By Associated Press
Montgomery, AL – A circuit judge has been asked to block the selection of state Senator Bradley Byrne as chancellor of the state's two-year college system and reopen the selection process for applicants.
The complaint filed by officers of the Alabama Education Association contends the state board of education selected Byrne, a Fairhope Republican, without providing notice as required by the state's open meetings law and also violated its own policies.
A hearing on the request for a temporary restraining order to block Byrne from becoming chancellor is set for today at nine a-m before Circuit Judge Gene Reese of Montgomery.
The complaint was filed by Alabama Education Association President Ollie Underwood, A-E-A Vice President Peggy Mobley and Doctor Gayle Gear against the State Board of Education, Governor Bob Riley and the members of the State Board of Education. The plaintiffs did not file in their official capacity but as "citizens of the State of Alabama."
Byrne said late Monday he couldn't respond to specific allegations in the complaint because he hadn't had a chance to read it.
Byrne had hoped to take charge at Thursday's board meeting, when his contract is on the agenda.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)