Bill Lee mixed images of Tennessee's past and future in his first remarks as the state's chief executive. In the inaugural address he delivered in Nashville on Saturday afternoon, Lee spoke of building on the work of his predecessor, Bill Haslam. But Lee also outlined broad contours for change, particularly in education.
His opening words underscored the condition of the government Lee inherits from Haslam.
“From education to economic development you’ve laid a remarkable foundation. We are the envy of many states, and it’s due in large part to your leadership,” he said, shortly after being sworn in by Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Jeffrey Bivins.
Lee’s address also built on themes that underpinned his 2018 campaign for the state’s highest elected office.
“I believe that education is more than a test score,” Lee said. “A resurgence of vocational, technical and agricultural education, and the inclusion of civics and character education, combined with reforms, will take Tennessee to the top tier of states.”
Lee talked about the work ahead in improving rural economic development, saying some of the region’s most economically-distressed ZIP codes are in Tennessee. Fifteen of the state’s 95 counties are considered economically distressed, according to federal data. Another 29 are considered at risk. In the coming days, Lee is expected to announce what his press secretary, Laine Arnold, called a "rural roadmap" for development.
The state can be smart on crime and tough crime simultaneously, Lee said. His push for criminal justice reforms builds on moves begun under Haslam. “We need to help non-violent offenders re-enter society, not re-enter prison,” he said.
More details are expected to come with governor’s first budget proposal, which should be submitted to the General Assembly in March, Arnold said.
Tennessee’s 50th governor took the oath of office at the War Memorial Auditorium, a rare indoor inauguration forced by heavy rain and storms moving across the area. Former governors Lamar Alexander, Winfield Dunn and Phil Bredesen, Congressmen Tim Burchett and Chuck Fleischmann, and General Assembly members from East Tennessee were in attendance.
The official welcome for Bill Lee also served as a formal farewell to Bill Haslam, departing after eight years in office. Haslam and his wife Crissy were warmly received by the crowd, receiving a sustained ovation.
In his brief remarks, Haslam said they would soon get into a car – with Haslam behind the wheel “for the first time in eight years,” he joked – and go home to Knoxville.
“There won’t be two more grateful people than the two in that car,” Haslam said, his voice breaking with emotion. “And I can’t thank you enough.”
Lee’s day began with a worship service at the Grand Ole Opry. 2,500 to 2,700 people attended, Arnold said. His cabinet was sworn in en masse after his inaugural address. Guided tours of the state capitol building were set to take place in the afternoon. Saturday evening, two ticketed inauguration balls will host political supporters and dignitaries. Inauguration weekend moves to the governor’s mansion on Sunday. The residence will be open for tours. Arnold said “a few thousand” people are expected to pass through the mansion’s doors.