Bill Hunt: Private Dick

When I was about 9 years old I wanted to be a private detective, then a fire fighter and then I settled on architect, that didn't go anywhere.

But congratulations to Bil Hunt for fulfilling the dream of so many pre-teens.  Hunt it seems is trading on his career in law enforcement, a career marred by controversy that ended with him getting fired, to get business as a private investigator.

You can check out for yourself his web page.  As noted by Wisckol over at the Total Buzz blog Hunt lists "Political Opposition Research" as one of the services he offers.

I don't begrudge Hunt for making a living.  But I know that private investigators rank down around the bottom of the list of respected professions, somewhere between lobbyist and pimp.  If Hunt really stands for "honor and integrity" he might want to re-think his choice in how to make a buck because going through a political opponents trash and tailing the mistress of a corporate exec. to see of she is two-timing him isn't what most voters are looking for in a leader.

Comments

[Dana Point]

But hey, Adam, "Political Opposition Research" could be a great way to get endorsements out of otherwise reluctant politicians.

[Frank]

Perhaps Jaramillo can hire Hunt since they are both out to do the sheriff in. Perhaps not since I understand Jaramillo is quite adept at spinning his own webs.

[Probolsky needs to go]

Jubal,

Do you really want this kind of Orange Juice trash on Red County?

Adam Probolsky is a liability. You should consider removing him from your blogpen.

This kind of crap is unbecoming and disgusting - par for the course for Adam but not for you. A lot of us expect better. Kick him out.

Adam this is such a transparant and blatant attack on a poltical opponent its laughable. Whats the matter? Didt Mr Hunt agree to hire you for your "Polling" and "Political Consulting" for his campaign? As if what you do is up there on the list of non-cheezy professions and not near the spots occupied by Pimp and Lobbyist.

Im surprised you didnt accidently rename him Mike.

Jubal this is a cheap post and a cheap shot. I agree with the poster at 12:37AM. You should consider atthe least removing this post if not mr Pobaloski all together from this website.

[Disappointed]

ADP:
Maybe you should consider a job at the National Enquirer. I am not a Bill Hunt fan, but this is just trash. I enjoy this site because many postings have been interesting and informative. Is this the direction this site is taking?

[Jubal]

Do you really want this kind of Orange Juice trash on Red County?

???

Did Adam say something untrue or toss out a flimsy, unsubstantiated rumor?

Bill Hunt is free to pursue whatever line of business he likes. I don't have a problem with his decision to go into business for himself as a private investigator. It's not unusual for law enforcement officers to go into this line of work. After all, they know how to investigate, and there's nothing wrong with putting that skill to use in the private sector. Plus, I like his cool logo.

That said, Adam is correct that it is not a profession that is helpful to running for sheriff. Most voters make the associations Adam describes. Curt Hagman will face a similar challenge in AD71 because he's a bail bondsman. There's nothing wrong with either profession. They are necessary and legitimate. But like it or not, they carry certain associations that are not helpful to an aspiring candidate.

[Allan Bartlett]

While we're on the subject of unhelpful associations, I don't think being a Sheriff under indictment is helpful to a career, but that's just me.

[Gustavo Arellano]

Jubal: I for one welcome Adam's commentary--it's refreshing to read such idiocy on an otherwise fine blog.

[OC Public Policy Advocate]

Hey!!! What is wrong with Lobbyists? We are an intregal part of the political process. Perhaps the title "Lobbyist" is shrouded in a dark cloud. I prefer the title "Public Policy Advocates". If not for us, who would acurately articulate the intracacies of public policy to sometimes clueless or baised elected officials. Lobbying is a nessesary component of public policy formation. We create and sustain the debates that add balance to our system of government.

[FBI Statistcian]

Ref Jubal's comment above- "Curt Hagman will face a similar challenge in AD71 because he's a bail bondsman."

Hey Jubal, when did Curt move to AD71?

But to add to Jubal's comment, once one enters the arena of running for public office, that person and everything about him/her becomes fair game. So nothing Adam posted is any where near out of line when placed in that context.

