Former City Court Judge Walter Williams said Thursday he may put his name in the hat for a temporary appointment to fill the District 5 seat of outgoing Councilman John “Duke” Franklin Jr.

“I would do it as a service to the community, as a service to the district and to try to keep some continuity flowing on the council,” Mr. Williams said.

He said he likely will make up his mind by early next week. The application deadline is Friday, June 6, at 1 p.m.

Mr. Franklin, who pleaded not guilty Tuesday to money laundering and other federal charges in connection with a drug investigation, plans to resign effective Tuesday.

Mr. Williams, who said he represented Mr. Franklin at the councilman’s arraignment in federal court this week, said his connections with Mr. Franklin and his family “wouldn’t have any effect at all” on the council’s appointment decision should he submit his name.

“I’m my own person,” Mr. Williams said. “People know me in my own right.”

Mr. Williams said he represents John P. Franklin Funeral Home, which Mr. Franklin helps run, and also is an attorney to the Franklin family on personal matters.

The City Council decided this week to begin taking applications for those seeking temporary appointment to the District 5 seat. The appointee, who must agree not to run in the Nov. 4 special election for the seat, will be chosen by the council June 10.

Council Chairwoman Linda Bennett said Thursday that she is unsure what the complete applicant pool will look like after next Friday’s deadline. She said she has heard from individuals who may be interested in the seat.

“I think the decision that many people will make will be, ‘Am I interested in running for the seat or am I willing just to serve on a short-term basis?’” she said. “That’s kind of where the candidate needs to weigh it out.”