Top Stories Montgomery

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Auburn University trustee Bobby Lowder called Gov. Robert Bentley today and asked that he not be considered for another term on the university’s board, Bentley spokeswoman Rebekah Mason said.

”Bobby Lowder spoke with the governor today by telephone and asked that his name be withdrawn from consideration for a new term on the Auburn board of trustees,” Mason said.

A former president of Auburn University’s national alumni association is suing the governor and others in an attempt to undo the recent selection of nine trustees, including Lowder.

Andy Hornsby filed the suit in Lee County Circuit Court against the governor and the other four members of the trustee selection committee. He says their meeting last month in Montgomery where trustees were picked did not follow the state’s open meetings law. He seeks to have the actions taken in that meeting invalidated.

Senators must confirm trustees’ nominations for new terms. But on Friday, State Sen. President Pro Tem Del Marsh said he wouldn’t bring the names up for a vote because the nomination process was too rushed.

Bentley has called for the selection committee to meet again May 25 at 8 a.m. in the Capitol. Asked if the committee would nominate someone to replace Lowder, Mason replied, ”That is a process that’s going to be a committee decision.”

In a statement, Bentley said the meeting would be an opportunity to “bring the committee members up to date on recent developments and the encouraging discussions I’ve had with all the stakeholders.”

Related Articles:

• Two shot in west Birmingham gun battle
• Downtown Mobile rape suspect Shelby Robinson’s probation revoked
• Commemorations mark 150th anniversary of Civil War’s Manassas battle
• Birmingham teen burglary arrests up this summer
• Mobile judge summons defendants to court; Orders them to pay outstanding fines or go to jail