John Lynch Sworn in as NH's 80th Governor

By David Darman on Thursday, January 6, 2005.

listen:

Democrat John Lynch was sworn in today as New Hampshire's 80th Governor.

In his inaugural address, he promised to end the statewide property tax, provide healthcare for needy children, and bring integrity back to the corner office.

New Hampshire Public Radio's David Darman has more.

In his inaugural address, the new governor stuck to themes he had campaigned on against his predecessor, Republican Craig Benson.

As in the campaign, Lynch promised he was a Democrat who understood the importance of keeping his administration scandal free.
let me be clear. i am not here to advocate for more government, but better government. and that starts with open, ethical and honest government. (cheers)

The governor said one of the biggest problems facing the state was a budget deficit he estimates to be 300 million dollars.

Under state law, the governor must present a new budget to lawmakers next month.

And he asked department heads to start from the beginning, and justify every dollar in their budgets.

Governor Lynch reminded lawmakers and the voters that he would stick to promises he made as a candidate as he developed the state's next spending plan.
in february, i will present this legislature an honest and balanced budget that reflects our values and our priorities as a state. and let me be clear. i will veto an income or a sales tax.

The new governor said he wanted to improve the economy and help businesses expand to create new jobs.

But Lynch said many businesses were being hampered by high health insurance costs.

The governor blamed the health care reform bill known as SB110 for forcing health insurance costs higher in the last 2 years.

Lynch asked lawmakers to help him undo that law now that he was taking office.
although passed with good intentions, sb110 is not working. delaying action, won't make this law better or its impact on our businesses and workers any less severe. we must repeal sb110 now!

The new governor also challenged lawmakers from both parties to find a permanent solution to the school funding dilemma that has faced the state for several years.

Lawmakers cheered Lynch when he called for targeted aid to towns that need it.

And they applauded when he promised to eliminate so called "donor towns" and repealthe statewide property tax.

And though he offered no specific plan to fund schools, he challenged Republican lawmakers to work with him to find a permanent solution to the problem.
i do not care who gets the credit. and neither do the people of new hampshire. they just want this solved. and it is up to all of us to live up to this responsibility this year.

Lynch also announced plans for what he would do immediately to make government more open under his administration.
In calling for higher ethical standards, he said he would sign an executive order that everyone who works in the governor's office must file a financial disclosure.

He also promised to create an Independent Ethics Commission to investigate any complaints against Executive Branch appointees.