Darin Mano (Photo: Facebook)
Utah State Attorney Steven Wuthrich apologized after sending a hateful email to an LGBTQ candidate for Salt Lake City City Council. The candidate’s crime? He unwittingly woke the lawyer from a weekend nap.
Darin Mano has been appointed to Salt Lake City City Council and is running for office to become an official member. Mano, who hopes to become the first Asian American to be elected to the board, is gay and lives with his partner, Kevin Randall, and their four children.
On Saturday, Mano was on an election campaign, knocking on doors and distributing leaflets. One of the houses he visited was the one where Wuthrich lives. He wasn’t actually looking to speak to Wuthrich but someone else registered to vote at the address (either Wuthrich’s wife or a tenant).
Unbeknownst to Mano, Wuthrich was napping inside. And he didn’t appreciate being awake.
He then sent Man a rude email denouncing him and his campaign and complaining that when Mano put campaign material (which included a picture of Mano with his family) through his door, it had woken up his dogs. . The disturbed dogs then woke everyone “napping” in the house at that time.
“I will do everything in my power to make sure that you are never elected to a position higher than that of catcher. I hate you. I hate your family. I hate your lawyers. I hate your contributors. I hate your sponsors. Please die and go to hell, motherfucker.
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Mano posted the email on social media, stating, “After a day of canvassing and trying to reach my constituents in District 5, I came home with this hateful email. As an American of Asian descent and member of the LGBTQ + community, I must speak out against hate speech and speak out against it when I see it. As a member of city council and a candidate for election, it is my duty to reach my goals. voters, listen to what is important to them and make informed decisions There is no place for hate in our city.
On Tuesday, Wuthrich apologized, saying: “Last Saturday I was awakened from a nap and reacted with excessive anger based solely on the interruption of my tranquility. Since then, I have regretted the ferocity and language of this email.
“My words were uncivil and unprofessional. Personally, I apologize to Salt Lake City Councilor Darin Mano and his family. I never wished harm on Mr. Mano, his family or anyone associated with him. No parent, spouse or child should be subjected to such emotional outbursts. I am deeply sorry.
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Mano responded by saying he appreciated the apology but was not up to him whether Wuthrich faced disciplinary action.
“I appreciate Mr. Wurthrich’s (sic) apologies, especially the reassurance that my family is safe. I will leave it to Mr Wurthrich’s employers and the Bar to decide on any disciplinary measures. This is not my place. Each of us can and should improve for the sake of benevolence and fairness in order to build a safe and inclusive community for all.
“I hope this has been a learning experience for all of us, we need to slow down, think before we react and treat each other with kindness and respect. I am still Mr. Wuthrich’s representative and the invitation to hear his perspective on Salt Lake City and District 5 remains open.
The Utah attorney general’s office said it was still deciding whether to take further action against Wuthrich.
