One North Carolina

Today we celebrate one North Carolina. One North Carolina where every community matters, where every family can contribute and where every individual counts.

History will record that this day marks the first inauguration of the new century — and the first administration of a governor born after World War II.

But history will hold its kindest words for those who have brought us so far and will record our admiration and affection for them.

For just as today is notable for this new generation of leaders taking office, it must also serve as a tribute to those who are laying aside the mantle of leadership they have worn so long and so well.

For a quarter century our public purse has been safeguarded by our treasurer, Harlan Boyles.

For nearly thirty years as legislator, judge and chief justice, Henry Frye has brought integrity to committee rooms and courtrooms.

For thirty-six years as commissioner of agriculture, the family farmer’s best friend has been Jim Graham.

And history must save its fairest pages and finest prose for Jim Hunt, who served with distinction for twenty years as lieutenant governor and governor. Historians will be hard pressed to find words that convey the feelings of warmth and gratitude we hold for Jim and Carolyn Hunt.

So today one administration ends and a new one begins. One century passes and a new century is born. And with humility, we accept our responsibility.

But let me assure all here today that the same values that brought us this far will continue to guide us as we go forward to face new challenges.

And we will be challenged, as a new generation, to achieve as much and as well as we have received; to be aware of our inheritance and be worthy of our opportunities; and to use the talents and resources we have been given.

I speak for all North Carolinians as I say this: when we are faced with responsibility, no matter how serious or difficult, we will not flinch.

We will be restless-and dissatisfied with the status quo — just as those before us rejected the ease and pleasures of traveling the old, familiar path and embraced the uncertainty of change. Let us be bold as we work to improve the lot of those who follow us, and of generations yet unborn.

We must remember that North Carolina is more than a collection of regions and people. We are one State, one people, one family, bound by a common concern for each other. Our economic and educational development must reflect this common spirit of purpose as we build our future.

Just as we take pride in our diversity of culture, heritage and personality, let us be proud of our united commitment to this moral promise:

That every child — whether born in the mountains of the west, the beaches of the east, or the sand hills and foothills between — will have a fair opportunity to reach his or her full potential.

That every child will have full opportunity to learn in every classroom in every community.

That every child will have a genuine opportunity to be in the winner’s circle of our New Economy.

And let every citizen know that the doors of educational opportunity will remain open to them throughout their lives.

For we here in North Carolina — not more than sixty days ago by popular referendum — reaffirmed our commitment to our outstanding public university system and to our community college system, which is already the envy of the nation, open to every family, every community, and every person of every age.

It is a commitment that began over 200 years ago with the first State-supported university in America. And now, we have established the national model for early childhood development.

We are now in reach of establishing an educational system insuring:

That every child enters school ready to learn;

That every student graduates ready to work;

And that all citizens have the opportunity to learn as much as they can for as long as they want — from the high chair to the rocking chair.

Certainly we still have a distance to travel on the achievement of our public schools. Our commitment started early — our Public School Law of 1839 was far-reaching in its day. But we must do more. We cannot be content to be a leader in the nation in most categories of education; we must be a leader in all categories of education.

Our progress in education has been steady. But the demands of this New Economy have outpaced our efforts to keep the work force prepared — both here and across the nation.

Today let us recognize that the New Economy demands the Best Education.

As the New Economy thrives on technology, so must the Best Education teach it.

As the New Economy requires life-long learning, so must the Best Education provide it.

As the New Economy requires more from workers, so must the Best Education raise the standards for students.

Over the past century, our State has prospered. But our prosperity, unfortunately, has been selective. Many communities have strong and robust economies, while others languish.

North Carolina values require that we all work together to spread our success — not by taking wealth from any region, but by creating opportunity and expertise in every region until we include every family in every county in North Carolina.

For in one North Carolina, we are each other’s individual and economic security. Neither our faith, our values, nor economic interests will allow us to stand idle in the face of poverty or diminished opportunity.

Our economy and commerce require — and our compassion demands — that we improve the human condition of all citizens. That is the most basic and, at the same time, the most significant value North Carolinians share.

Just as the past generation had the courage to reach across the racial divide to bring all people together for morality and progress, this generation must reach across the digital divide to join together all communities in a stronger statewide economy.

Let it be clear that our New Economy will not replace the old. Technology will be used to enhance and revitalize not replace our agriculture or textile industry. Those enterprises and industries that served as the foundation for our past successes will not fall by the wayside due to advances in biotechnology. Rather they will form new alliances that will benefit us all.

But such progress can be achieved only through a knowledge-based economy.

Thus we must be committed to the goal that the most knowledgeable population in the nation will be found within the borders of this State.

This is indeed a lofty goal, but a worthy and attainable one. This is an endeavor, which continues and expands that vision we have held for over two centuries.

I am aware that we face adversities. But it is the darkest hours that draw out the brightest stars. So now is the time to let our talents shine bright as we call on all citizens to do their part.

It is our people, more than our institutions, that will determine our success. We must ask every student to learn more and every teacher to teach more. But we must also ask every parent to love more, every family to care more, and every community to lead more.

Let us focus high above the horizon — on those things that matter most in our lives. Let us look into the distance so as not to be distracted by that which is close and petty. Let us, as the poet Robert Frost once wrote, "Choose something like a star to stay our minds on."

Let us stay our minds on one North Carolina — today and tomorrow. We have all the resources to be the best: bold and aggressive leadership in both parties, wonderful people of great spirit, and a State brimming with natural beauty that we are determined to protect. We have the resources to be the best. Now let us demonstrate that we have the resolve.

Today we willingly and eagerly accept our most daunting but exhilarating challenge. We must instill in all our people such knowledge, wisdom, and optimism that the spirit within them can at last be unleashed to build a higher quality of life — a life that breaks the bonds of poverty, builds economic prosperity, and lets the human spirit soar.

Others may ask who are we to dare to be the best, but we ask ourselves who are we NOT to be the best?

Children across this State learn the ancient motto on our State seal: Esse Quam Videri--To be rather than to seem.

And now we must dare TO BE the best!

Today we celebrate not one North Carolinian, but ONE North Carolina.

Let us build our State and serve our people in that progressive spirit.