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A sure-footed step for Crist

Charlie Crist, who will become the first governor from St. Petersburg when he takes the oath of office today, already is showing some admirable gubernatorial traits.

In the 63 days between his election and inauguration, Crist has managed to breathe a little fresh air into a stuffy state Capitol. He told voters he would be the "people's governor," and his appointments so far have helped to reinforce the image. He found an elections expert to run the elections division, a retired two-star admiral to run veterans' affairs, a growth-management guru to run community affairs. He picked a four-term former attorney general who is a Democrat to take over the troubled Department of Children and Families.

Farris Bryant, Florida's 34th governor, tells his successors in a transition handbook to "make a clear distinction between your obligations to your friends (which are great and honorable) and your oath of office (which is superior)." With his early appointments, Crist can claim to have put competence and experience over partisanship and personal loyalty. Not very many governors in this modern era of political payback can claim as much.

Crist, who is famously personable and cordial, has brought an appealing humility to his exalted position. He is a graduate of St. Petersburg High School who took time in a busy transition schedule to visit his hometown City Council and promise his cooperation. "The people have given me a new house in Tallahassee," he told them, "but this will always be my home."

There will be time in the future for battles over the legislative agenda or budget priorities or taxes. For today, the gentleman from the Sunshine City will be inaugurated the 44th governor of the Sunshine State. We are confident he will do so with grace.

[Last modified January 1, 2007, 23:37:57]