Briefing: Inauguration Day
Gov. Deval Patrick officially began his second term in office on Jan. 6. Coming after four years in which the economy, and his own popularity, tanked, the event was far more sober than his first inauguration in 2007.
What priorities did Patrick cite for his second term?
The governor’s address touched on controlling health care costs, improving schools, reducing the costs for businesses in the state and curbing youth violence.
What other events besides the swearing-in ceremony did the governor take part in?
He began the day at a prayer service at Old South Church in Boston that included Cardinal Sean O’Malley and Rev. Liz Walker. After being sworn in, Patrick held a public open house and
greeted supporters at Nurses Hall. An evening inaugural party was held at the Boston Public Library. The governor and first lady Diane Patrick also planned a youth community service day for the Saturday after the inauguration, although it was postponed until the following week because of bad weather.
How much did the inauguration cost?
Patrick aides had originally estimated the price of the inaugural events at $400,000, far below the $2 million spent in 2007. However, right before the big day, the campaign reported that it had raised more than $700,000 from sponsors including the Arbella Insurance Group and EMC Corp.
Did the governor have a good reason to celebrate?
In 2009, Patrick’s favorability ratings dropped below 40 percent. Then, in January of 2010, Republican Scott Brown won the seat in the U.S. Senate that Edward M. Kennedy had held since 1962. Things didn’t look great for Patrick. But he ended up pulling off a victory, winning 48 percent of the vote, compared with Republican Charlie Baker’s 42 percent and Independent Tim Cahill’s 8 percent.
What will Patrick do next?
The governor has said he will not run for a third term in 2014 but that he will serve out his term in office rather than accepting another position. Patrick has close ties to the Obama administration, and some have speculated that he might be hired for a federal post.
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