by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
In front of family, friends and co-workers, Chief Assistant State Attorney Jay Plotkin announced his intention to run for State Attorney Thursday.
“I spent my career preparing for this moment,” said Plotkin, who’s looking to succeed his boss, State Attorney Harry Shorstein. “I know I am the most qualified person.”
Plotkin has been with the State Attorney’s Office since April 1987. During his 20-year career, Plotkin has overseen and managed every facet of the office. In April 2, 1999, Shorstein appointed Plotkin to Chief Assistant, succeeding E. McRae Mathis who was appointed to a Circuit Court judgeship by then-Gov. Jeb Bush.
Plotkin calls the State Attorney’s Office the “biggest law firm in Northeast Florida.” The Fourth Judicial Circuit office has 100 attorneys, over 350 support staff and operates under a $24 million annual budget. The office prosecutes crimes in Duval, Clay and Nassau counties.
Shorstein said Plotkin has been talking about getting into the race for a while, but never approached him about when to enter. Shorstein does support his long-time assistant.
“I believe he will do a great job as my successor,” said Shorstein. “He has led all aspects of the State Attorney’s Office for eight years. I strongly support and endorse him and have said so since the day I decided not to run.”
Plotkin’s recent decision to switch from the Democratic to Republican party has drawn the ire of his only current opponent, Angela Corey – a former employee under Shorstein who now works for State Attorney John Tanner in the Seventh Judicial Circuit. Neither Plotkin nor Shorstein believes the job should be partisan, making party affiliation irrelevant.
“I have said since day one the State Attorney’s position is non-partisan,” said Shorstein, who is a Democrat. “We have a number of rules and regulations that prohibit participation in politics in the office.”
Shorstein said his office doesn’t care what party criminals belong to and the criminals don’t care what party the prosecutor in their case belongs to. Plotkin echoed those sentiments.
“The State Attorney’s Office is not about politics,” he said. “Our decisions are based on everything but politics. This office is not partisan and will not be partisan.”
When asked why he switched parties before filing to run with the State elections office, Plotkin said, “This is the first time in my life I have run for office. I looked out there and examined the Republican Party and felt most comfortable with that party. I’m a prosecutor. I prosecute criminals.”
Plotkin’s resume is littered with high-profile cases he’s prosecuted over the years. One of the most well-known was the trail of Joshua Phillips who was tried and convicted of killing 8 year-old Maddie Clifton.
“I have prosecuted some of the most notorious criminals in the area,” he said, adding the most recent was Michael Jackson, who was convicted of abducting and killing Reggie and Carol Sumner. “I will continue to prosecute the highest-profile crimes. It’s good for young prosecutors to see the State Attorney personally handling these matters.”
Plotkin said his experience gives him an advantage over Corey or anyone else who may enter the race before the Aug. 26, 2008 primary.
“I have simultaneously managed every aspect of the State Attorney’s Office,” he said. “I will continue the legacy created by (former State Attorney and mayor) Ed Austin and Harry Shorstein.”
Rogers Towers attorney Bill Scheu introduced Plotkin and credited him for making Jacksonville’s Juvenile Justice Division one of the best programs in the country.
“He is the creative, innovative developer of the most comprehensive juvenile justice program in the state,” said Scheu.
Plotkin is also proud of the program he has directed since its inception 1993.
“We have been tough prosecutors of habitual and violent offenders,” said Plotkin. “Early intervention has led to a reduction in crime and the program serves as a model for other communities. I know our comprehensive juvenile programs are making a difference.”
In July 2006, Plotkin was recognized by the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association as the “Gene Berry Memorial Award” winner as the top prosecutor in the state, topping more than 2,000 other prosecutors. He’s a member of Leadership Jacksonville class of 2001 and has served on numerous community boards including the Juvenile Justice Board for Duval, Clay and Nassau counties, The Florida Bar Legal Needs of Children Committee and many others.
Plotkin believes his 20-year career in the State Attorney’s Office combined with his civic experience will make him difficult to beat next year.
“I am the only candidate qualified to be your State Attorney,” he said.