NWA NEWSPAPER EDITORIAL QUESTIONS HAMLETS APPOINTMENT IN LIGHT OF HIS CHARACTER

An editorial in October 1, 2015 edition of the Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette blasts Attorney General Leslie Rutledge for trying to cover up information about tainted ABC Enforcement Director Boyce Hamlet.

The editorial states:

"Leslie Rutledge sees things differently. Faced with an Arkansas State Police decision to release information from Boyce Hamlet's personnel files explaining why he was fired 15 years ago, Rutledge issued a finding that stifled the agency's plan. Hamlet's personnel records from so long ago, when he was a state police recruit, can't be of compelling public interest today, Rutledge argued. The State Police had to shift gears and deny an Arkansan's request for the information.

Pulaski County Circuit Judge Mackie Pierce concluded the personnel records regarding Hamlet's firing touch on issues of honesty and trustworthiness that are sufficient for public disclosure. Rejecting Rutledge's argument that the "compelling public interest" determination should consider only the facts from 15 years ago, the judge instead favored the reasonable interpretation that current circumstances factor into a decision.

The personnel records involved allegations Hamlet cheated on a test, a claim Hamlet denied.

Gov. Hutchinson decided Hamlet deserved a state job involving law enforcement, as is his right and responsibility as the chief executive for the state. But such records not only provide insight into the appointee, but also into the judgment of the governor. None of those public interests are served by sweeping such matters under the carpet, as Rutledge attempted to do".

Hamlet is a disgrace to the honest men and women in law enforcement and each day that he remains at the helm of ABC Enforcement, that agency is further subjected to embarrassment, ridicule and a lack of confidence in its ability to be fair due to Hamlet's character.

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Other editorials about Hamlet's failed effort to hide the truth about his past.

Pine Bluff Commercial Article

The Arkansas Project Article

NWA Editorial #1

Talk Business Article

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