Consensus prevailed in the state Senate today as the chamber unanimously approved several of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's key appointments.
The session began with a moment of silence in honor of two politicians who died in recent weeks: Carl Dickman, a former state representative from Fairfield, and William Ratchford, a former 5th District congressman.
Lawmakers approved the following Malloy designees:
*Benjamin Barnes, secretary of the office of policy and management
*Former state Sen. Donald DeFronzo, commission of the department of administrative services
*Former Senate President and Lt. Gov. Kevin Sullivan, commissioner of the department revenue services
*Patricia Rehmer, commissioner of the department of mental health and addiction services
*Joette Katz, commissioner of the department of children and families
*Linda Spoonster Schwartz, commissioner of the department of veterans affairs