Aaron Reardon posted this video in response to the Snohomish County Council passing a resolution today asking him to take a leave of absence.
Here’s the resolution which passed unanimously by the Snohomish County Council with member Stephanie Wright absent and not voting…
SNOHOMISH COUNTY COUNCIL SNOHOMISH COUNTY, WASHINGTON
RESOLUTION NO. 12-001
CALLING FOR COUNTY EXECUTIVE AARON REARDON TO PLACE HIMSELF ON ADMINSTRATIVE LEAVE UNTIL THE WASHINGTON STATE PATROL INVESTIGATION CONCLUDES AND THE ALLEGATIONS HAVE BEEN RESOLVED
WHEREAS, allegations made against County Executive Aaron Reardon have shrouded Snohomish County government in uncertainty and controversy since November of 2011; and
WHEREAS, the allegations include misappropriation of county funds and violations of state campaign laws which could potentially result in criminal charges; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) is conducting a thorough investigation of the allegations that have been made against Executive Reardon; and
WHEREAS, the Snohomish County Council believes that Executive Reardon deserves a full and fair hearing once the results of the WSP investigation are known; and
WHEREAS, detailed descriptions of county resources being used for Executive Reardon’s political campaign and to facilitate a personal relationship with a county employee have surfaced in numerous newspaper articles and television broadcasts; and
WHEREAS, those stories have provided new details regarding the Executive’s alleged activities that have resulted in increasing distractions and negative attention to the county; and
WHEREAS, Snohomish County government is currently faced with significant challenges that include amendments to the 2012 budget to respond to cuts imposed by the Washington State Legislature, ongoing labor negotiations and deciding the future of the county’s waste hauling services contract and other important business; and
WHEREAS, in these challenging times, Snohomish County taxpayers need a county executive who can focus solely on the important issues facing our families and communities; andWHEREAS, if Executive Reardon agrees to temporarily step aside, his authorities and responsibilities would be transferred to Deputy County Executive Gary Haakenson to the extent allowed by the county charter; and
WHEREAS, Deputy Executive Gary Haakenson served 11 years as the Mayor of Edmonds and is a proven administrator who is fully capable of stepping in for the county executive.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Snohomish County Council calls for County Executive Aaron Reardon to voluntarily place himself on administrative leave, to the extent allowed by the county charter, while the WSP completes its ongoing investigation.
PASSED this 22nd day of February, 2012.
February 22, 2012
Everett, Everett Government