The Selma City Council is without a president pro-tem to sit in the stead of a president if anything should happen to Cecil Williamson.

The council dead-ended on a vote between Councilwoman Bennie Ruth Crenshaw of Ward 7 and Councilman Corey Bowie of Ward 8.

Voting for Crenshaw were members Sam Randolph of Ward 5 and Angela Benjamin of Ward 4.

Voting for Bowie were members Susan Keith of Ward 2, Dr. Monica Newton of Ward 3 and B.L. Tucker of Ward 6.

Neither Crenshaw nor Bowie could vote for themselves. Williamson said he would be the fifth vote if either nominee received four other votes. He passed on the voting.

Williamson, the former president pro-tem, advanced to president of the council after the death of Dr. Geraldine Allen. His advancement left the pro-tem slot vacant.

It will continue to be vacant and come up every time until the council makes a decision, said city attorney Jimmy Nunn. Nunn said the council will eventually have to fill the spot.

Crenshaw read a statement into the minutes, which amounted to a rehearsal of tradition of selecting the pro-tem. She has served on the council the longest period of time.

Randolph nominated her for the slot because of her seniority.

Benjamin said she would go along with tradition and how things were done in the past.

Bowie remained silent about the vote.