There were no fireworks Monday's meeting between Governor Robert Bentley and the Alabama State University Board of Trustees but there were some pointed exchanges and differences of opinion. The governor focused attention on the preliminary findings of a recent forensic audit of the university; particularly a one million dollar Medicaid contract. Board members railed against the governor's release of the report without allowing more time for ASU to examine it. Most of those in attendance felt the meeting was beneficial. The school's ongoing presidential search stirred disagreement, with the governor wanting to make the finalists' names public. Board Chairman Elton Dean says he has confidence in the search committee.
Multiple Arrests
Six arrests have now been made in connection with an August homicide in Montgomery. Three men have been charged with capital murder including: 18-year-old Rickel Osborne, 18-year-old Caesar Orum and 21-year-old Dashun Williams, all of Montgomery. Three others have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder: 17-year-old Gabriel Timmons, 17-year-old Milon Moss and 18-year-old Johann Ziegler. They are also from Montgomery. On August 11th, 19-year-old Dontavious McCall was shot to death while in the 3400 block of Crescent Road. Police say the drive-by shooting stemmed from an ongoing dispute between rival gang members.
No Re-election
Republican state Senator Bryan Taylor of Prattville says he won't seek re-election next year. The 37-year-old freshman senator announced Monday that he want to focus on his law practice and his family with a third child on the way. Taylor said he will serve out his full term and has no plans to lobby when he leaves the Legislature. Taylor already had one announced opponent the 2014 GOP primary, Suzelle Josey, but he said that played no role in his decision.