By Karen DeWitt
Albany, NY – Saying he wants to "return integrity, performance and dignity" to the scandal scarred New York state government, Cuomo, surrounded by family and a few close friends, was sworn in by the state's chief judge, Jonathan Lippman.
Cuomo takes the oath of office in a more formal setting at noon on Saturday, in the governor's reception room at the State Capitol.
The austere inaugural features no parties or balls, though the new governor will welcome members of the public, chosen by lottery, at the mansion in the afternoon. The state is facing a $10 billion dollar budget deficit, and Cuomo says he won't raise taxes to close the gap, and is against any further spending increases. Cuomo plans to return to the Capitol for a few extra hours of work Saturday night.
He also is scheduled to be at the office again, on Sunday, as he prepares for his first State of the State speech on Wednesday.