College Rabbi Edward Boraz led the audience at Gov. John Lynch's Jan. 6 inauguration in a prayer for the Democrat's new administration.
Boraz was one of four clergymen chosen to recite prayers during the recent State House ceremony in Concord. His three-minute prayer, which immediately followed the swearing-in of Gov. Lynch, expressed hope that Lynch would remain faithful to his constituents.
In his invocation, Boraz asked that the Lynch administration "be sensitive in helping to ensure that each child receives a quality education, that the poor, the disabled and the homeless are provided for and that equality under the laws of our state and under the Constitution of the United States remain foremost in their consciousness."
During the course of his 26-minute address, which was punctuated by 38 applause breaks and 13 standing ovations, Lynch seemed to heed the rabbi's words as he announced a new structure for school financing. Lynch plans to create a new formula to allocate funds on the basis of need instead of on the basis of property taxes.
In an obvious allusion to former Gov. Craig Benson's alleged ethical missteps, Lynch also trumpeted the creation of an independent ethics commission to investigate any wrongdoings by the executive branch.
Democratic politicians enjoyed seeing a new governor after enduring Benson's two-year term, which was stained by an icy relationship with state employees and scandals involving corrupt aides. Lynch unseated Benson in a tight November election, making him the first candidate in 78 years to defeat a first-term New Hampshire governor.
Lynch's political honeymoon period might soon end when the governor is forced to appoint a new education commissioner and attorney general. Facing a dilemma between loyalty and bipartisanship, Lynch must decide whether to allow the current attorney general, Republican Kelly Ayotte, to remain in office or seek a Democratic replacement.
Lynch will also struggle to keep his promise to cut the state's $300 million deficit and repeal a widely criticized healthcare bill said to have discriminated against the elderly. In order to fill the gaping budget hole, Lynch plans to resort to cost-cutting measures.
"And let me be clear," Lynch said during his inaugural address, "I will veto an income or sales tax."
A member of the state inaugural committee contacted the rabbi about the opportunity, and he readily agreed to speak.
"I was very honored to be asked to participate in this ceremony," Boraz said.
The rabbi said he enjoyed the experience and would do it again if asked.
"It was certainly a very moving experience to be part of this kind of ceremony and to see the beginning of a new legislative term and new governor," Boraz said.
As governor, Lynch will automatically become an ex-officio member of the Dartmouth Board of Trustees. While most governors have not played an active role on the Board, Lynch does have a history of involvement in higher education.
Lynch holds an undergraduate degree from the University of New Hampshire, an M.B.A. from Harvard University and a law degree from Georgetown University. He has also served as admissions director of Harvard Business School and was most recently chair of the board of trustees for New Hampshire's university system.
