Senate elects Helena Reid as secretary; she is sworn in by Secretary of State

Senate President Gallo nominated Helena Reid as secretary of the Rhode Island Senate and senators approved her election by voice and machine tally, with the clerk recording 35 votes in favor and none opposed. The chamber then recessed briefly for a ceremonial swearing-in.

The nomination drew praise from members who cited Reid’s long service on senate staff. President Gallo said Reid had ‘‘served the chamber for several years with great distinction’’ and described her as ‘‘deeply connected to this chamber’’ and ‘‘uniquely qualified to fill this important position.’’ Senator Cohen formally seconded the nomination and urged colleagues to support her appointment.

After the vote, Secretary of State Gregor Maury administered the oath of office. In the prescribed form, Maury asked whether Reid would ‘‘support the constitutions of the United States and [the] state, and faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of this office.’’ Reid accepted the oath and was congratulated by colleagues; Senator Labadi then introduced her husband, Michael Reed, who was present in the chamber.

The election replaces the outgoing secretary, John E. Fleming Jr., who had submitted a resignation earlier in the record. With no additional calendar business listed for the day, the Senate proceeded to announcements and then voted to stand in recess.