Recently, there was a buzz regarding a big name to be announced as the person who would rescue Snohomish County from Reardon’s reign. Voila! We got Jack Turk the Genie. To quote Aaron Reardon, “I’m sorry?” Yes, a Genie appeared. But perhaps this magician may be able to pull a few tricks out his magic hat.
Unlike Reardon, maybe Turk can conjure up a contract with the Snohomish County Jail officers who have worked for 31/2 years without one, while enduring mandatory overtime shifts and skyrocketing benefit premiums. If Turk can do that, maybe the crystal ball can predict fast contract negotiations with the sheriff’s deputies, court clerks, and firefighters – whose contracts will also be up for renewal.
Maybe Turk can mend the relationship between the office of County Executive and the County Council – a relationship which Reardon has sawed in half while calling it “politics as usual” and showing his “usual” arrogance and indifference. If Turk can really “connect with peoples’ dreams and emotions” as he hopes to, he’s worth a shot.
If he can show genuine concern about those who live in Snohomish County and those who work hard to keep its citizens safe, he’s got a chance.
If Turk can prove he cares about Snohomish County more than just weekly press releases and trying to look good for the governor, he can surely give Reardon a run for his campaign money.
Many hoped Sheriff Rick Bart would stay in the race, but when he pulled out, many were not expecting a magician to appear as a county executive candidate. But if Turk can fix what Reardon’s messed up, he deserves the votes of Snohomish County law enforcement officers, public servants and their families who have been using all three wishes to make Reardon disappear for some time now.
Alex Gonzales
Marysville
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