Mayor Gary Haakenson resigned his position Tuesday night at the end of the Edmonds City Council meeting.

“If I’m asked what I’m going to do when I’m done being mayor, my answer has always been that something will come along,” Haakenson said. “It may not be the best time, but opportunities come when they come. ”

And what an opportunity it is!

Haakenson is leaving his position as mayor to become Deputy Executive with Snohomish County. Executive Aaron Reardon made the offer May 28, and Haakenson will begin with the county July 6.

Reardon called Haakenson a proven administrator who brings a mix of successful business and government experience to the position.  

“Gary understands the difficult economic climate facing local governments and knows the needs of our community,” Reardon said. “Gary has been successful in both business and government because he knows the importance of teamwork and he focuses on the needs of the customer."

“This is an exciting opportunity to work with the County Executive and county employees,” Haakenson said. “I’m grateful to Executive Reardon for the offer and look forward to working with him to meet the countywide challenges.”

The City Council will appoint an individual to complete the remaining 18 months of Haakenson’s term, which lasts through December 2011.

Any Edmonds resident who is a registered voter and has lived in Edmonds for one year or more is eligible to apply.

Details, deadline information, and an application will be available soon on the city’s website at www.ci.edmonds.wa.us.

Council, already short a member after the resignation of Dave Orvis, will now be pressed into also filling the mayoral position with a qualified candidate.

The “young” council (all except Michael Plunkett are in their first term) have some big holes to fill in a short time period.

Labor negotiations are scheduled to start soon, and early in the fall the process of putting together the budget for next year begins. The mayor of Edmonds is responsible for a $75 million annual budget and oversees 266 employees.

Not an easy task for a brand new mayor to step into.

And not an easy task for council either.

Just last week, council member DJ Wilson was addressing the lack of experience in the council.

“I worry about a time with six council members in their first term,” he said. jrq

That “young” city council now has to step up quickly and make some big decisions.

Haakenson’s’ experience will be sorely missed.

He served as Edmonds mayor for 11 years. He became mayor in January 2000 and was re-elected to a second term beginning in 2004 and a third term beginning in 2008. Prior to that he served on the Edmonds City Council for four years, from 1996 through 1999.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my 15 years of association with the City of Edmonds,” Haakenson said. “My heartfelt thanks to city employees for their hard work and dedication to Edmonds residents. I also want to thank the citizens for their overwhelming support to me as mayor these past 11 years.”

“The switch from city to county government is a welcome challenge, but one that I feel confident in making,” he said. “I am grateful to Executive Reardon for the new opportunity and look forward to serving the residents of Snohomish County. I look forward to continuing working with all the Snohomish County elected officials as we strive to move the county forward in these challenging economic times.”

Under Reardon, Haakenson will help oversee executive office departments, including Parks and Recreation, Human Services, Public Works and Planning and Development. He also will work directly with Snohomish County Council and other elected officials.

“This administration looks forward to solving the challenges ahead as we continue to position ourselves for new job growth and an improved economy,” Reardon said. “Gary will be a valued asset to this administration."

Reardon isn’t the only one who feels Haakenson will do well in his new position.

"This is a good move for Gary, but an even better move by Executive Reardon,” DJ Wilson said. “In many ways, Gary is very well-suited for the challenges of this new position. 

"I expect he'll do very well. By any measure, Gary has been one of the more successful local politicians in the area.  I think his wisdom, open style of communication, and personal charisma will be a big asset to the county."

Wilson isn’t the only council member who thinks highly of Haakenson.

“Gary has led our city with dedication, humor and a unique understanding of our citizens,” Adrienne Fraley-Monillas said. “We all wish him well in his new adventures.”

“Gary is a very astute and brilliant individual and I wish him the best!” Diane Buckshnis said.

Haakenson replaces Mark Soine, who was deputy executive for five years, and will earn about $147,000 annually. He will begin July 6 but will be involved in policy decisions at the county level during his transition.