SECTION TWO
Joan Finney joins the Intertribal Dancers at the swearing-in ceremony at the Statehouse. After the ceremony, Finney was presented with a ceremonial shawl.
Finney moves in
By Patricia Rojas
Kansan staff writer
TOPEKA — In between an American Indian dance and a Christian benediction, Joan Finney became the first woman to be elected governor of Kansas during Monday's inauguration and the south steps of the statehouse.
Holding up a feather and smiling to the crowd, Finey danced to Indian folk music as Pete Fee, a member of the band of American Indians, greeted her.
"Governor Finney, this is your victory dance." Fee said.
Mike Hayden welcomed his successor on behalf of all former Kansas governors.
"I want you to know, Joan, from the bottom of our hearts, we wish you the very, very best. Hayden said. We are fortunate that we can be of assistance to you, we stand at
your beck and call. God bless you."
Newly elected chief justice of the Kansas Supreme Court, Richard W. Holmes, administered Finey's on duty. Office was sworn in during Monday's ceremony by Secretary of State Bill Graves.
During her inaugural speech, Finney acknowledged the other state officials sworn in during the ceremony, which included judges, justices and Lieutenant Gov. James Francisco.
"I join the other elected Kansas officials and the fine team of state employees to assure to people that we are protecting them pressed within these walls," she said.
"I will strive to bring out the best in every Kansan, and by so doing, we can show that I am proud of you."
Finney said her administration would work together with every organization she worked at.
as well as with labor "to move
pass to the forefront of our path
She reminded listeners of the threat of war and asked Kansans to support each other and remain united.
"In this moment in time, let we who are Kansans fold our hands in prayer for those who prepare to give their lives, if necessary, for this land." Finney said. "This land which has been dedicated to our government of the people, by the people and for the people."
In her closing statement, Finney talked about a future built on the past of the company.
"We move forward into the future with a sense of dedication and determination, embracing their values, and we will step forward into this decade," she said. "A decade for the future is now."
M. Phillip Rowlands/KANSAN
Above: A scene from the 1991 inauguration ceremony is reflected in the sousaphone of Specialist Jeff Cowger of the 35th Infantry Division of the Kansas Army National Guard Band. Below: Gov. Joan Finney lays a wreath at the foot of a statue dedicated to the pioneer women of Kansas. Finney, who was sworn in Monday, is the first female governor in Kansas history.
Above: James Rueger, adjutant general of Kansas, escorts Gov. Joan Finney as she reviews troops of the 35th Infantry Division of the Kansas Army National Guard. Right: Students from Whitson Elementary School in Topeka sing "Home On The Range" during inaugural ceremonies at the Statehouse.
Jane Rudotph/KANSAN
Jane Rudolph/KANSAN