Beaches Leader

The Leader's Opinion

Leader Endorses Angela Corey for State Attorney

The State Attorney's 4th Judicial Circuit race in Jacksonville has proven to be quite contentious.

The battle between Jay Plotkin, the current chief assistant state attorney, and his former colleague, Angela Core, who left the office in a swirl of political controversy has been heated this election season.

By most accounts, both candidates are considered strong prosecutors.

Plotkin has substantial, and current, experience managing the state attorney's office, which is the city's largest law firm.

During her decades with the state attorney's office, Corey has also spent some time training new prosecutors, proving she be a trainer and a mentor.

But when she recounts years spent in the courtroom securing convictions of heinous felons, it is clear that putting criminals away in prison is what she considers to be job one.

Plotkin seems to have all the requisite credentials to do the job he is seeking. He also has the blessing of the current state attorney, Harry Shorstein, who is retiring.

Corey does not have that blessing and that, frankly, is an asset.

Crime is a top concern for our communities. Clearly the current status quo is not working so changes are needed.

Corey does not promise to be more of the same. Her election will definitely bring a shakeup to the state attorney's office and at this juncture that should be a plus.

Plotkin clearly has the management expertise and the political savvy, but the state attorney's post should be filled by someone whose top skill is being a pitbull of a prosecutor. Bureaucratic tasks can easily be delegated but the sense of moral outrage over criminals who compromise our quality of life must burn strong in the top prosecutor.

Corey promises to bring some real passion to the prosecutor's post. She may not be the smoothest candidate to ever hold the post, but she is certainly well qualified.

We recommend a vote for Angela Corey for State Attorney.