Hulten leavs for Olympia, but his heart is in Lake Stevens

BY CHUCK TUCK | JOURNAL REPORTER The Journal begins its new year without the help of a remarkable individual; Kevin Hulten.

His departure from the Journal will mark a giant leap forward in his career, and future.

Hulten will be joining Senator-elect Steve Hobbs in Olympia as his Legislative Aide.

“He offered me a job after unseating Dave Schmidt in November,” Hulten said, adding, “I believe in his ability and platforms and am looking forward to working to further his goals.”

While working with Senator Hobbs as his legislative assistant, Hulten said he hopes to work towards the successful completion of several local projects including the proposed Lake Stevens Civic Center and a completed downtown revitalization. Hulten will work operate a local office for Senator Hobbs after session ends April 22. Hobbs has not determined where his office will be, but it is likely to be located in Lake Stevens, Snohomish or Marysville.

Hulten said that in his time as editor, he enjoyed watching the progress made at City Hall as Lake Stevens deals with annexation and growth.

“Lake Stevens residents want more lake access and a downtown that capitalizes on the history and natural beauty that the city is blessed with. The proposed plan to move City Hall off prime lake-front property is a great start,” said Hulten, who added that he thought the residents would enjoy seeing a waterfront restaurant and more shopping options in downtown Lake Stevens.

Although Hulten says he has no future plans to run for elected office, he does have a heritage in politics.

“My grandfather, John Hulten was a State Senator in Hawaii for 27 years and served as President of the Senate. Ulysses S. Grant is also a distant relative,” said Hulten, who was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, then moved to Snohomish County with his parents at the age of three.

Hulten said he enjoyed Journalism from a young age.
As a small child, he recalled his father teaching him to read the box scores on the sports pages, and was soon reading the entire newspaper.
In high school Hulten found an interest in the technical aspects of Journalism, and became the editor of the Valhalla for three years.

“I enjoyed the rush of putting words to paper and waiting for a response – good or bad,” said Hulten.

During his tenure at the Journal, Hulten says that he has learned how much work goes into making a town like Lake Stevens tick, and feels lucky that its town has smart and capable leaders.

When it comes to mentors in the field of Journalism, Hulten was quick to name his mother as a prime example of an outstanding person, along with Lake Stevens Journal Publisher Desiree Cahoon.

“My mother is definitely a mentor for me,” Hulten stated, adding, “I’ve been lucky to work with her on a day-to-day basis over the last year.”

Hulten had very favorable words about City of Lake Stevens Annexation Coordinator Carl Nelson, saying that Nelson always took the time to explain the nuances of civic government to a person who had little understanding of it.

“He also significantly raised my level of awareness about the annexation campaign and the needs of our growing city,” said Hulten.

Hulten said he would always respect Cahoon for her friendship and business acumen. “Desiree is fair minded, supportive, and never backed away from controversial issues,” said Hulten.

As for his career change and future plans, Hulten kept it simple, “I just want to be happy, healthy, successful, and near my family. Everything else will fall into place.”

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