Jim Grant/Nevada AppealNevada Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Douglas, left, gives Gov. Brian Sandoval the oath of office on Monday.
In an optimistic call to arms, Gov. Brian Sandoval on Monday predicted Nevada will emerge from this recession with restored optimism and opportunity but a very different looking government.
"By 2014, we will emerge with a smaller, more efficient state government, an education system we can be proud of and a supply of good jobs transformed by a forever-changed economy," he told a crowd outside the state Capitol after taking the oath of office.
To do so, he said he is calling on state agencies, educators and all branches of government to "achieve efficiencies at every turn so that we might spend less and serve more."
About 400 people turned out on the cold January morning for the ceremony. Numerous present and former state and local officials, lobbyists and agency administrators were in attendance. They gathered around the steps of the Capitol amid the highest security ever for a Nevada gubernatorial inauguration. Security even shut down Carson Street between Robinson and Fifth streets.
Sandoval said the economic rules have changed during this recession.
"We live in a time when the odds seem to be against us," he said. "The earth has shifted beneath out feet. The old rules no longer apply in a new global economy."
He said that has been disastrous for some as the state's unemployment climbed to record levels.
Sandoval said the state can and must rise to the challenge, making tough choices to change how state government does business.
"I find no satisfaction in the difficult decisions we must soon make," he said.
But he said he is optimistic "because I have faith in the leadership gathered here with me, in the team we have assembled to lead state government and especially in the people who look to us for leadership.
He admitted the task won't be easy.
One state worker leaving as the speech wrapped up wasn't quite as optimistic.
"Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss," he said, referencing a lyric by The Who.
There was only one small protest by an unidentified man walking down Carson Street. The sign he held up said: "Don't be a pawn of power."
Sandoval was the only new face on the dais as the state's six constitutional officers were sworn in to four-year terms. The others - Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki, Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto, Secretary of State Ross Miller, Treasurer Kate Marshall and Controller Kim Wallin - are all entering their second four-year terms.
Supreme Court Justices Jim Hardesty and Ron Parraguirre were sworn in to second six-year terms.
Among those attending were three of Nevada's surviving former governors: Robert List, Richard Bryan and Bob Miller. Outgoing Gov. Jim Gibbons was reportedly undergoing a medical procedure and couldn't attend. Sandoval warned them he would be calling for advice as he moves through the next four years.
Dema Guinn, the unofficial organizer of Sandoval's inaguration ceremonies, was also unable to attend.
"In less than four years, Nevada will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its statehood," he said. "I say to you on this day, in the spirit of those who have sworn this oath before me, that when the clock strikes on that 150th anniversary, Nevada will be Nevada again."