Candidates can file for Everett council seat

EVERETT — The Snohomish County Auditor’s office is taking steps to fill the Everett City Council seat of Drew Nielsen, who died Saturday in a rafting mishap.

The auditor’s office is accepting candidate filings through 5 p.m. Friday.

In most Snohomish County cities, a replacement would be appointed to temporarily fill a vacant seat until elections could occur on an odd year, said Garth Fell, Snohomish County Elections and Recording Manager.

Everett’s charter dictates the position be filled this year. If more than two candidates file, they will compete in the Aug. 7 primary. The general election is held in November.

The elected candidate would serve the remainder of Nielsen’s term through 2015.

Prospective candidates must be a registered voter of Everett at the time of filing and a resident of the city at least one year preceding the November election.

The filing process includes a $262.79 non-refundable filing fee. Candidates should file with the auditor’s office in person or online at www.snoco.org.

Nielsen died Saturday after he was pinned under his boat while rafting particularly treacherous rapids on the Green River in King County.

Nielsen’s family and friends have organized a memorial. It is scheduled for noon to 2 p.m. Sunday at the Weyerhaeuser Room of the Everett Transit Station, 3201 Smith Ave. Everyone is welcome. A group of people were expected to gather at Northwest Neighborhood Park at 13th Street and Colby Avenue on Monday night.

Monday, Mayor Ray Stephanson ordered flags at city buildings be lowered in recognition of Nielsen, who was just re-elected to his third term on the City Council last fall.

He is the only City Council member in memory that has died while in office, said city of Everett spokeswoman Kate Reardon.

“I am shocked and saddened to hear about Drew,” said Stephanson in a prepared statement. “My condolences go out to the family for their tragic loss.”

Debra Smith: 425-339-3197; dsmith@heraldnet.com.