HARRISBURG -- Tom Wolf is officially in office as Pennsylvania's 47th governor.
Tom Wolf's first day as governor featured an inspirational address to the hundreds who turned out for his inauguration.
"There is no question that our challenges are great. But let’s remember: the last time that America went through a great transformation, it was Pennsylvania that led the nation through the industrial revolution. We led then and we can lead today."
"He's a good listener and I think he's listened to a lot of staffers in what direction he needs to go," said Wilkes-Barre Fire Chief Jay Delaney.
Chief Delaney was one of a number of officials from northeastern and central Pennsylvania who turned out for the swearing in. So was Scranton Mayor Bill Courtright.
"When Gov. Wolf was running for office, he asked what we needed for Scranton. I said one of the main things we need is pension reform. So we are going to come down here and talk to him about pensions."
Wolf's first orders of business were to sign some executive orders establishing new ethics rules in PA and swearing in his new cabinet, which includes two of the Democrats who ran against him in last year's primary election for governor, but old rivalries of the past were put aside, as Pennsylvanians paused to look ahead to what the future may hold for the Wolf administration.
"Policy set forth, the three 'E's: economics, education, and the environment," said Dr. Shawn Casey of Pittston. "I think it's going to be great. I think he's going to be a great governor."
As night fell, all the pomp and circumstance of Tuesday's inauguration gave way to the reality of the big job that's ahead for Gov. Wolf.
"During my campaign, I pledged to be a different kind of governor, and I will keep that promise," Wolf said.
Folks from northeastern and central Pennsylvania who came to Harrisburg for the inauguration of Tom Wolf tell us they're excited about a new direction in state government.
"He's a guy for the middle class. He's got some great ideas to get PA moving ahead. He's got a good plan for education. I hope the legislators and the governor can work together to get PA moving ahead," said Scranton resident Peter Cosgrove.
"And too often, when we`ve looked to our leaders for answers, we`ve been disappointed and frustrated to the point where we feel very cynical about our government and our future. I ran for governor because I refuse to be part of the first generation of Pennsylvanians forced to tell their kids that they need to go somewhere else to succeed," said Wolf.
Wolf spoke about the need for bipartisanship and new priorities. He'll need some cooperation as he begins his term with both houses of the legislature controlled by Republicans. But Wolf's strong victory in November gives him momentum to push through parts of his agenda, such as higher taxes on natural gas drillers.
"I'm all for taxing them because everything's being put on the poor people's backs and these people are not paying or they're not paying enough. I don't really know, but I think they should pay their fair share like the rest of us," said Lori Gensel of Wilkes-Barre.
The party has moved from the Capitol to the Hershey Lodge a few miles for Governor Tom Wolf's "Made In PA" celebration. It's the end of a full day of political pageantry for the new administration.
