Four finalists nominated to fill the Wicomico County Council seat vacated by Marc Kilmer will be interviewed in open work sessions before one is appointed.

The county Republican Central Committee received some 20 applications for the seat to represent District 2 and they were narrowed to four: Julie Brewington of Eden, Joseph Collins of Mardela Springs, and Austin Whitehead and Nicole Acle, both of Salisbury.

Council President John Cannon told the Salisbury Independent this week two finalists will likely be interviewed at next week’s work session, then two more at the following work session in July.

The vote is expected to be taken at the second meeting in July.

“Looking at the names, we’re not going to have any problem finding a replacement for Councilman Kilmer,” Cannon said. “I think we’re certainly going to have to pay close attention in the interview process and glean whatever we can from that because that will help us distinguish the difference between them.

“Overall, the successful candidate should have a good sense of what the month-to-month responsibilities of the council are. It will be nice to see if they’ve done their homework and recognize the level of importance of quality life issues -- public safety, education, roads, all the basic building blocks of government,” Cannon said.

Kilmer, 41, a Republican, is moving back to his native Idaho to care for family members.

Applications for the seat were accepted until May 24. Applicants were required to be of the same political affiliation as Kilmer, to reside in the same district and to submit a letter of interest to Mark McIver, Central Committee Chairman.

“We had a very good response,” McIver said, explaining there was a mix of men and women, young adults and those retired, a group that closely matches the county’s demographic.

Kilmer, who has lived in Salisbury 13 years, said he’s sure “somebody of quality will be chosen and continue doing the job.”

“I’m very appreciative people are saying nice things about me, but I trust somebody else will come along and do a good job,” he said.

He credited the council for “doing a lot of good work in terms of fiscal conservatism, trying to be fiscally conservative.”

“I have tried to stand up for the people of Wicomico County. I hope that continues, especially looking out for the rural residents. That’s something I tried to bring to the council and I certainly hope that will continue,” Kilmer said.

“District 2 is probably the most rural district, because it includes the least amount of Salisbury. That’s just the nature of the district. I grew up in a rural area and that’s what I’m returning to. That’s where my heart is,” he said.