Utah senators deliver farewell remarks as several members prepare to leave

During the extraordinary session in November 2022, several Utah senators used personal-privilege time to offer farewell remarks and tributes to colleagues leaving the chamber.

Senator Kitchen delivered an extended farewell reflecting on personal struggles and public service, citing achievements on housing and restorative-justice measures and thanking staff and colleagues. Quoting John Adams, Kitchen said, "to be good and to do good is all we have to do," and closed her remarks personally: "I love you and I'm rooting for your success."

Senator Iwamoto also addressed the chamber, recounting legislative work on pediatric trauma networks, campus safety, veterans issues, domestic violence, water quality/quantity and outreach to Native American communities. Iwamoto noted being the first Asian American elected to the Senate in the state's history and said she will spend more time with family moving forward.

Colleagues responded with tributes. Senator Maine and others thanked retiring senators for their service; senators stood and applauded as the chamber arranged a post-session photo for departing members and their families. Announcements about receptions (a Gold Room reception for longtime counsel John Fellows and a rotunda event sponsored by Utah Tech) followed the remarks.

The chamber concluded with a motion to adjourn and the Senate recessed for the day.

Context: The personal remarks emphasized constituent-centered policy work and bipartisan collegiality; they were not tied to formal votes, but they mark leadership and membership transitions in the Senate.