For Immediate Release
Contact: Sheila McCant
LA House of Representatives
Office of Public Information
Phone: (225) 342-9795
FAX: (225) 219-4380
January 10, 2000
REVISED
House
Swears in Members, Officers
DeWitt Elected Speaker; Bruneau, Pro-Tempore
Clerk of the House Alfred "Butch" Speer administered the oath to the members. One hundred four members were present. Rep. Cedric Glover was unable to be present due to illness.
Nominations were then opened for clerk of the House. Rep. William Daniel, D-Baton Rouge, nominated Alfred "Butch" Speer. The nomination was seconded by Rep. Carl Crane, R-Baton Rouge and Speer was unanimously elected. The Honorable Thomas W. Tanner, Retired District Judge, 22nd Judicial District Court, administered the oath. Speer has served as Clerk of the House since 1984.
Rep. Emile "Peppi" Bruneau nominated Rep. Charlie DeWitt for Speaker of the House. Rep. Joe Salter seconded the nomination, followed by Rep. John Alario. DeWitt was unanimously elected. The Honorable Catherine "Kitty" Kimball, Supreme Court Justice, Fifth District, administered the oath.
DeWitt is the first representative from Rapides Parish to serve as Speaker since G. W. Bolton who held the office from 1892-1896.
DeWitt said he is ready to assume the duties of Speaker and looks forward to the challenges of the position.
"I want to thank my colleagues for the honor they have bestowed upon me. As we stand on the threshold of a new millennium, I am proud to be a part of the administration that has already put Louisiana on the right track. Together we can continue our work and establish our state as one that is serious about reform and improving conditions for all our citizens. I look forward to the challenges of my office and working with all members of the House and the entire administration to make our reform goals a reality." Rep. Jerry LeBlanc nominated Bruneau for Speaker Pro Tempore. Reps. Montgomery and Winston seconded the nomination. Bruneau was also unanimously elected to his second term as pro tempore. His oath was administered by Dr. Ken Ward who also administered his oath four years ago.
"It is a great honor and privilege to serve the House and the state in this capacity," Bruneau said. "I look forward to working with Speaker DeWitt, Governor Foster and the House and Senate to push forward the reform agenda. I want to thank the members of the House for allowing me to serve them for another term. Together, we can make Louisiana a better place and leave a positive legacy for generations to come."
###