. . World News – US – Lt. . Gov. . Spencer Cox turns 18. Utah Governor sworn in

(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Governor-Elect Spencer Cox, Dec.. . 10, 2020 at the governor’s villa.

After his inauguration, Cox stood in front of the Redrock in southwest Utah and considered the « valuable lessons ». learned last year that Utah was marked by a global pandemic, earthquake, and the spread of misinformation that at times seemed to move as fast as the virus.

Through the challenges of the coronavirus outbreak, he said, « Individuals, communities, industries and countries have found ways to adapt and innovate in impossible circumstances. « . a???? And he was amazed at the ways in which Utahns in particular have emerged in the chaos, sewing six million masks and robes and helping neighbors repair uprooted trees and damaged houses after earthquakes and hurricane winds.

But Cox also recognized the many challenges facing the nation and state, including the political division that emerged upon his inauguration when dozens of protesters lined the path into the event and sang « God ». The land of Cox, not the land of Cox! and holding signs deciphering government coronavirus mandates.

« We are more divided than ever in our lives as the news is full of riot and protest, including one right outside this venue today. « Said Cox. Hateful rhetoric dominates our political discourse. We face a crisis of empathy, a scourge of contempt. Very little feels « united » about the United States today. â ????

However, Cox argued that « it’s not too late to fix this ». and quoted a number of American leaders as urging the state’s residents to come together to write the next chapter in Utah history and to prove that, indeed, our greatest days are still ahead of you. â ????

« I come to you from the smallest town and the most humble of circumstances, » he concluded, his voice breaking with emotion. In taking a sacred oath today, my family and I promise you our hearts and hands for the next four years. We will succeed together as one Utah. â ????

In addition to Cox and Henderson, auditor John Dougall, treasurer David Damschen and attorney general Sean Reyes swore their oath of office at the ceremony on Monday.

Cox said on Twitter on Sunday that Henderson’s speech marked the first time in the history of the state a lieutenant governor spoke at an inauguration ceremony.

The preparations for tomorrow’s inauguration are almost complete. Can I tell you what I am most excited about? Lt. . Gov @DeidreHenderson will be the first LG in Utah history to speak at an inauguration. Nobody deserves it anymore. Turn on all major channels or C-Span at 11am. picture. Twitter. com / VkflyJwz9X

As she spoke, Henderson, the state’s second governor, promised all Utahns under the Cox administration an opportunity and assured them that there was room for you at the table ???? but that there would be no « token leadership ». â ????

« We no longer need women in public just to give expert opinions on women’s issues. « . We no longer need people of color in government halls just to help us solve minority problems. And we don’t need rural utahns to serve in our administration just to help the people in their hometowns. she said. No, we need to have all of our voices represented so that we can best solve the difficult problems that lie ahead. â ????

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event also looked different than in previous years. Participation in the Tuacahn open-air amphitheater was around 25% of the usual capacity of 1. 920 seats were limited and the guests had to distance themselves physically.

Cox arrived in southwest Utah for a « Day of Service » ahead of the inauguration. with the Utah Food Bank on Saturday. On Sunday he and Henderson attended several services as part of a « day of prayer ». before visiting a « freedom chimney » ???? hosted by the St. . George Interfaith Council.

During his campaign, he spoke about reforming economic incentive programs to focus more on local businesses and expressed support for the abolition of state sales tax on food.

A schedule of Cox’s first week at work shows that he plans to fill much of it with meetings. including with cabinet members, educational stakeholders, minority leaders and other lawmakers ???? and with interviews with the media. On Thursday he plans to announce his budget for fiscal year 2022.

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Spencer Cox, Utah, Deidre Henderson, Lieutenant Governor, Gary Herbert