Shock Over Hawk's Depression Announcement
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - The explosive announcement that the Dallas County District Attorney is taking leave to battle depression has her friends and colleagues at odds. Some defend Susan Hawk's actions, while others question her truthfulness.
Dallas attorney George Milner said that he and Hawk have been close friends for 20 years. "This took me by surprise," Milner said. "She was very happy. Everything seemed wonderful. Very happy to be DA."
After weeks of questions and people wondering where the county's top law enforcer was, Hawk issued a statement on Tuesday which explained, "For the past three weeks, I have taken a break from work in an attempt to work through a serious episode of depression. It was my intention to return to work this week, but I have been unable to do so."
Hawk's supporters said that her unpaid absence should not be criticized, because previous DAs have used medical leave.
"Hawk has made a decision to improve her health and find balance in her life, and we are proud of her for taking this step. She has clearly communicated her vision for this office, and her leadership team will strive to implement that vision while she is away," said First Assistant District Attorney Messina Madson. "We wish her a speedy and full recovery, and look forward to her return. In the meantime, the District Attorney's Office will continue to move forward in serving all of our communities, and delivering justice."
Milner said that the Hawk's office will be fine without her. "From the standpoint of, is the public's business being handled? It's being handled just as perfectly today as it was four weeks ago," said Milner.
But attorney and former Democratic Judge John Creuzot disagrees. "Without the district attorney there, you can't set tone or policy. The district attorney is going to determine if there's going to be good morale or poor morale," Creuzot said.
Creuzot applauded Hawk for coming forward with her illness, but said that her leadership has been erratic with controversial firings, and was less than forthcoming on her time in drug rehab two years ago. "What it is is inconsistent and disappointing. You would expect better of a person who was asked to be elected," he said.
Cruezot stopped short of calling for Hawk to resign, but Democrats in Dallas County have called for Hawk's resignation, if she cannot do her job. In her written statement, Hawk said that she "fully expects to return."
