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A Times Editorial
© St. Petersburg Times, published July 15, 2000
The death of Harry Lee Coe leaves Gov. Jeb Bush with the delicate task of appointing a successor as Hillsborough state attorney. Though only six months remain in Coe's term, the governor's appointment will shape the political landscape of this year's race for Hillsborough's chief law enforcement officer.
Bush should appoint a caretaker who has no interest in keeping the job past January. What the office needs, in the trying days ahead, is stability and freedom from political manipulation.
Coe was a fixture as state attorney, and his sudden death leaves the county with no clear heir apparent. But even Thursday, only hours after Coe was found dead of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound, some would-be successors already had begun maneuvering for the job even as they eulogized Coe for the cameras. The picture of local hopefuls making calls to Republican patronage chiefs is an appalling display of courthouse politics -- a problem that became entrenched in Hillsborough while Democrats were in charge.
Coe's eccentricity kept him in the news, but eclipsed his success in assembling a competent staff. Wayne Chalu, Coe's chief assistant, appointed Thursday as interim state attorney, is capable of continuing until the election.
Chief Circuit Judge Dennis Alvarez made a good suggestion, too; the governor could appoint a sitting state attorney, such as Jerry Hill of Polk or Pinellas-Pasco's Bernie McCabe, to oversee the staff in Hillsborough. The office runs largely on auto-pilot anyway, a reflection of the professionalism already there.
Bush sent the right signal by insisting Thursday that the state inquiry into Coe will continue. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is examining the nature of loans Coe obtained from employees and his handling of public records. Coe's death makes it especially important for the investigation to clarify what may have driven the prosecutor to suicide.
Bush can calm the situation by appointing an interim state attorney who keeps the office focused on its job. Coe's death should not be misused as an opportunity for an ambitious replacement to play musical chairs. If the field of candidates grows by the July 21 qualifying deadline -- fine. But let the candidates run on a level playing field, rather than skewing the election by anointing a favored son as the incumbent.