(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - Governor Mike Dunleavy took the oath of office at noon today becoming the 12th Governor of the State of Alaska. Standing by his side during the ceremony in the Western Alaska community of Kotzebue were First Lady Rose Dunleavy and daughters Maggie, Catherine and Ceil Ann. The swearing-in was originally planned to take place in Noorvik his wife's hometown but, in classic Alaska fashion, thick fog over Noorvik diverted the flight to Kotzebue.

Mandated by the Alaska Constitution, a governor is be sworn in by noon on the first Monday of December.

Today’s ceremony also marked the first time a U.S. governor was sworn into office above the Arctic Circle, reflecting Governor Dunleavy’s deep appreciation and close personal ties to the land and people of rural Alaska. It's also the first time an Alaska Governor has chosen to hold the ceremony in a rural community.

Governor Dunleavy was elected to be an agent of change. His administration’s core priorities are to make Alaska safe again, preserve the Permanent Fund Dividend program on behalf of every Alaskan, reduce state spending, get the economy moving again, champion rural schools, and uphold constitutional rights.

The Governor and First Lady planned to return to Anchorage this afternoon before traveling to Juneau later for an open house at the Governor’s residence.

Governor Dunleavy was born and raised in a working-class family in Scranton, Pennsylvania. In 1983 he moved to Alaska where he spent almost 20 years in rural Alaska where he met his wife, Rose from Noorvik. Married almost 30 years, their three daughters, Maggie, Catherine, and Ceil were raised in both rural and urban Alaska. They have made their home in the Mat-Su Valley since 2004. Dunleavy was a former teacher and school administrator who lived in Kotzebue.

During the same ceremony, former State Senator Kevin Meyer was sworn in as Alaska's 14th Lieutenant Governor. In attendance for the ceremony were his wife Marty and his daughters Karly and Valentina.

The Lieutenant Governor has limited duties under the state constitution: to succeed the governor if necessary, and to oversee initiatives and referendums. The Lieutenant governor is in charge of the division of elections and guardian of the state seal.

Meyer served as a Republican member of the Alaska Senate from January 20, 2009 to December 3, 2018, representing District M. Lt. Governor Meyer was President of the Alaska Senate, leading a caucus of 14 Republicans and 1 Democrat from 2015 to 2017. Meyer served in the Alaska Legislature continuously from 2003 to 2018, in both the Alaska House of Representatives and Senate. He works as an Investment Recovery Coordinator for ConocoPhillips. Lt. Governor Meyer moved to Alaska 40 years ago from rural Beatrice, Nebraska to work for ConocoPhilips, a company he still works for today. The family lives in Anchorage.

The current Speaker of the Alaska House Rep. Bryce Edgmon and the State Representative John Lincoln who represents Kotzebue released the following statements after today’s ceremony.

“I met Governor Dunleavy almost 30 years ago when he was Vice Principal of our elementary school, and I applaud his decision to hold his swearing-in ceremony in Northwest Alaska,” said Rep. Lincoln (D-Kotzebue).

Lincoln said, “On the trail to Noorvik this morning, I was reminded once again of how beautiful our region is and how grateful I am to call it home. The recent earthquake and other weather challenges forced a change of plans and demonstrated the humility, adaptability, and togetherness that life in rural Alaska instills in people. I look forward to working with Governor Dunleavy with the same spirit to address the needs and opportunities in our district, other rural areas, and all of Alaska. Congratulations to Governor Dunleavy, the First Lady, and their entire family. And a special thank you to Noorvik for hosting a wonderful event.”

Speaker of the Alaska House Rep. Bryce Edgmon (D-Dillingham) said, “I would like to offer my congratulations to Governor Dunleavy. In the coming months, we will identify opportunities to find common ground and address the challenges facing Alaska. I look forward to working with the new Governor on legislation and policies to put Alaskans first and to grow our state into the future.”

Although the ceremony was held in Kotzebue, the residents of Noorvik were able to watch a live feed of the swearing in . Dunleavy had originally chosen Noorvik for the ceremony as Noorvik is the First Lady Rose's home town.

The incumbent, Governor Bill Walker dropped his re-election bid in October. Former Governor Walker stated in his final release from the Governor's office today, "I wish Governor-elect Dunleavy and his family the best as they continue the work of recovering, and building a united and prosperous state. I leave him this office, grateful for every day I had in it. And most of all, I leave this office grateful to call this state my home."

In a press released Sunday, Walker said that Lt. Gov. Valerie Nurr'araaluk Davidson, First Lady Donna, and he unfortunately would not be able to attend Monday's swearing-in ceremony. Walker said, "Given the nature and aftermath of Friday’s earthquake, the lieutenant governor and I will remain in Anchorage to assist with the reopening of state facilities and damaged infrastructure.'

Walker said he discussed this plan of action with Governor-elect Mike Dunleavy at the State Emergency Operation Center at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Friday and wished him and his Administration the best as they take office and assume control of the Central Alaska earthquake recovery efforts.

This evening Governor Mike Dunleavy held his first official cabinet meeting in Anchorage. Each commissioner and acting commissioner delivered an earthquake assessment and status report for each state department.

Source of News:

Office of Governor Mike Dunleavy
www.gov.alaska.gov

Alaska House Majority Coalition
www.akleg.gov

 

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