Jacksonville Gets a New State Attorney
Historically speaking, the race has been a real snoozer. For 17 years, Harry Shorstein has served as the top prosecutor for the tri-county area. And he's done it to national renown. His juvenile justice program tanked juvenile crime rates and made Shorstein darn near a household name thanks to profiles by major and primetime media outlets.
But last year, Shorstein announced he would not seek a sixth term as State Attorney. Meanwhile, Jacksonville's violent crime rate continued to climb. Ergo a heated race for Shorstein's post. The contenders: Heir apparent Jay Plotkin, Shorstein's Chief Assistant Attorney for eight years and a 20-year veteran of the office; and Corey, a 26-year veteran of the same office fired in 2006. In his campaign. Plotkin cited his experience not only practicing law, but also administering the $24 million-budget office. Corey pointed to understaffing and a high turnover in the office, and says her firing was in retaliation for her notifying Plotkin during a 2005 lunch that she had plans to run for their boss' job.
In Tuesday's election, Corey proved the winner, landing 65 percent of the votes. She promises sweeping changes in the office, including a tougher stance on juvenile and violent crime. What do you think of the outcome? Leave us a comment. Better yet, visit our Community Forum and join the discussion.