Hulten’s wrist slap insults citizens

So, Kevin Hulten must pay a nominal fine and pick up litter for a few days as a consequence of “tampering” with evidence in a criminal investigation. “Tampering” is a much kinder word than “destroying,” which is what he actually did. And this will surely be the only court appearance for either Hulten or Aaron Reardon.

This slap on the wrist administered in the name “justice” is a slap in the face to all who suffered harassment and abuse at his hands. Reardon won’t be held accountable for his part in the affair, and whatever fines may be charged to the two by the state Public Disclosure Commission will be little more than an inconvenience.

Missing from this story is the fact that Hulten didn’t spring into being in Reardon’s office. He was employed by Sen. Steve Hobbs in 2006 and 2010 to do just what he was hired by Reardon to do in 2011. From anonymous website attacks to emails from pseudonymous superheroes and fictitious entities, the trademark was the same in Hobbs’ two races against Lillian Kaufer.

If anyone thinks Kevin has learned any lessons from this experience, visit his website (http://www.hul10.com) and read “Open Data Case Study”; “Building an Aerospace Workforce … From Scratch”; “From Roadkill to Power Brokers,”; “Landing A Local University” and “From Bill Draft to Passing the Renewable Energy Act.” Without addressing what role he may or may not have played in any of these matters, or whether any of them actually came about as he described, I will point out that he bills himself as a consultant who takes full credit for all achievements, real or imagined. Reardon and Hobbs get not a shred of credit.

Some may call this justice, but not me. A coward who uses Hide My @$$.com to do his dirty work does not deserve a pass when accountability time rolls around.

Jackie Minchew

Everett

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

A radiation warning sign along the road near the Hanford Site in Washington state, on Aug. 10, 2022. Hanford, the largest and most contaminated of all American nuclear weapons production sites, is too polluted to ever be returned to public use. Cleanup efforts are now at an inflection point.  (Mason Trinca/The New York Times)
Editorial: Latest Hanford cleanup plan must be scrutinized

A new plan for treating radioactive wastes offers a quicker path, but some groups have questions.

Eco-nomics: The climate success we can look forward to

Finding success in confronting climate change demands innovation, will, courage and service above self.

Comment: Innovation, policy join to slash air travel pollution

Technology, aided by legislation, is quickly developing far cleaner fuels to carry air travel into the future.

A driver in a Tesla reportedly on "autopilot" allegedly crashed into a Snohomish County Sheriff's Office patrol SUV that was parked on the roadside Saturday in Lake Stevens. There were no injuries. (Snohomish County Sheriff's Office)
Editorial: Tesla’s Autopilot may be ‘unsafe at any speed’

An accident in Maltby involving a Tesla and a motorcycle raises fresh concerns amid hundreds of crashes.

A Black-capped Chickadee sits on a branch in the Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Bird act’s renewal can aid in saving species

It provides funding for environmental efforts, and shows the importance of policy in an election year.

Volunteers with Stop the Sweeps hold flyers as they talk with people during a rally outside The Pioneer Courthouse on Monday, April 22, 2024, in Portland, Ore. The rally was held on Monday as the Supreme Court wrestled with major questions about the growing issue of homelessness. The court considered whether cities can punish people for sleeping outside when shelter space is lacking. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)
Editorial: Cities don’t need to wait for ruling on homelessness

Forcing people ‘down the road’ won’t end homelessness; providing housing and support services will.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Saturday, May 4

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

toon
Editorial cartoons for Friday, May 3

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Comment: Parents can recruit teen’s friends for safer driving

Rather than adding to distractions, peers can encourage safer driving habits for young drivers.

Sauk-Suiattle Chief Jim Brown, a young granddaughter, and daughter Ellen near Packwood, Wash., circa 1910. (Photo courtesy of Kara Briggs)
Forum: Setting record straight on Sauk-Suiattle chief’s daughter

A recent Herald article misstated a dowry paid for my great-grandmother as her being sold into slavery.

Schwab: Challanged by a letter writer; why Biden is better

Rather than explain why not to re-enter a burning building, some reasons to stick with President Biden.

RFK’s good traits don’t cancel out his conspriacy theories

A recent Herald opinion piece professed admiration for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.,… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.