Special session ends, still no new AU trustee

The special session of the Alabama State Legislature ended Saturday without the confirmation of Auburn University trustee nominee Raymond Harbert.

Harbert, an Auburn alumnus and chairman and CEO of Harbert Management Corporation in Birmingham, was selected by AU’s Trustee Selection Committee on May 2 to fill the seat held by Earlon McWhorter, an Anniston businessman and Auburn alumnus.

“Mr. Harbert’s name has not been brought up for discussion at all,” said Sen. Ted Little, who sits on the confirmation committee.

But that does not mean Harbert will not be confirmed before the next regular session of the legislature, Little said.

At the end of the special session on Saturday, Gov. Bob Riley sent a letter to lawmakers asking them to pick days in the fall that would be convenient for another special
session.

Little said that possible special session could be held in September or October.

McWhorter’s term is technically finished.

“The confirmation committee is aware that McWhorter’s official term has already concluded,” Little said. “He has a year of grace.”

McWhorter’ grace period of service for up to a year would end on Feb. 20, 2009.

At that point, there has to be a replacement.

Little said there is no rush on the confirmation. Harbert could even be confirmed at the beginning of the regular session, he said.

There is always the option to still bring up another nominee’s name, Little said.

“I would say, if at a certain point, if there is a sense that his name will not be confirmed they could come up with another name,” Little said.