JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. _ Swept into office amid an historic scandal, Republican Mike Parson, a farmer and former sheriff with a wealth of Capitol experience, called for a "fresh start" Friday as he was formally installed as Missouri's 57th governor.
"Public service is a privilege," the former lieutenant governor said after being sworn in by Missouri Supreme Court Judge Mary Russell.
Pledging to bring "honor, integrity and transparency" to an office that has operated under a cloud for months, the Republican said: "I am optimistic about the future of our great state, and I'm looking forward to the work ahead."
His predecessor, Eric Greitens, officially left his $133,000-per-year job at 5 p.m. Friday after a final, frenetic outburst of activity.
In a one-line letter submitted Friday, Greitens formally resigned. Before leaving, Greitens took action on 77 bills sent to him by the House and Senate.
Among the bills approved: a cut in the corporate income tax rate and new rules for how utility rates for companies like Ameren are regulated.
In addition, Greitens pardoned five people and commuted four sentences as he ended his 17-month tenure as an outsider Republican who came to the capital city to clean up politics.
Greitens left with his political future in tatters. On Friday, he was greeted by more legal woes.
In a ruling by Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem, Greitens and his employees were ordered to submit a list of phone numbers, names and phone models of anyone in the governor's office who used the Confide app, which destroys text messages immediately after they are read.
While Greitens was scrambling to close out his abbreviated stint as chief executive, his wife tweeted out a note of thanks.
"It has been an honor & privilege to serve as First Lady of my adopted state. I'm grateful to have had the chance to work w/so many who came together to protect & care for our kids, & for time in this wonderful home for our boys," first lady Sheena Greitens wrote.
The moving van left the mansion at about 1 p.m. In the Capitol, Greitens staffers hauled boxes and other personal items out of their suite of offices on the 2nd floor to make way for Parsons.
Many of Greitens' top aides won't be back after the weekend.
"I am deeply grateful for having had the chance to serve the people of Missouri. And I will always remember the team that I had the opportunity to serve alongside," Greitens' policy director Will Scharf tweeted.
Parson, meanwhile, called his ascension a "huge undertaking," but said he would bring stability to the office.
"We're in the planning stage. We're in the transition part," Parson told reporters outside his office before his swearing-in ceremony. "It is a daunting task in two or three days to prepare to be governor of the state of Missouri."
Afterward, in short remarks before family, friends and the media in his new office, Parson pledged to restore order to a state government that has been besieged for the past five months after Greitens admitted having an extramarital affair in 2015.
"We have an opportunity today to have a fresh start in state government. I believe now is a time for Missouri to come together," he said.
Among the top tasks facing him when he returns to work Monday will include finding employees to replace those who left with Greitens. He also must remake the state school board, which has not met since January because of an ongoing squabble between the Senate and Greitens' decision to stack the board to oust former schools Commissioner Margie Vandeven.
He said he would move quickly to bring new members on the board.
Parson also said he believes he has the power to appoint a lieutenant governor to replace him.
"I think that's an important position," Parson said.
He said he hopes to heal the rifts created by Greitens by uniting Missourians behind issues like infrastructure and improving workforce development.
While he had not spoken with Greitens, his wife, new first lady Theresa Parson, told reporters she had received a phone call from Mrs. Greitens Friday afternoon.
"They are almost packed up and ready to leave. We're going to go over in the morning and take a look," Mrs. Parson said.
The Confide lawsuit, which was filed by the Sunshine Project, focuses on whether using the app violated state laws designed to provide transparency in government.
Attorney Mark Pedroli said the ruling resulted in the identification of 20 people in the office of governor, including the governor, who used Confide. "This means they can't destroy the evidence," Pedroli said.
A previous investigation of the governor's office use of Confide by Attorney General Josh Hawley concluded that only 8 office staffers had used the app.
Greitens' office had no response to the decision, which is just one of the legal problems hanging over his head.
On Wednesday, felony charges against Greitens for taking the donor list from The Mission Continues were dropped by St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner in exchange for him leaving office.
But he still faces an investigation by Hawley and a separate probe by a special House committee that was investigating his possible impeachment. Lawmakers also have spoken to the Federal Bureau of Investigation about possible legal breaches by the governor.
Hawley, meanwhile, briefed Parson Friday on lawsuits affecting the state. He exited the meeting saying Parson is well-equipped to step into the role.
"I think that the incoming governor is prepared. I was extremely impressed with the work that he has done in 48 hours. It's really remarkable," Hawley said.
Other state officials weighed in on Parson's new post.
"Mike Parson became Sheriff of Polk County the same week I became the president of Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar in 1993," said U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo. "As a county official, an effective state legislator, and lieutenant governor, he understands our state in ways that few people do. He will be a great governor and I look forward to helping him in any way I can."
U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Mo., said of Parson: "His integrity and extensive experience in law enforcement, public service, and on his family's farm have equipped him to provide the thoughtful leadership our state needs. I am grateful for his and the First Lady's willingness to serve the State of Missouri, and I stand ready to assist the new administration as it takes the reins," she said.
At 4 p.m.,Parson attended a prayer service at First Baptist Church in Jefferson City, which was presided over by his brother, Kent, a Baptist minister from Elkton.
Among the attendees were members of the Parson's Sunday school class from Bolivar. Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft led the congregation in two hymns.
The Parson's are expected to return to their cattle operation in Polk County later Saturday after they tour the mansion.
