From Deseret News archives:
Mansell gives up top Senate post
Assorted chairs and couches are seemingly everywhere in the spacious office reserved for the president, enough that Mansell, R-Sandy, sarcastically offers a seat "if you can find one." It is a joke made in the same dry wit he employed during his four years at the helm of the Senate, and one that he will now use on the floor of the Senate.
Mansell's departure from the Senate presidency while he still has time in office is unique, since almost all presidents leave the top position only when they retire or lose their Senate seats. After four years as president, however, he felt it was best for the Senate if he passed the gavel to somebody new in this case, Sen. John Valentine, R-Orem.
"I don't think that anyone should serve for more time than this," he said. "After too long, the power starts to consolidate. The state is better served by changing leaders every four years."
"There was a spirit of cooperation in the Senate, more than I'd ever seen," he said. "It was found on both sides of the aisle, and it made life more enjoyable."
Returning to the Senate floor will also mean the rebirth of Mansell-sponsored bills, since he refused to sponsor any while president despite every president before having sponsored at least a few bills each year. It will also mean that he will be more involved in debates and committee hearings, something he is eyeing with a mix of excitement and apprehension.
"I don't know if I'm looking forward to it, but I'm always up for a new challenge," he said. "I think I'll be able to provide some insight to my colleagues that I learned as president."
Among the bills he would like to see passed are tuition tax credits or school choice, at least in some form. While those bills have failed in previous years, he expects that they will get much more serious consideration during this session because of a recent Utah State University study that showed that the state could save money if tuition tax credits were in place.
"I think we've set the wheels in motion, and the opportunity has been increased," he said. "Over the next few years we'll see it progress."
As for the incoming president, Mansell said his best advice would be to "make a decision and stick to it" unless compelling evidence is presented to prompt a change. A leader who cannot make a decision will not be respected.
"Be a tree trunk, not a limb blowing back and forth in the breeze," he said.
E-mail: jloftin@desnews.com
Comments
- Payson, chamber seek medical firm 2:49 p.m.
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple 2:47 p.m.
- Palin's book tour hits Fort Bragg 2:42 p.m.
- Matheson unsure about health bill 2:40 p.m.
- BYU's Lamb, Jorgensen reprimanded 2:38 p.m.
- Mapleton's sewer rate mulled 2:37 p.m.
- Stocks higher on home sales data 2:32 p.m.
- Pitta among Mackey Award finalists 2:31 p.m.
- Five arrested in explosive prank 2:24 p.m.
- Police seek men in home invasion 2:19 p.m.
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
214 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
211 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
186 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
178 - BYU records with win
132 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
131 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
106 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
103 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
99
Utah's only Pottery Barn at Trolley Square, 600 S. 700 East, has...
A little after midnight Wednesday morning, about 21 hours ago as I write...
So, we care about sportsmanship when the newspaper "cuts" AFA, but when the...
The invasion, the war and the occupation of Iraq is a crime against humanity...
Thing's are LQQKING UP, at where our dollar went. Arab's and China keeps...
Too bad these idiots don't know what it's going to do to the value of their...
For whatever difference it makes, the Pitt team Utah defeated in the Fiesta...
The only thing that might keep PITTA from winning is the foolish mtn....
The neighbor would feel the same way about a hospital or a library? Come on,...
Before you blame the administrators you need to do some homework. Spend a...
I doubt protests were actually loud, but it's hard to know without details....
The last thing I want is for Sarah to fade into Oblivion. In fact, having...



You can be the first to comment on this story.