by David Chapman
Staff Writer
No debating, no tension, no fighting. Those were the ground rules for State Attorney candidates Jay Plotkin and Angela Cory at Friday’s meeting of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Downtown Council.
The two may have problems with each other but Council President Jim Love, who moderated the event at the Aetna Building’s cafeteria, said he wanted only to have infomercials followed by some crowd interaction.
“I can say from experience that opportunities like this really do make an impression on voters,” said Love.
Following introductions, each candidate was allowed seven minutes to deliver a platform on why they should be elected State Attorney on Aug. 26.
Council members were all eyes and ears when the two pitched themselves.
Corey noted her endorsements from area law enforcement organizations, her quest to work with them if elected and the need for increased public safety.
Plotkin spoke of his endorsement from the Chamber, his experience trying habitually offending juveniles as adults and crime preventive measures that have been instituted during his time with the State Attorney’s office.
Both have extensive experience in the office. Plotkin is No. 2 to Harry Shorstein; Corey was one of the attorneys until major disputes led to her departure.
Following the speeches, the audience put the spotlight on the candidates with questions ranging from public safety to relaxation time. Like the information session, neither was allowed to make retorts on the other’s answer.
Highlights included:
• A timeline for Downtown being pedestrian safe at night. Corey said to give her two terms. Plotkin gave no definitive time but said the State Attorney would continue to work with the Sheriff’s Office aggressively while noting Jacksonville Journey programs for prevention.
• How the candidates would like to see the Chamber become involved with crime prevention with teenagers. Plotkin talked of businesses policing their establishments from truants and a continuing communication of issues with the State Attorney’s Office. Corey called teenagers “a whole new brand of teenager” and disagreed that Plotkin’s policing of truancy with business signs would not work – instead, she recommended business owners and parents instill discipline from an early age.
• Issues on “the small” things, specifically nuisance issues and public drinking Downtown. Corey said even small nuisances are quality of life issues and she’d change philosophy by not rushing justice and “locking them up.” Plotkin discussed the mental health issues surrounding many of the offenders and programs that are available while saying he supports jail time for habitual offenders.
• How each thinks outside the box in working with the Duval County School Board about juvenile crime. Plotkin said truancy programs are in place, teachers have been hired to work on truancy studies and noted the effectiveness of the school education with incarcerated habitual offending juveniles. Corey answered by stating a lack of intervention from the current State Attorney’s office has led to the problem, which has resulted in things other than truancy like the area’s drunken driving numbers.
• Thoughts and ideas on the State Attorney’s Drug Court program. Corey stressed the need to bring back Drug Court due to its effective results with non-violent offenders. Plotkin responded by listing his history of involvement in the program and its achievements and announced that the program was in fact back up and running.
• Finally, how the candidates power down from the stress of their jobs. Plotkin referenced time with his wife and three children as well as his adoration for University of Florida football. Corey discussed her time in church with her family and community activity that has kept her charged.
“I think the entire thing went very well,” said Love. “We didn’t want any type of fighting or arguing and everyone I talked to following the event really enjoyed the event. I think some minds were made up.”
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