Utah Senate, in Extraordinary Session, Adopts Rules and Confirms Multiple Gubernatorial Appointments

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah State Senate convened an extraordinary session on May 15, 2013, to consider gubernatorial appointments and adopted the rules from the 2013 general session before voting to confirm multiple nominees submitted by Gov. Gary R. Herbert.

The meeting opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a reading of the governor’s proclamation citing Article 7, Section 6 of the Utah Constitution. The proclamation said the Senate was called into extraordinary session "for the senate to consent to appointments made by the governor to positions within the state government of the state of Utah since the close of the 2013 general session of the legislature." The lieutenant governor’s office certified the proclamation in the chamber.

Senator Valentine moved that the Senate adopt the rules from the 2013 general session for use during the extraordinary session; the motion passed on a voice vote. The president appointed Senators Jay Stevenson, Urquhart and DeBackus to notify the governor’s office and its representative that the Senate had convened as required by the proclamation.

Communications from the governor listed a series of nominations and reappointments transmitted under Utah Code 67-1-1 and 67-1-2. Among the nominations were John S. Pierpont to replace Kristen Cox as executive director of the Department of Workforce Services and Roland E. Cook to replace Thomas Patterson as executive director of the Department of Corrections. Committee chairs reported to the chamber that they had held confirmation hearings for the nominees.

"We received many testimonies of individuals who voluntarily brought forward their thoughts about his leadership, his integrity," Senator Mark Madsen said in endorsing John S. Pierpont, adding that Pierpont had "spent many, many years, in fact, 22 years in the workforce services organization, literally working his way up through the organization." Senator Madsen said there was "a high level of confidence and support for this appointment." (Quote attributed to Senator Mark Madsen.)

Senator Hilliard moved that the Senate approve the names submitted by the governor. After limited discussion, the body proceeded to a roll-call vote. During the call, multiple senators answered "Aye." Senator Wyler said he believed the session’s title was appropriate because the nominees were "extraordinary candidates." President Niederhauser announced the result: "The governor's appointments have received 25 yay votes, 0 nay votes, [and the motion] passes." He added that four members were absent.

Following the vote, John S. Pierpont introduced family members in the gallery and thanked the Senate and the governor. "I have my family here with me today ... Irena Pierpont, my wife and my son," Pierpont said, and pledged to serve in a way that would make the Senate "pleased, with the work that we do." (Quote attributed to John S. Pierpont.)

The session concluded routine business when committee members reported they had notified the governor’s representative that the Senate had concluded the business named in the proclamation. Senators remained briefly for a final item before adjourning; the chamber observed multiple member birthdays before closing.

What the Senate approved: the body adopted the 2013 rules for this extraordinary session and confirmed the governor’s appointments transmitted on April 2 and April 30, 2013, including John S. Pierpont as executive director of the Department of Workforce Services and Roland E. Cook as executive director of the Department of Corrections. The confirmation roll-call was recorded as 25 yes, 0 no, and 4 absent. No amendments or formal reservations affecting the appointments were recorded during the session.