Matt Shirk for Public Defender

[Lynda]

Why would anyone vote for a political party instead of a candidate?
Why would anyone consider a candidate's religion a litmus test of his/her ability to perform well in elected office?

I saw the Matt Shirk v Bill White debate at Tiger Bay.  Matt Shirk criticized Bill White but did not elucidate much about how he planned to change the public defender's office, he had facts wrong about the Public Defender's office, and he seemed to be ill-prepared to respond to challenging questions. 

Bill White, on the other hand, knew the precise details of the public defender's office, and he corrected erroneous statements with laser sharp accuracy.  Bill White may come across as a mild-mannered gentleman in general conversation, but I saw the business side of him, and it was pure, focused professionalism.  He is sharp as a tack.

Matt Shirk came across as an ambitious man with little insight into the enormous responsibility of running the Public Defender's office.  If Mr. Shark is any good as a private attorney, I think he would do well to invest in building up his private practice instead of spending so much non-billable time as a candidate.  Now that I think about it, he is getting free publicity just by running in this race.

--But that's just my take on this...

[jbm32206]

I would say that's a good take

[gopman369]

Why would anyone vote for a political party instead of a candidate?
Why would anyone consider a candidate's religion a litmus test of his/her ability to perform well in elected office?

I saw the Matt Shirk v Bill White debate at Tiger Bay.  Matt Shirk criticized Bill White but did not elucidate much about how he planned to change the public defender's office, he had facts wrong about the Public Defender's office, and he seemed to be ill-prepared to respond to challenging questions. 

Bill White, on the other hand, knew the precise details of the public defender's office, and he corrected erroneous statements with laser sharp accuracy.  Bill White may come across as a mild-mannered gentleman in general conversation, but I saw the business side of him, and it was pure, focused professionalism.  He is sharp as a tack.

Matt Shirk came across as an ambitious man with little insight into the enormous responsibility of running the Public Defender's office.  If Mr. Shark is any good as a private attorney, I think he would do well to invest in building up his private practice instead of spending so much non-billable time as a candidate.  Now that I think about it, he is getting free publicity just by running in this race.

--But that's just my take on this...

Really, Pat...I mean Paula..er, Lynda  You couldn't have been at the same debate at Tiger Bay.  There were no corrections of fact other than Matt Shirk correcting the figures related to bonuses.  In response to White's statement that he gave nearly 500,000 in salary bonuses as a "retention" measure, Shirk quickly pointed out that a more than 1/3 of that money went to only 6% of the employees, hardly a "retention" measure.  Shirk then had a packet of paper and read that a 25 year employee making over 135k a year received $8400.  Again, not a retention measure.  It mirrors what many employees at the PDO have been saying:  If you are one of the "in" people you get great bonuses and have a great salary.  If not, you get very little of anything and are treated unfairly. 

Bottomline, Shirk won the debate hands down.  Bill White seemed almost scared and was like a statue when he spoke, his voicing frequently cracking.  On the other hand, Shirk was very confident when he spoke. 

[Squid Shark]

Really, Pat...I mean Paula..er, Lynda  You couldn't have been at the same debate at Tiger Bay.  There were no corrections of fact other than Matt Shirk correcting the figures related to bonuses.  In response to White's statement that he gave nearly 500,000 in salary bonuses as a "retention" measure, Shirk quickly pointed out that a more than 1/3 of that money went to only 6% of the employees, hardly a "retention" measure.  Shirk then had a packet of paper and read that a 25 year employee making over 135k a year received $8400.  Again, not a retention measure.  It mirrors what many employees at the PDO have been saying:  If you are one of the "in" people you get great bonuses and have a great salary.  If not, you get very little of anything and are treated unfairly. 

Bottomline, Shirk won the debate hands down.  Bill White seemed almost scared and was like a statue when he spoke, his voicing frequently cracking.  On the other hand, Shirk was very confident when he spoke. 

You are a funny guy gopman with your little insinuations about identities.

We already talked about the bonuses. I know plenty of junior level folks who are not miffed in the slightest about being in the "out" crowd. Keeping good attorneys is important, you can rail all you want about it, Matt Shirk's little slice of class warfare is just as unrepublican as his ham fisted attempt at identity politics at the Perkins Law Forum.

I am glad Mr Shirk was "confident", he is a politician, White is not. Although it would have been a contrast to his Al Gore-like performance at the Perkins forum where he huffed and puffed and bit his lip angrily when Mr White educated him on a point of law he got wrong or refuted an incorrect fact.

We dont need a politician in that office any more than we need one in the SAO or the SO, we need a Public Defender.

Respectfully
The Squid

[Driven1]

have no clue who to vote for on this...

RSG???

[Driven1]

Why would anyone consider a candidate's religion a litmus test of his/her ability to perform well in elected office?

because politicians are notorious for trying to seek even higher office.  and next thing you know, little "Democrat Joe" who was the Public Defender is now running as 2nd man on the most liberal ticket ever in the land.  it always starts small.

[RiversideGator]

Bill White is a nice guy and a competent public servant.  Shirk would be fine too and would bring more fiscal discipline and an outsider's perspective to the office (White has been there for about 30+ years) IMO.  Plus, White is a Democrat and Shirk is a Republican.  No matter who wins, I will not be upset.  However, I will be voting for Shirk.

[Squid Shark]

Driven,
Sorry I missed you.
Bill White has run a compitent and excellent office for 4 years, and has helped run it as Chief assistant for 30. Mr Shirk appears to be trying to use this job as a stepping stone to something bigger, but this is not that kind of office.

I highly reccomend Mr White. The Sherriffs of all three offices have endorsed him, as have other prominent Republicans.

Mr Shirk has been an attorney for 7 years. Mr White has been one for 34. This is an important justice position which requires dedication to the clients and the justice system, something Mr Shirk has not displayed in the last 7 years.

Mr White has been a leader in the Criminal Law division of the Florida Bar and is the current heard of the Public Defender Association.

[Squid Shark]

Riverside,
Mr Shirk has not displayed fiscal discipline in his personal life, why would he change all of the sudden when he is working with someone elses money.

Mr White has returned money to the state every year he has been in office. He has inplemented several new cost saving measures and taken care of his people ahead of impending budget cuts.

Respectfully,
The Squid

[Squid Shark]

Lynda,
You would be talking about Mr Shirk in this situation.

Mr White has no other asprirations outside of the PDO. Mr Shirk is a born polititician, he will have plenty of time to try to fool other voters.

R
SS

[JaxByDefault]

Defenders have the toughest job in the legal field, and White serves his office expertly.

Voting for defender and state attorney by political party is absurd. Reasonable, informed people can disagree on who best fits the office but the issues in these races are decidedly non-partisan: qualifications, legal theory, reputation within the bar, and practice management acumen. National political issues and party hot-buttons are best left the domain of politicians.

[Squid Shark]

Well Said, Jax!