At Noon today Alaska moved forward into uncharted waters with the inauguration of the "unity" ticket of Governor Bill Walker (former R, now I) and Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott (D).
Here's a photo from today's inauguration:
Two items of note from today's speech by Governor Walker:
#1 We will begin the wheels turning to accept Medicaid expansion TODAY!!
#2 I VOW we will have open, transparent government.
Some key appointments have already been made. Walker's Chief of Staff is Jim Whittaker of Fairbanks who supported Obama in 2008.
I suppose it must be said that Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott supported Lisa Murkowski (not Scott McAdams) in 2012. Still it's hard not to like this first Native elected to such a high office in Alaska. He's down to earth, thoughtful, has devotion to family, and an endearing sense of humor.
Democrats and Progressives in Alaska are hurting over the loss of Sen. Begich. We now have no one in Alaska's national congressional delegation committed to the care of healthy watersheds and wild fish stocks or health care for all or strengthening Social Security.
Still the consolation prize of ridding Alaska of Gov. Sean Parnell (Palin's Lt. Governor and successor) is no small matter.
Alaska is currently facing many challenges with low oil prices combined with declining oil production and most politicians focused on meeting Alaska's energy needs and wondering what to do with severe budget shortfalls. May Alaska grow into the future stronger and healthier..united.
Wish Alaska luck and stay tuned.