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Utah Senate unanimously consents to three judicial appointments; nominees pledge fairness
Summary
In an extraordinary November 2014 session, the Utah Senate unanimously consented to three judicial nominees — Angela F. Fonsbeck, Laura Scott and L. Douglas Hogan — by votes of 28–0 (one senator absent). Each nominee spoke to the Senate, pledging preparedness, fairness and a focus on protecting vulnerable residents.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah State Senate, meeting in an extraordinary November 2014 session, consented unanimously to three judicial appointments sent by Gov. Gary R. Herbert.
Senators voted to confirm Angela F. Fonsbeck to the First District Juvenile Court, Laura Scott to the Third District Court and L. Douglas Hogan to the Third District Court. Each consent motion was moved by Senator Scott Jenkins following favorable reports from the Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee; roll-call tallies for each confirmation were recorded as 28 yeas, 0 nays and 1 absent.
In remarks to the Senate after her confirmation, Angela F. Fonsbeck thanked the body and her supporters. She said she was “humbled” by the appointment and pledged to prioritize those she called “the most vulnerable.” "It is my commitment here to you today that I will employ the teachings of that lesson and I will exercise the responsibilities of this office with the highest degree of respect and integrity, and that I will do everything in my power as a judge in the first district juvenile court to protect our children and preserve our families," Fonsbeck said.
Senator Jenkins described the committee's vetting as supportive. Jenkins said the committee found no problems with the nominees and recommended their confirmation to the full Senate. "We were very pleased with [Fonsbeck]; she got our full endorsement," Jenkins said during floor remarks.
Laura Scott introduced family and colleagues gathered in the gallery and thanked the governor, the judicial nominating commission and the Senate for their review. "I promise you that I will work extraordinarily hard to be the best and most effective judge that I can be, and that I will treat everyone with respect and fairness and with dignity," Scott told the chamber.
L. Douglas Hogan likewise expressed appreciation for the process and the local support he said had accompanied his nomination. Hogan, who described prior service as a county attorney, told senators he would prioritize preparation and hard work on the bench: "I commit to you that I'll make it a priority to be prepared, to work hard," he said.
Each confirmation followed the procedural reading of gubernatorial communications and a motion for consent. The Senate also resolved into a Committee of the Whole to allow the newly confirmed judges to address the body in the order they were confirmed.
The confirmations were read by the clerk as being made pursuant to provisions of the Utah Constitution and relevant Utah Code sections applicable to judicial appointments. The session record shows Governor Gary R. Herbert transmitted the nominees and that the Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee reported favorable recommendations prior to the floor votes.
The newly confirmed judges addressed the Senate briefly and were recognized with applause. The Senate did not record any opposing votes on these confirmations; one senator was absent for the roll calls. The Senate then continued with additional gubernatorial appointments to boards and commissions, which were also consented to by the same recorded margin.
