Snohomish County Council member and Mountlake Terrace resident Dave Gossett announced on Monday that he is supporting Snohomish County Sheriff John Lovick to fill the soon-to-be vacant office of County Executive. Gossett made his endorsement just hours after Lovick announced he is seeking the county’s top post.

“I am supporting John Lovick for the appointment,” Gossett told MLTnews.com. “I believe John can bring the county together and that the replacement process and transition will be smooth and drama-free, which is what the county and its citizens need at this time.”

Current Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon announced last week that he is leaving the position effective May 31 following numerous accusations of wrong-doing while in office. The County Council will appoint an interim to fill the post from a list of candidates generated by Democratic leaders. The appointed replacement will serve in the office until a November 2014 election.

Lovick has been Snohomish County Sheriff since January 2008. Previously he served in the Washington State Patrol for almost 30 years, was a four-term State Representative in the 44th Legislative District, and served a term as a City Council member in Mill Creek.

Gossett is a three-term County Council member representing the 4th Council District which includes Mountlake Terrace, Brier, Bothell, Mill Creek, southern portions of Everett and surrounding unincorporated areas.