By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – The Alabama Senate made a series of long-awaited appointments yesterday.
Yesterday, the Senate voted 34-nothing in favor of three new members to Auburn University's Board of Trustees. Approved were ... Gadsden city planner Charles Ball, Fayette Elementary School principal Sarah Newton and state Revenue Commissioner Dwight Carlisle of Tallassee. Upon taking his appointment, Carlisle immediately resigned from the governor's Cabinet -- as required by state law. The assistant revenue commissioner, Cynthia Underwood, will take over the post on an interim basis.
There are still two more vacancies on the Auburn board that must be filled.
Senators also approved Orange Beach businessman Randy McKinney to fill a long contested seat on the state Board of Education.
McKinney is the third person named to the seat since Bradley Byrne resigned in 2002 to become a state senator. Pam Baker was initially appointed to the seat by former Governor Don Siegelman, but resigned last year under pressure from Governor Riley. Then a Senate committee rejected Riley's first choice for the seat.
McKinney was confirmed without dissent.