Disrupted Plans Echo History as Stein Charts a Path for a Stronger North Carolina
The weather gods have little regard for political tradition. Governor Josh Stein, North Carolina’s 76th governor and the first Jewish leader in the state’s history, has postponed his weekend inauguration festivities due to a snowstorm forecast set to blanket Raleigh beginning Friday evening.
The canceled events included a public ceremony on the Capitol grounds, a Fayetteville Street block party, and the Junior League-hosted Inaugural Ball at Marbles Kids Museum. The ball will now take place in the spring, with performances from Ben Folds, Rissi Palmer, and other artists still on the lineup.
Stein’s inaugural address, however, will proceed as planned on Saturday at 11 a.m., live-streamed by PBS North Carolina. Framed by the theme “North Carolina Strong,” the address will chart the governor’s vision for resilience in leadership.
Events on Thin Ice 🧊
More than 6,000 tickets had been requested for the Capitol grounds ceremony, but safety concerns took precedence. The open house at the Executive Mansion—just two blocks from the Capitol—was also postponed, as were Friday night’s cocktail receptions for the Council of State.
If this feels familiar, that’s because it is. In 2017, former Gov. Roy Cooper faced a similar snowstorm that forced the cancellation of his first inauguration. Four years later, Cooper’s second ceremony was scaled down under pandemic restrictions.
The disruptions, while inconvenient, serve as a reminder of how Stein and his predecessors have navigated unforeseen challenges.
Leadership Amid Challenges 🌟
Stein enters the Executive Mansion at a critical moment for the state, with a closely divided legislature and ongoing debates around healthcare, education, and economic development. His administration’s theme of resilience underscores his approach to addressing these issues—an approach tested early by the weather.
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