* Is it possible to successfully combine solemnity and swagger? If so, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. pulled it off. And I mean this in the nicest way. He seemed to understand well the gravity of the occasion - stepping into the highest statewide office, his host being the Utah National Guard and getting treated to the traditional 19-gun salute afforded incoming governors.
As for the swagger, well, even in a starched white shirt, Huntsman sounded a little like a pugilist. It's high time someone called the "naysayers" to task (Huntsman's word, not mine) for the arrogance that so often defines politics anymore in Utah. He zeroed in on the smugness that flourishes in a state run by perennial, one-party rule. Even though our new governor holds a lifetime pass to the club in power, he took a few well-deserved pokes at fellow members.
He promised his administration will "deliver innovative and novel approaches for creating jobs and expanding our economy." As for those who tell him it "can't be done," he didn't tap dance around. "To them I say: Stand aside and let those who believe lead out."
He vowed to spend political capital in order to move ahead.
Perhaps Huntsman was answering critics who underestimate him, paint him as a lightweight or tweak him for his platinum pedigree. But really, when was the last time you heard a conservative call for big change? The root of the word - conserve - means to save, to preserve, to cling to established traditions, institutions and to resist any changes to them. So here is Huntsman, a Utah Republican who, if we can believe his inaugural comments, just may reach out to the folks standing outside the tent. He might actually remind us that moderation and Republicanism can coexist.
Inauguration Day rhetoric? Mostly. But we can remember this day, and try to hold him to it.
* We now move from the acoustic perfection, gold and glitter of Abravanel Hall to the mauve and maroon industrial carpet of the Salt Lake County Government Center. There, new Mayor Peter Corroon described two seemingly incongruous emotions engulfing him: humility and pride. Replacing deposed Mayor Nancy Workman, who starts the new year facing trial on criminal charges of improperly diverting county funds, the humility part should be easy.
In stark contrast to his spendthrift predecessor, Corroon said he has already cut the mayor's budget by 30 percent and vowed to be not only "frugal, but to be compassionate and conservative."
A Democrat, employing the "C" word. It was a day of wonder, for sure.
* Everyone who took office at the county called for a new era of accountability, constituent service, openness and bipartisan cooperation. It was like they really, truly heard that great exhale of relief when Workman and her cohorts packed their bags and moved on. Hope they mean it.
* Best speech of the day: Outgoing acting Mayor Alan Dayton, who began with a reference to Johnny Cash's 1959 ballad "Five Feet High and Rising" and wove its lyrics throughout his remarks. Anyone who draws on the wisdom of Cash at an inauguration is OK in my book.
* Second best speech, by new council member at large, Jenny Wilson: In the interests of disclosure, she is my stepdaughter. But I can't pass this one up. In the midst of promising reform and hard work, she also referenced the insights of retired Miami Herald columnist Dave Barry. How can she go wrong?
hmullen@sltrib.com
