Delaware holds first virtual inauguration

A small, inside gathering was all that took place for the Jan. 19 inauguration of Gov. John Carney and Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long.

The ceremony was brief, with only a few family members attending, but it was followed by a prepared video in which both Carney and Hall-Long shared their remarks.

“This year has been an incredible balancing act,” Carney said, adding the state will continue to handle the current crisis while preparing for the future. “It gave us a clear picture of what we could do as a state.”

In a preview of his State of the State address set for Tuesday, Jan. 26, and his budget release Thursday, Jan. 28, Carney said smart fiscal policy has protected Delaware from budget challenges this year. He said investment in infrastructure, clean water and public schools will continue.

“We are well positioned to rebuild,” he said.

Hall-Long said she is confident and optimistic that Delaware will face the current pandemic and come out stronger.

“We saw communities rallying around one another, and we saw people acting with kindness and compassion for one another,” she said.

As 2021 moves forward, she said, getting vaccinated is one of the most important things to do.

“Gov. Carney and I are committed to ensure the timely, equitable and accessible distribution of the vaccines for all Delawareans,” she said.