The official term of the judge shall be two (2) years expiring on the first Monday of May, in each odd numbered year. Each judge, unless sooner removed for proper cause, shall serve until his successor is appointed and qualified. The judge of the municipal court existing in this city as of February 12, 1969, shall act as judge of the court herein provided for until a judge is appointed and qualified under the terms of this chapter. (Prior code § 12-5)