Susana Martinez Becomes Governor Of New Mexico

Susana Martinez crossed a historic milestone Saturday as she was sworn into office and became New Mexico?s first elected woman governor, and the first Hispanic chief executive in the country.

For the past 14 years, Martinez had served as the Third Judicial District Attorney in Dona Ana County, and called her office inside the Government Center her home. But the first day of the new decade marked the beginning of a new era for Martinez.

“I am humbled by the privilege and I am ready to begin,” Gov. Martinez said, as she gave her inaugural address.

Beginning a new journey as Governor, Martinez spoke with confidence and eloquence, and conveyed a message of unity as she was sworn into office.

“I cannot promise we will always agree on methods but we will share the same goal of a just, prospering and limitless New Mexico,? Martinez said. ?A place where every mother’s child has the encouragement and fair opportunity to succeed, as my mother’s child has; a place where dreams are made.”

Even on a frigid morning where temperatures only reached the single digits, energy resonated from hundreds of New Mexicans crowded into Santa Fe?s plaza.

“It’s inspiring, I feel empowered to do whatever I want to do,? a teenage girl in the audience said. ?She has succeeded in her goal and starting a new chapter in her life, and I feel like I can do the same.”

Some local residents said Martinez?s inauguration is a celebration of hope and change the State so desperately needs.

“Transparency and accountability will be core values of my administration,” Martinez said.

Ethical practices some said they have waited 8 years to see restored.

“We’ve been missing that, I think that’s the first thing she ought to approach and then get our economy back,” a man who traveled from Farmington said.

Despite an inherited $400 Million deficit from Bill Richardson?s administration, and public schools ranking among the worst in the country, Martinez said New Mexicans are, ?stronger than the obstacles ahead?.

“We can, we must, and we will prevail over the adversity that confronts us now,” Martinez said.

In her speech, Martinez promised to restore New Mexico?s job market, rescue public education and create a government that represents the interests and character of those who live here.

“As families struggle to reduce their household budgets, so will government,? Martinez said. ?We won’t take more of your money from you or grow the deficit because we are not willing to make the same tough decisions you have had to make in your households.”

As Martinez begins her journey in Santa Fe, she appointed 17 year prosecutor and former Chief Deputy District Attorney, Amy Orlando, to take over as the new D.A. of the Third Judicial District.

“I will continue to build on what she’s done,? Orlando said. ?She’s made our office successful and I’ll continue to put victims first and fight hard for all victims.?

Martinez said she will continue to do the same, for each and every New Mexican.

Martinez?s first 60-day legislative session begins January 18th.