Fernandina Beach News-Leader

EDITORIAL ~~ Corey for attorney

After 18 years, Fourth Circuit State Attorney Harry Shorstein is stepping down. Our choice to replace him is Angela Corey.

Corey is a Jacksonville native, a graduate of Florida State University with a law degree from the University of Florida and a former assistant state attorney for 25 years, where she tried hundreds of cases, including more than 50 homicides.

She has been endorsed by most of the Northeast Florida law enforcement community, including Nassau Sheriff Tommy Seagraves, and by local police unions who prefer her commitment to prosecution of criminals.

Her opponent is Jay Plotkin, an assistant state attorney for more than 20 years, who has received Shorstein's endorsement. Plotkin is also favored by six former presidents of The Florida Bar, a number of prosecuting attorneys and the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce.

It is not easy to distinguish between them. But there are issues to be confronted by the state attorney.

Chief among these are a need to reduce a backlog of cases in the Fourth District, including Nassau; for improved technology; and for greater efficiency given declining resources for the office. It is in these areas that we believe Corey has the greater strengths.

That is why we recommend her to you in the election that culminates next Tuesday.