Jacob Ogles
Former prosecutor Betsy Young will challenge State Attorney Ed Brodsky’s reelection in the 12th Judicial Circuit. And she’s set up a website where Brodsky’s own staff can critique his leadership.
“We need a prosecutor we can trust to do the job right,” Young said. “It’s time to modernize our criminal justice system and elect an advocate who will listen to victims.”
In announcing her candidacy, the Lakewood Ranch Democrat took a number of swipes at Brodsky without identifying the incumbent by name.
“I want to be clear, the issues we face aren’t a reflection on the individual prosecutors and staff in the office. They are also victims of poor leadership from the current administration,” Young said.
With that, she directed staff to a section of own website aimed at exposing problems in the office.
“I’ve had many current and former employees share their experiences with me, so we’ve set up a page for them at www.BetsyYoung.Vote/BlowTheWhistle,” Young said. “I’d encourage anyone who has seen unethical or illegal behavior in the office to share their experience – it’s completely confidential.”
Brodsky, a Republican, has filed for reelection and has raised $31,900 toward that effort.
But Young said problems within the State Attorney’s Office today impair the justice system in Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties.
“When we elect new leadership and modernize the office, our community will be safer, our system will be more just and fair, our courts will function more efficiently, and victims will finally have a competent and compassionate advocate working for them,” she said.
“Dysfunction and outdated policies are slowing down our justice system and wasting taxpayer dollars. I couldn’t sit on the sidelines anymore and watch our community fall further and further behind.”
Young previously worked as an assistant state attorney after graduating from Florida State University’s College of Law.
