By John Kiesewetter
Enquirer staff writer

MIDDLETOWN - Second Ward residents have until 5 p.m. Friday to apply for the unexpired City Council term of the late Robert "Sonny" Hill Jr.

As of late Wednesday, only two Second Ward residents had returned applications to council, said Bettie Arthur, council clerk.

Council member Laura Williams encouraged Second Ward residents to submit letters of interest and applications for the seat held by Hill for 11 years. Hill, 69, died of cancer June 22.

"It's very difficult when you have two people apply for anything. One is a winner, and one is the loser," she said.

Council member Noah Powers asked residents to pray for the six council members who will appoint Hill's successor. Hill was the only African-American on council, and the city's first and only African-American mayor (in 2001).

"Sonny is going to be difficult to replace. We're going to do the best job we can for the Second Ward ... and for this community," Powers said.

Applications for the job, which pays $5,000 a year, are available at the council office in the City Building, One Donham Plaza.

Council will fill the vacancy this month, Mayor Bob Wells said. Final interviews will be conducted in public, he said.

E-mail jkiesewetter@enquirer.com