Huntsman acknowledges some may think his plans to transform Utah's government and economy from within and bridge the state's racial and religious divide are overreaching. But he figures he's the man to turn that risky venture into a velvet revolution.

In a brisk swearing-in ceremony and speech Monday, Utah's 16th governor painted a vision for his term in office with broad, inclusive words and ideas.

"Although our defining roots may be different, they need not divide us," he said. "A fundamental aspect of my administration will be to eliminate divisions by creating a common destiny. The best way to bring people together is by developing ways to work together and by doing so, we learn that our differences are not always as great as we might imagine."

Huntsman's approach to the next four years might be gleaned from the highly choreographed Inauguration Day itself. The event was staged at an unfamiliar venue - Abravanel Hall. About 30 stand-by ticket holders filed into the back rows with minutes to spare. A 19-gun salute taped at Camp Williams last week was played after a live television feed was plagued by technical problems. And after his speech, Huntsman kissed his wife, Mary Kaye - on the forehead - rather than the other way around.

But Utah's new governor also borrowed from comfortable tradition: He placed his hand on the Bible of his grandfather, the late LDS Church apostle David B. Haight. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir's rendition of "Battle Hymn of the Republic" raised the expected goosebumps. He saluted his tearful father and mother, seated in the best balcony seat in the house. All living former Utah governors - Olene Walker, Mike Leavitt, Norm Bangerter and Cal Rampton - were present, along with Huntsman's 2004 Democratic opponent, Scott Matheson Jr. And despite planning to shake hands for just 25 minutes, before whisking upstairs to a VIP reception, Huntsman mingled for an hour.

"He's been trained well since he was a young boy," said Jon Huntsman Sr. "It's a day where I think all of our family feels greatly blessed and very proud of the people of the state of Utah and, of course, our new governor."

Joining Huntsman in taking the oath of office were Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert, Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, Treasurer Ed Alter and Auditor Auston Johnson.

In a speech he was still tinkering with Monday morning after a short, one-mile jog, Utah's new chief executive said the current generation of Utahns can learn from the state's diverse pioneer past.

"As Utahns, we are all defined by hard work, strong morals, and love of state," Huntsman said. "But I fear we are losing one trait that our forbearers found absolutely indispensable - the ability not to fear change. With change comes progress and opportunity.

"I will not allow us to lose the valuable lessons from generations past," he added. "This state was built on opportunities - the rugged individuals who put progress before self, who took extraordinary risks and who ventured eagerly into the new frontier territories all in the name of a better tomorrow.

"We will not fear change. We will embrace opportunity."

Huntsman has outlined a four-point agenda for his term focused on boosting the state's economy, paying for a bursting bubble of school-aged children, reinforcing state buildings and highways and transit systems and reforming government. But the as-yet-unknown details of his plans - including modernizing the state's tax system and promoting ethics reform - could raise hackles on Capitol Hill. The governor will flesh out his ideas in a State of the State speech the week of Jan. 17.

Former Govs. Leavitt and Walker both supported Huntsman's call for change.

"Every governor has to come in with a sense of the need to get busy and do things. That's what I did," Walker said. Huntsman "was setting the same initiative for himself."

Leavitt said he is optimistic about Utah's future with Huntsman at the helm. "Improvement only comes with change. And this state, as any other institution, needs to be constantly looking for new and better ways to do things," Leavitt said.

But others braced Huntsman for the political boiler room. In the opening prayer, Michael Kouremetis, head priest for Greek Orthodox Church in Salt Lake City, blessed Huntsman with the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of David and the guidance of John the Divine, all Biblical figures.

And Gordon B. Hinckley, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, pleaded for cooperation among Utahns.

"We pray that there may be harmony and a desire and a will to work together as we are led forward in the years that lie ahead," Hinckley said in his benediction. "May government function in such a way that it may promote the general welfare, the economic strength and the well-being and progress of the people of the great commonwealth of Utah."

For now, lawmakers, special-interest advocates and even the governor's natural political opponents are falling in line behind a harmonious transfer of power.

"He certainly wanted to set a tone of reaching across political and religious divides," said Utah Democratic Party Chairman Donald Dunn. "I hope others will help him along the way."

Legislators say Huntsman's diplomatic style has eased his transition into the state's top office.

"He's been willing to talk to Senate and House leadership about some of his challenges. And he's asked for our input. That's unique. We haven't had that before," said Senate Majority Leader Peter Knudson, a Brigham City Republican.

Provo GOP Sen. Curt Bramble says Huntsman's statesmanlike approach could do away with the clichéd notion of a "honeymoon" period when legislators and new governors get along - but only until the first fight over the budget. "It's possible to discuss issues without putting people in boxes or creating division," Bramble said. "That's where Governor Huntsman's skills will become very visible."

Shane Sadler and Alison Lozano, with the Governor's Council for People With Disabilities, lined up outside the symphony hall three hours early to snag stand-by tickets Nos. 8 and 9, just hoping to hear what Huntsman had to say.

"We're anticipating Governor Huntsman's term will be very progressive. We're here to support him in that," Lozano said. "We're hopeful he has an agenda for people with disabilities on it."

Even leaders of the gay community, who were snubbed when Huntsman backed Utah's marriage amendment, are giving the new governor the benefit of the doubt. Huntsman has backed legislation that would give cohabiting adults, including gay couples, some rights of marriage including inheritance and end-of-life decision-making.

"He has been reaching out to everyone. It's very healthy for someone in his position to be willing to listen and have an open door for anyone who comes in," said Michael Mitchell, director of Equality Utah.

But others remained skeptical before the governor's speech.

Reva Wadsworth, a retired North Salt Lake school teacher, picked up a standby-ticket hoping to validate her decision to put a Huntsman campaign sign in front of her house last year. "I never did know what he stood for," she said. "I want to know what he's got to say. I want to know what's in his head. That's very important."

At least one resident complained about being locked out of Huntsman's office. Western Wildlife Conservancy Director Kirk Robinson says the new governor has left advocates of Utah's wildlife out of discussions of cabinet appointments, particularly the Natural Resources Department director.

"He is either unaware of our existence or doesn't think we count, further suggesting that his politics will be exclusionary and divisive when it comes to wildlife management," Robin- son said. "But I might turn out to be wrong and I hope I am."

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Tribune reporters Thomas Burr and Heather May contributed to this story.