Greetings from Deval Patrick

Deval L. Patrick's inauguration as governor promises to mean a lot of new things. A new political party in charge. New policies on everything from wind power to stem-cell research. Even, as Patrick promises, "a new spirit of civic responsibility."

One thing it definitely means: a new voice welcoming visitors to the moving sidewalks at Logan International Airport.

When Logan officials began opening new covered walkways linking the terminals to the central parking garage four years ago, they tapped US Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Mayor Thomas M. Menino, and Governor Mitt Romney to record personalized greetings for the public-address system.

They're authentic. Any visitor coming to Boston from overseas -- or west of the Hudson River, for that matter -- will likely be mystified over what the "aaahts" are when Menino describes Boston as "rich in arts and culture." They hear a perfect Hyannisport Kennedy pronunciation of words like "visitor" and "wonder," as in, "With all the incredible things to do here, it's no WUNdah why so many students choose Massachusetts colleges and universities."

One Friday night this month, Patrick visited a recording studio on the edge of the Back Bay to record a message to replace Romney's. It will go live at Logan soon after Patrick is sworn in Thursday.

For political analysts, there's plenty of difference between Patrick's greeting and Romney's to deconstruct. The Republican Romney gives a brisk, chamber-of-commerce-worthy greeting covering all bases.

"Our commonwealth is rich in history, entertainment, arts, culture, sports, education, and opportunity. We're home to more than 120 colleges and universities, a fast-growing technology sector, many world-renowned hospitals, and some of the leading financial services companies in the world. Massachusetts is also a wonderful place to live, work, and play," Romney says.

Patrick, who insisted on personally rewriting the first script Massachusetts Port Authority officials proposed, gives a nod to "educational, finance, technology, and medical institutions."

But in keeping with his campaign's "Together We Can" grassroots focus, Patrick adds a populist touch. "The greatest resource this commonwealth has is its people," Patrick says. "Our people come here from all over the world, and they are some of the most creative, informed, good-humored, and determined individuals that you will ever meet. Together, we are creating a statewide community that is on the move."

Over the course of an hour in a glass booth at the Soundtrack Boston studio, Patrick patiently recorded nine different takes of the 137-word greeting, stumbling only rarely on mouthfuls like "determined individuals."

Using digital-editing technology, Soundtrack engineers -- who've also recorded ads with everyone from New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady to Aerosmith lead vocalist Steven Tyler -- will assemble the best-sounding bits from several versions to assemble one final, all-smoothed-out recording.

After weeks dominated by transition committee working groups, committee reports, and selection of top aides, Patrick said he enjoyed one of the ceremonial -- if quirkier -- honors of being governor.

But one top supporter isn't impressed. When he told his daughter Katherine that one of the next times she flies home from boarding school in Delaware she'll hear her father's voice welcoming her to Logan, Patrick recalled, her response was: "You've got to be kidding me."

Peter J. Howe can be reached at howe@globe.com.