Senate Confirms Multiple Gubernatorial Appointments; Acting Board Chair Keith Hamilton Briefs the Chamber

The Utah Senate on Jan. 11 confirmed a slate of gubernatorial appointments and heard a briefing from the acting chairman of the Board of Pardons and Parole.

President Valentine read a communication from Gov. John M. Huntsman Jr. transmitting nominations and reappointments including Curtis L. Gardner and Kent R. Archbold to the Board of Pardons and Parole and several appointments to state boards and foundations. Senator Hilliard moved to confirm the names as read; the roll call recorded 28 yes votes, 0 no votes and 1 absence, carrying the confirmations.

Senator Hilliard moved the Senate resolve into the Committee of the Whole to hear from Keith Hamilton, the acting chairman of the Board of Pardons and Parole. Hamilton thanked the Senate for confirming Mr. Gardner and said he expects to be called to active duty in late April as a member of the Air Force Reserve, noting, “I really just wanna say thank you to the to the senate for confirming mister Gardner” and that the board “will be in good hands with mister Gardner.”

After Hamilton's remarks the Senate dissolved the committee and returned to the third-reading calendar. The confirmations were followed by routine committee scheduling and the Senate moved on to floor business.

What happens next: the confirmed appointments will proceed to the House as required for any further action when applicable, and the Board of Pardons and Parole will operate with Gardner and the temporary adjustments Hamilton described while he fulfills his reserve duty.