Senate Waives Waiting Period, Consents to Kristen Cox and Numerous Gubernatorial Appointees

The Utah Senate, in an extraordinary session called April 9, 2007, waived a statutory waiting period and consented to multiple appointments transmitted by Gov. John M. Huntsman Jr., including Kristen Cox as Executive Director of the Department of Workforce Services.

Senator Eastman moved to waive the 15‑day waiting period required under Utah Code 67‑1‑2 for the April 9 submissions so the Senate could act immediately on the governor’s nominees; the motion was approved by voice vote. The reading clerk then presented a long list of appointments to state boards, authorities and executive positions, including Kristen Cox’s nomination to replace Tawny Downing as executive director of the Department of Workforce Services.

Senator Madsen, reporting for the Senate Workforce Services and Community and Economic Development Confirmation Committee, said the committee met with Cox, who "did that very well," and recommended confirmation. Cox addressed the chamber, saying she was pleased to return to Utah after about nine years and that she looked forward to "empower[ing] people to become economically self-sufficient."

A roll-call vote to consent to the slate was held; the chair announced the motion passed and the clerk reported the vote as 26 yes, 0 nay, with 3 absent. The confirmed slate included cabinet-level and board appointments across state agencies and authorities.

The approvals follow a gubernatorial proclamation calling the Senate to consider nominations submitted since the close of the general session.