Who does Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon think he is kidding? Does he think we are that stupid?
I’m referring to Reardon accepting campaign dollars from R.J. Reynolds, the tobacco company, for $500. The grand total of contributions he has received from various sources since the election is nearly $21,000. It’s all legal and fair to receive the money.
However, his assertion that money does not get a contributor easier access nor influence his decisions is highly unlikely. People don’t give to political candidates or committees because they feel sorry for the winner of the contest. They give to get something.
Yet, Reardon states, “Money has never influenced any decision I’ve ever made. And it never will.” Haven’t Democratic leaders over the years made the case that there’s too much money in politics?
Reardon’s campaign treasurer, Angela Tindle, states receiving a check for $500 from R.J. Reynolds, depositing the check and filling out a monthly income statement for the deposit in which the contributor is listed by name was all an “oversight.” She says, “I’m mailing a refund check back today.” Reardon says he had no idea the tobacco company gave him some dough. Really. If a reporter from The Herald had not dug into Reardon’s campaign receipts, would he have ordered the donation sent back to the tobacco company? I think not.
I run a political action committee myself. I know every contribution intimately. All the contributions Reardon has received are just as precious to him as they are to me. Yet, I don’t try to fake out the public by returning donations I’m not proud to have received and deposited.
I’ve been of the opinion Reardon deserves a fair chance to see what he can do for the residents of our county. I still am. I hope that does not entail leadership by ruse.
Lynnwood
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
