Gov. Piyush “Bobby” Jindal was sworn into office Monday, marking what he called a milestone on a “long and important journey.” Jindal, 36, is the first Indian-American governor nationwide and the fourth Republican to hold office in Louisiana since Reconstruction. He entered office with his wife, Supriya, at his side and four former governors at his back. Jindal thanked God several times during his speech. He also thanked former Gov. Kathleen Blanco for her service to the state in “the most difficult and trying times we could ever imagine.” Jindal’s main message addressed a new and better Louisiana. He invited Louisianians to “celebrate a new beginning” with him. The governor’s message emphasized a unified state, in which people from all parties and regions can work together. Jindal said Louisiana has been under the spotlight of the world and has been poorly reflected. “We don’t live in a poor state,” Jindal said. “We’ve had a state with poor leadership.” Jindal said stereotypes about corruption in the state have cost it credibility and driven away business investors. “Let us all resolve that era ends today,” Jindal said to great applause. Jindal announced a Feb. 10 special session of the state legislature for “comprehensive ethics reform.” New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin said he wants Jindal to “deliver on what he’s saying and have the courage to really push this ethics thing.” Nagin said while money is important to the recovery process, Jindal’s plan comes first. Jindal said an economic reform will also be necessary because the state’s regulations and taxes have driven away investors for too long. “Our message will be clear,” Jindal said. “If you want to grow your company, Louisiana will grow with you.” He called to bring home all Louisianans displaced by Hurricane Katrina and said the state needed their energy and assets. “A great harvest in economy is not measured in bushels or bales, but in brain power,” Jindal said. The governor asked teachers and business investors to stick it out in the state and to “make every day not just a job, but a mission.” Jindal said state conditions were not acceptable before the hurricanes because the economy was lagging, the road systems were poor and the education system was below the mark. “A vibrant economy and high-performing schools are things that every Louisiana community needs,” Jindal said. Jindal ended the speech with his catch phrase: “We can change. We must change. We will change.” Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu said few people have “generated the hope and confidence that our next governor will.”
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