Craig Watkins: 2008 DMN Texan of the Year

December 31, 2008 by theo.johnson
Filed under: Blog Entries, Community, Politics, Society & Culture

Earlier this week the Dallas Morning News named Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins as its 2008 Texan of the Year. The criteria for earning honor is to be “a Texan (or Texans) who has had uncommon impact; who exemplifies Texas traits of trailblazing, independence and staring down adversity; and who has affected or influenced lives (positively or negatively).” The board then selects the finalists and winner through an internal vote.

I have to say Watkins is very deserving of this award. Hate him or love him, he is making his mark on the country by using DNA testing to free those who were wrongly convicted and sent to prison. I admire his position on keeping the justice system fair. Everyone deserves a fair and just trial and he’s doing his best to make sure that happens under his watch. He’s changing the way people view Texas justice and as we all know change can be a painful process. But only time will tell whether or not the moves he’s making will benefit the Dallas community. My congrats to him on at least making the effort.

Past Dallas Morning News Texans of the Year include the illegal immigrant in 2007 (for the profound ways in which this group of people impacted Texas), Roy Velez of Lubbock in 2006 (for exemplifying love and compassion in the face of overwhelming tragedy following the war-related loss of his two sons), the city of Houston in 2005 (for its stellar response to Hurricane Katrina victims), Karl Rove in 2004 and George W. Bush in 2003.

For further information you can read the editorial on the Dallas Morning News website. I’d also recommend reading the comments. They’re always full of interesting information.