A Pacific City Council member killed his wife decades ago but should keep his elected position.

Despite the uncovering of this grisly skeleton from Gary Hulsey’s past, the City Council agreed informally on Monday to move on with Pacific matters, rather than delve into the personal life of one of its own.

Until now, few on the Council or in the community at large were aware that Hulsey, a member since 2007, had been convicted of second-degree murder 33 years ago.

“He had his civil rights reinstated. He paid his debt to society,” said Leanne Guier, City Council president. “As a council, we have worked with him for a while, and we have never felt threatened by him. We feel it’s water under the bridge.”

Some Pacific residents fret that a convicted felon is serving on the City Council. Others – among them close friends in Hulsey’s neighborhood and people who have worked for the City – are keenly aware of Hulsey’s past but remain loyal to a man they say is committed to serving his community.

Hulsey won reelection handily in November.

Hulsey was convicted of stabbing to death his first wife in Whatcom County in 1978, court records say. A Vietnam veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, he pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

“I’m not sure how that happened or what happened that night,” Hulsey told the council and a small gathering of residents at Monday night’s City Council meeting. “But when I became aware of what happened, I called the authorities and turned myself in.”

Hulsey was found guilty of second-degree murder in 1979 and sentenced to 20 years in prison, charging documents say.

Hulsey was paroled eight years later. The state Sentence Review Board determined that he had fulfilled the terms of his supervision and parole and restored his civil rights on Jan. 13, 1992. The action allows him to vote and serve in public office but forbids him from possessing a firearm.

Hulsey says he has nothing to hide, broke no public disclosure laws and did his time. He shares what happened with others who ask about it.

“It’s true. I spent time in prison. I took somebody’s life,” he said. “I don’t hide from it, but I’m not going to tattoo it on my forehead, either.

“Most of my neighbors know I’ve been in prison,” he continued. “That’s not something I’m proud of. It’s something I’ve got to live with the rest of my life. But I was given a second chance, and I hope that I can make all of you proud by giving me (a chance).”

Hulsey supporters addressed the council.

“He’s my friend. He’s helped the community,” said Gary Giessen. “He’s paid his debt. All this is uncalled for.”

Dennis Stevenson added: “I know he has done some terrible things. … Mr. Hulsey has paid his price, legally and everything else. As a community and as a city, we need to move on.”

Mary Hulsey said her husband is battling health problems, including the lingering, emotional toll of the war. She says bringing up her husband’s past has unnecessarily reopened painful wounds.

“I stay up with him when he has nightmares at night,” she said. “There is no cure (for PTSD). You have to learn to live with it, and he has.”

Hulsey’s past came to light after he questioned newly-elected Mayor Cy Sun’s military record. Sun later produced medals and documents to prove his highly-decorated service in the Army during the Korean War.

The two men recently resolved their differences.

But some Sun supporters began to question Hulsey’s past.

“You insulted every veteran, including me, in the United States of America when you made that accusation, calling (Sun) a liar,” said resident Ken Scroggins. “Now, Mr. Hulsey, you have no honor, sir, none. I respect the branch of your service (Marine Corps), not you. If you have any pride, get up and leave.”

Sun wants to keep the past in the past.

“Are we still fighting? I don’t want to fight,” Sun told the assembly. “Let’s move on.”

Hulsey acknowledges his past mistakes, but is looking ahead.

“I’ve tried to make this community you live in a better place,” he said. “It is my hope we can move forward and become the community where responsible citizens can live in peace and prosperity. That’s all I want.

“If citizens don’t feel I can make a contribution, all they have to do is ask me. I will be happy to go where I (am needed). … I was asked to serve when nobody else stood up.”

Hulsey says he will retire once he completes his second term.