North Carolina's newest lieutenant governor is taking office as the state's No. 2 executive.
Dan Forest of Raleigh took the oath of office Monday in the State Capitol Building in a small ceremony including his wife, their four children, Gov. Pat McCrory and Forest's mother, former U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick of Charlotte.
Forest said he's eager to join McCrory and fellow Republicans who now control the General Assembly in transforming state government. Forest says he hopes his fellow GOP leaders will be bold in removing regulations from businesses and in reducing taxes including possibly eliminating income taxes paid by individuals and corporations. He also hopes lawmakers will revolutionize education and open the exploration and production of energy.
Forest is an architect who's holding his first public office.
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