The Kiwanis Club of the Valley (Auburn) hosted Matt Williams on Wednesday.
Williams, a candidate for District Court Judge in the South East Division of King County, led a discussion on America’s involvement in the rebuilding of post-conflict nations. Williams and members of the Kiwanis Club shared their international experiences and the impact that one person can have in changing the lives of many people.
Williams spoke about his experiences in the war-torn Balkans and in the Middle East where he has worked with the U.S. Department of Justice in assisting emerging democracies build justice systems. He explained what happens after a country’s internal infrastructure is destroyed by war and how the Justice and State departments, as well as other public and private organizations, are stepping up to help build sustainable democracies around the world.
“The lessons that we are learning in Kosovo about what works and what doesn’t work will help us build a success story in post-conflict Iraq and Afghanistan,” Williams said.
Williams noted that the key to winning “Charlie Wilson’s war” is to make sure that after the conflict is over, emerging democracies are able to build roads, educate their people, have clean water and have the tools to create a sustainable economy and social order.
“Peace, economic stability and democracy require a justice system that protects individual rights while still protecting public safety and property,” Williams said.
“Ultimately, the protection of public safety is Job One for any system of laws,” Williams said. “That includes creating and maintaining a system of justice that protects the public safety and civil liberties without creating martyrs. Whether they are an accused or a victim, people entering any justice system, need to know that they will be treated fairly and equally, and that offenders will be held accountable for their actions.”
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Matt Williams is a candidate for King County District Court Judge in the South East Division of King County. The division includes Renton, Kent, Auburn, Maple Valley, Covington, Black Diamond and Enumclaw.
