Statesmanship Award given to Commissioner Bill Hale
By KATHRYN MARTINEZ news1@kilgorenewsherald.com

Each year, East Texas Council of Governments honors regional citizens who exemplify excellence in performance, innovation, and contributions to the community.

ETCOG hosted its 76th Semi-Annual Board of Director's Meeting and regional awards ceremony today, at Jefferson's Cypress Valley Education Center.

Bill Hale, rusk County Pct. 1 commissioner, accepted the regional Statesmanship Award.

"I appreciate the honor," Hale said. "I am pleased and shocked I was considered for the award."

While Hale said he is "sure a lot of people are more deserving," ETCOG officials would disagree.

The Regional Statesmanship Award is given to a local, state or federal official who has demonstrated valuable and dedicated service to regional cooperation.

"Bill hale exhibits Grace, truth, tact and Kindness that most men would aspire to achieve," David Cleveland, executive director, said. "I have had opportunity to work with a lot of public servants and he serves with his community at heart with an un-common kindness and un-common common sense."

Cleveland called Hale a "rare talent."

"When I consider the definition of a public servant, if I were to look it up in the dictionary, I would expect to find Bill Hale's name there," Cleveland said. "Not one individual I have ever met thinks any different."

Hale is active in Kilgore, Rusk County and the East Texas region. Hale visits schools to promote ranching, is active in his church and serves as chairman of the ETCOG executive committee. He was nominated by his peers for "stellar performance and dedication."

Awards were also given for Regional Citizen of the Year and Regional Corporate Citizen of the Year, to citizens who have significantly contributed to the well being of the East Texas Region.

Regional citizen of the year is Larry Goddard, Tyler Independent School District Foundation executive director.

Regional Corporate citizen of the year is Brookshire Grocery Company.

The Regional Committee Service Award recognizes an individual that has demonstrated a sustained, dedicated commitment to ETCOG efforts and activities. John Wedeking, with the ETCOG Homeland Security Advisory Committee, received this award.