[Tim Whitacre]

"Most voters make the associations Adam describes." Says YOU, Jubal. I disagree. I think only desperate supporters of Carona's culture of corruption make that connection because they don't like ANY kind of investigations into their activities.

Then you said, "Did Adam say something untrue or toss out a flimsy, unsubstantiated rumor?"

Jubal, you KNOW the following Probolksy spin to be blatantly false, "...a career marred by controversy that ended with him getting fired, to get business as a private investigator...." Did you miss that one?

Bill Hunt has worked every detail within the OCSD during his career from SWAT to undercover, to narcotics and investigations and two tours at the academy training new recurits. He has done so in an exceptional manner. He has upheld the ethos of the code of conduct every step of the way. The only "controversy" is Bill stood up and told all the stubborn heads in the sand,what the federal indcitment later confirmed. He was never fired; he chose to retire instead of taking a retalitory demotion. His lawsuit against Carona is making its way nicely through the federal court with attempts to having it dismissed by Carona's defense team, flatly rejected.

Simply put, there is absolutely no credible way to defend Probolsky here unless you are trying real hard to emulate the rationale of some over at Orange Juice blog.

Adam Probolsky has a reputation and so does Bill Hunt. That's why I proudly stand with Bill Hunt - unlike Adam "There's no such thing as a conflict of interest in politics" Probolsky, Bill is a man of integrity and honor. He is an ethical man.

Let Probolsky poke fun all he wants, but to allow him to outright fabricate and then try to defend it does not put you in a good light. That's my opinion. It's your blog, my friend.

[Tylerh]

Jubal usefully asks,

Did Adam say something untrue or toss out a flimsy, unsubstantiated rumor?

Consider Adam's claim: "private investigators rank down around the bottom of the list of respected professions, somewhere between lobbyist and pimp." Really? Tom Selleck, Jame Garner, and Cybil Sheppard would have been just as widely loved if they had played lobbyists?

Indeed, if Adam had bothered to look at actual data he would know the three-least respected profession are "business executives, stockbrokers and real estate agents", groups well-represented amongst Adams clients and fellow Republicans generally.

So yes, the premise of the Adam's post is demonstratively flimsy. But is the post a rumor? Since Adam's post fails to describe any purported actions or mis-deeds by Bill Hunt it can't be rumor. There is no gossip to retell over the backyard fence. Therefore Adam escapes Jubal's charge on a technicality: Adam's post is too factless to be a rumor. Which begs the question: what is it?

Well, we can start with what Adam's inflammatory title: "Bill Hunt, Private Dick." Adam could have used the neutral "Private Investigator," the more positive "Private Detective," or even gone Hollywood, "Bill Hunt, P.I." (Makes people think of Tom Selleck). But Adam didn't. He went to the inflammatory and the negative. The post itself is an extended ad hominem consisting of one respun minor fact and a bounty of personal opinions.

Adam's post is a hit piece.

I have no problem with hit pieces appearing on OCBlog. If someone wants to make a fool of himself in public, as Adam has done here, let 'em. It's cheap entertainment.

However, for the sake of OCBlog's credibility and impact, these hit pieces, er, "Personal Opinions" should probably be more clearly delineated.

[Steven Greenhut]

Gee, I get the gist of Adam's argument: he doesn't like Bill Hunt's new line of work. Bill might be a private dick, but Adam's being a public one.

[Jubal]

Consider Adam's claim: "private investigators rank down around the bottom of the list of respected professions, somewhere between lobbyist and pimp." Really? Tom Selleck, Jame Garner, and Cybil Sheppard would have been just as widely loved if they had played lobbyists?

Point taken: that was over-the-top.

[Jubal]

Ref Jubal's comment above- "Curt Hagman will face a similar challenge in AD71 because he's a bail bondsman."

Hey Jubal, when did Curt move to AD71?

He didn't. I meant to say AD60. Thanks for catching that.

[Missy]

Possibly Probolsky and Pedroza are the same person. They've got the same initials!

Anyone ever see them at parties together?

[Jubal]

"Most voters make the associations Adam describes." Says YOU, Jubal. I disagree.

