Bradenton Herald Endorses Larry Eger for the Primary
Bradenton HeraldTue, Aug. 19, 2008
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12th Dist. Public Defender: Larry Eger
The two Republicans vying to become the next public defender of the 12th Judicial Circuit Court sport sharply different backgrounds.
Larry Eger, 51, has served with the public defender's office for the past 23 years, currently as the chief assistant in charge of the Manatee office.
Ron Filipkowski, 39, a former state and federal prosecutor, is now a private criminal defense attorney based in Sarasota.
The winner of this primary will face off against Democrat Adam Tebrugge, also a longtime assistant public defender, in November.
Eger emphasizes his experience, his passion for the job and his vision for the office. His emphatic statement - "I am a public defender" - speaks to not only his passion but his dedication.
With the budget constraints dictated by the Legislature, public defenders will be hard-pressed to serve a growing caseload. Since salaries eat up almost all of the office's budget, Eger aims to replace some higher-paid attorneys with less-expensive paralegals capable of handling some of the work.
Eger also plans to analyze jail populations in order to expedite cases, especially for nonviolent offenders who need not be incarcerated. He also wants to better utilize diversionary programs, primarily substance abuse and mental health counseling.
Filipkowski downplayed drug programs, instead advocating faith-based programs through churches. He supports intervention programs over incarceration.
At a public forum, Eger agreed that faith programs could work but pointed out that drug court has had an 85 percent success rate. He says he will help clients who are willing and able to enter programs.
Eger also has strong community connections. He's most proud of being co-founder and now acting president of the Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences, with an enrollment exceeding 600 students. Eger, as president, oversees an annual budget of more than $5.4 million.
The public defender is responsible for serving clients in Manatee, Sarasota and Desoto counties, with a caseload averaging 270 indigent clients at any one time.
Eger, as the chief assistant of the Manatee office, oversees more than 40 attorneys and staff members. He is a proven leader with deep management and administrative experience.
The public defender's post has not featured a contested election since Elliott Metcalfe first won office in 1976. We do not believe, as Filipkowski does, that now is a time for change in the defender's office. Metcalfe agrees, noting that with more budget cuts likely, the position should be filled by someone with public defender and management experience.
That person is Larry Eger. We recommend him for the office of public defender.