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Utah Senate waives notice, unanimously confirms governor’s nominees in extraordinary June session
Summary
In an extraordinary June 2009 session, the Utah State Senate waived a 15‑day notice requirement and by roll call consented to a broad set of gubernatorial appointments, approving the slate 26–0 with three senators absent; committee chairs reported unanimous or favorable recommendations for multiple nominees.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah State Senate convened an extraordinary session in June 2009 and by unanimous roll call consent approved a lengthy slate of gubernatorial appointments after waiving the statutory 15‑day waiting period.
Senator Jenkins moved that the Senate "pursuant to section 67‑1‑2 of the Utah code, vote to waive the 15 day requirement" so the chamber could act on nominations submitted by Governor Jon M. Huntsman Jr.; the procedural motion passed and the Senate then voted to consent to the nominations. The president later announced the consent vote carried with 26 yeas, 0 nays and 3 senators absent.
The actions followed committee work. Senator John L. Valentine, chair of the Business and Labor Confirmation Committee, told the Senate that the committee had held confirmation hearings on five nominees to the Utah State Securities Commission and "the 5 nominees ... were all very well qualified," reporting a unanimous committee recommendation. The Transportation and Public Utilities and Technology Confirmation Committee also reported favorably on Jeffrey D. Holt and Wayne K. Barlow to the Transportation Commission; Senator Eckhart noted the Transportation Commission’s broad authority over road prioritization and maintenance.
The clerk read a long list of appointments transmitted from the governor’s office, including nominations for the Transportation Commission, the Securities Commission, university and community college boards of trustees, the Utah State Retirement Board, the Title and Escrow Commission, and multiple other state boards and commissions. The Office of the Lieutenant Governor read the proclamation calling the Senate into the extraordinary session "for the Senate to consent to appointments made by the governor to positions within state government" since the close of the 2009 general session.
Committee chairs and at least one senator disclosed relationships or conflicts. Senator Valentine declared a conflict involving a nominee who is an employee of Zions Bank and disclosed that he is a member of Zions Bank’s board of directors. Another senator noted a relative had been appointed to a university board; the president explained his chief of staff, who had been appointed to the Salt Lake Community College Board of Trustees, is also his wife, then cast the chamber’s vote.
The Senate also appointed a small committee (Senators Bramble, Bell and Romero) to formally notify the governor that the Senate had organized and completed its business in the extraordinary session. Senators welcomed visitors, including a delegation from Mongolia and the governor’s representative, Micah Jones, whom senators recognized and wished well as she was leaving the post.
The Senate adjourned sine die after completing the consent agenda and making brief introductions for witnesses expected at committee hearings later that day.
Votes at a glance: Consent to the governor’s appointments — Passed (roll call announced as 26 yea, 0 nay, 3 absent).
