Advisor, Others Defend Dallas Co. DA From Questions About Time Off
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Around the Crowley Courthouse, attorneys have been asking where Dallas County DA Susan Hawk has been for three weeks now. Political adversaries are even comparing the situation to a 30-year-old movie.
Heath Harris was the First Assistant DA under former Democratic District Attorney Craig Watkins, who Republican Hawk defeated last year. He explained, "One of the jokes around here is 'Desperately Seeking Susan.'"
Harris said that there would not be any questions if Hawk and her office were more forthcoming. "You can't campaign on transparency and trust, and then you can't answer simple questions. Where's the DA?"
Hawk's political advisor Mari Woodlief said that the DA is taking much-needed time off after working long hours and most weekends since entering office in January. Woodlief acknowledged that the DA's office should have done a better job communicating that to the public.
According to Woodlief, Hawk will return to work later this week. She said that the DA will resume her community town hall meetings and also plans to unveil a new unit in her office next month.
Meantime, Dallas County Democrats are calling for Hawk to get back to work or resign.
Hawk's time in office has included questions over Hawk's demeanor and very publicized firings including her First Assistant DA Bill Wirskye. But Woodlief insisted that the office is working smoothly.
Dallas County's Republican Party Chairman Wade Emmert agrees. "Susan is just on vacation. She's done a good job, she'll continue to do that when she gets back."
Woodlief said that Hawk is healthy and denies rumors that the DA returned to rehab. Earlier this year, Hawk acknowledged that she sought treatment to help her quit taking medication for her back condition two years ago.
Woodlief added that no one questions the month off from meetings which county commissioners receive during the summer.
"I don't think she's taking off three weeks, I think she's working wherever she is. You know, there's some benefit of not being in the office inundated day-in, day-out to give a little bit of breathing room," Emmert said.
Hawk receives more than $210,000 a year. The state provides $140,000 for her salary and Dallas County pays the remainder and an additional $7,500 in car allowance.
In Texas, there is no set amount of vacation days elected officials receive. It is up to them, but some leaders follow the policies for their municipalities' employees.
Tarrant County also has a new DA this year, Sharen Wilson. A spokeswoman said that Wilson has only taken one day off since entering office in January. The spokeswoman added that Wilson has worked during most weekends so far this year.
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