State Attorney Mark Ober

This level headed man has spent his life dealing fairly and very harshly with the very worst cases. He tries his own cases. He knows the ins and outs of the rules, statutes, evidence, judges, bailiffs, clerks. Then he must run for re election every four years. Mark noticed that his predator was slipping well before the rest of us. There will always be questions expressed in private. On the essential point Mark Ober’s involvement has never seemed credible. There is not much more on talent and brining top assets to this public office. The checks and balances system seldom lets one office holder to gain so much authority over the defendants that law enforce uncover in Hillsborough County. Mark has a quick intuitive mind, he has little energy for the unprepared. The courtroom is relaxed in his presence. The job he does provides swift justice, but I have never seen Mark jam up a person facing death by injection. So will get out even after judges and jurors have reviewed the evidence available. He also has taken a personal interest in keeping the manipulators away from early release. Some people get a fair day in court and have no hatred toward this good man. He is a good stubborn man. This jobs needs leaders that know the types of tricks the most dangerous use. Mark introduced me to my first judge and first criminal case in 1977. I focused on the demise of penalties involving abuse of trust using banks. Eventually as I gained experience my office was moved closer to ‘old sparky’ a trick machine designed to give a fright when picking up a model execution chair forty years ago when electricity forced the body to leave the soul. Mark has a shelf dedicated to the Hallmark cards he has kept, all from death row inmates, and all hoping to see Mark once his conviction is set aside. It is not a job I would seek. Hillsborough County is fortunate to have this good man on the job when life and death decisions are considered.