In November North Carolina voters asked for change when they elected Pat McCrory as the state’s next governor.

He is the first Republican to win the seat since 1993 and he will be only the third since 1901 to occupy the governor’s mansion.

After decades of general mismanagement and years of corruption by Democrats holding the office, North Carolina residents are seeking something different.

Unfortunately, governor-elect Pat McCrory is showing signs of same-old, same-old.

We say this because McCrory, sensing one of the frustrations of state residents, ran on promises of openness and transparency in state government, a sentiment which struck a chord with many voters.

Yet in his first, and arguably most public action — his inauguration — McCrory is holding a private ceremony open only to family, a few select friends and some other government officials. A single reporter and television camera will be allowed access for the public.

The North Carolina Press Association recently posted a letter taking McCrory to task on his plans. In that letter the association asks “What more important event could a North Carolinian witness than the first official act of its new governor?”

We agree, and find it appalling that any governor-elect would make such an important step in a way that excludes the public.

Such a beginning begs the question — is McCrory going to be a governor for the people, or for friends and special interest groups? Unfortunately, at least in his early days, it appears the latter.