Sen. Secretary, "quorum call," honored

Everyone knows her voice: "Quorum call, quorum call. Senators, the Senate will convene in 5 minutes."

But soon, a different voice will call senators to their committees and chamber seats. The Senate just passed a resolution honoring longtime Senate secretary Faye W. Blanton, who is retiring after 12 years in the post and 38 years serving the state.

"It has been an honor to serve you," she told the chamber. "I'm proud to have had the opportunity to be here ever so briefly in the history of this Senate."

But she apologized, too: "for my annoying quorum calls...the President made me do it."

Blanton was first named secretary in 1996, the first woman named to a two-year term, and has been in the job ever since.

"Faye Blanton taught me that it's not how much you receive in this process and life," said Sen. Al Lawson, D-Tallahassee. "It's what you give. And truly, she has helped so many of us when we were out of order and didn't know what to do."

He said she should be remembered as much for her work with senators as with children, organizing mock sessions for schoolchildren.

"I don't think anybody can ever take your place," Lawson said.

"She knows everything that goes on," said Sen. Lisa Carlton, R-Osprey, who is also leaving the Senate after this session. "She helps us keep things running smoothly. ...God speed and God bless"

Comments

Faye Blanton and Kathy Mears are the Senate's finest people.

Oh how I do love Kathy Mears!!

kathy looks like lurch from the adams family.

10:49 and 10:55 - You obviously do not truly know Kathy Mears.

But Faye Blanton does indeed rock! She will be sorely missed.

Kathy Mears is very sharp--she represents Pruitt well.

11:37 I have known Kathy Mears since 1996, and she is the kind of person who wants to believe the best in people and works to find it, even if it is buried deep in the soul.

The fact you do not think so puts your character in question. I am sure an overwhelming majority who read this will agree.
You must be a whining lobbyist who doesn't like the word no.

Honestly who cares about Kathy Mears? This was not an article about her. Staying on topic, Faye Blanton is irreplaceable and will be missed by everyone.

Isn't Kathy going to work on Webster's campaign.