Gov. Herbert names Jerry W. Stevenson to Utah Senate; Stevenson sworn in

Governor Gary R. Herbert appointed Jerry W. Stevenson to the Utah State Senate to fill the vacancy in Senate District 21, and the Senate administered the oath of office during its Jan. 25, 2010 session.

The clerk read a letter dated Jan. 25, 2010 from Governor Herbert conveying the appointment. The letter told Senator-designate Stevenson it was the governor’s “pleasure to appoint you to the Utah Senate to fill the seat in Senate District 21,” and was signed “Gary R. Herbert, Governor.”

The presiding officer invited Jerry Stevenson to the floor for the oath. Jerry W. Stevenson stated his name and recited the oath, beginning, “Do solemnly swear that I will support, obey and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of this state,” and affirmed he would “discharge the duties of my office with fidelity.” After the oath, the presiding officer congratulated Stevenson and said he would sit in Senator Knudson’s seat.

The Senate also completed a brief procedural item earlier in the session: an unidentified senator moved to have the words of Kelder Anderson’s morning prayer spread upon the pages of the Senate journal; the motion carried by voice vote.

The clerk read a certificate from Greg Bell, lieutenant governor, certifying the results of the Nov. 4, 2008 general election and listing members chosen to serve in the Utah State Senate for terms beginning Jan. 1, 2009. The presiding officer said roster changes reflecting the appointment would be finalized by the next day.

No roll-call vote was recorded for the appointment in the transcript; the appointment was effected by the governor’s communication to the Senate followed by the administered oath.