Published: Sunday, June 17, 2012, 12:01 a.m.
Guest commentary / Snohomish County Executive
Reardon should resign
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I am writing this in response to what is one of the more incredible statements I've heard. In the Everett Herald the last two days, they reported on the Island County Prosecutor's decision not to charge Snohomish County Executive Reardon. (Articles, "No criminal charges to be filed against Reardon," and "Reardon now faces state probe on campaign issues.") Reardon's attorney John Wolfe made the statement that Reardon is the victim of a conspiracy carried out by politicians and the news media. Wolfe also stated the investigation is "a thinly disguised and improper effort by Mr. Reardon's political adversaries to undermine the electoral will of the people."
Really? Let's take a quick look at the facts. In Reardon's administration there have been accusations of incidents by ranking members of criminal behavior (with convictions), multiple hostile work environment issues that were ignored, good employees leaving, lawsuits and payouts due to these behaviors -- all paid by taxpayers. Reardon's relationship with the County Council, four of five who are Democrats, has a history of poor relationships, compromising their ability to best serve the public.
Before last year's election, Reardon was accused of a variety of incidents, including two affairs, using taxpayer money to travel with his mistress(es), and using taxpayer paid staff, facilities and materials to campaign for his re-election. When he's called out on this he went the usual route -- the best defense is an offense -- and attacked his opponent Mike Hope. Reardon wins re-election and a criminal investigation is initiated. One wonders what the outcome of the election would have been if all this were known back then.
More information is published and it is clear that at a minimum Reardon likely violated Public Disclosure laws -- repeatedly, and it isn't the first time. This information, including the evidence, is made public in a series of articles by the Herald. The County Council asks Reardon to place himself on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of the investigation. As the County GOP Chair, I stated he should place himself on administrative leave, an action common to such circumstances. He refused to do so, even after placing past department heads on administrative leave for allegation made in their cases.
So, let's add up the facts and see where the conspiracy is. Reardon has a poor performance history with the County Council, four of whom are in his own political party. His administration has a history of unbelievable ethics and criminal violations. Reardon himself is now alleged to have committed repeated violations of laws (the evidence shows he did) and to have used taxpayer funds to fly his mistress(es) to various locations. Because of all these problems, Reardon is rightfully asked by that same County Council to place himself on leave. Reardon is asked by the County GOP to place himself on administrative leave.
The media reports the facts of the case and backs up their reports with the actual evidence. And this adds up to a conspiracy against him? It is nothing short of amazing that the two women making the allegations (and providing evidence), the Democrat Party, the Republican Party, state legislator Mike Hope, and the media got together in order to conspire to get Reardon.
This is an insult to everyone, and is reprehensible. Wolfe attacked everyone involved, as well as the public, and made the statement that Reardon is cleared. Reardon was not charged criminally. You should read the statement by the Island County Prosecutor. He didn't say Reardon didn't do it. He said there wasn't enough evidence to criminally charge him. That does not equate to an "exoneration," as Wolfe well knows.
The bottom line is that Reardon violated the ethical cannons of his office repeatedly, violated the law, and is not trustworthy at any level. To blame everyone else is simply irresponsible and wrong. He should not be in a position of public trust with the level of responsibility he possesses. He should do one thing that's honorable and step aside.
Bill Cooper is Chairman of the Snohomish County Republican Party.
Really? Let's take a quick look at the facts. In Reardon's administration there have been accusations of incidents by ranking members of criminal behavior (with convictions), multiple hostile work environment issues that were ignored, good employees leaving, lawsuits and payouts due to these behaviors -- all paid by taxpayers. Reardon's relationship with the County Council, four of five who are Democrats, has a history of poor relationships, compromising their ability to best serve the public.
Before last year's election, Reardon was accused of a variety of incidents, including two affairs, using taxpayer money to travel with his mistress(es), and using taxpayer paid staff, facilities and materials to campaign for his re-election. When he's called out on this he went the usual route -- the best defense is an offense -- and attacked his opponent Mike Hope. Reardon wins re-election and a criminal investigation is initiated. One wonders what the outcome of the election would have been if all this were known back then.
More information is published and it is clear that at a minimum Reardon likely violated Public Disclosure laws -- repeatedly, and it isn't the first time. This information, including the evidence, is made public in a series of articles by the Herald. The County Council asks Reardon to place himself on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of the investigation. As the County GOP Chair, I stated he should place himself on administrative leave, an action common to such circumstances. He refused to do so, even after placing past department heads on administrative leave for allegation made in their cases.
So, let's add up the facts and see where the conspiracy is. Reardon has a poor performance history with the County Council, four of whom are in his own political party. His administration has a history of unbelievable ethics and criminal violations. Reardon himself is now alleged to have committed repeated violations of laws (the evidence shows he did) and to have used taxpayer funds to fly his mistress(es) to various locations. Because of all these problems, Reardon is rightfully asked by that same County Council to place himself on leave. Reardon is asked by the County GOP to place himself on administrative leave.
The media reports the facts of the case and backs up their reports with the actual evidence. And this adds up to a conspiracy against him? It is nothing short of amazing that the two women making the allegations (and providing evidence), the Democrat Party, the Republican Party, state legislator Mike Hope, and the media got together in order to conspire to get Reardon.
This is an insult to everyone, and is reprehensible. Wolfe attacked everyone involved, as well as the public, and made the statement that Reardon is cleared. Reardon was not charged criminally. You should read the statement by the Island County Prosecutor. He didn't say Reardon didn't do it. He said there wasn't enough evidence to criminally charge him. That does not equate to an "exoneration," as Wolfe well knows.
The bottom line is that Reardon violated the ethical cannons of his office repeatedly, violated the law, and is not trustworthy at any level. To blame everyone else is simply irresponsible and wrong. He should not be in a position of public trust with the level of responsibility he possesses. He should do one thing that's honorable and step aside.
Bill Cooper is Chairman of the Snohomish County Republican Party.
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