Montgomery, AL – Gov. Bob Riley has hit a sour note with his reappointment of Alabama lead singer Randy Owen to a state agricultural board.
The state Senate's Confirmations Committee delayed consideration Wednesday of Riley's selection of Owen and five others for the Alabama Board of Agriculture and Industries. The committee took the action because all six appointees are white and the agriculture board has no black members. Riley's appointments are subject to Senate approval.
Committee members said they had no problem with Owen's qualifications, but they want the board to have diversity. Democratic state Sen. Myron Penn of Union Springs said there are many black farmers in Alabama who could be selected for some of the six positions.
Owen operates a cattle farm in Fort Payne.
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