Opinion: Clean up Hillsborough's judiciary

Hillsborough voters have a historic chance to clean up the local judiciary. Last month's suicide of state attorney Harry Lee Coe exposed an office torn by politics, just as the widening investigation into several sitting judges renewed questions about the ethics and depth of some on the Hillsborough bench.

Unlike previous elections, when the closed nature of courthouse politics worked to keep competent but independent candidates from running, the races this year have drawn a crowded field for the positions of state attorney and circuit and county judge. While several are distinguished by their academic background and experience, the prime issue is how each candidate would restore integrity and public faith in the justice system.

Mark Ober for Republicans Hillsborough State Attorney

Mark Ober is one of Tampa's best criminal trial lawyers. His years as both a prosecutor and defense attorney give Ober balance. He is known as fair, reasonable and trustworthy and is widely respected by judges and colleagues alike.

Ober, 49, was raised in Brandon and earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Florida. After graduating from the South Texas College of Law, Ober became a prosecutor in Tampa, rising to chief of the career-criminal, special-prosecution and homicide divisions before leaving to open a private law practice in 1987. (He is divorced from County Court Judge Ann Ober, who is seeking re-election.)

Ober's vast trial experience, knowledge of the county and familiarity with the strengths and weaknesses of the Hillsborough circuit make him an unusually strong candidate. The business and managerial skills he brings from having run a successful private practice also distinguish Ober from his opponent in the primary, Tampa lawyer Bill Jennings.

Jennings, 51, studied political science at the University of Central Florida and also graduated from the South Texas College of Law. He worked as a prosecutor in Hillsborough from 1977 to 1986, as a prosecutor in Polk from 1986 to 1998 and, in the last two years, as a public defender in Hillsborough.

Ober talks straight and has shown the backbone over the years to distance himself from Tampa's old guard. Ober also would give Republicans the widest appeal in a general election. The Times recommends Mark Ober in the Republican primary for Hillsborough state attorney.

Jonathan Alpert for Democrats Hillsborough State Attorney

The unexpected death of incumbent Harry Lee Coe created a vacuum in the Democratic race for state attorney. The party establishment quickly lined up behind Robert Shimberg, a onetime prosecutor under Coe. But Jonathan Alpert, a bright and seasoned Tampa lawyer, is a better choice for Democrats.

Alpert, 55, is best known for suing large companies on behalf of consumers. Alpert has a commanding grasp of white-collar crime and consumer fraud. Educated at Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland School of Law and Harvard University, Alpert brings strong intellect, 30 years of legal experience and a broad perspective of state and federal law to his campaign to professionalize the state attorney's office.

Shimberg, 38, argues his experience as a prosecutor distinguishes him from Alpert. But Shimberg worked only four years under Coe, and has spent six years in private practice. His criminal experience is not as meaningful as supporters suggest. Shimberg has served his community by volunteering for worthy causes, notably youth groups and the Tampa Housing Authority. But his campaign focus on prosecuting repeat and violent offenders -- what the office already does every day -- reflects a limited life experience.

Alpert has a clear sense of right and wrong and a needed sense of candor. He also is experienced at fighting complex fraud, especially crimes against the elderly. His willingness to be unpopular when the job requires it is the type of leadership and reputation the office needs. His detractors portray Alpert as a scorched-earth reformer, and try to illustrate their point by citing a disputed complaint that Alpert threw lukewarm coffee in another lawyer's face. He is, on the contrary, a thoughtful and dignified choice in a primary distinguished by two good candidates. In the Democratic race for state attorney, the Times recommends Jonathan Alpert.

Ellen Ware

Circuit Court Judge, Group 25

Candidates for judge are bound by ethical cannons not to be overt in distinguishing themselves from their competitors. That is fine in a race where the losers and louts are abundantly clear. But in a strong and crowded field, subtle distinctions make the difference. Ellen Ware is the best candidate in this four-way race.

Ware, a 40-year old family-law attorney, was born in New York and educated at Vassar College and the Cornell Law School. She was a commercial litigator in larger firms before striking out on her own. Ware balances her work by volunteering in the Hillsborough schools and has represented abused children in legal proceedings as a volunteer attorney ad litem. She has a casual confidence and an open demeanor that would benefit any judge and reflect well on the court.

Former prosecutor Leland Baldwin has broad experience as a trial attorney, both in criminal and civil law. She is bright and thinks well on her feet, and she would add competence to the circuit. Attorney David Dee has served as a hearing officer in animal control and traffic court. Robert A. Foster Jr. is a longtime trial attorney who specializes in family law. Either would likely do an adequate job. But neither Dee nor Foster articulate a persuasive rationale for their candidacies.

Ware brings a fresh perspective and a proven commitment to her community. As a board-certified marital and family lawyer, Ware is dedicated to the highest standards of her profession. Her election would make the Hillsborough judiciary more reflective of the diverse population the justice system serves. The non-partisan race for Circuit Court Judge, Group 25, is open to all voters. The Times recommends Ellen Ware.

Ann Ober County Court Judge, Group 3

All three candidates in the Group 3 race have the resume and qualities to make fine county judges. But one, incumbent Ann Ober, already has the job, and she deserves another term.

County court is often referred to as "the people's court," for the cases there typically involve small-time crimes -- bad checks, fighting, traffic violations. A good county judge must move the crushing caseload, all while protecting the rights of defendants, many of whom appear without lawyers and have never been in trouble before.

Ober's experience, temperament and community service are an asset to Hillsborough. A former prosecutor and public defender, she knows the ropes and has the background to be fair and think critically. Ober developed an expertise in handling domestic-violence cases and speaks often about the courts to community groups. (She is divorced from Mark Ober, candidate for state attorney.)

Attorney Nick Nazaretian has strong trial experience as a prosecutor and public defender, and his long record of community service explains in part why Nazaretian is respected and suited for the bench. Carol C. Rodriguez, a former public defender, has an intriguing blend of experience in business and the state and federal courts. Both she and Nazaretian have the balance of modesty and strength to capably handle county court.

But Ober, 43, already is doing a fine job. She is effective and brings a good reputation to the bench. The non-partisan race for County Judge, Group 3, is open to all voters. The Times recommends Ann Ober.

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