County should start investigation

Regarding the Wednesday article, “Lewd act alleged; head fired”: I agree with the letter commenting that the real lewd act is not the drunkenness and alleged sexual assault by the county planning director, but that he ignored conflicts of interest that are not only obvious, but evidently condoned by County Executive Aaron Reardon.

We are informed that the planning director informed staff in advance of the decision to attend the golf function hosted by the Master Builders, and it raised no concern. Action by Reardon came as a result of the alleged assault, not because of any conflict of interest or ethics violation.

There is an obvious smell that the event was hosted by the Master Builders — the same organization that has honored (greased) Reardon with annual awards of recognition, thanks and praise. While attending such an event is itself a conflict, how about more specifics: Was the golf fee free; the food, booze, prizes, etc.?

Now that we have a glimpse into what appears to be possible corruption of our planning department, will the executive launch an investigation, or more appropriately, ask for an outside investigation to conduct a full-scale look into these kinds of conflicts? Will there be any accountability or changes? Is The Herald interested in an investigative report on these issues? Reardon and his staff have lost what little hope and trust I held for them. I urge the County Council to investigate these issues and allow full disclosure to the public. I’ll bet my farm this is just one of many examples of ethics and conflict of interest violations.

It is understandable for the public to now focus on past decisions by the planning department, led by a self-admitted drunk, and wonder what influences came into play. It is as good a reason as any to explain the destruction of our quality of life created by over-development, especially to our rural lands where building codes and regulations have been ignored.

Rob Dietz

Arlington