EVERETT – The county Republican Party on Saturday chose three candidates to fill a vacant seat on the Snohomish County Council.

Nate Nehring, Kevin Ashe and Michael Stevens were the names submitted. The council itself will pick a winner.

The party’s precinct committee officers met for a special central committee meeting in the Historic Everett Theater to select three nominees from a field of nine.

During brief speeches, the finalists sounded themes of defending conservative values of property rights and fiscal responsibility, while working collaboratively with other council members.

“All of the nominated candidates have qualities and passion that make our party proud,” said Debbie Blodgettt, executive board chairwoman of the county GOP.

Nehring, a teacher, Stanwood planning commissioner and son of Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring, said he hopes to draw more young people into the party.

Ashe has served on the Darrington Town Council for 14 years and co-owns the IGA supermarket in town.

Stevens was elected to the Marysville City Council in 2011, an architect who served previously on the planning commission.

The vacancy opened up after Republican Councilman Ken Klein accepted an position in County Executive Dave Somers’ administration.

The District 1 position covers north Snohomish County including Marysville, Arlington, Darrington, Granite Falls and Stanwood.

The council appointee will need to file in May and win the election in November to start a full four-year term.

Democrats hold a 3-1 edge on the county council. Under the county charter and state constitution, if they are unable to reach a decision on Klein’s successor, the governor have 30 days to make the appointment.

Blodgett said the party hopes that the new county councilman will be sworn in before Jan. 31.