New Van Zandt County Commissioner sworn in following untimely death of previous incumbent

CANTON, Texas (KLTV) – After longtime Van Zandt County Second Precinct Commissioner Virgil Melton was killed during a storm in June, officials have now found the person who will take his place.

Cliff Williams was the finalist among ten candidates for the position, initially narrowed down to four, and then selected by the Republican leaders of the Second District after a public town hall meeting.

“They're not filling the position, they're just finding someone who's able to take on a lot of the responsibility and learn on the job,” said Van Zandt County Judge Andy Reese.

Williams has a background in oil and gas law. He also served on the Grand Prairie Planning and Zoning Board.

“I think the most important thing is to do what you say you're going to do and to be available, and that's what I plan to do,” Williams said.

Williams will join a busy court. Judge Reese says the county is still processing FEMA claims following the spring storms.

“We are looking at a courthouse restoration grant that we received and are in the process of applying for that. We are looking at potentially a new jail, we are in the planning stages for that. The big projects just keep going,” Reese said.

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