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| Polk County District Attorney, William Lee Hon (right) got some support from Republican State Representative James White (left). |
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Lee Hon Follows His Heart, LIVINGSTON, November 7, 2013 - With rumors (truthful rumors) swirling about regarding Polk County Criminal District Attorney, William Lee Hon being tapped by Governor Rick Perry to fill the vacancy for District Judge of the 258th District Court (the position previously held by Elizabeth Coker), Hon called a gathering on the evening of November 7, 2013 at the My Place Eatery in Livingston. Attendees included candidates for the looming Polk County Judge's race, Commissioner Tommy Overstreet, State Representative, James White, Polk County Sheriff, Ken Hammack, Livingston Police Chief, Dennis Clifton, Justice of the Peace, Darrell Longino, District Judge, Kaycee Jones and other local dignitaries, officials and friends. The audience (made up mostly of republicans) listened as Hon spoke on his intentions regarding the district judge's issue. "I'm proud to be one of y'all" Hon said. Hon pointed out that he was the first republican district attorney to be elected in the history of Polk County. "I've always been one of y'all". He went on to talk about some of his office's accomplishments during his time as Polk County's Chief Prosecutor. First and foremost Hon made it clear that his office made it a priority to go after sexual predators. Hon spear headed the sexual assault response team (SART), he was a leading advocate and worked towards Polk County getting its own sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) and SANE equipment.
Hon pointed out how his office was opened up for defense attorneys to have full access to the DA's files in all their cases. He took it a step further and helped facilitate a copy machine for defense attorneys to copy the DA's files and evidence. Hon made it clear that his office is transparent and lamented the fact that recently, the Polk County Judicial System has gotten bad press. "This bad press undermines public confidence in our judicial system" he stated.
Having said all that (and many more things), he wrapped up his speech speaking of how he recently spoke to the parent of a victim of a violent crime. His voice was cracking and he paused for a moment, then announced that he would pass on the opportunity to be district judge, seek another term as Polk County Criminal District Attorney, and continue to pursue his passion of going after criminals who harm Polk County and its residents.
Editor's Comment: When I was invited to attend this announcement, I fully expected Lee Hon to make a formal announcement that he had been appointed by Governor Perry to be the interim District Judge of the 258th District Court, followed by his announcement to summarily run for election to keep the office of district judge. When he announced that he would pass on the golden opportunity to be a District Judge, I was surprised. I was impressed with Hon for such a bold and unexpected decision. If nothing else, his decision to pass on easier job for a job that requires a lot of hard work and investigation affirms to me that William Lee Hon has a passion for his profession, and looking out for Polk County, and seeking justice for the victims of crime.
Willie P. Openshaw, Editor
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