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Williamson County voters will choose between incumbent Dee Hobbs and Amy Lefkowitz to serve as county attorney in the Nov. 5 election.
Meet the candidates
Both Hobbs and Lefkowitz ran unopposed in the March primary election. Values of family, faith and justice were values Hobbs said helped shape his campaign.
Lefkowitz’s experience representing clients struggling with mental health or substance abuse impacted her desire for the position, she said.
Also of note
Early voting runs from Oct. 21-Nov. 1, and eligible residents have until Oct. 7 to register to vote. Voting locations and the sample ballot are available on Williamson County’s website.
Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
*incumbent
Why are you the best candidate for this seat?
My knowledge, experience, work ethic and passion for serving my community. Experience in the office provides knowledge on programs to maintain and how and where to improve. I understand the challenges our county, our law enforcement and our citizens are facing and how best to continue to address those challenges.
If elected, what are your goals for Williamson County?
Maintain successful programs while seeking and implementing innovative methods to better serve community through the following areas: DWI/Drug Court, Veterans Court, mental health, pretrial diversion, juvenile prosecution, adult misdemeanor prosecution, public information, representing DFPS, legal advice to county elected officials, restitution for victims, bond forfeitures, protective orders for victims.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve noticed within the county and how would you work to address them?
Challenges: increased workloads, massive growth within the county, limited resources, nationwide shortage of prosecutors. Solutions: continue strengthening existing services while finding creative methods to meet growing demand, innovative use of technology. I created a robust internship program bringing young talented attorneys to Williamson County to serve this community.
What values helped shape your campaign for County Attorney?
Faith, family, desire to serve, firm belief in the rule of law. The law is the great equalizer when applied equally necessitating a fair and impartial criminal justice system. A prosecutor’s duty is to see that justice is done for all. I have a strong foundation driving me to serve.
How do you view the role of the legal system in Williamson County?
The system must remain faithful to the Constitution and laws of the United States and this State. It must move swiftly and efficiently. Delay hurts both victims and accused. Justice delayed is justice denied. It must be steadfast, predictable and fair. It is the glue that holds society together.
Why are you the best candidate for this seat?
The office of County Attorney handles misdemeanor prosecution, juvenile prosecution, CPS cases, mental health commitments and other civil matters for the county. I have been practicing opposite this office for my entire career and am well aware of the inefficiencies and roadblocks currently in place that need to be addressed.
If elected, what are your goals for Williamson County?
My immediate goals will be to fix the issues currently causing children to be returned to dangerous situations, CPS cases, provide opportunities for meaningful mental health and substance abuse treatment to misdemeanor offenders and create more opportunities for criminal case diversion for young offenders to provide better pathways going forward.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve noticed within the county and how would you work to address them?
Personnel issues within the county seem to be something that can be immediately addressed with better training and support from leadership.
What values helped shape your campaign for County Attorney?
My experience in representing clients with mental health and substance abuse issues most greatly impacts my desire to serve in the role of County Attorney. Williamson County is already making great progress in our treatment of mental health issues in our jail, but there is more work to be done.
How do you view the role of the legal system in Williamson County?
I find that much good progress has been made in the Williamson County legal system in the past decade, but we can do better. We have more positive things happening in our legal system than most citizens realize. However, there is much room yet for improvement and I can help.
