Ketchikan might as well have been the capital city on Tuesday, with not only the governor, but his cabinet in town.

Sean Parnell says it is important that he, the lieutenant governor and commissioners get around the state to see communities, meet Alaskans and discuss and visit capital project sites. Parnell is expected to present his budget, including such projects, by Dec. 15.

Ketchikan welcomed Parnell with enthusiasm, giving him two standing ovations at the luncheon held in his honor. (The majority in Ketchikan share his conservative values.) His commissioners also were warmly welcomed and visited with the crowd following the governor's comments.

A cabinet meeting was scheduled in the afternoon here in Ketchikan.

Gov. Parnell also visited with the Saxman and two Ketchikan mayors and civic leaders, and he and/or his staff stopped by Ketchikan General Hospital, Schoenbar Middle School and Ketchikan Shipyard.

The only criticism: He couldn't stay long enough.

Not to worry, he has been invited to return and we're confident that he will. He also told the luncheon audience that he and his family were in the process of moving to Juneau, which drew a round of hearty applause. Ketchikan remains steadfast in its support for keeping the capital in Juneau, despite the best attempts by the Southcentral region to extricate it. It is economically a priority for Southeast to retain the capital.

The commissioners also are welcome to return. It wasn't too many administrations past that the Chamber of Commerce invited a different commissioner monthly to address its noon Wednesday lunch. It served to open a channel of unprecedented communication that served both Ketchikan and Alaska.

Tuesday's chief-executive visit served to do the same. Ketchikan now has met the new governor officially. His cabinet has been introduced here.

To top it off, they were welcomed with sunshine, which didn't go unnoticed by locals or visitors. Not only one commissioner, but Alaskans living in Ketchikan, too, commented at the luncheon: It's good to get out of the office. Especially, on a day like this.

Gov. Parnell and Ketchikan, we're off to a good start.