Not surprisingly, the Selma City Council has again found itself in the middle of

controversy.

This time, it’s over the appointment of City Councilwoman Dr. Geraldine Allen to the Selma Water & Sewer Board – which is on hold, for now. Allen voted in the decision that placed her on the board, a move that has the city council seeking clarity from the Alabama Ethics Commission.

City Attorney Jimmy Nunn wrote in a letter dated Feb. 12, 2007, that the Ethics Commission advised “that Councilwoman Allen should have abstained from the vote to place herself on the Water Board … The Ethics Commission further stated that the City Council must correct this matter by rescinding the action …”

There was a question raised as to whether council members Johnnie Leashore and Bennie Ruth Crenshaw voted to place themselves on the Water Board a few years ago.

Now, there are possible ethics charges against them.

We feel like Allen has the best interest of the city in mind, agreeing to serve on the board without pay.

Maybe it’s time to include people on the Water Board who have expertise in that field.

What’s wrong with an engineer serving on the board? Or someone with a human resource background? The council would still make the appointments, but without the politics.