An on-time Senate?
The Senate is legendary, renowned even, for its fungible sense of time. That 3 p.m. printed on top of the counter is more a guideline. It has traditionally been less of a rule than a suggestion, interpreted as, "Oh, we’ll start at 3-ish, after some lovely debate and a light lunch, when we all get around to it." Somehow, it’s in keeping with the relaxed pace of life here in the south, or something.
Well, no more, said Deputy Senate President Pro Tempore Charles Dannely:
"Before the adjournment, the president spoke to you about starting on time, and we stood at ease for 10 minutes because a number of you would have missed votes. With the approval of Sen. Basnight, we are going to start on time or nearly on time as possible. If you're not here, then that's too bad, because everybody's time is important, and if we start on time, we can get out and take care of the rest of our business."
I'm skeptical. Senate Standard Time has become cultural around here. Legislators are creatures of habbit.
Of course, the House used to have the same fungible sense of time under former Speaker Jim Black, and that chamber has been pretty on time this year. So change is possible.