Five Governors Sworn In, Urge Efforts to Excel, Reach Dreams

Governors were sworn in Monday in Illinois, Kansas, Ohio, Oklahoma and Oregon, with Republicans and Democrats alike urging their citizens to strive for excellence and reach for dreams.

The dean of the governors was Illinois’ James R. Thompson, who took the oath for a fourth term. Ohio’s Richard F. Celeste and Oklahoma’s Henry L. Bellmon were sworn in for second terms--although for Bellmon the terms have been separated by two decades. Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Neil E. Goldschmidt took over in Oregon, and Mike Hayden became only the second Republican governor of Kansas since 1965.

Thompson, a Republican, urged a “bold, entrepreneurial leap” into the 21st Century in his address.

“Today, I challenge us to help build the infrastructure of every child . . . their bodies, their minds, their spirit--so that the children of Illinois . . . will grow up second to none in the world,” said the nation’s longest-serving active governor.

‘Dreams Into Destiny’

Celeste, a Democrat, said the best hope for society was to “turn our best dreams into destiny.”

“Whether in science or in politics, whether in theory or in social policy, every accepted fact was once only a fond hope,” Celeste said. “Virtually everything now true was once simply someone’s dream.”

Bellmon, who in 1963 became Oklahoma’s first GOP governor, on Monday repeated the oath he had taken 24 years ago.

Bellmon returns to the governor’s office at a time of financial uncertainty, and his foremost task will be solving a $363-million projected budget shortfall.

Looking to Future

Goldschmidt, a Democrat and former Portland mayor who served in the Cabinet under former President Jimmy Carter, said the paramount interest of all Oregon leaders was improving the state for future generations.

U.S. Sens. Bob Dole and Nancy Landon Kassebaum looked on as Hayden, a fellow Kansas Republican, took the oath of office.

During a seven-minute speech, Hayden said he accepted the office of governor with “reverence for our past” and optimism for the future.

Kansas is regarded as a GOP bastion because of its congressional delegation and high Republican registration, but the only other Republican sworn in as governor since 1965 was Robert F. Bennett in 1975.