Messengers wouldn’t bite on challenge to Baylor nominee_111703

Posted: 11/14/03

Messengers wouldn't bite on challenge to Baylor nominee

By Mark Wingfield

Managing Editor

LUBBOCK--A nominee to fill the unexpired term of a Baylor University regent who resigned this fall was challenged on the floor of the Baptist General Convention of Texas annual session Nov. 10.

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Posted: 11/14/03

Messengers wouldn't bite on challenge to Baylor nominee

By Mark Wingfield

Managing Editor

LUBBOCK–A nominee to fill the unexpired term of a Baylor University regent who resigned this fall was challenged on the floor of the Baptist General Convention of Texas annual session Nov. 10.

The BGCT's Committee to Nominate Institution Boards nominated John Reimers of Beaumont to fill the seat vacated this fall by Duane Brooks, pastor of Tallowood Baptist Church in Houston. Because Brooks' resignation came after the nominating committee had completed most of its work, the nomination for his replacement was not published along with the larger slate of nominees prior to the convention. Instead, it was printed in the first-day convention Bulletin.

Brooks resigned from the Baylor board after critics of the university's leadership pointed out that his service violated the BGCT's policies. His brother, David Brooks, is Baylor's chief financial officer.

Brooks was among the 25 percent of Baylor's board elected by the BGCT. The remaining 75 percent are elected by the Baylor board.

According to BGCT policy, the task of nominating someone to fill Brooks' unexpired term fell to the nominating committee and specifically its Baylor subcommittee. The committee operates through subcommittees for each institution. The subcommittees are comprised of members of the larger committee, along with representatives of the institution board and other Texas Baptists.

The Baylor subcommittee this year is chaired by Baylor regent Howard Batson, pastor of First Baptist Church of Amarillo.

That subcommittee recommended Reimers, who is a dentist and member of First Baptist Church of Beaumont.

When the slate of nominees was presented to the convention by CNIB Chairman Jordan Mills of First Baptist Church of Dumas, the Reimers nomination was challenged by Wayne Hodge, a member of Tallowood.

Hodge wanted the convention to fill his pastor's vacated spot on the Baylor board with another member of his church, Fred Cameron. Cameron is a former Baylor regent and former president of the Baylor Alumni Association.

“Baylor deserves the best, and I believe Fred is the best for this position,” Hodge said.

Mills responded that “all nominees are in compliance with BGCT and institution guidelines” and said he recommended following the committee's original nomination.

BGCT President Bob Campbell called for anyone who desired to speak in favor of amending the committee's report to do so. When no one rose to speak in favor of Hodge's motion, Campbell recognized Batson, who urged the convention to vote for Reimers.

“I ask the convention to trust the committee process,” Batson said, describing Reimers as having a “blue-chip Baylor resume” and being a “committed moderate.”

The motion to substitute Cameron for Reimers failed, with only a smattering of votes for Hodge's motion.

All other nominees for BGCT boards and committees were approved without discussion.

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