New York’s new lt. governor, former Congresswoman from Buffalo, Kathy Hochul, was sworn into office on New Year’s Day. She delivered an inaugural address at noon at One World Trade Center. New York state has had very few women serve in statewide elected office. Hochul becomes New York’s third woman lt. governor.

From Capital Reports –

A former congresswoman and Erie County clerk, Hochul took her oath of office beside her family, and was so excited when she approached the podium that she almost mounted it. “Governor, I don’t know if you can tell but I am so excited to be here today, in my beloved hometown, surrounded by so many people who have touched my life in countless ways,” Hochul began. “And governor, you’ve given me the opportunity to return to public service, and for that I will be forever in your debt.”

She spoke for 10 minutes, alternating between praise for Cuomo—“I saw him lead us from a state of despair to a state of envy—I saw what his leadership can do,”—to praise for the city itself.

“Buffalo is fun now,” Hochul said, to applause, recalling a recent trip ice skating at a new, lakefront state park. “Buffalo is cool. Not cold anymore—we’re cool. And we’re hip, too. We’re not just hot, we’re hip. And that’s a new vibe that we never had before, a new energy. It’s not just here it’s all across the state. The governor has found ways to promote not just upstate, but everywhere you go. I’m not just talking about our natural resources. He’s found new ways to showcase the Adirondacks, the Finger Lakes, Niagara Falls, to people—vacationers from out of state. People who are so proud of our state—residents who have never had a chance to explore these areas. The list is endless, and you’re going to hear more about it.”