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Aaron Reardon recall, Snohomish County, Washington (2012)
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An effort to recall Aaron Reardon from his position as Snohomish County Executive in the state of Washington was launched in June 2012.[1] As of December 2012, the recall effort was on hold.[2] In February 2012, Reardon announced his resignation, effective in May 2013.[3]
Reasons for recall
The initial recall petition against Reardon claimed that Reardon misused county resources to advance his personal and political ambitions. Anne Block filed the recall petitions. Reardon is currently facing a civil probe by the state Public Disclosure Commission. A recent state patrol investigation looked into sex scandal allegations involving claims that Reardon took a woman on trips and to expensive dinners at taxpayer expense. There was not sufficient evidence to support criminal charges.[1] An abridged recall petition, submitted in October 2012, accuses Reardon of using county cellphones and staff time for political fundraising.[4]
Path to the ballot
In accordance with the laws governing recall in Washington, a judge was required to review the recall petition to determine if it meets legal qualifications to move forward. Had the petition been approved, recall organizers would have had six months to gather signatures.[1] A hearing about the validity of the grounds for recall took place on July 10.[5] A judge ruled that the recall petition was improperly filed because its author had failed to allege under oath that Reardon had engaged in misconduct. The petition was later re-filed.[6][7] The second recall petition was withdrawn due to difficulties scheduling a hearing date. On October 5, a third recall petition was submitted. It was nearly identical to previous versions of the petition. The county had 15 days to process the paperwork and move forward with a petition hearing.[8]
On October 25, Judge Anita Farris signed an order moving the case from Snohomish County Superior Court to Skagit County Superior Court.[4] As of December 2012, the recall petition was stalled in court. The legal proceedings became a moot point in February 2013, when Reardon announced his resignation, effective in May 2012.[3]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 KOMO News, "Aaron Reardon facing second recall petition", June 20, 2012
- ↑ Herald Business Journal, "Reardon recall effort remains on hold", December 5, 2012
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Seattle Times, "Embattled Snohomish County executive stepping down", February 21, 2013
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Daily Herald, "Judge sends Reardon recall effort to Skagit County, October 25, 2012
- ↑ The Daily Herald, "Hearing to rule if Reardon recall petition can proceed", June 27, 2012
- ↑ Daily Herald, "Gold Bar woman refiles petition to recall Reardon", August 13, 2012
- ↑ Daily Herald, "Judge throws out Reardon recall petition", August 9, 2012
- ↑ Daily Herald, "Gold Bar attorney refiles Reardon recall petition", October 6, 2012
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