Ariz. Governor Doug Ducey Inaugurated: “Opportunity for All”

　　　　　　　　Asian American Leaders Invited to Inauguration Celebration

By Barry Wong, former Arizona legislator and corporation commissioner

A clear blue sky accompanied by a crisp morning air gradually warmed by the rising desert winter sun. It was the perfect backdrop for ushering in a team of newly elected statewide leaders led by Governor Doug Ducey at the State Capitol on January 5, 2015.

Oath of Office. Several thousand Arizonans witnessed the inauguration ceremony where six top statewide officials were sworn into office. One-by-one, elected officers recited the oath of office, administered by Arizona’s Chief Justice Scott Bales (except Michele Reagan, whose father, Judge Michael Reagan administered her oath), followed by a speech. They were Joe Hart, Mine Inspector; Diane M. Douglas, Superintendent of Public Instruction; Jeffrey J. DeWit, Treasurer; Mark Brnovich, Attorney General; Michele L. Reagan, Secretary of State; and, lastly, Douglas A. Ducey, Governor.

As each recited their Oath of Office, with the two story high giant Arizona flag as the stage backdrop, they were surrounded by immediate family members with their respective spouses holding up their family Bible upon which the official placed his or her right hand as the left hand was raised. Each new officer thanked their families, friends and campaign staff for their support and work in achieving election victory; some also spoke briefly about their plans for their respective offices.

Governor Ducey Sworn-In. The highlight of the Inauguration Ceremony was just after noon when master of ceremony Derrick Hall, president of the Arizona Diamondbacks professional baseball team, called up Doug Ducey to the front of the stage to be administered the Oath of Office for Governor of the State of Arizona. He was surrounded by his wife of 23 years, Angela, and sons, Jack (17), Joe (15) and Sam (11). As he recited the Oath everyone in the audience was standing with excitement as they witnessed a new beginning as the former CEO of ice cream company Cold Stone Creamery and current first term state treasurer became the 23rd Governor of Arizona.

Governor Ducey delivered his first speech as the newest Arizona governor; he recognized his family and his mother who was in the audience. He also acknowledged in the audience former Governors Janice Brewer, Jane Dee Hull and Fife Symington, and former Governors Rose Mofford and Raul Castro.

”No Tax Increase.” The new governor addressed policy issues head on. First, was the current state budget that is projected to be nearly $1billion short of balancing. He said spending cuts have been made and excess funds recaptured but some people believe the state should ask the people of Arizona for a tax increase; after a brief pause for effect, Governor Ducey declared emphatically that ”there will not be any tax increases under our watch!” That declaration was received by the audience with thunderous applause. He said the state budget will be balanced and shortfall eliminated in a plan that will not necessarily be popular, especially among special interests, but will be effective.

Governor Ducey also talked about his plans to focus on job creation and working to provide high quality education to all Arizonans. He emphasized that under his administration there will be opportunity for all the people, groups and communities in Arizona.

”Our new governor is a breath of fresh air in state government,” said Barry Wong, former Arizona legislator and corporation commissioner. ”As a former CEO of a major Arizona-based company, Governor Ducey brings a unique perspective to governing and solving problems in government.” Further, Wong said ”he has a lot of energy and ideas that will position Arizona well in the Southwest and nationally for business attraction and job creation.”

Asian American Presence. The Asian American community was well represented at the inauguration ceremony. The Inauguration Committee invited leaders including from the following communities: Korean (Jae Chin, Wansik Choi, Mike Woo), Chinese (John M. Yee, Garry Ong, Peter Chan), Taiwanese (Charles Chiu, Tony Kao, Michelle Chang), Vietnamese (Kevin Dang, Mai Le), Indian (Venkat Kommineni, Jegadesan Krishnamurthy), Filipino (Marie Cunning, Leo Aromin), Pakistani (Sardar Babar), Bangladesh (Raphael and Farhana Ahmed) and other Asian (Albert Lin, Astria Wong). Others in attendance were State Senator Kimberly Yee, Jack Yee, David Cui and Tony Tang.

The inauguration concluded with audience members feeling a sense of renewal with an energetic new governor along with other top statewide officials to move Arizona forward.

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey抯 Inauguration Celebrated by Asian American Leaders. Arizona Asian American leaders helped witness and celebrate the inauguration of Arizona抯 23rd Governor at the State Capitol on January 5, 2015. Among those present were State Senator Kimberly Yee and former legislator Barry Wong. (l-r) Mai Le, Venkat Kommineni, Kevin Dang, Tony Tang, Michelle Chang, Barry Wong, Jack Yee, Sen. Kimberly Yee, Garry Ong, David Cui, Christiana Chiu, Charles Chiu and Tony Kao. (Photo courtesy of Lijun Chen/Arizona Chinese News)

Asian American Leaders attend Inauguration of Governor Doug Ducey. A large contingent of Asian American leaders attended the Inauguration Ceremony of Governor Doug Ducey and other top state officials. (l-r) Jae Chin, Tony Kao, Wansik Choi, Charmel dela Cruz, Lijun Chen, Michelle Chang, Marie Cunning, Barry Wong, Albert Lin, Farhana Ahmed and Raphael Ahmed. (Photo courtesy of Lijun Chen/Arizona Chinese News)

Chinese Community Leaders with Secretary of State Michele Reagan at Inauguration Ceremony. Chinese and Asian American leaders attended Inauguration Ceremony for statewide elected officials. (l-r) David Cui, Garry Ong, Secretary of State Michele Reagan, Michelle Chang, Barry Wong and Tony Kao. (Photo courtesy of Lijun Chen/Arizona Chinese News)