Senators challenged to measure up to challenges

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the LDS Church's First Presidency, delivered the invocation in the Senate, asking that the branches of government be blessed "with a vision to strengthen this state and its people" and protected "from confusion, arrogance and greed" as they work to "make our righteous hopes become reality."

The Salt City Jazz Choir from Salt Lake Community College, sang several songs, including "Come, Come Ye Saints" a Mormon hymn. Senate Majority Leader Sheldon Killpack, R-Syracuse, called the performance a "perspective builder."

The senators were sworn in by Utah Supreme Court Justice Michael Wilkins and Senate President Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, already chosen by the GOP majority last year was formally elected by acclimation.

Waddoups challenged senators "to measure up" and said he'd be distributing a dozen rulers to each of the 29 members to give out as a "token reward" during the session.

The new Senate leader said times are not as "gloomy" as some believe. "There will always be naysayers, always those who feel like we're not doing enough. There will always be those who need more help," Waddoups said.

He said during the past 25 years, more wealth has been created and more people lifted from poverty than in any other tme in the nation's history. "Let us be optimistic," Waddoups said. "Revenue may be down a little bit but we can still eat. This is not a depression. We can all go out and purchase what we need."

The state's current financial situation, Waddoups said, is an opportunity to "evaluate where we are and reprioritize."

New Senate Minority Leader Pat Jones, D-Holladay, told the GOP majority that Democrats looked forward to working with them. "We will work with you to help solve these very serious issues that face us," she said, describing this as a time for bipartisan cooperation.

"I know that's what our citizens want and expect from us," Jones said.

Killpack quoted the cartoon character Homer Simpson, who looked to a lottery win to solve his financial problems. Killpack said the state cannot relay on what he said amounts to a lottery win, a one-time share of the federal stimulus package being pushed by President Obama and the Democratic Congress.

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