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Utah Senate convenes extraordinary session and unanimously consents to governor's appointments, including Michael S. Hussey
Summary
On Nov. 9, 2015, the Utah State Senate met in an extraordinary session called by Gov. Gary R. Herbert to consider gubernatorial appointments. The Senate adopted session rules and unanimously consented to a slate of appointees, including Michael S. Hussey as executive director of the Department of Technology Services (21–0; 8 absent).
The Utah State Senate convened an extraordinary session on Nov. 9, 2015, at 4 p.m. after Gov. Gary R. Herbert issued a proclamation asking the Senate to consider and consent to executive appointments made since the 2015 general session. The Senate adopted its rules for the special session and proceeded to consider the slate of nominations.
The proclamation—read and certified by Senate clerks and by Lt. Gov. Spencer J. Cox—said the extraordinary session was called under the state constitution to give the Senate an opportunity to consent to the governor’s appointments. The governor’s communications presented a list of nominees and reappointments to boards and commissions, and named Michael S. Hussey for confirmation as executive director of the Department of Technology Services.
Senators took up the nominations after a roll call established a quorum of 21 members present and one excused absence. Senator Hilliard moved to approve the list as read. During the roll call on the motion, multiple senators voiced "aye." The President announced the vote: 21 yays, 0 nays, with 8 senators absent, and declared the Senate had consented to the governor’s appointments.
Senator Brian Ishiazawa, chair of the relevant confirmation committee, reported the committee had interviewed the nominee and recommended confirmation. "Our committee was very comfortable with the answers that Mr. Hussey provided to us," the senator said, noting the committee voted unanimously to support the confirmation. The Senate then resolved into a committee of the whole to hear from the nominee.
Michael S. Hussey, introduced in the chamber with family present, thanked senators and identified family members in the gallery. "My wife, Cammie, is here. My daughter, Annalise, my son, Parker, and my son, McKay," Hussey said, and spoke briefly about the challenges and responsibilities of the post he is about to assume.
After the committee meeting with the nominee, senators dissolved the committee of the whole and directed Senator Henderson to notify the governor’s representative that the Senate had concluded its business; Henderson confirmed notification. The Senate then heard a series of brief announcements and adjourned on a motion from Senator Okerlund.
The confirmations reported to the Senate’s consent included (as read from the governor’s communications) appointments and reappointments to the Utah Arts Council Board of Directors, the Board of State History, the State Records Committee, the Utah Capital Investment Board, the Waste Management and Radiation Control Board, the Utah Conservation Council, and the executive director position at the Department of Technology Services, among others. The communications were signed by Gov. Gary R. Herbert and certified by Lt. Gov. Spencer J. Cox. The record shows the Senate’s formal consent but does not specify effective dates for each appointment within the transcript.
The Senate adjourned after completing the confirmations and routine announcements. No formal motions to table or refer the nominations were recorded in the transcript provided.
