By Brian Kelly

Herald Writer

In his first "state of the county" address, Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon vowed to create a priorities-based 2005 budget and a business plan that would be a "blueprint" for Snohomish County’s future.

Reardon, a former state lawmaker, took over as county executive on Dec. 31. He replaced Bob Drewel, who served 12 years in the post but couldn’t run again because of term limits.

In a 15-minute speech before the county council Wednesday morning, Reardon outlined the way he would approach next year’s budget. County departments will build their budgets from zero and county government programs will compete against each other for dollars based on priorities.

"Our agenda is guided by a sense of responsibility," Reardon told the county council.

"Because we believe that for too long government has drifted without a strong sense of purpose. It has neglected the long-term needs of our citizens by engaging in partisan bickering," he said.

Reardon’s speech focused more on future plans than the current state of county affairs. Beyond a quick mention of the county’s 7 percent unemployment rate, Reardon spent little time detailing the challenges facing county government.

He did say, though, that spending was outpacing incoming revenues.

The national recession has increased the demand for government services. And the county still doesn’t have a plan for operating the new jail once it opens, he added.

Besides bringing the county budget in line, Reardon said the county needs a business plan. He named 14 volunteers who will serve on a 15-member "citizens cabinet" that will scope out the pros and cons of the county’s business climate.

"But most important, this cabinet will identify clear objectives that will keep this county on track for both the short term and the long run," Reardon said. "And unlike many plans that you have seen in the past, this document will collect more fingerprints than dust mites."

Connie Niva, a former Everett city councilwoman, and Mike Martino, president of Bothell-based Sonus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. will head the cabinet.

Reardon also said he would visit Washington, D.C. next week with Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson to talk with Pentagon officials about Navy facilities in the county. Everett is home to Naval Station Everett, a 10-year-old base with 5,000 military personnel, 500 civilian workers and 6,100 active-duty family members.

He said he would continue to explore the idea of bringing a NASCAR racing track to Snohomish County.

Reardon pledged that his administration will be accountable and open.

"Having transparency means showing the public exactly what we are doing and why we are doing it, warts and all."

Mark Funk, a spokesman for Reardon, could not immediately say if meetings of the citizens cabinet would be open to the public.