Charlie Baker Inaugurated As Massachusetts' 72nd Governor

The first was John Hancock. Those that followed included Sam Adams, Calvin Coolidge, Frank Sargent, Mitt Romney and Deval Patrick.

The list of Massachusetts governors now includes Charlie Baker, a Republican who put his hand on a family bible Thursday and took the oath of office to become the state's 72nd chief executive.

"The time has come to write the next chapter in the history of this great Commonwealth," said Baker. "To build on what makes us great, and get much better at what doesn't."

Family, friends and supporters — former governors, state legislators and assorted dignitaries surrounded Baker in the packed the statehouse chamber.

In his first speech as governor, Baker promised to tackle a growing budget deficit, homelessness, opiate addiction and to make Massachusetts state government more efficient and transparent.

"It's undeniable that the ability and responsibility to make a real difference in the lives of people, a growing and competitive economy, quality and affordable education for our kids, responsible, forward looking environmental policy as well as strong and safe communities lies with and within us if we approach our work every day with courage, judgment, integrity and dedication," said Baker. "Only by working together will we make Massachusetts great. With your help, I know we will."

Asma Khalid, WBUR reporter. She tweets @asmamk.

Jeff Stinson, Republican consultant and president of Stinson Strategies. He tweets @jeff_stinson.

Susan Tracy, Democratic strategist and president of The Strategy Group.

Michael Dukakis, governor of Massachusetts from 1975 to 1979 and 1983 to 1991.

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