After the annual recess, it was great to reconvene Monday. There is nothing quite like that first day of the Legislature. The air is positively crackling with anticipation.
And like high school, there is a feel to opening day, a certain rush to buddy up with the right cliques and be seen in the best places. The territory even smells familiar - a blend of clashing colognes, shoe leather and hard-earned sweat.
All that's missing is the familiar slam of lockers.
House and Senate members all showed up on time for the flag ceremony and rap of the opening gavel. Fresh from their back-to-school shopping trips, they looked absolutely smashing in their neatly pressed suits and sensible flowing knit skirts. The halls buzzed with conversation and laughter - legislators comparing their golf handicaps and reminding the scores of lurking lobbyists to "keep your hands where we can see 'em!"
The usual cast of characters was there - you'll remember them from your own high school. They help make Capitol Hill High the special and spirited place it is.
Muckraker and raconteur Rod Decker, of KUTV-Channel 2, was there representing the school journalism ranks. There are almost more reporters than lobbyists this year on the Hill, thus ensuring not a single power struggle, bogged-down bill or bad pun will escape the public's attention. And speaking of media, class clown Tom Barberi made his own statement to the whole school this year - distributing empty bottles of Wasatch Brewery's Evolution Amber Ale to each lawmaker (though they never made it to the House chamber).
It was a poke at Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, and his intelligent-design bill. Buttars seemed unperturbed by the prank, but then he was busy lumbering along in his role as Capitol Hill High mascot: the bulldog.
Everyone who is anyone at school was there. Principal Jon Huntsman Jr. was doing what most principals do - keeping far from the bustling crowds and safe in his office. Moving through the general population on your own can be dangerous, you know.
Senate President John Valentine makes a perfect student body president. Calm, deliberate, and nodding at just the right moment, he is certain to get accepted to Harvard.
There is the venerable Capitol High Debate Club, all official and buttoned-down and ably represented by Sen. Patrice Arent, D-Murray, Sen. Greg Bell, R-Fruit Heights, and House Minority Leader Ralph Becker, D-Salt Lake City.
Not to be ignored: Sen. Curtis Bramble, R-Provo, who doubles as the president of the Capitol Hill High Key Club. You know the type. He has 16 extracurricular activities going at once - homecoming committee, Young Republicans, drama club, Boy Scouts. He does it all, and even works nights at the malt shop. All the better to get into Harvard.
House Speaker Greg Curtis opened the action Monday by encouraging healthy debate but urging all to play nice. He is the kind of LDS seminary council president Capitol Hill High can get behind. We'll see how long he can keep his flock in tow.
As for Eagle Forum lobbyist Gale Ruzicka, she was there in her role as vice principal for discipline. She'll patrol the halls through March 1, casting a hairy eyeball toward nonconformists and breaking up any public displays of affection. It's her job to keep school on an even, moral keel. You'll hear her authoritarian voice ring through the halls:
"Get to class now, and no lip! I don't make the rules, God does!"
hmullen@sltrib.com
or (801) 257-8610
