The LuLac Edition #1441, Jan. 18th, 2011

PHOTO INDEX: GOVERNOR TOM CORBETT.

ON TO CORBETT

Pennsylvania gets its 46th Governor today. Tom Corbett a 62 year old former Attorney General will be sworn in today in Harrisburg. Corbett’s GOP administration continues the 8 year cycle of party change in the Governor’s Mansion. That has existed since 1946.
Corbett was a two term Attorney General having held the job by appointment in the early 90s when Ernie Preate resigned. He is described as a good manager and a person not afraid to delegate. He will let his people do their jobs without micro managing. Corbett is said to ask questions, plot out a plan and pretty much stick to it. He will have Legislative free reign since all branches of government will be controlled by the Republican party. Corbett has pledged not to raise taxes and it will be interesting to see if he will try to levy any tax on the gas drillers coming into the state.
The new Governor has been married 37 years to the same woman, has two grown children and is a dog lover. A consensus builder, it will be interesting to see how he governs. Perceived as a right to moderate Republican, I’m waiting to see what type of reception he will get from the national GOP.
Local Republicans from both Luzerne and Lackawanna County will make the trip to Harrisburg today to attend the swearing in as well as the scaled down celebrations later in the evening.
As Tom Corbett embarks on his new role, we wish him well and hope for the best.

INAUGURATION DAY FACTS

PIETY AND PARTY: Corbett and his wife, Susan, will begin their public appearances at 8 a.m. with a Catholic Mass a block down State Street from the Capitol and can celebrate until midnight if they wish at the inaugural ball at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex at Cameron and Maclay streets.
SWEARING IN: The inaugural ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday. Corbett’s lieutenant governor-elect, Bucks County Commissioner Jim Cawley, will be sworn in before that. Corbett, a Republican who is the state attorney general, will take his oath on the steps of the east entrance to the Capitol, where a large fountain is framed by a granite amphitheater. He’s expected to speak for about 12 minutes. Rain/snow could move the event into The Forum.
THE GOOD BOOK: The state’s Supreme Court chief justice, Ronald D. Castille, will administer the oath. Susan Corbett will hold a William Penn Bible, which Corbett chose for its historical significance to the state. Printed in 1698, Gov. Dick Thornburgh also used it at his inauguration.
PARTY ON: The inaugural ball will feature three live bands, 30 bar stations and dozens of chefs toiling in five regionally themed pits preparing modern-day twists on distinctly Pennsylvania foods from venison pot pies to fried perch sliders to flaming mushrooms.
STYLING: Susan Corbett is planning to wear a floor-length gown made of butterscotch variegated organza that was created by a Cumberland County designer.
NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND: Protesters from around the state who support a moratorium on shale gas drilling — and criticize Corbett for accepting large campaign contributions from the industry — plan to assemble behind the Capitol before the ceremony.
DAY OFF: Nearly 10,000 state employees who work in downtown Harrisburg have been given the day off to ease traffic and parking congestion, a move that will cost taxpayers more than $2 million, and a number of buildings in the Capitol Complex will be closed. Meanwhile, legislators are expected to convene in Harrisburg that day and can claim a per diem for being there.
LEFTOVERS: Any leftover food from the ball will be donated to Channels Food Rescue, a nonprofit organization that collects donated food and distributes it to homeless shelters and soup kitchens.
PCN will have day long coverage.
Partial source: Harrisburg Patriot News