Welcome aboard
BY World's Editorial Writers
Monday, January 10, 2011
1/10/11 at 4:39 AM
On this historic day, Oklahoma's first female governor will be inaugurated, and a new era in Oklahoma politics will begin.
We wish our new governor well and urge other Oklahomans - whether private citizens or public leaders - to join in pursuing the objective we all surely share to make Oklahoma a better place.
She already is keenly aware of the challenges that await her, and no doubt there will be some that can't be foreseen at this point. Her already proven political mettle will be put to the test time and time again.
Fallin has a unique set of skills and job experience that she will quickly be called upon to tap in her new position. She has been in public office for more than 20 years, first as a state representative, then as the state's first Republican lieutenant governor, then as a member of Congress.
A Tecumseh native, she and her husband have six children between them. She has often touted her roles as a mother - at one time a single mother - and a businesswoman as being strong influences on her leadership approach.
Fallin is well known for her conservative bona fides and will have plenty of conservative company as her new administration is launched. For the first time in Oklahoma history, the GOP controls all statewide offices. For the first time, Republicans have the opportunity to test the conservative principles they subscribe to and to prove if they can govern effectively.
Fallin has identified job growth, education and improving the quality of life in Oklahoma as her top priorities. As soon as she takes office, she will be called upon to deal with yet another budget shortfall, no small task considering the state budget experienced massive cuts in the last legislative session.
A chronic problem of funding the state's correctional system, mushrooming health care needs and inadequate education funding will no doubt be among the top issues her administration and the legislative branch will have to address.
Fallin often said during her campaign that no one would work harder than she would for Oklahoma. Her sincerity came through, and she soon will have the chance to prove she meant what she said. We also know her love for Oklahoma is beyond question.
Good luck, governor. Welcome aboard.
Associated Images:
Fallin
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