By KRWG News
New Mexico – Republican Gov. Susana Martinez is warning of tough decisions ahead as she starts her administration facing a budget deficit and sour economy.
Martinez the state's first female governor sounded a bipartisan tone during her public inaugural ceremony on the historic Santa Fe Plaza.
She pledged to work to improve New Mexico's public schools. Martinez said the state had "bred a culture of poor performance and low expectations" in schools.
More than a 1,000 people braved frigid temperatures to attend the inauguration. Martinez spoke for nearly 16 minutes. She was bundled up in a black wool overcoat and wore earmuffs and gloves.
In taking office, Martinez also becomes the nation's first female Hispanic governor. She succeeds two-term Democrat Bill Richardson.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.