Reardon picks Stevens County official for planning director

Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon has named a Stevens County official to fill the long-vacant post of his county planning director.

Clay White, 36, has been the director of Stevens County’s Land Services Department since 2004. He also is the current president of the Washington State Association of Regional and County Planning Directors.

“Clay’s commitment to engaging the public in the planning process and to improving customer service make him an excellent fit for Snohomish County,” Reardon said in a release.

Snohomish County hasn’t had a permanent planning boss since Reardon’s office fired former planning director Craig Ladiser in August 2009. Ladiser’s termination came after allegations of criminal, sexually charged conduct during a June 2009 building-industry golf tournament in Redmond. Since then, veterans from within the planning department have filled the post on an interim basis.

Ladiser’s trial is expected to begin Monday in King County Superior Court. He is charged with indecent exposure and fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation.

Noah Haglund: 425-339-3465, nhaglund@heraldnet.com.

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