After 302 ballots, nearly nine hours of deliberation, two candidate withdrawals, and two strenuous meetings, the Salem City Council has selected William Legault to fill its vacant seat.

Legault is replacing Joan B. Lovely, who was sworn into her new post in the state Senate last week. The City Council held a special continuation meeting Tuesday night after reaching a 5-5 deadlock Jan. 3, with the nominations of Steve Pinto and Lucy Corchado, who both formerly served on the council.