WASHINGTON — Loudoun County Supervisor Shawn Williams recently resigned after he was arrested on charges of simple assault and unlawful entry.

At a special meeting on Monday night, a replacement was picked to serve out the rest of Williams’ term representing the Broad Run District.

Out of a dozen qualified candidates, Jim Bonfils, chairman of the county’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Board, was appointed to serve as interim supervisor through the end of the year.

But the approval did not come easily.

Initially, the eight members of the board were evenly split. Half supported Cliff Keirce, a land use and development aide for former Supervisor Williams. The other half supported former Broad Run Supervisor Steve Stockman, who served from 1983 until 1991.

“Now we know why we have a nine-member board,” Board Chairman Scott York said with a laugh.

York suggested they break the deadlock by asking a judge to do the choosing.

Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio had another idea.

“Talk among ourselves until we can figure it out like they do with the cardinals for the pope.”

After a short recess, the problem was solved when Bonfils’ name was put forward and approved.