Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Appointments Board Members topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners table appointment to Central State Redevelopment Authority after objections about process
Summary
The Baldwin County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 to table a same-night appointment of Robert Binion to the Central State Redevelopment Authority after several commissioners objected to the lack of prior notice and opportunity to nominate candidates.
The Baldwin County Board of Commissioners on the evening’s agenda moved to amend the agenda to include an appointment to the Central State Redevelopment Authority, but after extended discussion the board voted 4-1 to table the actual appointment of Robert Binion.
The issue surfaced when Chairman Andrew Strickland asked the board to add the appointment to the agenda so the authority would not be held up. Commissioner Hall moved to amend the agenda to include the appointment; the motion to amend carried. At the ensuing discussion several commissioners objected to making an appointment on the same night without prior notice or opportunity to research nominees, prompting a separate motion to table the appointment. The motion to table carried 4-1.
Why it matters: several commissioners said appointments to outside boards involve reputational and governance questions that merit time for vetting and for each commissioner to suggest nominees. Commissioner Butts, who opposed tabling earlier votes and later explained he would not support a same-night appointment, said the practice violated the board’s usual approach and deprived other commissioners of a chance to propose candidates.
What commissioners said: Chairman Andrew Strickland said the authority had pressing business and described Robert Binion as “fully capable of going and making decisions on the Central State Redevelopment Authority Board.” But several colleagues said they had not been notified in time to research nominees or consult constituents. Commissioner Butts said, in part, “We never ever make an appointment on the night that we supposed to appoint people,” and objected to the short timeline.
Outcome and next steps: The board voted 4-1 to table the appointment. The transcript records a single dissenting voice on the table vote; that dissent was Commissioner Butts. No appointment was finalized, and the board did not schedule a follow-up date during the meeting.
Context: Commissioners discussed customary practice for board appointments and whether a separate called meeting would be warranted to resolve the vacancy. Chairman Strickland framed the request as an effort to avoid delaying the Redevelopment Authority’s business; other commissioners said they would prefer a short special meeting or more advance notice so all five could vet nominees.
