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Utah Senate Unanimously Confirms Gregory S. Bell as Lieutenant Governor
Summary
In a third extraordinary session convened in September 2009, the Utah State Senate unanimously consented to Governor Gary R. Herbert’s appointment of Senator Gregory S. Bell as lieutenant governor, voting 27–0 with two absent; a swearing-in was scheduled for 3 p.m. the same day.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah State Senate unanimously confirmed Senator Gregory S. Bell as lieutenant governor during a third extraordinary session convened in September 2009 to consider Governor Gary R. Herbert’s appointment.
Governor Gary R. Herbert certified a proclamation calling the Senate into the extraordinary session for the limited purpose of consenting to the appointment. "I, Gary R. Herbert, governor of the state of Utah, do hereby certify that the attached copy of a proclamation ... call the senate only into a third extraordinary session ... for the senate to consent to the appointment of Gregory S. Bell to the office of lieutenant governor," the governor said in the certified proclamation read to the chamber.
The Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Confirmation Committee reported a unanimous, favorable recommendation for Bell. Following that report, Senator Mark Madsen moved that the Senate consent to Governor Herbert’s appointment. After limited discussion, the presiding officer ordered a roll call.
The presiding officer announced the result: "The vote is 27 yay votes, 0 nay votes, 2 being absent." The chamber then declared that the Senate had "confirmed the appointment of Senator Gregory S. Bell as Lieutenant Governor of the State of Utah."
Several senators offered brief remarks explaining their votes and praising Bell’s service. Senator Jenkins offered a personal recollection and then voted in favor; Senator Jones said the governor had made a strong choice and voted aye. Committee chair Peter C. Knudson recounted the committee’s unanimous recommendation.
After the confirmation, the Senate invited Bell to address the chamber. In his remarks, Bell thanked colleagues and family, praised the orderly transition between administrations and pledged support for the governor. "I pledge to show civility and respect to everyone," he said, and asked colleagues to focus on principles and policy rather than personal attacks.
The presiding officer announced that the swearing-in oath was scheduled for 3:00 p.m. that day and invited senators to attend the ceremony and subsequent light refreshments. The Senate then moved to adjourn, and members presented Bell with a customary memento before he left the chamber.
The confirmation took place under authority cited in the governor’s proclamation, which referenced Article VII, sections 6 and 10 of the Utah Constitution regarding gubernatorial power to convene extraordinary sessions and the process for filling a vacancy in the office of lieutenant governor. No formal amendments or opposing motions were recorded during the session.
