McCrory oath ceremony will be closed to the public

RALEIGH, N.C. — Gov.-elect Pat McCrory takes the oath of office in Raleigh just one week from Saturday, but his first official act is drawing criticism.

He'll take the oath in the old House chamber in the State Capitol and it'll be closed to the public. Typically, governors get sworn in outside in a very public ceremony.

For example, Gov. Bev Perdue took the oath on the steps of the State Archives four years ago.

It's raising many eyebrows, especially because McCrory has been so critical of Raleigh's alleged lack of transparency.

People visiting Raleigh from other states Friday said that wouldn't go over well where they're from.

"In Idaho, they do it publicly," one person said. Another said, "I know if it was in New York, nobody would like that idea."

McCrory's chief spokesperson, Chris Walker, said McCrory wanted a more intimate event with family, friends and cabinet members, and that it's not private -- public television will roll on it for everyone.

"Anybody can view it online, through our website, and we're also making the video available to all the stations across the state as well," Walker said.

Then, the following Saturday, McCrory will give his inaugural address outside very publicly.

In fact, WSOC already saw the risers in place on the Capitol lawn. Many voters are OK with all of that. They aren't linking his oath to his openness.

One said, "I think that's fine, make his decision, if he wants to go that route."

WSOC