Published: October 07, 2007 09:03 am      

Overstreet announces intent to retain seat

MT. VERNON — Surrounded by family and friends, Judge David Overstreet announced Friday he will be seeking to retain the judge’s seat he was appointed to fill five months ago.

“Throughout my first five months on the bench, I have had the privilege to preside in seven of the 12 counties that compose the 2nd Judicial Circuit. During this time, I have handled a diverse docket, both civil and criminal. I have ruled in numerous cases already and in each I have given due consideration to the facts and law before me,” Overstreet said. “Since becoming a judge, I have developed a greater appreciation for the rule of law in our country. I recognize the awesome responsibility I have been given by being appointed a judge and deciding cases that affect the lives of the citizens involved and the surrounding community.”

Overstreet was recommended to fill the circuit judge position by Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Karmeier and he was appointed by the

Illinois Supreme Court as a judge at large on May 1, according to information from the 2nd Judicial Circuit.

“It has been a humbling experience to fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge Jim Wexstten to the Illinois 5th District Appellate Court following the untimely death of Appellate Court Justice Terry Hopkins,” Overstreet said. “I hope to serve the judiciary as well as my outstanding predecessors.”

Overstreet said his 16 years as a practicing attorney, along with his temperament, judgment and sense of fair play and experience he has gained as an appointed judge make him a good candidate.

Overstreet introduced his family who stood beside him during his announcement on Friday at the Jefferson County Courthouse — parents Jack and Ann Overstreet, wife Susanne, children Marissa, Fisher and Sawyer, and his brother, Clark Overstreet.

- Tesa Culli