Walter Williams

As he contemplates submitting his name for the City Council District 5 appointment, former City Court Judge Walter Williams said Monday he is not representing outgoing Councilman John “Duke” Franklin Jr., the man vacating the council seat.

“I have no involvement ... except as a friend,” Mr. Williams said Monday.

Mr. Williams said he made a “limited appearance” on Mr. Franklin’s behalf at an initial court appearance May 14, when the departing city councilman was arrested on charges related to an alleged cocaine distribution operation.

But Mr. Williams said he did not announce that he was representing Mr. Franklin at a May 27 arraignment, where Mr. Franklin pleaded not guilty to federal charges of money laundering, conspiring to obstruct justice and providing false statements to federal officials.

He was, however, at the arraignment and left the courthouse with Mr. Franklin.

Mr. Williams has been “terminated” as an attorney in the case, according to an “attorney update” filed last week in federal court. Mr. Franklin’s two attorneys of record in the criminal case are Marty Levitt and Cornel Williams.

Mr. Franklin’s resignation from the City Council is effective today.

Walter Williams said he will advise Mr. Franklin if asked to do so, noting that he does represent the John P. Franklin Funeral Home and the Franklin family on personal matters.

Meanwhile, he said he is continuing to mull whether he will submit his name to be considered for an interim appointment to the District 5 City Council seat. The deadline to turn in a letter of interest and a resume or brief biography is Friday at 1 p.m.

So far, only Beatrice Hicks of 336 N. Crest Road has turned in her information for council consideration, said Carol O’Neal, clerk of the council.

The temporary appointee will hold the District 5 seat until this fall when a special election for the seat will take place Nov. 4. The appointee must agree not to run in that special election.

Councilman Manny Rico said he hopes the council will appoint someone with experience in municipal government or serving on a board.

“I want to see somebody who’s been involved,” he said.