Delaware Governor Jack Markell starts second term

Markell officially started his second term as Delaware’s governor, taking the oath of office before a packed crowd at Central Middle School in Dover.

 

Markell was sworn in by state Supreme Court Chief Justice Myron Steele inside the school’s auditorium after a forecast for rain forced organizers to move the inaugural ceremony from its traditional spot on the Green outside Legislative Hall.

In his inaugural address, Markell focused on the grand theme of legacy, both the state’s and his own.  Coming just two days before his annual State of the State Address, Markell stayed away from policy and focused more on how the decisions state leaders make now will impact future generations.  

“They may not know our names and they certainly won’t know our faces,” Markell said of those who will gather for an inauguration ceremony 100 years from now.  “But they will know what we have done, whether we have made Delaware better or worse in our time, because it is they who will live with the results.”

Lieutenant Governor Matt Denn was also sworn in to a second term.  He talked about the sacrifice members of the military are still making to protect freedom, even introducing a trio of soldiers who fought near the Afghanistan/Pakistan border.  He says while they and other members of Delaware’s National Guard have made tremendous sacrifices, what is asked of other Delawareans is relatively little. 

“To look out for our neighbors, now more than ever when many still struggle, and to care for all of our state’s children with a passion that at least approaches that which we fell for our own.”  

There was a light moment after Denn finished his address, which he started in typical fashion by describing his love and appreciation for his twin sons and his wife, Michele.  When it was Markell’s turn to speak, he turned to his family and said, “All the wonderful things that Lt. Gov. Denn said about Michele and his kids, ditto.”

Markell will get down to business Thursday during his State of the State Address.  On Monday, he outlined his five point agenda to reform Delaware’s gun laws.  Thursday, he will unveil more of his plans to improve school security and mental health treatment for young people.  

You can watch Markell’s State of the State Address in its entirety on WHYY-TV starting at 7:30 Thursday night.