MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS

Monday, February 14, 2011

9:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.028

 

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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.10 and 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Nominations was held on Monday, February 14, 2011, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.028, at Austin, Texas.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:		MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Glenn Hegar, Vice Chair		Senator Bob Deuell, Chair
Senator Jane Nelson		Senator Troy Fraser
Senator Robert Nichols
Senator Jose Rodriguez
Senator Kirk Watson

 

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Senator Glenn Hegar, the acting chair, called the meeting to order at 9:01 A.M. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

 

The following member arrrived after the roll was called: Senator Jane Nelson

 

Senator Nichols moved adoption of the minutes from the previous hearing held on February 7, 2011; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Senator Hegar recognized Senator Florence Shapiro to introduce University of Texas System Regent Brenda Pejovich. Senator Jeff Wentworth was recognized to introduce Texas A&M System Regent Elaine Mendoza-Gay. Senator Kevin Eltife was recognized to introduce Texas A&M System Regent Judy Morgan. Senator Wentworth was recognized to introduce University of Texas System Regent Alex Cranberg. Senator Rodney Ellis was recognized to introduce University of Houston System Regent Nandita V. Berry and Texas A&M University System Regent John D. White.

Senator Rodriguez moved that the committee vote on the non-appearing nominees to the following entities: Adjutant General's Department, Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers, Commission on State Emergency Communications, Midwestern State University Board of Regents, Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board, Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents, Texas County and District Retirement System, Texas Emergency Services Retirement System, Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation, Texas Municipal Retirement System, Texas Mutual Insurance Company Board, Texas State Library and Archives Commission, Texas State Technical College System Board of Regents, Texas Tech University System Board of Regents, and Veterans' Land Board. The motion carried with a record vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent. (Senator Nelson submitted a voting form voting aye.)

 

Senator Hegar recognized Nandita V. Berry to share her comments with the committee.

 

Senator Huffman was recognized to introduce University of Houston System Regent Jarvis V. Hollingsworth.

 

Mrs. Berry answered questions from the members of the committee.

 

Senator Watson moved that the committee vote to approve the nominations of the individuals to the following entity: University of Houston System Board of Regents. The motion carried with a record vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent. (Senator Nelson submitted a voting form voting aye.)

 

Senator Hegar introduced Texas A&M University System Regent Clifton Thomas.

 

The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents panel answered questions from the members of the committee.

 

Senator Watson moved that the committee vote to approve the nominations of the individuals to the following entity: Texas A&M University System Board of Regents Elaine Mendoza-Gay, Judy Morgan and John D. White. The motion carried with a record vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent.

 

Senator Watson abstained from voting for Mr. Clifton Thomas due to past business relationships. He wanted it to be clear that this decision in no way reflects his feelings toward Mr. Thomas and thanked him for his willingness to serve.

Senator Hegar moved that the committee approve the nomination of Texas A&M University System Regent Clifton Thomas. The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 1 present not voting and 2 absent.

 

Senator Hegar read written remarks by Senator John Carona introducing University of Texas System Regent Wallace C. Hall, Jr.

 

The University of Texas System Board of Regents answered questions from the members of the committee.

 

Senator Watson moved that the committee vote to approve the nominations of the individuals to the following entity: University of Texas System Board of Regents. The motion carried with a record vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent. (Senator Nelson submitted a voting form voting aye.)

 

There being no further business, at 9:55 A.M. Senator Nichols moved that the committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

 

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Senator Glenn Hegar, Vice-Chair

 

 

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Bogan Durr, Clerk