New governor: Brian Sandoval takes the oath

Gov. Brian Sandoval’s Monday inauguration speech was equal parts optimism and realism: confident reassurance that renewed prosperity lies ahead, but caution that more sacrifice and hardship will be required to get there.

He did not directly restate it, but Gov. Sandoval’s campaign pledge to veto any tax increase was the foundation of the address. The Republican’s commitment to that promise and his eagerness to work with the Legislature’s majority Democrats on a budget solution inspire some confidence that Nevada’s significant economic challenges can be met.

“Together, we will not fail,” Gov. Sandoval said. “Together we must craft a new promise of opportunity for tomorrow — even if it means sharing in sacrifice today.

“I am calling on all Nevadans to come to the table ready to tackle our problems without regard to political party, geography, or personal agenda.

“I am calling on state agencies to re-examine their missions with an eye toward fostering job growth and improving the quality of life for all Nevadans.

“I am calling on all branches of government to achieve efficiencies at every turn so that we might spend less and serve more. …

“In less than four years, Nevada will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its statehood. … By 2014, we will emerge with a smaller, more efficient state government, an education system we can be proud of, and a supply of good jobs transformed by a forever-changed economy. …

“History unfolds around us. … The Nevada I know will choose action, courage and opportunity. We will choose optimism. I know this in my heart.”

Gov. Sandoval’s term will be judged four years hence not solely on how he interacted with lawmakers in forging a balanced general fund budget, nor on how many government and educational reforms he signs into law.

His legacy will be defined by the state’s standard of living. Four years from now, will we be better off than today?

There are signs that Nevada is emerging from recession. But job growth and the housing sector remain powerful drags on a weak recovery.

Gov. Sandoval struck just the right tone Monday. His inauguration was a sufficient introduction to his proposed two-year budget, which will be released later this month. Then the governor — and Nevada — can move beyond broad emotions and into the nitty gritty of specifics.

Then the hard work really begins.