By Associated Press
Montgomery, AL – A Montgomery County judge has refused to stop the Alabama Board of Education from naming state Senator Bradley Byrne the state's new two-year college chancellor.
Circuit Judge Gene Reese on Wednesday denied a request to issue a temporary restraining order to stop the board from naming Byrne permanent chancellor at a meeting scheduled for Thursday.
Attorneys for three members of the Alabama Education Association argued at a hearing yesterday that Byrne was selected in a secret process that violated the state's open meetings law. The complaint filed by the AEA members asked Reese to stop Byrne from taking the position until a full hearing could be held on charges the board violated the open meetings law.
An attorney for the board and Gov. Bob Riley said Byrne was selected in an open meeting and that the complaint was filed by people who disagree with the board's decision.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)