Aaron Reardon

Aaron Reardon

Reardon speaks at his annual state of the county address in 2009
Snohomish County Executive
In office
2003–2013
Preceded by Bob Drewel
Succeeded by John Lovick
Personal details
Political party Democratic
Spouse(s) Kate Reardon
Children 2
Residence Everett, Washington
Website snohomish.wa.us

Aaron Reardon is an American politician and former county executive of Snohomish County in Washington state. First elected to the post in 2003, Reardon was sworn in as the youngest serving county executive in America.[1] On February 21, 2013, Reardon announced his resignation effective May 31, 2013. Throughout his career, Reardon was a member of the Democratic Party.

Prior to serving as Snohomish County Executive, Reardon served as a Washington State Senator and a member of the state House of Representatives. He holds a double degree in political science and social science with a focus in public administration and economics from Central Washington University. Reardon is married to Kate Reardon and lives in Everett, Washington with his wife and two children.[1]

Reardon attended Mariner High School in Everett and lettered in football, rugby and swimming. His interest in competitive swimming led him to attend Central Washington University, but his swim career ended two months after his arrival - he took a political science course during his first semester and was captivated. He graduated from Central with dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Economics and Social-Science Public Administration.[2] While at the university, he volunteered on multiple statewide and local Democratic campaigns. His experience running campaigns landed him a paid post-graduate position with the Downtown Seattle Association where he lobbied on behalf of Seattle businesses.[3]

Career

In 1998, at 27 years of age, Reardon entered and won the election for a vacant State House of Representatives position representing the 38th legislative district, encompassing his hometown of Everett. Reardon was re-elected in 2000, and vacated the seat in 2002 to pursue a Washington State Senate position.[4][5]

In 2002, Reardon won election to the 38th Legislative District Senate seat, garnering 65 percent of the vote.[6]

In 2003, Reardon won a contested three-way election for the Snohomish County Executive position garnering 52 percent of the vote in the General election.[7] Reardon defeated Democrat Kevin Quigley in a September Primary Election,[8] campaigning on a platform that called for decreasing taxes while implementing a long-term strategic growth plan specific to Snohomish County.[2] The Primary campaign was marred by accusations of dirty politics from both Reardon and Quigley.[9]

In 2007, Reardon retained his seat as County Executive defeating Republican Jack Turk. Reardon received 65 percent of the popular vote.[10]

In 2011, Reardon won a third term as County Executive, dispatching Republican Mike Hope, a Seattle police officer and a current Washington State Legislator.[11]

In August 2012, a Skagit County judge dismissed a petition to recall Reardon because it had not been signed under oath.[12]

On February 21, 2013, Reardon announced his resignation as County Executive effective May 31, 2013. Reardon cited the ongoing toll on him and his family, regarding allegations of improper use of county resources in his re-election campaign and an extra-marital affair. The resignation followed a move by the Snohomish County Council to strip him of his oversight of the county's Department of Information Services.[13][14]

References

  1. 1 2 "Profile: Snohomish County Executive". Snohomish County. Archived from the original on April 29, 2012. Retrieved August 21, 2012.
  2. 1 2 Reardon, Aaron (September 2, 2003). "Seattle Times Election Bio". The Seattle Times. Retrieved August 21, 2012.
  3. ↑ "2008 Award Best Dreamy Politician". Seattle Weekly. Retrieved August 21, 2012.
  4. ↑ "Best Dreamy Politician 2008". Seattle Weekly. Retrieved August 21, 2012. in 1998, the 27-year-old Reardon took a shot at a vacant state house seat and won.
  5. ↑ "2000 General Election results" (PDF). Snohomish County. Retrieved August 21, 2012.
  6. ↑ "General Election Results, 2002" (PDF). Snohomish County. Retrieved August 21, 2012.
  7. ↑ "2003 Snohomish County Election Returns". Seattle Times. November 20, 2003. Retrieved August 21, 2012.
  8. ↑ "2003 Primary Election returns". Seattle Times. September 26, 2003. Retrieved August 21, 2012.
  9. ↑ Heffter, Emily (September 5, 2003). "Charges of Dirty Politics Color Snohomish County Race". Seattle Times. Retrieved August 21, 2012.
  10. ↑ "2007 General Election Results". Seattle Times. November 14, 2007. Retrieved August 21, 2012.
  11. ↑ "Reardon wins third term". Edmonds Patch. Retrieved August 21, 2012.
  12. ↑ "Snohomish Co. exec recall petition thrown out". The Seattle Times. August 9, 2012.
  13. ↑ Heffter, Emily (February 21, 2013). "Embattled Snohomish County executive stepping down". Seattle Times. Retrieved February 21, 2013.
  14. ↑ http://www.king5.com/video/featured-videos/Full-statement-of-Aaron-Reardons-resignation-192308461.html
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