In her inauguration speech at the Lansing Center in downtown Lansing, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today laid out her vision to keep Michigan driving forward.

"Today, we are here to usher in a new generation of leadership," Land said. "We have fresh ideas and a commitment to lay aside our differences and provide good, clean, honest government for the people of Michigan. Like a business, we need to serve our customers, and like a family, we are engaged in a sacred trust."

To accomplish her vision, Secretary Land laid out the following agenda:

• Offering employees the option of flextime to keep Secretary of State branch offices open during non-traditional hours.
• Offering more user-friendly services on the Internet.
• Traveling to every Secretary of State branch office, listening to the concerns of customers and employees.
• Making sure every vote counts and improving Michigan’s Qualified Voter File. Land pledged to work with Michigan’s congressional delegation, urging them to take swift action to send already pledged federal funds to Michigan. Those funds will upgrade voter systems.

"I first ran for county clerk because fairness was important to me," noted Land. "Everyone should be treated with fairness and respect by government. "I will work to make the Secretary of State’s office responsive – just like I did in Kent County. I am ready to lead. I am ready to serve, and I will honor the sacred trust that you have placed in me."

> Full Text of Inauguration Speech