Wolf takes office, in courtship mode

The real tests of bipartisanship have yet to begin for Governor Tom Wolf’s administration, but some took note of a brief bipartisan commendation at the beginning of Wolf’s inaugural address. Less than two minutes into the speech, Republican House Speaker Mike Turzai got a shout-out.”Let me say a special thanks to Speaker Mike Turzai, for reminding us when he was sworn in as speaker of the House that we “cannot take lightly the great history of democracy of which we are a part,” and encouraging, as he said that, all members of the legislature to meet with people across the aisle,” said Wolf. “That’s important.”No other legislative leaders were similarly recognized, and the reference got the attention of those who have been paying close attention to the way the incoming administration has tried to woo a legislature controlled by Republicans. Those efforts include an informal dinner with Republican and Democratic legislative leaders, as well as handwritten notes and phone calls to individual honchos. “He’s already building a relationship, and you can see that up there,” said Democratic House Minority Leader Frank Dermody, calling the Turzai quote a “little touch that makes a difference.””If you’re friends and trust each other… when you disagree, you disagree, but there’s always tomorrow,” said Dermody. Turzai, for his part, called Wolf’s remarks “very gracious,” according to subscription news service Capitolwire. Wolf’s speech, as promised, was short on details. If the gubernatorial campaign was a chance to magnify Pennsylvania’s challenges, inauguration day was about zooming out. “I laid out a plan during the campaign to give Pennsylvania a fresh start, and we will debate those ideas, I know, in the days and months and years to come,” said Wolf, turning to his left to look at the legislative leaders sitting on the dais. “But I want you to know that for the next four years, my administration will be dedicated to three simple things: First, jobs that pay. Second, schools that teach. And, third, a government that works.””I await the opportunity to hear the specifics on Gov. Wolf’s ideas in the coming weeks,” said Republican Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman in a written statement. “Our top priority remains to control spending and keep taxes down for working families and job-creators.”Supporters in attendance at the inauguration included members of the “Wolf Pack” — campaign volunteers like Don Hoover, a resident of York County. Hoover said he’s well aware that the governor will be going to work with lawmakers who don’t share his priorities. “The voters I know realize that the Legislature’s badly gerrymandered and that he’s going to have to be extremely persuasive,” Hoover said of Wolf. “But we’ll see. He can be.”Melissa Henry, of Philadelphia, said she’ll support the governor even if he comes up short on his campaign promises at first. “Anyone that’s making an opportunity or taking a chance to better Pennsylvania as a whole, I’m all for it,” said Henry, “because it’s going to take someone that’s miraculous.”Wolf didn’t promise miracles. He ended his inaugural speech asking for help, ideas, and hard work. Then, he walked with his family back into the Capitol and took the elevator up the several flights to his new office. There, Wolf greeted his cabinet for the first time as governor, stopping the applause to rib his campaign manager about donning a coat and tie. The governor stood with his new team as they were sworn in. The event was closed to the press, but streamed on PCN television. “Congratulations,” said the man administering the oath of office. “It’s official.”