Bellaire Examiner - News
Huffman sworn in during Capitol ceremony Monday
 |
| Joan Huffman is administered the oath of office by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott as husband Keith Lawyer and son Luke Lawyer look on. |
Joan Huffman was officially sworn in as State Senator for District 17 Monday afternoon.
The Southside Place Republican took the oath of office, administered by State Attorney General Greg Abbott, on the floor of the Texas Senate in the State Capitol at about 1 p.m.
Huffman beat five Republicans on Nov. 4 and Democrat Chris Bell in a runoff on Dec. 16 to win the seat vacated by Kyle Janek, a West University Place Republican who resigned in June, citing family considerations.
Because it was a special election, Huffman had only to wait for official certifications to take office instead of waiting to be sworn in with other newly elected legislators at the start of the legislative session on Jan. 13.
Gov. Rick Perry gave the final vote certification Sunday.
"The families of SD-17 expect hard work and results, which is why I am taking the oath of office as soon as possible. We will be prepared to work before the Legislature convenes," Huffman said in a prepared news release. "I'm very thankful to everyone who helped make this day possible. My pledge is to be a representative for all SD-17 families. Chief among our priorities will be helping families and businesses recover from Hurricane Ike and developing new tools for state and local law enforcement officials to secure the Texas/Mexico border."
Huffman served two terms as an elected Harris County criminal district court judge after working as a prosecutor in the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
She’s a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and resides in Southside Place with husband Keith and son Luke.
The Southside Place Republican took the oath of office, administered by State Attorney General Greg Abbott, on the floor of the Texas Senate in the State Capitol at about 1 p.m.
Huffman beat five Republicans on Nov. 4 and Democrat Chris Bell in a runoff on Dec. 16 to win the seat vacated by Kyle Janek, a West University Place Republican who resigned in June, citing family considerations.
Because it was a special election, Huffman had only to wait for official certifications to take office instead of waiting to be sworn in with other newly elected legislators at the start of the legislative session on Jan. 13.
Gov. Rick Perry gave the final vote certification Sunday.
"The families of SD-17 expect hard work and results, which is why I am taking the oath of office as soon as possible. We will be prepared to work before the Legislature convenes," Huffman said in a prepared news release. "I'm very thankful to everyone who helped make this day possible. My pledge is to be a representative for all SD-17 families. Chief among our priorities will be helping families and businesses recover from Hurricane Ike and developing new tools for state and local law enforcement officials to secure the Texas/Mexico border."
Huffman served two terms as an elected Harris County criminal district court judge after working as a prosecutor in the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
She’s a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and resides in Southside Place with husband Keith and son Luke.
Copyright © 2009 - Houston Community Newspapers Online