Cuomo, Queens Native, Sworn In As Governor

Queens product Andrew Cuomo, son of former New York governor Mario Cuomo, was sworn in at a small ceremony in Albany Saturday afternoon.

"The state is at a crossroads," Cuomo said in his inaugural address. "I believe the decisions we make, the decisions my colleagues make, this year will define the trajectory of this state for years to come. The decisions we make today will shape the state we leave our children tomorrow."

Cuomo, who replaced outgoing governor David Paterson, has said that one of the most important elements of his administration will be the restoration of some semblance of ethics in the state capital.

To that end, one of his first acts as governor was to sign an executive order requiring chamber staff and top state officials to receive ethics training to conduct business of the state.

"Honor and integrity will be a hallmark of this administration, and I am confident that we have assembled a team that reflects that commitment," Cuomo said. "Nonetheless, it is imperative that Chamber staff and other high-ranking government officials be versed in the ethics rules and regulations that apply to them. Top government employees should have no questions, no gray areas, and no possibility of confusion regarding what is proper and what is not."

The new governor has also promised that job-creation will also be at the forefront of his responsibilities in the state's highest office, promising in his inaugural speech that he will work with lawmakers to try and right the state's financial ship and help turn job losses in the past years into job gains in 2011 and beyond.

Cuomo is currently preparing for his state of the state address, which will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 5.