Three, perhaps four, handfuls of people gathered at the St. James Hotel Monday to watch the Auburn Tigers lose a close game in the final BCS Championship Game ever.

It was a friendly atmosphere, with some casual banter about Auburn still being inferior to the Alabama Crimson Tide. Attendees were able to enjoy alcoholic drinks, food and, of course, each other’s company.

But one thing stood out above any friendly merriment — the lack of attendees.

Organizers set up rows of chairs and several TVs in multiple rooms, but most of the seats stayed empty the entire night.

Where were the city officials and Selma residents who repeatedly call the St. James the jewel of downtown Selma? Where were the city councilmen that often criticize the mayor for not handling the St. James transition properly?

It’s important to practice what you preach.

There are nine city councilmen. Three were in attendance, so was Mayor George Evans. Surely not all of the remaining six were in California, watching the national championship in person.

If the city council is so passionate about making the St. James a success, they should prove it by showing up and actively promoting all events.

How can one of the candidates to run the hotel possibly believe it is the jewel of Selma if officials aren’t even willing to support it?

The city owns the hotel. And as elected officials, city councilmen should be good stewards of city property.

But a group of city officials weren’t alone in their absence. Where were you Selma?

City government can’t be blamed for everything. At some point citizens have to accept they can do more to help the city grow and prosper.

Temperatures outside were bone-chilling, but the free food and festivities inside the St. James were enticing.

And, honestly, the event was one of the more enjoyable ones hosted at the hotel.

Perhaps it was more fun to sit on a couch, surrounded by family members, but they could have come to the St. James too.

We had a great time watching the BCS National Championship at the historic St. James Hotel. It’s just a shame that more Selma residents weren’t there to enjoy it.