Chafee Plans ‘Frugal’ Inauguration

Chafee Plans ‘Frugal’ Inauguration

Governor-elect Lincoln Chafee is planning a frugal inauguration in keeping with the economic times, his transition office said yesterday.

“In recognition of the difficult economic climate and in an effort to cut costs, the day’s events will be modest and conducted within a framework of frugality. The theme of the inaugural, in keeping with Governor-elect Chafee’s vision for the future of the state, will be ‘A Time to Come Together,’” his office said in a statement.

The inauguration is set for January 4.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

Details on the inauguration:

• The traditional engagement ceremonies of the state’s five General Officers – Governor-elect Chafee, Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Roberts, Attorney General-elect Peter Kilmartin, Secretary of State Ralph Mollis, and General Treasurer-elect Gina Raimondo – will be held on the South Portico of the Rhode Island Statehouse. In the case of inclement weather, the ceremonies will be held in the Veterans Memorial Auditorium.

• Seating for visitors will open on the Statehouse’s South Lawn at 11:45 a.m. and the Processional will begin five minutes later. The ceremony begins at noon.

• At 5 p.m., Governor Chafee and his fellow General Officers will take part in a special WaterFire event. Private receptions for each of the General Officers will follow. Both the WaterFire event and the receptions will be privately funded.