Then we'll agree to disagree, Tim. But I think if you asked the man/woman-on-the-street what a private investigator does, they'll think of a guy you hire to spy on spouse or otherwise look for dirt. Fair? Not really. But I think you'll find that the case.

I guess the real test will be if Bill chooses "private investigator" as his ballot title.

Jubal, you KNOW the following Probolksy spin to be blatantly false, "...a career marred by controversy that ended with him getting fired, to get business as a private investigator...." Did you miss that one?

You are correct. When I posed the question did Adam claim anything that was untrue, I was speaking to the fact that Hunt has gone into business as a P.I.

But you're right, Hunt wasn't fired.

However, it would be preferable for Adam to be here defending his post. I didn't write it.

[Dan Chmielewski]

so where does "political pollster" fall in the ranks of respected professions?

Dear Dan:

As the new Dean of the UCI College of Law are you already thinking of a new career? (LOL)

[Tim Whitacre]

Jubal:

I agree with your statement, "However, it would be preferable for Adam to be here defending his post. I didn't write it."

No, you didn't write it; I wouldn't expect you to stoop that low. However, Probolsky knows better than anyone what the rules are around here and for whatever reason, as usual, he thinks the rules don't apply to him. That is a slap in the face to you IF you allow it.

One only has to pull up Probolsky's postings in archives to see he only uses your blog to advance projects he is paid for or to malign the good character of those in opposition. That's REAL objective...

Jubal, you don't need people like him in your blogpen. The one thing I can say "positve" about Probolsky is he is consistent in his ethical lapses preferring to let people challenge him rather than putting himself in check as should be expected of anyone on or near the Executive Committee of the OCGOP.

I too have come to expect better of Red County than this and I wholeheartedly concur with Mr. Greenhut's consice and to the point comment.

[Rob]

Jubal and Adam,

You guys are what is currently WRONG with the OC GOP. Baseless, silly, and obvious character assaults on a perceived rival. What the heck is the relevance of this Hunt post? It is purely and blatantly and attack on a Carona opponent.

Hunt called Carona out on questionable activities, and was taken out for it. If you want to keep the OC GOP relevant and keep our county a GOP stronghold, STOP backing shady candidates!! This kind of horsecrap is what drives the average voter AWAY from the GOP and politics in general. You want people to stay home on election day? Keep this crap up.

Jubal, your lame defense of Adam here just makes you look like a pandering fool. We expect better.

[LOL]

"Gee, I get the gist of Adam's argument: he doesn't like Bill Hunt's new line of work. Bill might be a private dick, but Adam's being a public one."

I don't care who you are...Thats Funny!

Tyler,

I was also offended by this trashy post. Many of my own thoughts were captured in your well-worded comment. Nicely done.

I would only add that our current sheriff would fail to qualify for a private investigator’s license in California (per California State Consumer Affairs Division):

Undergo a criminal history background check through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Have three years (2,000 hours each year, totaling 6,000 hours) of compensated experience in investigative work; or a law or police science degree plus two years (4,000 hours) of experience; or an AA degree in police science, criminal law, or justice and 2 ½ years (5,000 hours) of experience.

Experience must be certified by your employer and have been received while you were employed as a sworn law enforcement officer, military police officer, insurance adjuster, employee of a licensed PI or repossessor, or arson investigator for a public fire suppression agency. (Work as a process server, public records researcher, custodial attendant for a law enforcement agency, bailiff, agent who collects debts in writing or by telephone after the debtor has been located, or person who repossesses property after it has been located is not considered qualifying experience.)

Adam,

I feel bad that you were unable to cut it at any of your chosen professions. Best of luck at whatever it is you do for a living after you grow up.

This sounds like a cat fight....

[One Who Knows]

All this outrage directed towards Adam Probolsky is really irritating.

First, Adam's post was very well written, smart, urbane, and funny as hell.

Secondly, if Bill Hunt has such a thin skin that he can't laugh at something like this, then he really has no business being in law enforcement.

Thirdly, I would suggest to Mr. Hunt's defenders, instead of hurling insults towards Adam, why not write a missive of your own? We need more humor in politics.