Former Sheriff John Lovick steps in as Snohomish County executive
EVERETT -- The Snohomish County Council named Sheriff John Lovick acting county executive Monday, filling the vacancy left by Aaron Reardon.
On Feb. 21, Reardon announced he would resign following a number of political and personal controversies that plagued his office. His last day was May 31.
Lovick had been working as Snohomish County Sheriff for the past five years and is also a former state legislator and Washington State Trooper. He was voted in unanimously by the council.
At the swearing-in ceremony, Lovick said “Tremendous work is done every day by our employees. They are the ambassadors and foot soldiers of this county. I pledge to serve as county executive with respect, commitment and pride, but above all, I will serve with integrity.”
Snohomish County Undersheriff Tom Davis stepped in to replace Lovick as acting sheriff Monday.
Elected at age 33 in 2004, the later years of Reardon’s time as executive were marred by multiple scandals. He faced investigation into his use of public funds during an extramarital affair. A probe allegedly turned up evidence that Reardon had also used public resources in his campaign for a third term.
It was also reported that members of Reardon’s office were behind a number of harassing and unnecessary public records requests, leading to the dismissal of some of Reardon’s legislative aides.