Tom Corbett Sworn In As Pennsylvania Governor

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- Standing on the state capitol steps in the aftermath of an overnight winter storm, Tom Corbett this afternoon took the oath of office becoming Pennsylvania's forty-sixth governor. Philadelphia's Ed Rendell - Pennsylvania governor for the past eight years - stood to the left, among the state's former chief executives.

Above the din of protesters that could be heard from a block away, former attorney general Tom Corbett -– while not mentioning the Arizona shootings -– opened his inaugural address by calling for civility in public debate.

While light on specifics in his address, Corbett pledged to pursue government reforms and restore public trust after a series of legislative scandals in Harrisburg. He repeatedly called for smaller, less expensive government, alluding to a multi-billion dollar deficit facing Pennsylvania this year. Corbett has pledged not to raise taxes, which means he will likely have no choice but to cut spending.

"This is a generational moment," he said. "We are dedicated to leadership that is responsive to fiscal realities; leadership that takes on financial burdens, rather than passing those burdens on to the next generation."

Watch the video...

Corbett also referred to the push for school vouchers he's expected to make:

"Today our students compete not only with those from the other 49 states, but with students from around the world. Our education system must contend with other nations, and so we must embrace innovation, competition, and choice in our education system."

The transfer of power in Harrisburg means a power shift for the Delaware Valley. Without Ed Rendell in the capitol, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter will likely have to work harder for state support.

"This is obviously a big change in Harrisburg," he said after the ceremony. But "this is not about region. This is about a $5 billion deficit that will affect the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania."

Mayor Nutter says Gov. Corbett has long ties to Philadelphia. He was born in the city and still has family here. But he likely won't be handing out money as easily as Gov. Rendell.

"A million dollars to Tastykake is great for the papers," said State Rep. Mike Vereb (R-Montgomery County). But "we're not calling a bluff here, the reality is we have to make those cuts."

Gov. Corbett began his day with a Catholic mass where he received communion from Harrisburg Bishop Joseph McFadden. Shortly after 10:30, former Bucks County commissioner Jim Cawley was sworn in as Pennsylvania's new lieutenant governor.

Reported by Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio; Ben Simmoneau, CBS 3