LANSING – With remarks that echoed her election themes of inclusiveness, family and fiscal responsibility, Gov. Jennifer Granholm took the oath of office on Jan. 1.

“Citizenship in a democracy is not a spectator sport, particularly in times as tough as these,” Granholm said. “Understand, I am prepared to make the tough decisions, yet the house stands strong when the family thinks, talks, argues, resolves and works together.”

Granholm, the state’s 47th governor, delivered her address at the Lansing Center before the largest inaugural crowd ever assembled in Lansing.

Despite a looming budget deficit of $1.5 billion, Granholm pledged not to turn her back on campaign promises to help seniors with prescription drug prices, to get more money for laid off workers and to improve education for children.

In a nod to the inaugural speech of President John F. Kennedy, she issued a challenge to Michiganians, “Ask not what power will do for you, ask what you will do with your power to impact our world. I invite you to participate in the bending of history in some purposeful way.”