(a) The Macon County Racing Commission is hereby created and established and is vested with the powers and duties specified in this part, and all other powers necessary and proper to enable it to execute fully and effectually the purposes of this part. The official name of the commission shall be the Macon County Racing Commission, the same being sometimes referred to herein as the racing commission or the commission. The commission shall be composed of bona fide residents of Macon County, Alabama, who shall have resided in Macon County for no less than five years prior to appointment. The commission shall consist of three members appointed as follows: The current representative from Macon County in the House of Representatives shall appoint one member for a term of six years; the current senator representing Macon County in the Alabama Legislature shall appoint one member for a term of four years; and the Macon County Commission shall appoint one member recommended by the Macon County Council of Governments for a term expiring the day following the 1984 General Election. After the expiration of the term of the initial appointments, each appointment thereafter shall be for a term of six years and shall be made in the same manner as the original appointments, except that the successor to the original appointee of the Macon County Commission shall qualify and be elected by the voters of Macon County at the 1984 General Election for a term of office beginning the day following such election of six years, and every six years thereafter. Successors to this place on the commission shall be so qualified and elected. Members of the Macon County Racing Commission are sometimes referred to herein as racing commissioners or commissioners. Initial appointments of the Macon County Racing Commission shall be made within 15 days after this part is approved by the voters of the county. Upon the occurrence of any vacancy in office, the new racing commissioner shall be appointed in the same manner as the original appointment. Vacancies occurring in the elected commissioner’s place shall be filled by the Governor, upon recommendation of the legislative delegation representing Macon County. Commissioners shall be eligible for reappointment.

(b) Appointment powers by the legislative delegation exist only while the individuals serve as members of the Legislature of the State of Alabama.

(c) All books, audits, reports, records, maps, documents, and papers shall constitute public records, and be available for copying, examination, and inspection during all normal business hours by any agency, official, or person. No person shall be appointed to the racing commission who has been convicted of a felony.