Multiple calls for new investigation of Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon

A new investigation seems likely following embattled Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon’s surprise decision to resign.

In his announcement Thursday, Reardon himself called for an independent examination of his office and his staff amid what he termed “false and scurrilous allegations.”

The Washington State Patrol concluded an investigation last year of allegations that Reardon, a Democrat, used taxpayer money during an extramarital affair but found just $6 was not accounted for. A county prosecutor declined to file charges.

In the last week or two, the Herald has reported links among members of Reardon’s staff and what the newspaper terms “a campaign of online harassment and cloaked records requests made against Reardon’s political rivals.”

Snohomish County Prosecutor Mark Roe has called for an independent investigation and others echoed that in comments Thursday following Reardon’s announcement.

“I think there needs to be some sort of looking into this,” said St. Rep. Mike Hope, R-Lake Stevens, who lost an election to Reardon in 2011. “Part of our platform for running for county executive was to establish an office of professional integrity so that way we can look at the activities of the county and make sure that people can fully trust in their government.”

Democrat Dave Somers is a member of the Snohomish County Council.

“I think we are going to proceed with taking a look at the allegations that were made last week about Aaron’s employees and their activities and so I think we will oblige him on that. We’re either going to have state investigators or, if that’s not the case, then some private folks just look at the record and documents we have.”

Gold Bar blogger and Reardon critic Anne Block, who authored two recall campaigns, also favors a new look at Reardon’s staff and their activities.

“I do believe that the only route that the Snohomish County Council should take at this point is to have an outside firm, hopefully outside the State of Washington,” said Block.

Reardon announced Thursday he would resign effective May 31, which means his replacement, appointed by the county council will serve until a special election is held in November 2014 to fill the final year of Reardon’s four-year term.