for the continued decline of oil production — production largely responsible for lining state coffers — a public education system marred by high drop out rates, and extensive infrastructure needs.
Parnell, Treadwell and their families were escorted into a minimally decorated convention hall in Juneau with bagpipers and drummers. Bouquets of purple and yellow flowers framed the speakers' podium. Screens beamed a scattering of stars on a blue field as the backdrop for the stage; in the back of the room, another screen showed an outline of the state.
Scores of seats in the large room went unfilled, though the audience included an array of Alaskans, some in suits or dresses, others, in blue jeans and T-shirts. There were new members of Parnell's cabinet and several lawmakers in attendance, including House Minority Leader Beth Kerttula, D-Juneau.
Kerttula said she appreciated Parnell's focus during his speech on jobs, energy and helping the state's more vulnerable citizens, saying they were areas in which Republicans and Democrats can find common ground.
Parnell spoke of getting natural gas in a long-hoped for pipeline, pushing for greater access to lands in a state with heavy federal ownership and ending social promotion of students.
"I'm looking forward to working with him for a productive session," she said.
She said she also liked that Treadwell raised Arctic issues. Parnell has said he is charging Treadwell, a former chairman of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission, with helping to develop an Arctic policy.
One of the few emotional displays of the event came from Treadwell, a widower, who choked up in telling his children that their mother was watching them from heaven and proud.
Another came near the end, when Parnell — who often comes off as awkwardly stiff — mouthed the words to the Alaska Flag Song and smiled.